Millersburg Senior Dining celebrates 35 years of connecting with the community

The Millersburg Senior Dining site, 556 Main St., Millersburg, will celebrate 35 years of serving the community on Wednesday, March 29. Peggy Wardenburg will provide entertainment at 11 a.m., followed by a meal at noon. The menu includes Swiss steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, fruit, cake and milk for a freewill donation. The community is invited and reservations may be made with Phyllis Kinzler by Friday, March 24, at (319) 655-7002 or (319) 560-7843

1988: the beginning

The dream of a congregate meal site to serve the older residents in the Millersburg area came to fruition in March of 1988 through the efforts of Ric Gerard, mayor of Millersburg; Sally Hall, city clerk and grant writer; the Millersburg City Council; Maxine Good, North English site manager, and the sponsor Heritage Agency on Aging. The meals are all prepared in North English and at that time, transported to Millersburg, Williamsburg and Parnell.

Currently meals are brought to the Millersburg site, Meals-on-Wheels to Williamsburg, and a few drop-offs along the way as needed.

The first dining site was in a remodeled building that was formerly Alfred Shaulls Implement. In 2005, that site was razed in preparation for a new building containing a large community center area and spacious, equipment-filled fire station. In the interim building period, Senior Dining was held in the basement of the Millersburg Methodist Church.

Volunteers

Site managers and volunteers are the life blood of a successful community program such as this. lola Doty was the first manager as a volunteer. When regulations required that the manager be paid personnel, Lana James efficiently steered the new program until 1992. She was succeeded by Phyllis Kinzler who has remained a very capable manager for the past 31 years.

Kudos to both of these ladies for all their time and expertise creating a program of socializing, entertainment and good nutrition for folks in Millersburg and as far as 20 miles around for some diners.

Thanks to Phyllis, many special amenities have been added to the basic program such as: recognizing birthdays with a monthly cake, cards sent that are signed by all for special occasions or illness, phone calls to check on absent attendees, special attention to those receiving carry-outs, snacks/ coffee/ lemonade offered during social time, and a warm welcoming greeting by all.

Through the years, a number of regular volunteers have been there to help out full time and many others step up as needed. A huge “thank you” to Mary Ellen DeMar for volunteering almost every day since 2010. Volunteers are always welcomed.

Through the years

Passage of time and changing circumstances have affected the format of the program. The five-days-a-week schedule was reduced to four, omitting services on Thursdays, because of budget constraints. Still the attendance was good with an average of 35 on Wednesdays when several musical groups provided entertainment. Many folks were finding this the high point of their day with the socializing and good food.

Then the numbers of card and domino players began to shrink as advancing ages took a toll. Next came the pandemic that changed many aspects of life for everyone. Many folks were hesitant to be inside in groups and the entertainers were encouraged to cancel until the wave of COVID passed. With these issues, participation has dropped.

Moving forward

It seems we may be emerging from some of the negative issues that have been plaguing all of us. Former dining participants are coming back to dine in or order a carryout. Wednesday entertainment is again being provided by Peggy Wardenburg, Myra Taylor and daughter Renee (when her teaching job will allow), and Bob and Kristi Black with Mark and Joy Ward. An added spirit raiser is the midmorning Chat and Chew group that just developed on its own. Come and join in the camaraderie and stay for lunch.

We very much appreciate the support that Millersburg people have given us by allowing this program to operate in the Community Center. They provide equipment and utilities vital to the service. The program has touched and enhanced the lives of a large number of folks over these 35 years and will continue to do so for many more years with your support. Your attendance, volunteer help, and contributing to the fall TV fundraising telethon (Fill the Plate) by Heritage provides money to keep local programs going.