Submitted

The North 65 Center was the topic of a program presented at the Thursday, Feb. 26, meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club, held in the BTC Bank community room. Scott Sharp presided at the meeting, Joe MacDonald gave the prayer and Brian Upton served as sergeant at arms.

Program Chairman Elizabeth Gibson introduced Karen Otton, administrator of the North 65 Center, who discussed recent funding cuts affecting the senior center and efforts to address those needs. The center provides meals and social opportunities for senior citizens in Grundy County, offering meals Monday through Friday at the center and through its Meals on Wheels program.

Approximately 416 individuals are served through the meal program, with 32,195 meals provided annually. Seniors are asked to make a $5 donation per meal, and members of the public may also dine at the center for a higher cost. Otton praised Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver meals to individuals unable to come to the center, noting that volunteers are sometimes the only people those individuals see that day.

She said the center lost some funding during last fall’s federal shutdown and that state reimbursements are typically received four to six weeks later than in the past. Combined with rising costs for food, utilities and maintenance, the funding cuts have prompted the center to seek ways to reduce expenses and increase revenue.

The center hosts Bingo Night, Fun Night and a monthly dance, as well as various raffles throughout the year. Otton said the center has received public donations to help offset costs. The board is also considering additional funding options, including an “Adopt-a-Senior” program that would allow groups, organizations, families or individuals to cover meal costs for a senior on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

The center remains open Monday through Friday until 1 p.m. and is closed on holidays.

During the business meeting, Shoes for Orphan Souls Project Chairman Diane Lowrey announced that March has been designated “Shoe Month,” with each member challenged to donate five pairs of new shoes — tennis shoes preferred — along with $50. The shoes will be donated through Rotary District 6040 to the Shoes for Orphan Souls project, and the monetary donations will support the local shoe project through Bright Futures Trenton.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Shoes for Orphan Souls project, with a districtwide goal of collecting 25,000 pairs of shoes. Members of the public who wish to assist may contact Lowrey or any Rotary member. Shoes will be collected through early April, with donations to be presented at the Rotary District meeting in late April.

The program for the March 5 meeting will be presented by Chillicothe Rotarian Kelly Deering, who will discuss her recent trip to Kenya as part of a Rotary medical service project. Martha Goedert will serve as program chairman.