At the Big Sandy Senior Center Annual Meeting the members voted to elect three new board members to the board. New board members are Terry Grant, Karen Baumann, and Wendy Kleinsasser. Gloria Godfrey, Deloris Prybil, and Pam Gasvoda have served their terms. They have worked many years of service and they were thanked by the members.

The meeting started with a statement by Nichole Thennis, the Older Americans Acts Nutrition Program manager. “Currently, in Chouteau County 11.5% or 660 people are at this time battling food insecurity, 94% of these households have incomes below the Federal Poverty Level…The most current Chouteau County statistics show that in individuals over 60 there are 198 people who are below the national poverty level. People who depend on the meals program to supplement their nutritional needs. Additionally, the statistics show that in Chouteau County 109 Seniors are living with an independent living difficulty partnered with a disability. In this county there are 168 adults 65 and older that live alone. There are also 152 Grandparents raising grandchildren in Chouteau County.”

Pat Matthew reported the audit is almost complete. It was mentioned the real name of the financial report we are getting is an agreed upon procedures engagement. The reason is an audit can only go back 20 months, and the board decided that they needed clearer information. They agreed upon the procedure engagement which can go back 6 years , plus it was cheaper. The most important information they wanted to receive was how much money could be budgeted to open the center. It was determined that at the beginning only one employee can be hired. That will be a cook. An ad will be placed in the paper for two weeks. After which those wanting to be a cook need to fill out an application, write a resume, give three references, and be willing to be interviewed.

Before the next meeting of June 20th, the board will be reviewing a new set of by-laws to be voted on by the membership and start the process of hiring a new cook.

Lorrie Merrill, Vice President, is the only remaining officer. Pat Matthew is, at present, the only member of the finance committee. Board Officers will need to be selected by the board in the future.