The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The senior center would like to thank Terry Grant, for the year he served on the board. At the same time, we would like to welcome our newest member, Jodi Thorton. Jodi, has taken on the position of secretary as Wendy Kleinsasser, has stepped down from the position of secretary. Wendy is still an active member of the Big Sandy Senior Center Board. We would also like to take a moment to thank Brenda Darlington, board president for all the volunteer hours. After a year of volunteering, as assistant cook and director Brenda has been able to step back from being a full-time volunteer to a part time volunteer. Brenda has handed off one of the positions she volunteered as (center director) to the centers head cook Robin Johnson. Robin will remain in the position of head cook as well as centers director of the. Doris Gasvoda has been the assistant cook since March 2023 and We have recently hired an on-call part time cook, Carol Ramberg. Carol will fill in when Doris or Robin need time off, she will also be assisting at center events. All our volunteers are equally important, and we appreciate all that they do.

At our recent board meeting new cabinets for the serving area was approved. These cabinets are funded by a grant and donations the donations include not only monetary but labor for installation. Once the cabinets are in it will be so nice as they will provide a space for the assistant cooks and volunteers to work without running into one another or fighting for counter space.

Activities have started and more are on the way. For the month of October, we have the following activities and events planned.

Mark your calendars for the following days in October 2023

• 10th card making with Doris Gasvoda 2:30pm

• 11th October birthday celebration and pie raffle $1.00 a ticket

• Every Thursday at 2:00pm $5.00 gets you in the game.

• Every Thursday is also, caramel rolls and maple bars in the morning starting at 9:00 $3.00 gets you a roll and coffee.

• 20th at 2:30 Ice Cream social, pumpkin decorating, and popcorn ball making. An activity for the community so, load up the kids and come on down. For $5.00 you get to enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun.

• And on the 27th at 5pm come join us for a community family fun nigh. $8.00 spaghetti feed, with salad, garlic bread, drink, dessert and coffee. We will also be having a dessert walk for the kids $.50 per ticket and bingo. Play to win prizes, play to the end for a chance to win the 50/50 blackout bingo pot. Bingo cards are $1.00 per card with a limit of 3 cards per game.

Each month we will have different events and activities for the seniors and community. We hope to see new faces along with the regulars. Our goal is to see our community members enjoying themselves with family, friends & neighbors and possibly meet new members of our community.

The senior center not only has caramel rolls on Thursdays we are also, taking orders for those wanting a dozen or more if ordered a week in advance. We are also making dinner rolls for those who would like to order them by the dozen we also here to help with your holiday meal by preparing salads. Give us a call for prices. 406-378-2405

All the activities and events will assist with keeping the center doors open for years to come. However, activities and events sadly to say aren’t enough. Therefore, once again we are asking for volunteers and donations. Monetary donations are always needed, but one could also donate everyday items such as cleaning supplies, office supplies, sugar, flour, honey, coffee and cream, we are in need or 20 to 40 Pumpkins if everyone donated 1 or 2 pumpkins, we should have 40 before the activity on October 20th …. A much-needed donation is volunteer hours, we need a person or more that could come in once ore twice a month to do a deep cleaning, or volunteer from 1-3 and help with dishes and cleaning up after lunch.

The senior center appreciates all those who have donated, who volunteer, who come to lunch, bring the whole family in for a meal those who order takeout, and those who pay for their meals or donate a dollar or two even though they are over the age of 60. We appreciate all your support and kind words.

Please mark your calendars, we hope to see you at the many planned activities and events in October.