Simple Blessings Senior Table has first meal
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By Priscilla Alvik
TINGLEY, Iowa — Donetta Phelps and Connie Richards cooked and the “Seniors” flocked in, 29 of them in fact. This was the commencement of a new chapter for Tingley beginning on Tuesday, May 5.
When notification from Connections was received in April that the Tingley Congregate Meal Site would be closing at the end of April. Phelps who had already been providing the meals under Connections sprang into action to come up with a new plan. The goal, how to keep providing meals for the many seniors who come from all over Ringgold County. Phelps created, “Simple Blessings Senior Table,” a non-profit organization with the help of Connie Richards and Phelp’s daughter Ashley Smith who serve as board members.
Retired director under the Connection Congregate Meal Site, Nancy Jarred had a smile from ear-to-ear as she assisted her son Larry Jarred, the Mayor of Tingley to serve the first meal. The mayor, in support of the new program, was happy to sponsor the first luncheon with a monetary donation of $250.
Many volunteers helped serve the meals to those who are unable to walk through the serving line. Drinks are brought to you, along with dessert at the table, all for $7. Being a Senior, I was more than happy to attend and sample the food being served, which was yummy!
Nancy Jarred will continue as the “Head Volunteer” organizing first Friday of the month “Birthday Celebrations,” jigsaw puzzles and fun stuff for the seniors who attend. After lunch, Bingo is played by the insistence of many of the seniors. They played for a penny-a-game. Big gamblers here!
This day, Public Health nurse Becky Fletchall from “Every Step” was in attendance to take everyone’s blood pressure. Phelps asked after lunch, “If anyone had ideas, or suggestions for future events to be held,” I spoke up, “Chair yoga!”
Lunches are served every Tuesday and Friday at the Tingley Community Building. Doors open at 9 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. Menus for the week are published in the Mount Ayr Record News.
Phelps exclaimed at the end of lunch, “All are welcome.” My perspective provides the opinion, “That the “Senior Table” will be a huge success.”
