The nutrition program at the San Moritz Lodge has been opened up to people of all ages for the next month or so. (File photo)

By Mary-Justine Lanyon

Penny Shubnell knows how much the nutrition program that has been offered at the San Moritz Lodge on Tuesdays and Thursdays means to “her” seniors.

Shubnell also knows how devastating it has been for those seniors to not have been able to meet as a result of the storm – first because of the snow itself and then because the Lodge had suffered some damage.

The Lodge has been inspected and cleared for use.

But Shubnell is looking beyond what has been offered in the past. She was not idle while sequestered in her home. She reached out to the Department of Aging and was able to get additional funding.

The result? There will be hot meals offered for ALL at the Lodge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for the next month or two. Food will be served from noon until they run out.

The additional funding Shubnell has received is considered “intergenerational.” She envisions older folks and younger ones sitting for a while, having a conversation, swapping stories. Some people may want to bring games to play.

Shubnell sees this as Phase 3 of recovery from the storm. She continually stresses to the Department of Aging that the nutrition program is about much more than food. It is about socialization.

“This is a grand opportunity for being able to serve a hot meal to those people helping dig us out and for those agencies supporting our community. This is not for takeout meals but, instead, for sit-down meals. We need to socialize with our friends and neighbors,” Shubnell added. “It’s time.

“It’s time to say thanks to our neighbors who have jumped up to help us. And to say thanks to all those local agencies and fire crews who have kept us safe.

“What better way to say thanks than to provide a warm meal?”

Because she does not want to put added burden on the shoulders of the Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club board – they are the volunteers who usually serve the meals – Shubnell is looking for additional help with a variety of tasks.

“If you are able to help,” she asks, “please call me at (909) 553-0324.”