By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Occasionally the Wood County Committee on Aging takes its monthly meetings on the road to get a feel for the satellite senior centers throughout the county. Last Wednesday that meant sitting down for lunch of grilled chicken or liver and onions with seniors who frequent the Grand Rapids facility in Hosanna Lutheran Church.
After lunch, some seniors dabbled at painting, while the board heard just how vital the satellite center is to the older adults in the Grand Rapids area.
Nancy Wright, a founding member of the satellite site, said the board may not realize all that happens at the center.
“It’s unbelievable that goes on in this facility,” she said. “We have a lot of caring and a lot of sharing, a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow.”
Wright shared her personal story of being comfortable bringing her husband with Alzheimer’s to the center. And when she fell and broke her pelvis, she was able to get medical equipment from WCCOA.
She also shared the story of a regular attendee at the Grand Rapids site who was diagnosed with a serious health issue by a nurse there.
“Please keep these senior centers going,” Wright said to the board.
WCCOA Board President Tom Milbrodt said the board welcomed the chance to have lunch with the seniors and to hear from Wright.
“It’s really important for us as a board to become familiar with all our centers,” Milbrodt said.
In addition to the senior center in Bowling Green, seven satellite centers serve residents in the surrounding areas of Rossford, Perrysburg, North Baltimore, Wayne, Pemberville, Grand Rapids and Walbridge.
Milbrodt also talked about the “severe austerity” policies of the current federal government, and the possible effects of potential federal funding cuts. He noted that some community services are already feeling the pain – including local food banks, the historical museum, and the health department.
The biggest federal line item for the Wood County Committee on Aging is Title 3C funding, which supports meals for local seniors. Federal funds also come through the state to support a home repair program for the county’s older residents.
Milbrodt said he remains hopeful that services will be unaffected.
“I think we can weather this storm with the support of our community,” he said. “We are not expecting any changes in services.”
Board member Charlie Harper asked if the board is prepared to ask for $1 to be added to meal prices. Milbrodt responded that the senior centers can’t charge for meals for anyone over 60 years old – but they could suggest a higher donation rate, if it becomes necessary.
In other business, new WCCOA Executive Director Alisha Nenadovich presented her report to the board during her third day on the job.
