The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – For about 30 years, Waitsburg seniors have been gathering to share a hot meal and fellowship together as part of the Walla Walla Senior Citizen Center's Senior Round Table program. Recently, numbers have dwindled and site coordinator Kim Bruzas wants to make sure Waitsburg residents are aware of the program.

"It's the best deal in town! Where else can you get a meal like this for $4.00?" asked volunteer cashier Doris Huffman.

Residents are invited to the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church basement for a healthy meal and the opportunity to get out of the house, connect with others, and find out what's been going on around town. The Walla Walla Senior Citizens Center (Center at the Park) prepares the meals and delivers them to Waitsburg where local volunteers serve and collect donations.

If an individual is 60 or older, both they and their spouse (regardless of the spouse's age) qualify for Senior Round Table meals. Donations ($4 suggested) are accepted, but not required and clients are asked to give only what they can afford. Food stamp Quest cards are also accepted. Those under age 60 are also welcome but must pay the full price of $7 per meal.

The center puts out a monthly menu in advance. The Dec. 5 meal was meatloaf and gravy, broccoli, mashed potatoes, fruit juice or salad and pears. On Dec. 12 the center will serve corned beef hash, Riviera Blend vegetables, fruit juice or salad, Hawaiian Sweet roll and baked apple.

Walter and Dorothy Harris are credited with contacting the senior center to get the program started in Waitsburg, years ago.

In addition to the congregate meals, the center provides Meals on Wheels to those with limited mobility and up to seven frozen meals may be delivered. Clients must pass an assessment and can then receive both a hot meal and up to 13 frozen meals each week. 

Two years ago, 12 – 18 people attended the weekly lunches and five to 10 Meals on Wheels were delivered. Now, only a half-dozen people show up for lunch and just one couple receives delivery, according to Bruzas.

"It's a wonderful program and we just want to make sure seniors know that it's here and available. We'd love to have more people join us," Bruzas said.

Volunteers begin serving at 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday in the basement of the Presbyterian Church (504 Main) but diners are welcome to show up early to visit.

Senior Center Offerings

The Walla Walla Senior Center (also known as The Center at the Park) operates in four counties and serves Waitsburg, Walla Walla, Burbank, Dayton, Pomeroy, Clarkston and Asotin. An annual membership is $20 per individual and $35 per couple, for indivuals age 50 and older. The center provides many services in addition to the Senior Round Table and Meals on Wheels programs. Below are a few.

*The center offers classes, games, health and welfare information, foot care, legal counseling, chair massage, haircuts, and tax preparation for members age 50 and older.

*Facility or room rentals.

*The center installs Personal Emergency Response buttons for people at risk of falling at home.

*The center provides Adult Day Care for caregivers who need respite in caring for seniors. Staff members play games and do activities with seniors while keeping them busy and safe so that family members can get a needed break.

To learn more about the Walla Walla Senior Citizens Center, its programs, or to volunteer, visit wallawallaseniorcenter.org online or call (509) 527-3775.