Meal centers offer cool relief

The Scotia/Glenville meal center, located in the town's air-conditioned Senior Center, serves meals weekdays to up to 60 seniors. In addition, they have the opportunity to get out of the house and meet other people.

Although lunch isn't served until noon, seniors begin arriving at 10 a.m. Over coffee and a snack, cards and bingo are played while others simply enjoy conversation.

June Wescott has been coming for the past year and a half. "My doctor suggested it," she said. "I enjoy the people. I sat home alone for a year and a half."

According to Phyllis Gatta, meal center manager, the average age of the regulars is 80, although some are in their 90s. Transportation to the meal center is provided, as well as to other activities. For example, Monday is grocery shopping day, and the meal center van provides seniors with a trip to the grocery store of their choice. On Thursdays, seniors are taken to the drug store to fill their prescriptions for the week. In August and September, there are weekly trips to the local farmer's market.

In addition to the trips, special activities at the meal center include guest speakers, weekly birthday parties and sing-a-longs.

(For information on the seven meal centers operated by Catholic Charities of Schenectady County, call 372-5667.)(MM)

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