The South Hero Community Meal Site, now known as the Neighbors, has been in existence for more than 20 years. In 1994, the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging contracted with C.I.D.E.R. to run the meal site on Mondays and Wednesdays and to provide Meals on Wheels meals on those days. Hero's Welcome prepares home delivery meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Neighbors is located in Reader Hall of the Congregational Church of South Hero located on South Street. All persons over 60 are eligible to receive a meal for the suggested donation of $3.00. For persons under 60 the suggested donation is $4.00. The site has a handicapped access entrance. Transportation is available on the C.L.D.E.R. buses. Meals at the Neighbors are served at 12:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Menus are prepared by the cook and approved by CVAA. Provisions are made for diabetics and persons with dietary restrictions. Special meals are planned for holidays and other special occasions. All food is prepared on site in the church’s kitchen. Volunteers help with setting up for the meal, the serving and the clean up afterwards. Volunteers are a big part of Neighbors. The youngest volunteer started at age 8 and the oldest is still going strong at 90! Many schools now require community service hours and the Neighbors is a beneficiary of this requirement. CVAA also sponsors a foot clinic every 6 weeks. The Town of South Hero’s librarian visits the Neighbors on a monthly basis bringing new books for exchange. New books are introduced. Arrangements can be made to have books delivered to those persons who are unable to go to the library or the Neighbors. Entertainment is enjoyed by the Neighbor’s attendees. The young faces in the chorus of the Folsom School at Christmas and on other occasions when they come never fail to bring smiles to all present. Other guests have included a pan flutist, a story teller, a folk singer, an Irish music trio, a pianist and an artist. We’ve made holiday placemats, created potted flower arrangements for enjoyment in the summer and painted pumpkins at Halloween. One highlight during the summer was a horseshoe contest which was won by a 90+ senior! Another activity enjoyed by all was indoor bowling. Probably the best entertainment is chatting with friends, neighbors and making new friends. Many programs arranged by C.I.D.E.R. at the Neighbors provide information geared to seniors and persons with disabilities. They may concern end of life issues, dietary information, health issues, insurance issues and other areas of interest to the age group. The Neighbors is a busy place! Come and join us on a Monday or a Wednesday or both! Reservations for transportation and for the Neighbors meal site can be made by calling the C.I.D.E.R. office at 372-6425. |