A Big Sandy Senior Citizen Meeting was held on March 22. Local members attended it well. Board members present Gloria Godfrey, Pam Gasvoda, Dee Pribyl, Pat Matthews, and Lorrie Merrill. Susan Bender from North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. District Ten was present along with Kerrie Reidelbach, DPHHS State Unit on Aging Director, from Helena. She also brought with her Nutrition Program Manager Nichole Thennis.
Before the meeting, the board met with Chouteau County Commissioners and Steve Gannon County Attorney, as requested by Susan Bender. They encouraged the center to stop unnecessary spending and request a deep dive audit. The board approved the hiring of an audit. It was determined that the Quick Books were and have been unable to give reports the board needs to determine where we are, and without those reports, we cannot make plans going forward. The Quick Books were not set up right, nor have they been updated. An audit has not been done since Linda Rutledge was the center’s executive.
At the meeting, members present mentioned that we could try and find grants to help; however unless the center can give appropriate financial records and create a plan to be viable in the future, searching for grants would be futile.
There were several questions concerning the finances and budgets. Pat Matthews gave a financial report and explained the center’s problems, as reported in the Mountaineer prior. New budgets from the district will be out in June.
As I was leaving, I was asked if I could make sure this article was more positive. The center is still in serious trouble, which cannot be denied. However, some things can help. The center needs several volunteers. We still have to deep clean the center after each use. We could also use some volunteers to assist in the kitchen; however, the board agreed to hire a cook and an extra person to help with cleaning and dishes. Crystal needs someone to volunteer to deliver 3-5 meals each day while cooking in the kitchen. Thirty to 35 meals are served each day.
The public can also give meat to the center, but it must be certified by a USDA facility. This summer, vegetables will also be accepted. Financial support is most needed.
Crystal will be looking for ways to make delicious meals that are cheaper to serve.
If you would like to serve as a board member, there is one opening currently, but three more will open in June. No one wants this vital service to stop, but we will need to work together in the future.
