Strong Turnout Supports Hoodland Meals on Wheels Program

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

Plates filled, coffee poured, and raffle tickets in hand, 75 community members turned out Sunday, April 12, at Alpine Events to support the Hoodland Senior Center and its Meals on Wheels program.

Guests were treated to a buffet-style breakfast served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a wide variety of offerings, including eggs and traditional breakfast fare, fresh green salad, fruit, scones, biscuits and more. Attendees described the meal as plentiful and well-prepared, thanks to Alpine Events owners Dani Wolfe and Tony Kelner.

The room was abuzz with friendly chatter and laughter.

“Ooh, I’ve got a little bit of everything,” said one guest as she set her plate on the table.

“The food is amazing - and so is the coffee,” said another with a smile.

The senior center’s new director, Laura Peterson, said, “We’d like to give a big shoutout to Dani and Tony for the amazing brunch and the wonderful hospitality. And of course, big thanks to the volunteers this month who made this event so successful.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward supporting the center’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides daily meals to seniors throughout the Hoodland area.

The program serves older adults across a broad stretch of the mountain community, from Alder Creek to Government Camp. Designed to assist seniors who may be unable to shop or prepare meals due to age, illness, or disability, the service also helps support working families by ensuring their loved ones receive regular, nutritious meals. The Hoodland Senior Center currently delivers approximately 40 meals to homebound seniors, with no required fee, though donations are accepted.

Leita Bibler-Thomas, Assistant Director, handles the logistics of getting those meals out. “Meals on Wheels visits are an opportunity to check on some of our seniors, to make sure they get a hot meal at least once a day.”

Founded in 1976, the Hoodland Senior Center grew from a small community effort into a vital local resource. What began as potluck gatherings organized by volunteers, including Reva Cox and Louise O’Dea, quickly expanded into a formal program offering meals, services, and social opportunities for area seniors. The organization earned nonprofit status in 1993 and continues to serve as a hub for community connection.

Today, the center’s mission remains focused on supporting healthy, active lives for seniors and people with disabilities by providing access to nutrition, health resources, and social engagement.

The morning unfolded with full plates, easy conversation and a steady flow of neighbors. It was a clear show of support for the Hoodland Senior Center and the services it provides.