LACIE SILVA
Editor
Sandra Tennille, the Director of the Whitwell Senior Center, reported to the Mayor and Commissioner Board that the center provided 993 meals, which she noted was triple the number served in June. She is excited about expanding services by providing a second shelf-stable meal, offering five meals each week.
Tennille also shared that the Meals on Wheels program had grown to 16 participants and expressed hope to increase that number to 25 or more in the near future.
The center recently received a $15,000 grant, which has already been used to purchase several items, including exercise equipment like hand weights and an exercise bar to aid those with arthritis. Tennille is also anticipating larger projects, including the acquisition of a $10,000 grant from the county, for which she has been informed that final contracts are in the process of being signed. Additionally, she applied for a significant $60,000 grant a week prior to the meeting, intending to purchase a new, larger van. The current van, which accommodates herself, an assistant, and eight attendees, has proven insufficient. On a recent outing, 17 people wanted to join, but despite carpooling, several had to be left behind due to limited space.
Tennille also introduced a pilot program in partnership with Hughes Produce in Dunlap, which provides a box of fresh produce each week to center members. The boxes include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, bananas, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and peaches. She proudly mentioned that 15 boxes were distributed to center attendees that day.
