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Senior citizens group seeks comments on changes

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Senior Citizens Association Inc. is seeking comments from the public about the pending changes of the 914 Market St. congregate meal site.

At a recent meeting of the association’s Board of Directors, the board voted to temporarily suspend social activities in the basement as of Sept. 15, as the needs of a new tenant will dictate the use of that space.

The board is planning to lease out the space in the building and find a new location for the senior services that were traditionally housed there.

Some of the board members were worried about what that would mean to the center’s Congregate Meal Site, where seniors receive regular meals throughout the week.

Wood County has an average daily meal count of 42 individuals, 212 weekly and around 11,000 for a year, based on numbers from 2015-16, officials said. The numbers have been dropping yearly with a 4 percent drop last year, they said.

A 12 percent drop has been projected for this year, officials said. Many people statewide are not coming to centers for meals, they added.

Home delivery meals have seen an increase with center officials working to get as many people covered as possible.

Some of the board members were worried about seniors being able to find an alternate site during a transition period as the meals also provide a social and fellowship time for many seniors.

The notice of the comment period from the Wood County Senior Citizens Association states the comment period is for the congregate meals only.

Individuals still needing a meal can sign up for home delivery of meals.

The options now being explored by the board are:

∫ Relocation of congregate (group) meal site

∫ Change congregate (group) meal to breakfast instead of lunch

∫ Closing of congregate (group) meals

Officials at the meeting said the suspension of the meals was not planned to be permanent with the understanding they would be restored at some time and some place.

Comments must be received by Oct. 15.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding this potential change in service to: Public Comment on Market Street Meals, Wood County Senior Citizens Association Inc., 914 Market Street, Suite 106, Parkersburg, WV 26101.

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