Senior center in need of community support, membership

People might come for the liver and onions, but they stay for the camaraderie.

“Liver and onions are a big deal around here,” said Michelle Shapero, who took over as the executive director of the Bigfork Senior Citizens Center at the end of July.

According to Shapero, the center’s thrice-weekly mealtimes — along with its various group activity offerings — provide many elderly Bigfork residents with their only form of human interaction.

“For a lot of our members, this is the only place they come to have social contact,” Shapero said.

When she accepted her new position following the retirement of Dorothy Peterson — who served as the center’s director for about 15 years — Shapero inherited a less-than-ideal financial situation.

With membership numbers steadily declining over the last several years, the organization has struggled to break even after paying its monthly expenses.

“Membership has waned in the last few years,” Shapero said. “We’re working on regenerating.”

The center currently has 14 members — a far cry from the 50 it had five years ago.

Besides $15 annual fee each member pays, the center relies on donations, facility rental payments and fundraisers to stay afloat.

According to Jane Edwards, who is a former BSCC board member, those efforts have been modestly successful, but they aren’t enough to give the center any sort of financial cushion.

“We’re in a terrible spot financially,” Edwards said. “It (the center) wouldn’t close this year, maybe not even next year, but it could eventually close if we don’t start getting more community support.”

One of the senior center’s most important services, the Meals on Wheels program, provides meal delivery to elderly or disabled Bigfork residents who are physically unable to drive.

If the center were to shut down, those who are enrolled in the program would no longer have access to food delivery.

“That would be devastating for those people,” Edwards said. “And for the people who come here for the social aspect, I think it would leave a big hole in their lives too.”

Although the center is currently making enough money to cover its bills, it has not built up any sort of reserve for building maintenance or emergency repairs.

“If something were to happen, we would probably have to shut down,” Shapero said. “This community really can’t afford that.”

Shapero stressed that membership is not limited to seniors. Meals and activities are open to all members of the public.

She also encouraged community members to consider making a donation to help enrich the lives of Bigfork’s elderly population. In addition to monetary contributions, Shapero would be happy to accept donations of home improvement supplies (such as paint) or household items (such as paper towels and soap).

“Even if all they can do is donate a two-pound can of coffee, that’s $8 we don’t have to spend,” Shapero said.

For more information about the senior center, call 837-4157 or stop by the clubhouse, which is located at 639 Commerce Street in Bigfork.

Donations can be mailed to PO Box 2272, Bigfork, MT, 59911.