Vestey Center will offer congregate meals starting May 3

After being closed to the public for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vestey Center’s dining room will be reopened to the public on Monday, May 3.

Meals will be served from 11:30 to 12 noon Monday through Friday. Reservations will not be needed.

While in response to the pandemic, the dining room was closed more than a year ago, the kitchen has continued preparing takeout meals. Meals prepared for the Meals on Wheels delivery program were packed in disposable foil trays. Takeout meals served through the front door of what is known as the coffee shop were packed in foam trays and taken to the door by a volunteer.

Volunteers have been an integral part of the Vestey Center meals program since the facility opened in 1996. When the dining room is open, the volunteers serve meals, clear tables and wash the dishes, pots and pans. During the pandemic, volunteers continued to help with kitchen sanitation and meal delivery.

The center employs two cooks. Charlene Schultz, is the kitchen manager and cook. She prepares the hot meals. She has been employed by the program for more than three years. Lisa Shafer is the assistant cook and in charge of the cold plates.

When the dining room is open, meals are served on real plates with real cutlery rather than plastic and foil used during the pandemic. The dining room offering includes a salad bar.

Menus are planned by a registered dietitian.

The Vestey Center is operated by a nonprofit group known as the Superior Community Corporation. In addition to the meal program, the community corporation is responsible for renting and maintaining the building’s 14 apartments.

Midland Area Agency on Aging is allied with the community corporation in the operation of the meals and activity programs.

The meal program is open to area residents of all ages but those over the age of 60 can qualify for a discounted price.

Jolanda Bouray is the manager of the Midland Area Office of Aging office which is located in the Vestey Center. Midland operates also operates a handy bus service which is based at the Vestey Center and offers other services for this area’s older residents.

The center kitchen is closed on holidays and weekends.