LUCERNE, Calif. – After passing a Thursday inspection, the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center’s appeal of the termination of its nutritional contract was confirmed, which will allow the center to continue to offer onsite meals and Meals on Wheels services to Northshore seniors.
On Feb. 28, the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties Board of Directors voted unanimously to terminate the center’s $66,000 annual contract after a state auditor concluded that its nutritional program was “high risk,” as Lake County News has reported.
After that action, a series of rapid changes were implemented at the center, including the March 4 hire of new Executive Director Rae Eby-Carl, who began the process of addressing the faults the Area Agency on Aging and the state had found with the center.
On March 28, exactly one month after the termination vote, the Area Agency on Aging Board voted to rescind the contract termination, as long as an inspection this week confirmed the changes.
AAA Program Coordinator Mike Parkinson inspected the facilities with AAA Director Janice Hubbell on Thursday.
“They have corrected all the health and safety issues that were related to the food/nutrition program,” Parkinson told Lake County News.
He said the center also put in place new policies and procedures to prevent similar problems from happening again.
“We were satisfied that the corrections have been done,” he said.
Eby-Carl said that means that the center won’t lose its funding for providing Meals on Wheels services, and that it looks forward to continuing delivery of nutritious and delicious meals to homebound throughout the Northshore.
Parkinson said the center also is addressing its fiscal issues, adding, “I think it’s going to take a little longer” to address those.
The center has struggled with funding, and Parkinson said fundraising and changing the thrift store to generate more income are some of the steps being taken.
“All in all, I think they have done an excellent job, considering a month ago they were on the verge of having their contract terminated,” said Parkinson.
Had the contract termination not been rescinded, it would have taken place on Friday, Parkinson said. As it is, the center’s funding from the contract has not been interrupted.
Eby-Carl said the dining room at the center, located at 3985 Country Club Drive, offers lunches for an affordable fee to diners of all ages from the community from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The center also serves breakfast every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Menu selections include biscuits and gravy, omelets, French toast, pancakes and more with all the trimmings like bacon, sausage, juice and coffee.
“You can bring the whole family. It’s a great way to find out about volunteer opportunities and services,” said Eby-Carl.
Eby-Carl said the center is looking to expand services with more activities and encourages community groups to contact her or staff to make arrangements to use the facility for a very reasonable fee. The center’s thrift shop is open Monday through Saturday.
“We are looking forward to good times together,” she said.
Parkinson said he was impressed with what the center, its staff and volunteers have accomplished in 30 days.
“They really love their center,” he said.
For more information about the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, call 707-274-8779.
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