Lunches offered to seniors over 60 throughout Lake County by Catholic Charities are more than a meal. In some ways they are like a social gathering with camaraderie and friendships formed which go beyond the lunches.
“I like it,” said Dorothy Bulls of Waukegan. “Everyone’s friendly. I meet nice people. I live alone and this is a blessing.”
“They bloom into other social engagements that keep our seniors socially active and engaged,” added Susan Tangney, the supervisor of congregant meals for Catholic Charities in Lake County.
When the coronavirus pandemic stopped nearly all social gatherings nearly three years ago, Tangney said the meals became containerized. People drove through the site, got their meals and went home. It remained that way until November, 2021.
After nearly eight months of drive through service, Tangney said the seniors began to lunch together but the meal came in a container. All COVID-19 protocols imposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health on aging were followed.
Prepackaged meals continued for nearly 15 months until February this year when participants were served a hot meal with a variety of sides and dessert as they socialized with each other.
Bulls was among a group of regulars who enjoyed the second live gathering with served meals of Catholic Charities senior lunches at the Foss Park District in North Chicago Tuesday partaking of a meal, socializing and solving puzzles.
“This is very important,” said Donna Kalinoski of North Chicago. “It keeps most of us going. I didn’t like those TV dinners,” she added referring to nearly three years of containerized meals. “It gives us a chance to get out and do something.”
Christine Tyler of Waukegan was sitting at another table with Mary Reese of Waukegan and Reese’s daughter, Rochell Reese of Gurnee. Tyler said she is glad the meals are served now and do not come out of a container.
This meal is really good,” Tyler said. “It’s much better than when they gave it to us prepared.”
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The Reeses said they also enjoy the socialization and activities which also keeps bringing them back. They are among those who have made new friends there and gather with them on other occasions.
“It keeps your mind active,” Mary Reese said. “You communicate with people and have good conversations. We make a lot of good friends. We talk over things and play games.”
“Like Trivial Pursuit,” added Rochell Reese.
Tangney said before the pandemic there were more than 800 participants in the program. It dwindled when the lunches were distributed in drive through fashion and then served in containers. Now there are over 300 people partaking and the number continues to grow.
Foss Park District is one of six locations in Lake County. Tangney said the others are the Island Lake Café, Maravela’s Banquets & Catering in Ingleside, Lake Villa Township center in Antioch, the Schreiber Center in Fox Lake and Hanul Family Alliance in Buffalo Grove.
Maravela’s caters all the meals. Tangney said some locations offer lunches each week. Foss Park District is twice a month. Participants must be 60 though younger spouses are welcome. While there were puzzles to solve at the tables Tuesday, some of the time there are speakers.
While there is no charge, Tangney said a donation is requested and $7 is suggested. However, no one is turned away.
“I’ve gotten a slip of paper with a flower drawn on it,” Tangney said. “If you have to replace your tires, those things happen.”