2020-06-23 Update with Lewis County SeniorsUpdate with Lewis County Seniors
June 23, 2020
2:21 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Amber Smith, Meja
Handlen, Ron Averill, Glenda Forga, Becky Butler, Nicole Kiddoo, Carol Brock
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Ron Averill said Lewis County Seniors group stopped congregate meals at its senior centers and switched
to providing deliveries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ron noted that Catholic Community Services provides “Wheels on Meals,” but that it only serves roughly
60 individuals.
Ron said the Seniors group provides seven meals per week to area seniors. He said Twin Transit has
helped provide transportation for the deliveries and the Chehalis School District has provided an area to
prepare and store meals. He noted that Twin Transit will not be able to help once it resumes regular
routes and that the Chehalis School District will no longer be able to help as of July 6 as it prepares for
school to reopen.
Glenda Forga said the group has received $86,920 from AAA, $63,000 of which has been used. She said a
government grant is $270,000.
Glenda and Ron said meal donations have totaled $42,000. They noted that the group cannot require
donations.
Glenda said private donations have totaled $11,000 and that United Way has given $50,000.
Glenda said the group usually spends $95,000 to $98,000 annually. She said the group has already spent
$103,000 on food year to date.
Glenda said the group served more than 22,000 meals in May.
Glenda said the group will use a dry box for meal storage and will use paid and volunteer drivers.
Becky Butler said the county possibly could use Coronavirus Relief Funding provide a grant to the seniors
to help with the purchase of a transport van.
The group discussed FEMA funding for congregate meals. Nicole Kiddoo of the Lewis Mason Thurston
Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) discussed funding available for essential needs, such as meal programs.
She said there is some flexibility in the CARES Act funding that could allow for the use of funds for
transportation.
The group discussed a grant a group is proposing to provide telemedicine efforts.
Becky said she will continue to look into the possibility of a van purchase. Glenda said the Lewis County
Seniors will reach out to area dealerships and Twin Transit regarding a potential the van purchase.
Becky reminded Meja and Glenda to turn billing for the Seniors’ agreement by July 15.
Meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m.