For over forty decades, Judy Kowalesky has lived in Bruce Township.
The township is located just south of Sault Ste. Marie in rural Chippewa County.
It has around 2,000 people in it according to the United States Census Bureau.
Out of that, there are just under 700 senior citizens living in the township.
And now, for the first time, the township will have Senior Congregate Meals at its township hall.
The 72-year-old Kowalesky, along with other seasoned citizens, is excited.
Kowalesky and her daughter, Kandy Radtke, attended Monday's inaugural luncheon organized by the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLCMAA).
While the event was centred around the meal, for many it was more about socializing.
"She knows more people here than she thinks she does. Just sitting here for a few minutes, she was telling me 'Oh, we went to school with this person.'" Radtke chuckled.
"Oh definitely. It's very nice to have this to see our neighbors that we have not seen for a long time," Kowalesky said.
Radtke completely agreed.
"You look around the room and see people that used to cook for us at school when we had homemade lunches. You see a community of friends that I grew up with. It's just a sense of community and it's nice to see," Radtke said.
Joe Nolan, Executive Director of CLMCAA, said the idea for this came up after he noticed residents of Bruce Townships travelling to luncheons a good distance away in their district.
"I was impressed with the number of seniors living in Bruce Township. I underestimated that number. We get the calls on this area being underserved and that number shows it because we had no service out here. When we are passing a mileage, it is county-wide so we really need to pinpoint which areas are not receiving the services. Bruce Township came as a no-brainer," Nolan said.
Multiple things had to happen to make it work.
"The Township Hall and the trustees. They have been nothing but positive. I met with them in December and they said 'Let's get it going'", Nolan said.
And they did.
Less than three months later, on Monday, March 4, the doors opened up and dozens of people came.
Smothered chicken, roasted red potatoes, and broccoli were all served along with a beverage and cake.
"Carol Eby is the chef. We got lucky when she came on board. We also have an assistant cook and a volunteer doing dishes," added Nolan.
The luncheons are open to those 60 years of age and old free of charge. However, a donation of $3.00 is appreciated. For those under 60 years of age, the cost of the meal is $6.00.
Nolan said people from outside of Bruce Township are also welcome to come and eat, visit and make friends.
Bruce Township Hall is located at 3156 E 12 Mile Rd about 1/2 mile west of Riverside Drive and 1.5 miles east of M-129.
For information on the CLMCAA senior services visit the website.
