July 18, 2024, marked the end of an era. At the Millcreek Senior Center, Salmon lunches have been served for 13 years. Even in 2012 when I played the piano there, Salmon Day was a big deal. I would wear my red sweater with jewels on it every Thursday and play oldies that I loved.

Since its inception, the Seniors looked forward to relishing a nutritious salmon meal for a $4 donation. The word spread and many new faces began to appear, people from outside Millcreek, a regional audience. With Teriyaki Salmon, Herb-Crusted Salmon, Lemon Caper Salmon, and lately Curry Salmon, a delicious meal was served. My favorite was the lemon caper salmon with barley and vegetables.

Then came COVID and the center closed down. The Little Evergreen Cafe was deserted. It looked like a ghost town when I peered through the window. But gradually life came back. Sandie Simmons, the long-time employee at the front desk, was assigned to carry the sacked lunches out to people in their cars. I remember her saying, with her warm infectious smile, “this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.” 

The cars were lined up five days a week to receive a hot lunch funded by the County for shut-ins, or people anxious for a deal.

The salmon meals would cost $20 or more at an upscale restaurant so Salmon Days was amazing financially and now the County says enough. They want to shift the funds to Meals on Wheels to better help the truly needy. 

As my mother said, “The only thing constant is change.”

Or as England’s Margaret Thatcher said, [the problem with government subsidy] “is eventually you run out of other people’s money.”

Or as a world-famous economist once said, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Still I loved it; lots like me loved it, and we’ll miss it.

By the way, if you have some extra time and would like to make a huge difference in someone’s life call Meals on Wheels at 384-468-3086. You can be the wheels!