Senior lunch program is up and running and smelling great!

After three months of searching, the Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA) found a new senior lunch cook, Rhonda Granger, who hails from New York State.

When she tired of shoveling snow, Granger made the decision to leave the east coast behind and embarked on a cross-country adventure in her 30-foot school bus.

Granger arrived in Point Roberts last July and quickly established herself as a valued member of the community. Starting as Roger Gookstetter’s volunteer helper in September, she found joy in washing dishes and assisting the former chef.   

Although Granger is a freelance crop insurance adjuster by profession, her true passion lies in cooking. Growing up, Granger spent time helping her father at his truck stop restaurant in Michigan, cultivating her love for the culinary arts. She even worked as Calvin Klein’s personal chef for a brief period.  

Now, as the new senior lunch cook, Granger plans to continue cooking the same types of meals that former cook, Roger Gookstetter made.

Granger believes in community collaboration and welcomes suggestions for the senior lunch menu. To ensure everyone has a voice, a suggestion box has been placed in the community center.  

Since Granger’s arrival, the kitchen has once again come alive with the aromas of freshly made meals. WCOA had temporarily suspended on-site meal preparation after Gookstetter’s departure in March, but now Granger is revitalizing the kitchen and bringing back the joy of communal dining.  

Granger acknowledges the importance of volunteers in the success of the senior lunch program. While she already has a dedicated group of volunteers, she is always looking to expand her team. “We are always looking for helpers,” Granger said enthusiastically.   

Senior lunch is available to all ages. For those who are employed, the cost is $8.50, and those who are unemployed can pay whatever they can afford.

Lunch is served at the community center on Gulf Road from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.