Board works to rebuild Bigfork Senior Center

Bigfork Senior Center is working on revamping its building and programs with a recently assembled board of directors and plans to provide more events for the community.  

“The board was diminishing in numbers of people,” senior center board president Bruce Peck said. “We finally have a board, I think, that can do some planning for fundraising and membership.” 

Membership to the senior center diminished severely following the Covid-19 pandemic. The board plans to pursue more members, as well as rebuild an event calendar.  

Currently a book club, knitting club and TOPS weight loss program meet in the building, which is available for community events and group meetings. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Senior Center serves lunch. In the past, AARP driving courses, computer classes for kids and bridge groups have been hosted there.  

The board hopes to redo the flooring and have some electrical work done on the building and is planning a fundraiser for capital improvements for Sept. 28, with more details to come. They are also looking into grants to have a defibrillator put in the building.  

There is an immediate need for volunteer alternate drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. Currently seven drivers volunteer their time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for delivery to about 25 seniors across Bigfork, Woods Bay and Ferndale. Site manager Rocky Feckete hoped to add three more alternate drivers, which would be called if the regulars are unable to deliver. 

Volunteers arrive around 11 a.m. at the Bigfork Senior Center off Highway 35 to pick up meals, then head out on their routes, which take a maximum of one hour. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage. For more information, contact Feckete at 406-837-4157.