Make the most with your meal | Editorial

What are you doing next Wednesday— March 12—for lunch?

What are you doing for lunch?

More specifically, what are you doing next Wednesday— March 12—for lunch?

Well, consider this; it’s the best choice one could make for a mid-day meal on that date.

From noon to 1:30 p.m., the Mullis Community Senior Center and the dedicated folks of Whatcom-San Juan Senior Nutrition Program will present a special luncheon program, with proceeds benefitting the local senior nutrition program.

The menu in and of itself is appetizing, featuring gourmet Asian chicken, spring rolls and dessert, all for only $10 per person. Can’t beat that.

But that’s not all. The luncheon includes a raffle drawing with prizes and live entertainment, with Jim Moe dressed to impress and doing it “his way” with a lively impersonation of Frank Sinatra and musical tribute to “‘ol blue eyes” himself.

The benefit will be held at the Mullis Center for the second consecutive year in conjunction with “March for Meals,” a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about hunger among seniors and the needs and successes of senior nutrition program.

If you’re not familiar with the program, well, the numbers are eye-opening. In 2013, a total of 2,260 meals were delivered to local homebound seniors and 9,110 community meals were served in Friday Harbor through San Juan’s senior nutrition program.

At 26.3 percent, San Juan County is home to twice the number of people 65 years and older than the statewide average (13.2 percent). We’re lucky in that way. But despite perceptions of the outside world, not all the seniors in the San Juans are wealthy retirees living in the lap of luxury, or well-fed, for that matter.

So, mark March 12 on your calendar, noon to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon promises to be a delectable and entertaining opportunity to contribute to a program that plays a crucial role in helping out many of our seniors. (For more information about the event: 360-733-4030 ext. 47028)

Speaking of banquets and benefits, Friday Harbor Soroptimists annual Saint Patrick’s Day dinner and fundraiser is March 15, hosted also at the Mullis Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Festivities include a live auction, dessert auction, raffle drawings and Irish songs by the Island Chordsmen Plus. Dinner features traditional corned beef and cabbage, or vegetarian pasta entree, by Vinny’s Ristorante (take-out dinners also available). Tickets for the event are $30 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under, and proceeds benefit Soroptimists’ programs. Visit www.sifri.org for tickets or additional information.