Bluegrass in the Garden fund-raiser Saturday

The fifth annual Bluegrass in the Garden fund-raiser for the Meals on Wheels program will be Saturday in the beautifully landscaped back yard of the Governor's Mansion,

With live music by the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association Volunteer Orchestra, the mid-summer event is a big hit in the community.

"Last year we served 350 people in one hour," said Janice McIntosh, director of the senior center.

"The meal will be served box lunch style this year. We will have staff to hand out the meal, which is being cooked by our own chef Tim Week and his crew. And, the food will be delivered to the mansion in our new Meals on Wheels truck."

McIntosh said the menu features fried chicken, potato salad and coleslaw. Sierra Glen Restaurant is donating the coleslaw, and homemade desserts will be available for purchase.

A program implemented two years ago has helped the Meals on Wheels budget. McIntosh is asking the community to participate this year in the "Adopt-a-Senior" program. The cost to adopt reflects the suggested amount asked of the recipients, $2 per meal. Seniors can be adopted for one, three, six months or one year.

The Meals on Wheels program is designed to help those most in need of assistance, like the low-income, physically disabled, persons living alone, the homebound and those with no relative nearby to assist them.

"The homebound seniors who can pay for their meals do so," McIntosh said. "But the average payment we get from them is .99 cents. So right off the bat we have to make up $1."

The Senior Center receives a small percentage of the funds for the program from the Division for Aging and the USDA, but about one-third of the money needed is obtained through local fund-raising. McIntosh said the event made about $11,000 last year for the Meals on Wheels program. A 50/50 cash drawing will be held this year.

"We have a wonderful community," McIntosh said. "Instead of hitting the business world up again saying 'gimme, gimme' for raffle prizes, we're only asking for people to adopt a senior. That will last for months. So we welcome everyone to bring the children and enjoy a great family event."

IF YOU GO

What: Fifth annual Bluegrass in the Garden fund-raiser for Meals on Wheels

When: 5:30-9 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion

Cost: $17 adults; $15 seniors (60+) and children 12-younger

Tickets, information: 883-0703

Also: Entertainment by Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association Volunteer Orchestra and Capitol City Cloggers

YOU CAN HELP

Adopt-A-Senior

Cost: One month, one meal a day, $44; three months, $132; six months; $264; one year, $528

Mail to: CCSCC, 911 Beverly Dr., Carson City, 89706

Call: 883-0703