(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from Chelsea Senior Center Director/CEO Jennifer Smith. The Senior Center is celebrating 60 years of service to our area. Chelsea Kiwanis has been a supporter since the beginning.
The Trinh Pifer Intergenerational Garden was opened in 2012. Kids come to work with seniors, planting, tending, and harvesting crops, both during the school year and in the summer, while attending Camp Gabika.
Campers also work with seniors at the Ease the Day Program. This allows a respite for senior’s caregivers at home, mitigates isolation for the seniors, and gives the students a mentoring relationship. Studies have shown that 40% of kids could use a mentor, and when mentored, have less use of drugs and cigarettes.
The Center’s Senior Nutrition Program is 13 years old. Thanks to receiving a grant, the Intergenerational Garden will be enlarged to augment Meals on Wheels. Funds from the senior millage will be used to start a food pantry this year.
The Senior Center has 1,473 members, and serves an additional 400 folks. Kiwanis is happy to help this important organization.
The Kiwanis Annual Mixed Nut and Chocolate Sale has begun. Purchase of these items helps to support the programs in the area like Faith in Action and Chelsea Senior Center. 
