By Lisa Carolin
The discerning palates of Chelsea seniors may taste a difference in their lunches at the Chelsea Senior Center and their Meals on Wheels.
After 17-and-a-half years working for the Chelsea School District, including 10 years preparing Meals on Wheels, Tracey Dalton is retiring. On June 22 following lunch in the senior center cafeteria with cake and punch, she said goodbye to some of her patrons.
The Washington Street Education Center kitchen has been where Dalton spent the majority of her time preparing meals as well as monthly menus and expense reports, and ordering supplies.
“I will miss the people and my coworkers the most,” said Dalton, who is 63.
She looks forward to spending more time with her family.
“I will be able to go down south and see my grandkids, daughter, and son-in-law more often,” she said.
Dalton has enjoyed cooking for people. All meals must be well-balanced and meet USDA guidelines for senior citizens and include protein, vegetable, starch, fruit, and milk.
“Every weekday, anywhere from dozens to hundreds of meals have been my responsibility,” said Dalton, who worked with the Chelsea Senior Center staff preparing all the food under the Chelsea School District catering contract with the county for senior meals.
Dalton says that the vast majority of the feedback she has received from diners over the years has been positive.
