Making pies garners big response at the OAKS

Sharon Montgomery, director at the OAKS Senior Nutrition Center in Kennett, never dreamed that making pies could garner such a great response, and the presence of two entertainers were the topping that was needed to draw a crowd.

Thursday was a big day at the OAKS, especially with the talent of both Terry Ray and Linda Kay Bradley singing for the seniors during lunch. "We had a really big crowd that day," said Montgomery. "One of the biggest we have had in a long time, everyone really enjoyed listening to them. In fact, some of the seniors that normally leave early, said they weren't leaving until the last song."

During the last year, the OAKS have had some ups and some downs, and Montgomery said that it has sometimes been a challenge to meet some of the demands, but they were always up to it and overcame them in the end. Such was the one that met her on Thursday. "The big freezer here is about 40 years old and the seal is worn out and it was going to cost way more than we could afford to replace it. We are hoping it will hold out till we get moved and we can replace it when we get the money," said Montgomery. "We borrowed a separate freezer from someone for a while, but they were needing it back, so I didn't know what we were going to do." She said that she did not know what prompted her to do it, but Montgomery suddenly had the idea to make pies and anyone who wanted one could have them for a donation of $40 each. "We only needed about $350 and we could purchase a freezer to replace the borrowed one."

So, on Thursday, with one of the largest crowds they have had, she announced what she was doing and that each pecan pie, personally prepared and baked by her in the OAKS kitchen, would be available for a $40 donation. "I thought I might have at least enough takers to help purchase the one freezer," she said. However, after announcing it and posting it on Facebook, she was making pies for two days. "I made 35 pies and rather than $350, we raised $1,345, which was enough to purchase two huge freezers that were on sale at Home Depot."

Montgomery explained how important the freezers are to the OAKS because to feed as many people as they do, they need a place to store it. "We survive predominantly on donations," she said. "Some people think that the meals are paid for through a government subsidy, but they are only partially paid for through government funding." She said that the OAKS asks for a suggested $3 donation for each meal from those 60 years and older, along with their spouses, because medicaid only pays for homebound meals. According to the numbers from the OAKS Aging Matters office in Cape Girardeau, Montgomery said the cost to prepare each meal is approximately $5.53, so at $3, they lose about half of that.

With the regular home delivery program, (3-C program) they receive about half of the cost to prepare the meal, and for the meals served at the facility, they receive no funds. "That is why we are continually having to do fundraisers," said Montgomery. "We do have some who will put in more than the suggested $3, but we also have those who don't. All donations to the OAKS are tax exempt."

Montgomery said that she couldn't thank Terry Ray and Linda Kay enough for coming to sing. "All of the entertainers who volunteer their time to play for the seniors here at the OAKS are a true blessing," said Montgomery. "But, we really appreciate the Bradleys, especially since they decided to do a benefit for us with all of the proceeds going to our building fund." The Kennett OAKS Senior Center benefit will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Kennett VFW building on the south by-pass. Tickets are $10 at the door, and those already committed for the event, besides the Bradleys, are Buddy Godair, J.R. Roberts, Judge Stephen Sharp, and Darrell Roberts. It will feature all genres of music from rock-n-roll, country, and the classics, as well as an auction. For bookings for the event, contact Linda Kay Bradley at 573-625-1728 or Terry Ray Bradley at 573-344-0609 or 573-888-1004.

For more information about the OAKS call 573-888-9852.