Peabody Senior Center site manager Ruth Lott attended an advanced training course in Manhattan recently. Among the information and helpful tips she received was a piece of “not so good news.”

“A handout, ‘The Formula for Sustainable Centers’ advises centers that an average of 44 meals per day is needed in order to keep a cook and center manager,” Lott said. “Unfortunately, we are not at that level, although we are improving some. We averaged 30 meals in January, 28 in February, and 33 in March.

“We really need people to join us. We hope Peabody residents will consider whether or not they could eat with us on occasion to help preserve the center,” she said. “We charge $3.15 for meals for those 60 and older, while meals for those younger than 60 are $5. It really isn’t necessary to be a senior citizen to eat at the center. We just need to have reservations a day in advance to be sure the cook prepares enough food. Anyone interested in joining us can call (620) 983-2226 to reserve a meal. Leave a message if necessary.”

Lott also reminds that April 21 to 27 is Volunteer Week and the center will be honoring its volunteers on Thursday of that week.

“If you are a volunteer at the center, please plan on coming for lunch that day,” she said. “And those who are not volunteers are also invited to come and recognize those who give of their time. Volunteers do so much to keep our center running and we couldn’t do it without them. This is a perfect chance to say ‘Thank you.’”

For more information about Peabody Senior Center call (620) 983-2226.