Photo & Story Courtesy of Dana Greig
Molly Mizer has lived in Idaho County her whole life, bringing to it a face that is always smiling and a positive outlook on life in general. Growing up in Cottonwood with two brothers and three sisters, Molly has always enjoyed being around family. Her and husband, Mike, have created quite a family themselves with six children and 15 grandchildren whom she loves to spoil.
Molly is quick witted, fun, giving, and social, a great combination for her position as Kitchen Manager for the Senior Nutrition Program at the Grangeville Senior Citizens Center. A place she’s been a familiar face for almost 20 years.
“Mike and I were fair-weather truckers,” smiled Molly. “I started working during winter at the center during our down time helping make meals.”
During those first years, Molly says she learned a lot from Joyce Forsmann and Chris Remacle. 15 years ago, Mike and Molly quit trucking and transitioned to full-time work. Mike at McGregor, and Molly permanently settling in at the Senior Center.
In all the years she’s been at the center, Molly says her favorite aspect of her work is spending time with the people: her crew and especially those who come for lunch. Spending three days a week with a group that has become a big family. Which leads to the hardest aspect of her work, losing members of that family. Whether it be permanently, or simply because they move into a nursing home.
“We were getting 80-90 people at each lunch, but we’re down to about 75,” explained Molly. “It’s been a hard year.”
One of the many benefits of so many people getting together regularly is the care everyone takes to check-in with people to see how they are doing.
“We can always tell when someone is beginning to go downhill,” explained Molly. “We make sure they get the help they need.”
Even during times of loss when things are hard, Molly feels her work is a labor of love that makes a big difference, both to those who regularly attend lunch in person as well as the 51 shut-ins who receive fresh, hand delivered meals each of the three days the center serves lunch.
“This program is so good for the aging people in our area,” stated Molly. “For one thing, the deliveries help keep them in their home. For those who come here, it’s so good for their mental health to be around people, to share a meal with people when many of them live alone and don’t have family close.”
Those who do attend regularly know that what is served isn’t just slopped together without care. Molly and her crew, made up mostly of her family members, take time to not only make homemade meals, but also put a great deal of care into celebrations. Molly makes sure to make every holiday special with a festive menu, decorations, and often matching outfits for the kitchen crew. They also do monthly birthday celebrations.
“We make a party out of everything,” laughed Molly.
This month, the program will host their annual Thanksgiving dinner. More details are available at the center.
Though these extra details are much more work than the average meal, Molly simply loves to spoil people. From her grandchildren to her family at the center, no one leaves a visit with Molly feeling unloved.
“A lot of times, all it takes is a hug to make their day,” smiled Molly. “I love to see everyone who comes here. We’re here for anyone who needs us. It’s a labor of love.”
Lunches are served at the Grangeville Senior Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon with all ages welcome. The Senior Nutrition Program is partially funded by State and Federal Area Agency on Aging, though keeping the program running relies on donations to help cover the cost of preparing the food. Though the program and the Senior Center are two separate entities, Molly says the program wouldn’t be able to help the people it does without the Grangeville Senior Center.
The center will host two craft classes this month from 2:00 – 4:00. The first will be Nov. 6 when Phyllis Gilmore will lead a class on creating greeting cards. The second will be Nov. 20 as Carol Martin leads a Christmas Wreath making class.