Liver and onions.  If there is one thing area seniors agree on, whether they dine in Wellman or Lone Tree, it’s their favorite mid-day meal.

At the Goodwin Dining Center in Wellman, the action starts early.  The doors open at 8 a.m. and seniors ready for a little exercise before their morning coffee gather around 9 a.m. for a light workout.  Afterward, it’s time to sit and socialize. 

Although the facility is used mostly by seniors, all ages are welcomed.  Sometimes, to the delight of all, someone will bring their grandkids along for the morning.

Homemade lunches start coming out of the kitchen at 11 a.m.  Over the course of a month, not a single meal is repeated.  For $7, diners receive a main, sides, desert, and a beverage.  On an average day, 25 people might dine in; on ham balls, salmon loaf, or liver and onions days, that number often more than doubles.

Folks who are house-bound or on the go need not dine in; for them, carry-out and delivery within Wellman city limits are both available.  Goodwin uses reusable containers that are later returned for its regular customers.

Wellman’s seniors enjoy a good time at the Dining Center, and they keep things interesting.  Some days they might play bingo.  Others they may have a scripture reading.  One good-natured resident brings in baked goods from Hy-Vee to share every week.  For their Labor Day fundraiser, they might chat over brunch and partake in a wine-tasting.  They drink a lot of tea.

Over at Lone Tree Senior Dining, every weekday at 11:45 a.m. seniors experience the comfort and warmth of eating with family.    

Cook Diane Fellows gets to know all her diners and makes the effort to accommodate their preferences, whether that is a dislike of pineapple or an intolerance of tomatoes. 

She often enlists the help of her sister, Nancy Ford, and together they keep an eye on their adopted family members.  If an expected guest doesn’t arrive for lunch, they call to make sure everything is okay.  If someone can’t make it to the door when lunch is delivered, the sisters call a first responder.  They have known some of their dining guests their entire lives; their love and care for them is easy and genuine.

Everyone’s birthday is on the dining center’s calendar, and on the third Wednesday of the month, they celebrate with a special lunch.  Up to 40 seniors might attend the meal, which alternates between crispy chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, or meatloaf.  Everyone is treated to birthday cake and ice cream, and they even sing the birthday song.

Like Wellman, Lone Tree offers a unique menu each day of the month, offers carryout and delivery, and uses reusable meal containers for their regulars.  For $5, seniors receive a main, sides, and dessert.  There is an additional $1 charge per meal for delivery and for those under 60 years old. 

Where to find Senior Dining:

Lone Tree Senior Dining: Lone Tree Community Building

203 ½ N. Devoe St., Lone Tree

Monday – Friday, Lunch served at 11:45 a.m. Carryout available 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Call for reservations by 10 a.m. (319)629-5144.  $5 seniors; add $1 for delivery or under age 60

Wellman Senior Dining:  Goodwin Dining Center

223 8^th Ave., Wellman

Monday – Friday Dining room open 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Carryout available 11 a.m.–1 pm.

Call for reservations by 9 a.m. (319)646-2711.  $7 all ages; free delivery within Wellman city limits

Kalona Senior Dining:  Goodwin Dining Center, Wellman

Register with the City of Kalona (319-656-2310)

Delivery available Wednesdays through the summer; additional days may be available in fall/winter.  Meals are provided by Goodwin Senior Dining Center.

Pleasantview Home offers a Meals on Wheels program for Kalona residents (319) 656-2421.