Managers of the Whatcom Council on Aging (COG), the organization responsible for the seniors’ lunch program in Point Roberts and elsewhere, must have felt like they had been to hell and back after a March 23 townhall meeting. The meeting took place after the popular longtime chef Roger Gookstetter was let go from his position.
COG executive director Chris Orr, food services manager Ian Cassinos and Meals on Wheels & More director Julie Meyers made the trek to Point Roberts to discuss the program and its future.
They faced a mostly angry crowd of around 30 people upset at Gookstedder’s dismissal who demanded answers that, for the most part, were not forthcoming.
Orr told the crowd that he was not at liberty to discuss the reasons why Gookstedder was let go but said it involved multiple issues. A number of speakers had suggested that it had been due to complaints from the parks district but Orr denied that those complaints were the main reason for the council’s action and repeated he wasn’t able to discuss the issue in detail.
A number of speakers criticized the current service levels with one complaining that “We’re getting lukewarm meals.” COG is currently preparing the lunches in Bellingham and driving them to the Point.
Orr told the crowd, “Here’s my commitment, we’ll have a stronger presence up here and we will work towards catered food.” He then promised to be back in April and find ways to improve the food’s quality.
Resident Bill Zidel said the social aspect of eating together is more important than someone sitting around sharpening their pencil.
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