Immanuel Lutheran Church will be the location of the Encore Express Grand Opening Party Thursday, August 11th. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the festivities shortly after 11 am, followed by lunch, fellowship, and a raffle for door prizes.

Harrison March, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Heritage Agency on Aging, talked with KCII and confirmed that the Hy-Vee Sponsored Program would provide vouchers and sit-down meals. “The vouchers will remain a part of Encore Express. What we would love is if those people could join us for the meals twice a month so they can get some social interaction and use those vouchers, so you have that nutritional support throughout the month.”

March also talked with KCII about the social experience of Encore Express being as big of a part of the program as the meals. “A big part of this program is giving the people an opportunity to socialize and give them an opportunity to know what’s going on in their community. This has been a part of our Encore program in other cities and towns for a while now.”

Reservations are requested to ensure adequate food preparation. Diners without reservations will be served as food is available; call Immanuel Lutheran Church to save a seat. There is a suggested $5 donation for diners age 60+ and a $9 charge for those under 60.