Arlee
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ARLEE — Here’s the skinny on what’s happening with the Arlee senior citizens, and why we will be closed for only (hopefully) the next 12 to 15 days:
On Friday, April 15, while preparing the noon meal, the cooks noted a gradual loss of water pressure. On Monday, April 18, the crew of Eddie Ivanoff, Brad Ivanoff, and Drew Hendrickson pulled the pump out of the leased well located 1300 feet northwest of the Arlee Senior Center and across the highway, on railroad property. It was determined the well is 61 feet deep, and the pump was set at 60 feet. The well has stopped flowing. We had only one option. (This well was drilled in 1922 for the railroad. The Arlee Senior Center has leased it for the past 40-some years.)
The first week of May a local well driller is scheduled to drill a new well on our property. For safety and health reasons we must be temporarily closed. While we await the driller a crew will be busy inside and under the building installing new plumbing lines and relocating the pressure tank and water filter.
The process of raising funds is underway. We do need the support of the community and any contributions to the Well Replacement Fund are greatly appreciated. It is our hope to be able to re-open Monday or Wednesday of the second week in May, that being May 9 or 11. Our grateful appreciation goes to those who have already stepped forward to help. According to our contract with Area VI Aging Services, we must make up all missed meals by June 30. Adding light suppers and brunches, in addition to our usual schedule, will make this happen.
The original center building was constructed in the 1970s. An addition for the present kitchen, pantry and freezer room was added in the 1980s. Being unaware of anyone in the area who was involved in the initial establishment of the center, we’d like to hear from someone with information about the early beginnings of the Arlee Senior Center. The phone numbers to call are 406-544-9651(Anne) or 406-726-3718 (Bette). The center’s address is Box 392, Weissinger Street.
