02/27/2026
Many people are aware of the issue with the Glidden Area Senior Center along with all other congregate dining sites in Ashland County.
For those not aware, here are the facts as we know them at the Glidden Area Senior Center.
There has been no congregate dining at any of the sites since Northland College closed. That is where all meals were being prepared and delivered.
We have written many letters to Representatives in our area with the same reply of, “It’s being worked on.” They’re being told it only effects three people in this area, so they don’t go any further with the issue. Three is the current number of home bound people that order meals in Glidden. It doesn’t include the other seniors in the area.
We have reached out to the Ashland County Aging Unit Director, Laura Nagro, and the Board of Directors with many questions and received no answers or false statements. Many excuses have been made as to why there is no longer congregate dining, but in fact, there is no excuse. Appropriate nutritional meals are being made and delivered to home bound folks and one Ashland County meal site; why can’t meals be delivered to the Glidden, Mellen, or Butternut sites?
The Ashland County Aging Unit is mandated by the state to have five open dining sites. There is currently one open in Sanborn. They are receiving nutritional meals through Ashland County Aging Unit. Ashland, Butternut, Mellen, and Glidden have not been open for congregate dining for almost two years. New sites have been designated at Lena’s and Butternut Cafe for which we thank them, but this is not nutritious food according to state regulations. Giving a salad or fruit with tacos or chicken strips and french fries does not qualify as nutritious. It’s been said that the food is USDA approved. Law states all food being sold must be USDA approved. That doesn’t mean nutritious. Some seniors have been going to these meals stating that, “If we don’t, they may stop the entire program.” It’s not their preference, they would much rather go to their own place where they are comfortable.
We have asked for Ashland Aging Unit meeting minutes and agendas for the last quarter as they are not posted on the Ashland Aging Unit website. We have received nothing.
We have asked to attend, and have actually been invited to Aging Unit board meetings. Dates and times for these meetings are not posted anywhere, so when asked when and where meetings are held, there was no response. Therefore, we have not been able to attend. UPDATE: We received an email from Ashland Aging Unit stating when next meeting is, March 18th at 3pm. However, there is no word on location of meeting. Message states we will receive that information when agenda is complete.
Several emails have been written to the Director, Laura Nagro and the Board with no response. Board members include:
Laura Nagro, Director, [email protected]
Philip Sorensen, [email protected]
Matt Mac Kenzie, [email protected]
Pete Herlevi, [email protected]
Elizabeth Paul-Soch, [email protected]
Kevin Thiede, [email protected]
We’re not asking for much. We just want to be able to dine at the Glidden Area Senior Center, play bingo, cards, and have good conversation.
For now, we are providing our own nutritional meals on Thursdays. If you would like to join us, please call 715-264-6611 and let us know.
Friends of the Glidden Area Senior Center
Current rumors we’re hearing are:
Everyone must pay at the meal site. NOT TRUE, all seniors who are signed up with the Senior Meals Program are welcome to dine regardless if they can afford it or not. https://www.ashlandaging.com/
Federal funding for Senior Meals Program no longer exists. NOT TRUE, federal funding has been cut, but not completely. Program Directors now need to find alternate funding such as grants or donations. https://www.ashlandaging.com/
Senior Centers are closed or closing. NOT TRUE, Glidden Area Senior Center is open for use, along with Mellen Senior Center and Ashland Enrichment Center.
Thank you all for reading. Please contact these folks and let them know your concerns about your family members or friends and the meal program.
