A story series by Mary Jessup
A native of Switzerland, Petra came to the U.S. with her parents as a six-year-old child. Her family settled in Boston, where Petra lived until moving to San Francisco about twenty years ago. Every year, she flies to Boston to visit her mother, and relatives.
Petra heard about the Downtown Senior Center on O'Farrell Street from a friend at church. She came for her first lunch around four years ago, and since then, Petra has been coming to the Senior Center almost every day. As a senior living alone, she counts on the Senior Center and the Project Open Hand lunches for a warm, nourishing meal.
With sparkling eyes, and a sweet smile, Petra says, “I enjoy socializing with friends, participating in activities such as viewing movies, and especially saving money on food.”
“I have no special diet, and can eat whatever I like,” she says. “At the Project Open Hand lunches, my favorite menu is the hamburgers. And I like the borscht soup, and the variety of salads.”
Although retired from office work, Petra is an active, healthy senior. Laughing, she says, “I like watching comedy shows on TV, reading mystery novels, and taking walks in the City.”
Do you know a senior (age 60+) who could use a warm meal and good company? Visit our senior lunch program webpage to learn more about our program and find a location in your neighborhood.
Read more stories by Mary Jessup in our “Meals with Love for Seniors” series: