If at 3 a.m. you see the lights on at the Superior Senior Citizens Center don't be alarmed but be ready for fresh baked goods.

The assistant cook, Sonja Crown, is a pastry chef and it's been her dream for 32 years to have a bakery. 

“And she wants it to benefit the senior center,” Tammy Wieweck, president of the SSCC, stated with a gigantic smile. “Her signature are apple fritters that are amazing. We are going to start off slow by offering a few items at first to see how quickly things sell and what the community wants and how much it gets supported.”

Crown said, “I’ve been going to the Saturday Market (in Superior) to see what our neighbors are making as I don’t want to cut into their business. They’re our neighbors! So is Darlow’s. I see what they are making and I don’t do that. Because the repertoire out there is huge what I can choose from so then it’s not taking away from my neighbors that are trying to make money that way.” 

She is excited about her apple fritter formula. And her scones. She’s excited about baking in general. 

“Right now, with the other goodies, I have pumpkin current muffins with cream cheese frosting.” 

She is basically self-taught but smiles when she says that she had the honor of being the pastry chef at Shadows Keep in Missoula under Richard Hoffmaster for almost 8 years. Crown considers baking as an art and a science, 

“Because if you don’t have the right ingredients and proportions in cooking, you can get away with it. But not so with baking.” 

She was also the cook for Watsons Children Center in Missoula that provides a safe haven for children who have endured trauma and abuse. When they came in, she asked each one, “What’s your favorite breakfast? What’s your favorite dinner? That became my menu for those little darlings not necessarily following the nutritional guidelines 100%, but they needed love and security. Food does that.” 

Crown moved to Superior with one thing in mind.

“The river (Clark Fork). I floated here for years when everyone was on the Blackfoot (River). I even told my son that when I retire, I’m going to be the campground host at Sloway Campground. Well, I’m not going to be the campground host but I’m only 10 miles from it. I’ve floated and kayaked this river for years and just love it!” 

She is passionate about baking, the people in the community and the values and character the area holds, all remain close to her heart.

“It's exciting for us because it gives us another way to reach out to the community,” Wieweck shared. “It offers an opportunity for people to get together to play cards, drink coffee and maintain relationships. We want and feel this idea will decrease loneliness and illness as well as give others an opportunity to check on one another to see if there are any needs that need to be met. There used to be a coffee club that met at Pikes drug store and some of those people are still here with us and we want to give them a place to meet again.” 

On their first morning of this new adventure, three tables of people were thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

“We will not be offering cards on Wednesday nights because we are serving dinner however on Tuesdays and Fridays when the bakery is open, we'll have cards available to play pinochle or cribbage or whatever someone wants to play. Our hours are on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8 to 10, and Wednesday 4:30-6 p.m.  How fun and exciting to get fresh baked goods.” 

Visit 611 5th Ave. East or call (406) 822-3334.