PROGRESS: Sandpoint Area Seniors serves up friendship, meals

For over 50 years, Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. has been the place to gather in Sandpoint for the age 50-plus community.

Located in the heart of Sandpoint, it is the “heart” of Sandpoint for many, and its service area spans Bonner County. SASi is a place to share meals with friends new and old, and to find like-minded companions for games, music, crafts and artistic or informative classes. Many seniors come to SASi having just moved to town and wanting to make friends. Others are long-time residents seeking camaraderie as family and old friends pass away and children move to warmer climes.

SASi’s mission is to address food insecurity and social isolation in senior populations, while our guiding vision is a vibrant community of individuals in their prime-time years, coming together to enjoy each other’s company and a full complement of social and physical activities.

Delicious lunches prepared by Chef Brenda Curtis are served onsite every Monday through Thursday on a donation basis to seniors 60 and over, and for a reasonable charge for those under 60. SASi also coordinates with the North Idaho Area Agency on Aging to provide nutritious meals all week long to homebound individuals. As of early 2026, SASi has reestablished its home-delivered meal service to the greater Priest River area. In times when fixed incomes are stretched thin, SASi’s meal service — about 2,100 meals a month — plays a vital role for the senior community.

Most of SASi’s activities, including card games, billiards, exercise and art classes, are concentrated on Mondays through Thursdays. Weekend events include monthly Bingo, Old Time Fiddlers, and special events for all ages. SASi also maintains a no-charge lending center for medical and assistive devices. All of SASi’s programs are enhanced by a dynamic team of volunteers who find the work and engagement fulfilling. SASi always has room for more volunteers and invites inquiries.

SASi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation reliant on grant funding and generous donations by individuals, community organizations, foundations, and corporate and business sponsors. SASi knows Bonner County’s generous spirit and is thankful to be able to amplify that generosity by serving area seniors. Donations are always gratefully accepted and put to very good use.

In 2026, SASi will continue to host the popular Geezer Forum series, held the second Tuesday of each month at Marigold Bistro. SASi’s “last Friday” fundraising breakfast each month now features guest chef Wendy Franck of Hoot Owl fame. Additional events planned for 2026 include the Injectors Car Club Father’s Day barbecue, an August wine tasting, an art event in September, and more.

Think you are too young to visit a senior center? Come and check SASi out; we may surprise you. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays until noon, at 820 Main Street in Sandpoint. Visit sandpointareaseniors.org for SASi’s monthly newsletter, menus, activity and event calendars, and information about volunteering. For general information and meal reservations, call 208-263-6860.

Lindsey Hughes is the board president for Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc.