St. Ignatius Seniors: Food preservation still matters

In 1795, Napoleon offered 12,000 francs, which equates to about $2,000 to $2,300 back then, to anyone who could find a way to preserve military food supplies from spoiling. 

The prize went to Chef Nicholas Appert in 1809, who invented a process of sealing foods in glass jars, corking them and submerging them in boiling water, killing bacteria and sterilizing the food. He knew the process worked to prevent food from spoiling, but did not understand “why” it worked. 

The “why” was discovered many years later by Louis Pasteur, who proved that microorganisms cause food spoilage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. 

Bingo is on May 9 at 2 p.m. 

Gentle Yoga is on Wednesday, 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177. Her rate is $65 for five sessions.

Main dishes served at the center include hamburger gravy with rice, April 24; tacos with fixings, April 28; chicken casserole, May 1; and hamburgers, May 5. 

Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. If you would like a takeout meal, please call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday, and by 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays. Meals are at 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, and at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the center's entryway. 

Our senior center is available for rent. If interested, please call or stop by. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.