Farewell party Feb. 7

BREWSTER – Dot Jess, Site Director for the Okanogan County Transportation and Nutrition program at the Pateros-Brewster-Bridgeport Senior Center retired this month after more than two decades on the job.

Jess, 89, was asked to take on the position as OCTN’s site representative on May 10, 1995, when she was working in an associated field.

“I was working in the mental health and brought some of my clients to the senior center,” said Jess. “I told them I already had a job but agreed to take on the job.”

Jess’s last day was Jan. 10, 2019, after 24 years as the Brewster director.

Jess said she has watched the Brewster Center serve the senior community over the years and said she hopes it will continue to fill such an important role.

“Our seniors really need to have a place to go,” said Jess who emphasized the importance of the meal service the center provides three days a week.

“The meals they have are prepared under the direction of a licensed dietician in Omak,” Jess said.

She also praised the OCTN driver and bus service that serves seniors who no longer drive.

“Darin Smith is a wonderful bus driver,” said Jess, “and the bus goes to Omak one day a month and Wenatchee one day a month.”

The Senior Center is hosting a farewell party for Jess at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7. Cake and ice cream will be on the menu.

“Many people know of Dot and her kindness throughout all these years of service,” said senior center president Kathy Lowry. “We invite any and all to come and wish Dot a happy retirement.”

Those wishing to share lunch with Dot are asked to call the center at 689-2815 to staff can prepare the required number of meals.

“Feel free to bring a card or a retirement gift if you would like,” Lowry said.