Washington Township to Continue Annual Senior Breakfast Amid Post-COVID Attendance Changes

Article Summary: Following a discussion about lower-than-historic attendance at its recent Senior Breakfast, the Washington Township Board decided to maintain one breakfast event per year. The board concluded that the event remains a valuable service for the 80 residents who attended and is worth continuing.

Senior Breakfast Discussion Key Points:

• Trustee Tracy Heldt noted that attendance at recent breakfast events has been lower than pre-pandemic levels.

• Clerk Joe Burgess confirmed that post-COVID attendance at many senior events has been slow to recover.

• The township previously hosted two breakfasts per year but now holds one, in addition to 12-15 other senior events annually.

• The board agreed to continue offering one breakfast per year.

BEECHER – The Washington Township Senior Breakfast will continue as an annual tradition after the Board of Trustees affirmed its value to the community, despite attendance numbers that have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

During the board’s May 5 meeting, Trustee Tracy Heldt praised the recent breakfast on May 3 as a “very nice event” but noted that attendance seemed lower than in the past. Clerk Joe Burgess, whose office organizes senior activities, reported that 80 residents attended.

Burgess explained that since the COVID-19 pandemic, the township has shifted from hosting two senior breakfasts a year to just one. He added that attendance at many senior events has been slow to recover to what it was before 2020. Despite the single breakfast, Burgess noted the township still schedules 12 to 15 other senior events each year, including an upcoming bus trip to a Joliet Slammers game and a movie night.

Heldt stated that offering a yearly breakfast that still draws 80 residents was “definitely worth the effort and should continue.”

After the brief discussion, the board reached a consensus to continue with one Senior Breakfast per year at this time, ensuring the popular social event remains on the township’s calendar.