Silvers for Seniors a real fish story

PALMER — Fresh-caught silver salmon is an Alaska delicacy, but it’s not generally on the menu of many Mat-Su seniors because of its price. That’s about to change for patrons of the Palmer Senior Center, thanks to the Northern District Setnetters Association.

This year the association has instituted “Silvers for Seniors,” a one-day drive when members donate a portion of their catch to the senior center. Page Herring, the project’s coordinator and a Northern District fisherwoman, said the district’s fishermen “work full-time jobs, fish and raise families, but still find time to donate.”

Enough fresh silvers were delivered to the Palmer Senior Center in an ice-filled tote provided by Copper River Seafoods of Anchorage to provide for more than 300 senior meals. Center chef Jeff Dunks said the salmon would also go to nearly 150 shut-ins as well as being served to patrons on site.