This coming week we have a few new things going on at the senior center. If you’re looking for a great way to start the New Year, come to the Wagoner Community Center and try something new.

We have a knit and crochet group that starts Tuesdays at 2 p.m. It’s a great way for you to come in, knit or crochet, have coffee, and visit while you work. If you are just starting out, what could be better than getting expert help on some of your projects? Everyone is welcome for this great weekly class.

We also have an indoor walking group starting. What better way to use 26,000 square feet of building than to walk in the winter? This course begins January 7 at 1 p.m. and January 10 at 11 a.m. This class will run twice a week and will keep your body moving.

We’re lucky, one of the resumed classes will be Tai Chi. The instructor was not sure he could continue due to an injury, but it looks like it will start again on January 5 at 9 a.m. This popular course normally takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and everyone is welcome to join. Check out the rest of the program to see what you can get involved in.

It was so enjoyable the other day that I had the opportunity to do one of the longer routes for the Senior Nutrition Program / MOW. I usually sat in front of a computer working or having meetings and was happy to go out on the road. It was such a beautiful car. Saw a lot of wildlife and it was so sunny in the afternoon. If you’re looking for something to spend a few hours a week on, give us a call. We are always looking for volunteer drivers. It was so nice to say hello to everyone while I dropped off the meals. Thank you for being patient with me and for welcoming me with a smile.

I wish you a good weekend and a happy new year! Don’t forget to try something new!

COMMUNITY MEALS

The gathering meal site at the Wagoner Community Center serves lunch Monday through Friday at noon. Don’t forget to call and reserve your lunch before noon the night before. The catering site in Wellston is currently closed. The Onekama dining site at the Farr Center distributes meals on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 am (take out). Please keep in mind that the menu is subject to change as some food shortages can impact the cuisine.

FOOD BANK

The senior center food bank is held the third Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Seniors in Manistee County who are 60 years of age and older are eligible to participate. If you are picking up another senior, make sure you have a power of attorney note, along with their name, address, date of birth, and household information. Donations of cash and non-perishable food are always appreciated. The next food bank will be on January 21 at 260 St. Mary’s Parkway in Manistee.

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

If you are a Manistee County senior and need emergency food assistance, please call the Seniors Center at 231-723-6477 and speak to a member of staff. We have an emergency pantry that we use to help prevent food insecurity among our seniors during these times.

SENIORS REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

The MCCOA has a program designed to help seniors stay independent by reimbursing eligible expenses. If you are a senior in Manistee County, you may receive reimbursement for payments you made for house cleaning, yard work, and snow removal services. For current Senior Reimbursement Program customers, please note that all receipts must be current and no more than 30 days old. Income conditions apply. New customers must complete a registration form. Please mail all receipts to 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee MI. Please call the Seniors Center at 231-723-6477 ext. 214, for more information. Once an elderly person leaves their home, they are no longer eligible for the reimbursement program.

EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES

Sit back and get in shape Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at the Wagoner Community Center. Cardio drum lessons, Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Yoga classes are Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. (chair yoga) and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. (regular yoga). Tai Chi Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 am. Zumba classes are Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. Indoor walking group, Fridays at 1:00 p.m. and Mondays at 11:00 a.m. All classes are free for all seniors and donations are accepted for those under 60.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

The Dementia Support Group will meet on the second Thursday of the month. The group is a friendly and supportive gathering for caregivers, family members or anyone interested in learning more about and supporting our community of seniors with dementia. The next meeting will be on January 13 at 3 p.m. Contact Jacki Krolczyk at 231-883-1341 for more information.

PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP

The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The next support group meeting will be on January 20 at the Wagoner Community Center. Please call Linda Nickelson at 231-690-5048 for more information.

DRUG MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Manistee County Council on Aging has launched a medication management program. Jean Anderson, the RN on staff, is available to help in this area. Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, 231-723-6477 ext. 215

SENIOR NUTRITION MENU Jan. 4-7

Monday: No meals served due to the public holiday

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, lima beans, fruit cocktail, roll

Wednesday: Chicken chop suey, pilaf rice, oriental vegetables, cauliflower, mandarins, bread

Thursday: Sweet and sour meatballs, steamed broccoli, diced carrots, pineapple, bun, oatmeal raisin cookie

Friday: Chili, steamed corn, green beans, applesauce, corn bread

EVENTS TO COME

Tuesday: 11 a.m. Toe tap Tuesday

Wednesday: 10 a.m. Blood pressure clinic

Wednesday: 10:30 am TOPS

Wednesday: 11 a.m. Bingo fun

Wednesday: 1:30 p.m. Genealogy group

Thursday: 10 a.m. Cribbage

Thursday: 11 a.m. Bunco

Jan 11: 10 a.m. Cards and coffee