Hello Manistee County! I’m excited that spring is just around the corner. We certainly all tasted it last weekend. I hope we continue to receive wonderful surprises from Mother Nature this week.
This week we had a lot to do at the Senior Center and I think we will be even busier next week. We celebrated International Women’s Day with beautiful flowers for all our lovely and strong women who came to the building for programs and activities. One of my favorite quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt was attached to flowers and said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.
This week, we’re looking forward to a fun St. Patrick’s Day lunch and gathering. Don’t forget that you need to register if you are going to come for a delicious corned beef and cabbage dinner.
We have some fun things waiting for you, we are preparing a spring wreath and we have limited space for this fun activity. Be sure to sign up soon, so you can have this lovely wreath for your door.
We also have popcorn and an upcoming movie. It’s also going to be a lot of fun. I love movies, I find it difficult to choose movies for others because I really like shoot’em ups! I can think of a bunch of movies that I think would be great to watch, but everyone here wants to see my pick first before everyone else sees it.
The movie that made a lot of noise for awards shows “The Power of the Dog” made no sense to me. It was interesting, but maybe too artistic for my taste. Sign up and see what you think of my choice!
If you’ve been to the Senior Center, you’ve probably seen the Music Cove. We partner with River City Music School to offer music lessons, loan materials like sheet music and fun activities. We are thrilled to get the ball rolling. Keep an eye
for some of the programs we work on.
Another program that is back is our veterans exchange. It has always been a great way for our older generations to share their experiences with young military men and women. Looking at what is happening right now in Ukraine, I can’t even imagine being in this kind of situation and seeing your loved ones hurt or killed. I think this program is important for anyone who has been in service, so that they can share their difficult or positive stories with people who understand what they have been through.
Tickets are on sale now for Flo’s Polka Party on May 1 at the Onekama Fairgrounds. We’re going to have a great time with Butch Baker and the Just 4 Fun Band playing the tunes and Jerry Zupin doing the catering. This party is Flo Anderson’s 100th birthday.
March 14-18
Monday: Ham and melted cheese flatbread, spring vegetables. mix, green beans, raisins, bun
Tuesday: Chicken chop suey, rice pilaf, oriental medley, cauliflower, mixed berry cup, bread roll
Wednesday: BBQ pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, fiesta corn, cinnamon apple slices
Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage, red potatoes, sliced carrots, applesauce, rye bread
Friday: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Lima Beans, Mixed California Vegetables, Fresh Grapes, Bun
Menus are subject to change.
We look forward to the Ninth Annual Rats & Rods Car Party to be held here at the Wagoner Community Center on May 7th. They will feature cars built from 1985 and earlier. People will come from all over to see all the great old cars and talk with the great people who are there to show them off.
There will also be a fun craft show for seniors at the Wagoner Community Center on the day of the Rats & Rods Car Party. Be sure to call the senior center and reserve your table. Space will be limited.
I hope you are having a wonderful week and don’t forget to try something new!
Group meals
The Wagoner Community Center catering site serves lunch Monday through Friday at noon. Remember to call and book your lunch before noon the day before. The Wellston catering site is temporarily closed. The Onekama meal site at the Farr Center distributes meals Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. for curbside takeout. Meals site Marilla has started serving Wednesday lunches again. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change, as some food shortages may affect the kitchen.
food Bank
The Senior Center Food Bank takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. Manistee County seniors age 60 and older can participate. If you are picking up for another senior, make sure you have a power of attorney note, along with their name, address, date of birth, and household information. Cash and non-perishable food donations are always appreciated. The next food bank will be March 18 at 260 St. Mary’s Parkway.
Emergency food aid
If you are a senior in Manistee County and need emergency food assistance, call the Senior Center at 231-723-6477 and speak to a staff member. We have an emergency food pantry that we use to help prevent food insecurity for our elderly population during these times.
Seniors Reimbursement Program
The Manistee County Council on Aging has a program designed to help seniors stay independent, by reimbursing eligible expenses. If you are a senior in Manistee County, you may be eligible for reimbursement for payments you made for house cleaning, yard work, or snow removal services. For current Senior Reimbursement Program clients, please note that all receipts must be current and not older than 30 days. Income conditions apply. New customers must complete a registration form. Mail all receipts to 260 St. Mary’s Parkway in Manistee.
Call the Senior Center at 231-723-6477 ext. 214 for more information. Once a senior has moved out of their home, they are no longer eligible for the reimbursement program.
Exercise Opportunities
Sit and Get Fit is at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Wagoner Community Center. Cardio-drums classes take place on Thursday evenings at 4 p.m. Yoga classes are Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. for chair yoga and Thursdays at 3 p.m. for regular yoga. Tai Chi takes place at 9 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Zumba classes are at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The indoor walking group starts at 1 p.m. on Friday and Monday at 11 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 about and supporting our community of older people with dementia. The next meeting will be April 14 at 3 p.m. Contact Jacki Krolczyk at 231-883-1341 for more information.
Parkinson’s support group
The Parkinson Support Group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The next support group meeting will be March 17 at the Wagoner Community Center. Call Marcia Holbrook at 614-937-4442 for more information.
Medication management program
The council on aging has launched a medication management program. Jean Anderson, the staff registered nurse, is available to help with this. Call with your questions. 231-723-6477 ext. 215
Events to come
March 14
• 9 a.m. – Tai Chi
• 1pm – Mah Jongg
• 2 p.m. – Zumba
March 15
• 10:00 a.m. – Cards and coffee
• 11 a.m.: Toe tapping Tuesday
• 2 p.m. – Knitting/Crocheting Circle
• 3:30 p.m. – Chair yoga
March 16
• 9 a.m. – Tai Chi
• 10:30 am – TOPS
• 11 a.m. – Fun Bingo
• 1:30 p.m. – Genealogy group
• 2 p.m. – Zumba
the 17th of March
• 10:00 a.m. – Cribbage
• 12 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day lunch
• 3 p.m. – Yoga
• 4 p.m. – Cardio drumming
• 11 a.m. – Parkinson’s support group
March 18
• 9am-11am – Senior Food Bank
