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Senior Center News
By Chris Joyce
Fall has finally arrived with its vibrant colors, crisp days and nippy nights! This is the time of the year we start digging out the boots, sweaters, scarves, coats and everything else we need to keep the coming chill away. The cold wet weather and dark mornings make it tempting to stay at home rather than get up and come to exercise class. With that being said, we remain very busy here at the Senior Center, and participation in our activities is strong. Some of the islanders that worked during the summer are now rejoining our ranks and of course we are sadly saying good-bye to some of our summer comrades. We encourage all seniors to join in any of our programs … bring a friend, encourage your neighbor, or whatever it takes. We are a group of some of the most active seniors in the county. Let’s keep it up!
Our Senior Lunches continue every Monday at Topsy’s at noon. Please make your reservation by 12 p.m. on the prior Friday by signing up at the Senior Center or calling the center at (419) 285-5501. A very special “Thank-You” goes out to the staff at Topsy’s for keeping the senior lunches running smoothly!
We had several special events planned in September including the annual bowl painting for the “Empty Bowls Benefit”. Unfortunately, due to the upswing in active Covid cases we decided to postpone the event until things calm down a bit. We learned about upcoming “Changes in Medicare” through a program put on by American Senior Associates’ Ed Clunk and also discussed “Reflexology” and had hand massages through a Stein Hospice program. Finally, we fought against wind and rain as Mother Nature threw a wrench in our Road Race picnic. But as true island seniors we managed to still enjoy ourselves and the free box lunches that the county brought us. A huge shout out goes to Barb and Doug Mehling for opening their beautiful property and enclosed screen patio to the Seniors for the picnic! Another big “Thank You” to Ottawa County Senior Resources for facilitating the lunches!
We have several special events planned for October, but these are tentative depending on Covid. On October 1st, at 10 a.m., Kendra German from Riverview will be here to tell us about their new Independent Living option available at Hartford on the River. Our annual Fall Cider Press Luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12th, at 11 a.m. Seniors are invited to bring a dish to share and a container if you’d like to take some cider home. Anyone that has an apple tree in their yard and would like to donate apples, please bring them to the senior center by 10 a.m. the day of the press. Finally, on Oct. 31st, the Senior Center will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. for all the Island “Trick-or-Treaters” … Seniors bring the treats and parents bring the kids! Costumes are encouraged for all! Please remember to check the bulletin board at the Senior Center, as well as the calendars and other signs posted at the Senior Center, General Store, Post Office, Twp. Office and the Library for any last-minute events or cancellations.
The awesome people at the EMS continue to take Blood Pressures every Monday at 10 a.m. during the Coffee Social Hour. Feel free to come get yours checked as this is a great service they provide. The “60+ Clinic” is a free program for those 60 and older. It’s held at the Senior Center every fourth Thursday of the month. The date for October is Thursday the 28th. If you’d like to take advantage of this wonderful program, call 419-734-6800 to make your appointment. (The Flu Vaccine should be available to 60+ Clinic patients in October. Please remember to bring your insurance card if you would like the flu vaccine.) In addition to the 60+ Clinic, the Health Dept. will be administering the Flu Vaccine on Monday, October 18th, at the Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I’d like to give a shout out to all our seniors for both their participation and suggestions, as well as volunteering to assist in all our activities. Nothing goes unnoticed and all is truly appreciated.
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