Senior Happenings

By Senior Center Director Tammy Jackman

It’s the month of the TURKEY!! October is gone and with it a full schedule at the Senior Center. There was a small group who came by to watch sessions of the Governor’s Council on Aging on the 4th. It was reported that some good information was shared, there can be a lot to take in during these conferences. We had a Centenarian who was honored this year at the conference, Charlotte Carlat, she will be 100 years young on November 5th. Happy Birthday Charlotte!

We have quite the group of ladies on Mondays and Wednesdays for SAIL exercises. Julie Riley is an awesome instructor. The exercises are held at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The morning session is a bit more strenuous than the afternoon session, so decide which you feel most comfortable with and come on down. We have a chair waiting for you!

On the 13th we took a trip to Spearfish Canyon to look at the Fall colors. It was beautiful but I think we were about a week late to catch the brilliant colors. As we drove, we were watching for the mountain goats up on the sides of the cliffs, when suddenly we came around a corner and there they were on the side of the road. They stood right there while we took pictures. We then went on up to Rough Lock Falls. There were several viewing areas on the walkway or you could walk to the bottom as some of us did and look back up at the falls. The day was rounded out with a stop at Gage’s Gardens in Spearfish for some gourds and produce. Thank you to our driver, Les, who seems to always draw the “short straw” and ends up spending the day with a bus load of women.

As some of you may know, Janet Rice is moving to Florida to live with her daughter, Kathy, on a permanent basis. We hosted a surprise going away party for her on the 24th, which was also her birthday. She was in the door and visiting before she realized the party was for her. We all enjoyed an afternoon of cake, coffee and visiting with the many friends who stopped by.

The center was one of the stops for the ghosts and goblins on Halloween. Homemade popcorn balls were handed out to all the pre-school kids in the morning and candy was given to the bigger kids in the afternoon.

Of course, there are still all the favorite things going on at the center. Many days of cards, bunco, sewing, Ladies Lunch Out and let’s not forget the congregate meals and visiting every Wednesday. Also, on the first Wednesday of every month Darlynn or Taylor stop by at 1 p.m. to do blood pressure checks.

On November 17th, we are excited to have Christine Appleman back playing piano music for us starting a 2:30 p.m. She may even have some of her students here to play, so come down and give them a listen.

Linda Wolff will be at the center on November 9th and November 23rd to meet with those who have questions about Medicare or wish to get signed up. Please contact Tammy at 436-2635 to make an appointment, they fill up fast.

Bunco is held one Tuesday and one Thursday of the month. For November the dates are Thursday the 10th and Tuesday the 29th. Both days they start at 1 p.m., currently there are 3 tables but we could add another if we can round up 4 more players. Let Tammy know if you are interested in playing on a regular basis or as a substitute.

Hey ladies, the Ladies Lunch Out will be at PR Lanes on November 17th at noon, come over grab a bite to eat and visit with us. We would love to have you.

I FINALLY have the LIEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) applications here at the center. If you need some help with your heating costs this winter please stop by and we can see if you qualify. If you do, I can help you fill out the application. All types of heating apply, (natural gas, coal, wood, propane, electric, pellets and fuel oil).

CONGREGATE MEALS:

11/2-Ham & Bean Soup, Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Carrots, Apple Crisp 11/9-Potato Bacon Soup, Steak Strips, Seasoned Potatoes, Corn, Cookies 11/16-Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Pot Pie, Banana Pudding 11/23-Broccoli Cheese Soup, Turkey/Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie 11/30-Minestone Soup, Polish Sausage/Sauerkraut, Fries, German Chocolate Cake

As always, the Senior Center houses the food pantry. We have Montana food bank boxes that are available for any Powder River County resident. The boxes have a variety of staples for your cupboard. Our pantry is a bit low right now but if you need something please come down and we will try to help you out. Amber at Powder River Petals is having a food drive for us the week of November 7-12. Two cans of food and $10 will get you a dozen roses. So, guys, go get your lady a dozen roses and help out the food bank. She will be thrilled and the food bank will be most appreciative. Ladies, if you don’t have a guy, buy yourself a dozen and help fill the food bank as well.

I would like to thank the following people for their donations this last month: Pam Worman for her monetary donations, Pat Smith for her garden produce, Julie Riley for the apples from her trees and Larry’s IGA for the eggs. We appreciate these and all donations very much.

There will be no trip in November but I am in the hopes of taking one to Moss Mansion in December, weather permitting. I am told they decorate every room for the Christmas season and it is amazing. There will be more information to come in the December article.

The Senior Center Stitching Club will be raffling off an afghan, crocheted by Pat Smith. It will be on display at the Senior Center beginning November 1st. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased at the Senior Center. The drawing will take place on December 19th.

Lastly, the Senior Center will be closed on November 8th, as it is Election Day and also on the 24th for Thanksgiving Day.

We live in an amazing little community. I am so thankful to be back home where people care about each other, look out for each other and help each other when needed. Always, always be thankful, even for the little things.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!