SENIOR HAPPENINGS

By Senior Center Director Tammy Jackman

Welcome to February, the month of “love”. Can you believe this weather? Those few days of -30 or better was enough for this old girl. I am loving the 40 degree to 50 degree days.

We started our new cooking class in January and it is once again a hit. We are learning how to cook with an air fryer this year and it is pretty interesting. Our first recipe was charred romaine lettuce with roasted chickpeas, tomatoes and avocado. I know charred lettuce doesn’t sound very good, but just the tips were charred and it was quite good. I had never had chickpeas, charred or otherwise, and I thought they were tasty. Our next recipe was a whole wheat quesadilla with spinach and seasonings. Again, not something I would have put together but it was very good. This course runs every Thursday through March 21st and we still have room for a couple more people if anyone is interested.

We had our free turkey dinner on January 17th. The weather wasn’t that great so our numbers were down but the food, oh the food. We had brisket along with turkey and all the trimmings, the whole meal was prepared by Krista Gotfredson. It was amazing, she is very talented. Also, we had a mauve crocheted stocking hat left here that day, so if it is yours and you’ve been looking for it, we have it.

Hand and Foot, a form of Canasta, is the main stay here at the center. We play cards every day and would love to have more people join us. In February we also have Stitching and Lunch on the 13th and 27th, bring your handwork, be ready to visit and then stay for lunch. Bunco will be on the 26th and we can always use more players and subs. SAIL exercises are at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays until the cooking class is over, then it will return to Mondays and Wednesdays. Chair Yoga will resume on the 21st with Drew Wenzel at the helm. Ladies Lunch Out will be on the 6th at noon at the Stockman.

We have Vision Assistance Applications here at the center again. It is a very short application and if you are over 60 you will qualify. The money for an exam and glasses will be sent straight to your provider. We had several people use this funding last year and didn’t have any trouble with providers. So please take advantage of this program as soon as possible, the funding does run out.

We are down to our last couple of weeks to get tickets for the afghan raffle. The drawing will be held on Valentine’s Day. You can stop by the center and pick up tickets. They are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. The yarn was donated by Teresa Rolfson and was crocheted by Pat Smith. It is quite vibrant, made with heavier, soft yarn and is very beautiful.

For those who do not know the book exchange library is here at the Senior Center now. We have 4 bookshelves full of a large variety of books that can be borrowed and returned at any time. Feel free to stop by any time Monday-Thursday, 8-4.

CONGREGATE MEALS:

2/7—Chicken/Rice Soup, Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Cheesecake

2/14—Tortilla Soup, Taco Grande, Cherry/Pineapple Crisp

2/21—Vegetable Beef Soup, Baked Potato Bar, Ice Cream Sundaes

2/28—Broccoli Cheese Soup, Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Sugar Cookie

Just a reminder that the center will be closed on February 19th in observance of President’s Day.

I hope everyone has a great February. Spring is just around the corner. I hope.