MLK Day at the Senior Center: Presentation and Movie Night

Hello Manistee County! This was quite an unusual week. One day it was nearly 50 degrees with clear skies, then we woke up to bitterly cold and extremely windy conditions, and the following day brought lots of wind along with more snow and colder temperatures.

I’m not certain, but I believe the natural world is toying with us.

We experienced another wonderful week at the senior center. It’s consistently enjoyable and lively.

On Monday, we participated in Tai Chi, Dominoes, You Gotta Have Art, Pinochle, Balance and Stretching, Mah Jongg, and various enjoyable board games at the senior center. Mondays are typically a busy day and always a great time.

On Tuesday, we participated in Sit & Fit with Miss Mimi, and had Drop in Tech Help with Amanda from the excellent Manistee County Library. She assisted many individuals with their phones. We also enjoyed music from Playing it Forward. The guys really sound amazing. Several new people came in to listen, and they all agreed that the band was fantastic.

We also held our first dementia-friendly film screening at the lovely Vogue Theatre in the afternoon. We are fortunate to have such a lively and inclusive theater, and their staff and volunteers are truly outstanding. All who came appeared to have a wonderful time.

We also had some of the most entertaining celebrity bingo callers on Wednesday: Kyle Gurzynski and Brian McKie from Filer Credit Union. They made it a delightful experience; they shared many interesting tidbits, and everyone was laughing heartily. Thank you both for making time to join us and enjoy the fun with all of us.

On Friday, we held our Senior Food Bank event. This is one of those initiatives that truly supports our older community members. The cost of food continues to rise for everyone. I went to the store a few days ago and thought a pot roast would be nice. When I checked the price, it ranged from $29 to $49. I decided not to buy it. I recall when a pot roast was an affordable, comforting meal for your family, costing between $10 and $12 depending on how large your family was. I’m unsure how young families or seniors with limited incomes are managing. If you want to help your neighbors, consider contributing to a local food bank.

We’re preparing for the Valentine’s Day Party on February 13. Jerry Zupin will be providing a tasty meal, including chicken salad on croissants, pasta salad, potato salad, baked beans, apple sauce, chips, and for dessert, brownies and ice cream.

Senior meal plan Jan. 19-23

• Monday: A cheeseburger served on a bun, Brussels sprouts, Italian vegetables, a banana, and milk
• Tuesday: Fish seasoned with lemon and pepper, dinner roll, asparagus spears, peas and carrots, apple, and milk
• Wednesday: Scrambled eggs with cheese, cooked peppers and onions, baked potatoes, apple juice, pastry, milk
• Thursday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, asparagus spears, plum, Texas toast, milk
• Friday: Chicken leg, cornbread, Brussels sprouts, winter vegetable mix, banana, milk

Menus may vary.

We’re also planning to introduce a new band for this event. We’ve been encouraged to mix things up by exploring different music genres, so for Valentine’s Day, the band will be Roger That. They specialize in classic rock from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience something fresh! Tickets are available at the senior center. We look forward to seeing you at the party.

A reminder regarding our snow policy: If Manistee Area Public Schools are closed because of severe weather, the senior center and Meals on Wheels will also be closed. Our goal is to ensure the safety of our seniors by keeping them at home when conditions are unfavorable.

This week, we’re offering several exciting programs and events.

On Monday, it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we’re featuring a special presentation from Shirley Madden. Shirley was there for an early reading of MLK’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in Detroit in 1963. This is a talk that I believe everyone will find enjoyable.

On Tuesday, we’ll be enjoying popcorn and a film at the Vogue Theatre. They’re screening a great movie that I believe everyone will enjoy. Please give us a call to sign up and ask about the movie.

On Wednesday, enjoy fun bingo with a different celebrity caller—stop by to find out who it is. We’ll also be honoring January birthdays.

On Thursday, we’re featuring another comfortable sweater-themed film, stop by to discover what’s new for movie day.

On Friday, there will be a unique event titled “Antiques Appraisal” featuring Donna and Tossi. They are antique specialists from Maryann’s Antiques. Bring an item of significance and have it evaluated to discover its worth. Come by and find out if your possession could be valuable.

I hope you discover an enjoyable activity at the senior center this week.

I hope your week is wonderful and don’t forget to attempt something new!

Sarah Howard serves as the executive director for the Manistee County Council on Aging. You can contact her at 231-723-6477.

Chore provider list

The Manistee County Council on Aging offers a list of service providers for elderly individuals requiring assistance. The list is looking for professionals in lawn care, house cleaning, snow removal, and transportation. These are paid services, not voluntary help.

To be added to the list, contact the senior center by calling 231-723-6477.

Congregate meals

The group meal location at the Wagoner Community Center offers lunch from Monday to Friday at noon. Make a reservation by noon the day prior.

Wellston offers lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Marilla provides lunch on Wednesdays at noon. The Arcadia Community Center in Arcadia serves lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Maple Grove Township has lunch on Thursdays at noon.

Menus may be updated as a result of limited food supplies.

Food bank

The community center’s food pantry operates on the third Friday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. Individuals aged 60 and above residing in Manistee County are eligible to participate.

If collecting on behalf of another senior, include a proxy letter containing their name, address, date of birth, and household details. Cash and non-perishable food contributions are appreciated.

Next food distribution: 9-11 a.m., February 20, at 260 St. Mary’s Parkway.

Emergency food assistance

Residents of Manistee County who are seniors and require urgent food assistance can visit the senior center or call 231-723-6477 to connect with a staff member. The center provides an emergency food pantry to support seniors facing food shortages.

Senior reimbursement program

The Manistee County Council on Aging provides reimbursement for qualifying costs to assist older adults in staying independent. Qualified seniors in Manistee County can get reimbursement for house cleaning, lawn care, and transportation services.

Current attendees: invoices need to be issued within 30 days, signed by the elder and the service provider, and contain the elder’s date of birth. Leaving the residence makes an individual ineligible. Every participant is required to re-verify their eligibility annually.

Eligibility criteria are in place. New customers need to fill out a registration form. Send invoices to 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee, Michigan. For more details, contact the senior center at 231-723-6477.

Exercise classes

• Stay and Strengthen: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., Wagoner Community Center; Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., Farr Center in Onekama.
• Indoor walking club: Available from Monday to Friday during working hours.
• Yoga in a chair: every Tuesday at 3:30 PM
• Yoga and flexibility exercises: Mondays at 1 p.m.; Fridays at 10 a.m.
• Cardio drumming: Wednesdays to Fridays, 1:00 PM
• Zumba Gold: Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM
• Tuesdays at 1:00 PM: Line Dancing
• Tai Chi: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 AM

All courses are offered at no cost to older adults; contributions are welcome from individuals under 60.

Support groups

Grief support Occurs on the first Thursday of every month. The upcoming meeting will take place on Thursday, February 5, at 11 a.m. Doug Klee, a spiritual care advisor from Munson Healthcare Hospice, will be leading the session. For more details, contact the senior center at 231-723-6477.

Dementia support Occurs on the second Thursday of every month. The upcoming meeting will take place on Thursday, February 12 at 2:30 p.m. This group provides a welcoming environment for caregivers, family members, and individuals looking to gain more knowledge about the dementia community. For further details, contact Jacki Krolczyk at 231-883-1341.

Parkinson’s support occurs on the third Thursday of every month. The upcoming meeting will take place on Thursday, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wagoner Community Center. For more details, contact Marianne Blair at 586-917-8964.

Upcoming events

Monday

• 9 a.m. Tai Chi
• 10 a.m. Reflexology
• 10 a.m. Dominoes
• 10:15 AM. You Must Have Art
• 11:00 AM MLK Presentation Shirley Madden
• Noon Chair Massage
• 1 p.m. Pinochle
• 1 p.m. Mah Jongg
• 1 p.m. Balance/Stretching
• 2 p.m. Board games

Tuesday

• 10:00 AM. Sit and Get Fit
• 11:00 AM. Casual technology assistance
• 1:00 p.m. Popcorn and a Film at the Vogue
• 1 p.m. Pinochle
• 1 p.m. Line dancing
• 2:00 PM Knit & Crochet Group

Wednesday

• 9 a.m. Tai Chi
• 10:00 AM. Hypertension screening center
• 10:30 a.m. TOPS
• 10 a.m. Zumba Gold
• 11 AM. Honoring January Birthdays
• 11 a.m. FUN Bingo
• 1 p.m. Cardio Drumming

Thursday

• 10:00 AM. Sit and Fit
• 10 a.m. Cribbage
• 1 p.m. Cardio Drumming
• 1 p.m. Chess
• 1:00 p.m. Cozy Sweater Film

Friday

• 9 a.m. Tai Chi
• 10:00 AM Veterans Assistance Initiative
• 10:00 AM Core Exercises and Flexibility Workouts
• 10:30 a.m. Cribbage
• 12:30 a.m. Antiques Appraisal
• 1 p.m. Cardio Drumming
• 1 p.m. Euchre