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For
the month of January, 2010, the Council Chamber of Commerce has chosen
the Council
Senior
Center
as the featured member of the month. The
Senior
Center
has been a loyal supporter of the
Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.
The center is located at 103 S. Main Street
in Council. Sarah Howerton, Senior Center
coordinator for the past 4 years, oversees the meals and programs that
are
provided according to the Older Americans Act.
She is assisted by Jerri Bowman, who has
been the center’s cook for
nearly four years (and substitute for a long time prior to that), and
Don
Mello, the center’s driver for several years.
<>This
non-profit organization provides many benefits and services to the
citizens of
Council and the surrounding area. Their
mission is ‘to help senior citizens stay independent by providing
nutritious
meals, social opportunities, and transportation’. The
employees’ salaries are covered by
government subsidy, but during 2009, only $3000 was provided toward the
center’s costs. This represents less
than 10% of the actual expenses during the year. Some
revenue comes from amounts collected for
congregate lunches, and fundraisers are held nearly every month to help
cover
expenses. But much of the cost of
providing meals and transportation to Council area seniors must be
covered by
private donations from citizens and businesses.
Anyone interested in helping, with
whatever donation you can afford, can
mail their check to PO
Box 495, Council, ID, 83612. <>
The
Senior
Center
is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Fridays, and congregate meals are served on these three days. Suggested donation for those 60 and over is
$4, all others the cost of lunch is $5.
All are welcome, and your $5 buys a hot,
nutritious meal served at a
reliable time. Meals can even be
delivered to addresses in town, as long as the call is made before 11AM. Transportation is also available on these
days, as well as Meals on Wheels delivery.
Seniors can get a ride to the congregate
meal, or to other destinations
by appointment (doctor appointments, shopping, etc).
In addition, the center schedules trips
periodically for shopping and other appointments to the Ontario area;
these trips are usually on
Thursdays.
<>
The
Meals on Wheels program is an important part of the Senior Center’s
mission. People age 60 and over who are
homebound can receive meals three days a week, at no charge (although
most of
these folks will pay what they can). The
meals can also be purchased for $5 by others who may need help, even if
they
don’t meet the age requirement for the no-cost meals.
This service really enhances quality of
life for
so many Adams
County
citizens.
<>
There
are a number of social activities to choose from. Bingo
has just started, and plans are to have
bingo nights twice every month. The next
Bingo night is January 22nd at 7 PM.
There will be snacks and beverages
available. If you like Pinochle, you can
join the group
on Tuesdays at 1PM. A new fitness class
is starting up, to help people improve their stability and balance. The class will be held Wednesdays at 10:30AM,
is open to all ages and abilities, and best of all it is free! There are a total of 4 volunteer instructors,
who can tailor all the exercises to fit even those with physical
limitations.
<>
The
annual membership drive is now in full swing.
For just $7.50, people 55 and older can
receive a 1 year membership in
the center, which gives them a voice in events and activities planned
by the
Senior Center Board of Directors.
Members also receive 1 free meal ticket
to be used any time, and ½ price
meals on the first Wednesday of each month.
In 2009, there were 123 members, which
is a big number for a community
the size of Council. Hopefully, 2010
membership numbers will be even higher.
Thank you to the Council Senior
Center
for all they do for our community!
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