Seniors had another opportunity to socialize and play some
spirited rounds of Bingo at the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency
in Newberry. The sprightly group also had a delicious meal prepared by agency
personnel.
With the Olympics as this month’s theme, Bingo players
yelled out such alternatives as a sport – i.e. swimming, fencing, rowing, etc.;
a country other than the United States – i.e. Kazakhstan, Britain, Canada,
etc.; and finally – U.S.A. Those who forgot and shouted Bingo had to pass their
prize on to a tablemate.
Participants were rewarded with food prizes that included
everything from Golden Oreos to burpless cucumbers donated by a local grower
especially for the senior luncheon. Two 50-25-25 drawing winners got a whopping
$40 each.
Seniors also heard about the U.P. Area on Aging 2012 44th
Annual U.P. Senior Citizen’s Convention & Expo, set for Sept. 18 from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.P State Fairgrounds exhibition building in Escanaba.
Seniors can play bingo from 9 a.m. 11:30 a.m. According to a flyer available at
the luncheon, for a $7 donation, seniors can enjoy a Wild, Wild West themed day
that includes entertainment, health screenings, Wild West costume contest, with
a $100 first place prize, and more. Seniors interested in participating can get
more information by dialing 2-1-1.
Local organizer Marie Nicholson also talked about Project
Fresh coupons. This program provides coupons good for purchasing locally grown
produce at area farmers markets. To qualify for Project Fresh a recipient must
be 60 years of age or older, have a total household income of 185% of poverty
or less and live in the county where the coupons are issued. Income
requirements are no more than $1,679 per month for a one-person household and
$2,268 per month for a two-person household. If you qualify, contact the C-L-M
CCA at 293-5621 to find out how to get coupons.
Community Care Connections will be at the American Legion
Hall, 7964 Newberry Ave. in Newberry on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The
group offers free help and services that includes information on housing;
health care and social benefits; resume writing and job assistance; adult
education services; health screenings and information; immunizations
information; nutrition and budgeting; hair cuts; school clothing, a free mini
store; and a gift bag. Attendees can get a free meal from 11:30 a.m. until 1
p.m.
The local agency also has money to purchase wood, propane or
fuel oil. A list of documents that are needed to get the assistance was
provided at the luncheon/Bingo event. Funds are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Again, those who may qualify should get their paperwork
together and call Nicholson at 293-5621 to set up an appointment.
Another opportunity was mentioned at the luncheon. UPCAP
(Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress) is actively seeking volunteer
coaches to help those with balance problems. Participants learn to view falls
as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall
risks at home and how to exercise to increase strength and balance. The class
is set for Sept. 5-6, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Sault Sainte Marie. Those
interested should call Tonya LaFave or Sherry Whitman toll free at
1-800-338-7227 by Aug. 29 to register form the two-day affair.
These monthly get-togethers never fail to entertain and are
extremely popular with area seniors, as the accompanying photographs attest.
The next luncheon/Bingo is set for Sept. 7. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m., with
lunch served at noon. Suggested donation is $5 for seniors 60 and older and $7
for those under the age of 60. Those wishing to purchase tickets for the
50-25-25 can do so by forking over only $2 for three chances to win. And, if
you do not win the cash prize, you can still get other booty when other tickets
are drawn.
Community Action’s Villemure Dining Room only holds 98 people. When last week’s luncheon ended, the sign-up sheet for the Sept. 7 luncheon already contained almost 50 names! Call 293-5621 today to reserve your spot at this fun event. 
