EATON — HEAP assistance is available. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency’s Office of Community Assistance (OCA).
It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. If you are eligible for assistance, the amount of your one-time HEAP benefit will depend on federal funding levels, how many people live with you, total household income, and the primary fuel you use to heat your home. In most cases, the one-time benefit will be a credit applied to your energy bill by your utility company (or fuel vendor). Bev Shindeldecker, Preble County Council on Aging I&R Specialist, is available to help seniors determine eligibility, complete paperwork, and answer questions regarding HEAP. You can make an appointment to meet with Bev by calling 937-456-4947 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Medicare open enrollment
Every year, Medicare’s open enrollment period is Oct. 15-Dec. 7. If you are in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, you should always review the materials your plans send you, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If your plans are changing, you should make sure your plans will still meet your needs for the following year. If your satisfied that your current plans will meet your needs for next year and it’s still being offered, you don’t need to do anything. For more information about Medicare Open Enrollment, contact Bev Shindeldecker (I&R Specialist at the Preble County Senior Center) at 937-456-4947.
Holiday Food Basket Donations Sought. Donations are being accepted for the Preble County Council on Aging Annual Holiday Food Baskets. The baskets will be distributed to seniors in need on Thursday, December 17. Donations of non-perishable items such as laundry soap, dish soap, napkins, canned goods to serve 1-2 people, and single-serve cereal packets such as oatmeal or cream of wheat are needed for the Holiday Food Baskets. Please note that any donation will be appreciated. Monetary donations are also requested. All monetary donations up to $1,200 will be matched by Stephen Hamm, Elizabeth Smith, and Barbara Weadick in memory of their parents, Joe and Hazel Hamm. Bring all donations by Friday, December 11 to the Preble County Senior Center between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Healthy Living Exercises. This is a fun, gentle exercise class that will focus on increasing lower body muscle tone that will aid in balance and fall prevention, improving posture, and upper body strength to help with alertness and reaction time. Led by instructor Betty Huff, Healthy Living Exercises take place every Wednesday in December from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Preble County Senior Center, located at 800 East St. Clair Street in Eaton. Advance registration is not needed to attend the class. For more information, contact Betty at 937-456-4947.
Music Club in Search of Members. Calling all musicians, singers, and anyone interested in music. The next meeting of the Preble County Senior Center Music Club will take place on Thursday, December 3 at 10:00 a.m. at The Grange, located at 500 Nation Avenue, Eaton. The Music Club meets the 1st Thursday of every month. For more information, call the Senior Center at 937-456-4947.
You Are Invited to “Fun Friday”! The December “Fun Friday” will take place on Friday, December 4 at 12 noon at The Grange, located at 500 Nation Avenue in Eaton. This month’s theme is “Happy Holidays!” and we will celebrate with food and entertainment. Tickets are $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members. Purchase your ticket in advance at the Preble County Council on Aging.
Join Us For Grab Bag Bingo! This month’s Grab Bag Bingo will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Preble County Senior Center. Sponsored by Arbor Trace, Grab Bag Bingo will guarantee lots of fun!
The Coffee Lover’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Preble County Senior Center. The selected book for December 10 is “I Am the Messenger” by Markus Zusack. If you enjoy morning coffee and like books, you are welcome to join us. The Coffee Lover’s Book Club meets the second Thursday of each month. Call 937-456-4947 for more information.
Quilt Raffle Fundraiser
This beautiful full-size scrap quilt was pieced together by the “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” sewing group at the Senior Center. It was quilted by volunteer Janice Lawson. The quilt is on display at the Senior Center. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Preble County Senior Center. The drawing will be held on Friday, Dec. 11. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Tickets may be purchased at the Preble County Senior Center located at 800 East St. Clair Street in Eaton. For more information, call 937-456-4947.
Thursday Night Weekly Dance
The Thursday Night Dance is held from 5-8 p.m. at The Grange at 501 Nation Avenue, Eaton. The Silvertones, a local band from Camden, will provide an enjoyable evening of classic rock & roll and country music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Band members include Michael Powers on piano; Mike Buckley, lead guitar; Danny Witt, bass; and Gary “Pete” Peters on drums. The dance features delicious food, with a $1 menu, a 50/50 drawing, and door prizes. Admission is $3 per individual/$5 per couple. Join us for a fun evening!
Have you visited the Decade’s Diner for lunch? If not, you are missing out on this unique location with its distinctive 1950s decor and memorabilia, including a juke box and graffiti wall. Located at the Preble County Senior Center, 800 East St. Clair Street in Eaton, the Decade’s Diner is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Chose from the daily special, combo, or the regular menu. Don’t forget to order one of the delicious homemade desserts! The Decade’s Diner is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Carry-out is available. Call 937-456-4947 to place your order.
Volunteers Needed
The Preble County Council on Aging needs volunteers to help deliver meals to seniors and homebound individuals in the county. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday, except holidays. Volunteer drivers work two to three hours a day delivering meals in their personal vehicle. Volunteer drivers have a dedicated route and can work one, two or more days per week or just one day per month. Adult drivers of any age are eligible to volunteer. Volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursement. If you would like to volunteer or need more information, please call Ashley Bowers, at 937-456-4947.
Many exciting events, trips, and activities are planned for seniors in Preble County in coming months. Check out our website or Facebook pages for the latest news. Membership at the Senior Center is only $10 a year. In addition to other benefits, members automatically receive our bi-monthly “Senior Scene” newsletter, which features all the latest news. The menu is also included in the newsletter. Visit our website for more information: www.prebleseniorcenter.org.
