EATON — The Preble County Council on Aging offices, Preble County Senior Center, and Decade’s Diner will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of President’s Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Northern Connection
The Northern Connection “Lunch & Learn” meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Paul United Methodist Church, located at 301 E. Main Street in New Paris. The Northern Connection is a partnership between the Preble County Council on Aging and the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Lunch is served at no charge (donations are welcome) followed by either a speaker on a topic of interest, or entertainment. Information is also available on services provided by the Preble County Council on Aging. Everyone is welcome to attend. February’s entertainment will be Glen Parks – providing strolling banjo music. For more information, contact the St. Paul United Methodist Church at 937-437-8484, the Preble County Council on Aging at 937-456-4947, or visit the Northern Connection Facebook page.
The Coffee Lover’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Preble County Senior Center. In February we will be reading “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. 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.
Old Time Movie
Join us on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Preble County Senior Center, 800 East St. Clair Street in Eaton, for the classic movie, “Viva Las Vegas!” This classic Elvis Presley musical features Elvis as race car driver Lucky Jackson who goes to Las Vegas to earn money to pay for a new engine for his motor car. Working as a waiter, he still finds the time to court young Rusty Martin – played by Ann-Margaret.
Stop by for Coffee & Cookies!
Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Preble County Senior Center for a cup of hot coffee and some delicious cookies. This is the perfect opportunity to socialize with old friends and make some new friends.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. for the Alzheimer’s Support Group, held at the Preble County Senior Center, 800 East St. Clair Street in Eaton. The support group is sponsored and hosted by Heartland of Eaton. The support group meets the third Wednesday of each month. Call 937-456-4947 for additional information.
Celebrate Your Birthday
A “Birthday Bash” will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the Preble County Senior Center. Seniors celebrating birthdays in the months of January and February are encouraged to attend, but all are welcome regardless of your birthday month. This will be a fun afternoon, complete with birthday cake.
HEAP Winter Crisis Program 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. The HEAP Winter Crisis Program runs through March 31.
Senior Companionship Program
The Companionship Program at the Preble County Council on Aging helps community seniors stay in their homes and live independently by providing assistance with tasks of daily living and offering friendship and emotional support. Services provided include an in-home companion and/or a daily telephone reassurance call. For more information on these available services, contact Bev at 937-456-4947.
There are two different levels of volunteers needed:
– Preble County Senior Center Volunteer: Provide in-home assistance or telephone calls. You can volunteer as often or as little as you like. You will be responsible for recording your volunteer hours and mileage on a monthly basis. Mileage is reimbursed at $.50/mile. For more information or to complete a volunteer application, contact Stacey at 937-456-4947.
– Graceworks Volunteer: Provide in-home assistance. Required to attend a 20 hour start-up training at the senior center and one 4-hour in-service each month. You will earn a stipend of $2.65/hour (tax free) and $.30/mile. You must “work” at least 15 hours/week in the clients home. To volunteer in the Graceworks program, you must be 55 or older and your income must be lower than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. For more information or to complete an application, contact Bev at 937-456-4947.
Senior Center Mini-Trips
The Preble County Senior Center plans mini-trips for individuals who want a shorter, less strenuous travel day. Ten-seat passenger vans or smaller motor coaches are used for most mini-trips. Descriptive flyers are available at the Senior Center for 2016 Mini-Trips. Pick up and return to your home is available upon request. A sampling of the mini-trips scheduled so far for 2016 include: Tuesday, April 5 – Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield, Ohio; Tuesday, April 19 – Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Township, Ohio; Tuesday, May 24 – Dayton Dragons Evening Game (sponsored in part by The Knolls of Oxford); Wednesday, June 15 – Miami Valley Military History Museum; and Thursday, June 30 – “The Lion King” at the Schuster Theatre (sponsored in part by Arbor Trace). Call Cookie at 937-456-4947 for more information or stop by the Senior Center to pick up a flyer.
Senior Center Motor Coach Trips
The Preble County Senior Center has the following motor coach trips planned for this year: Wednesday, May 4 – Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants day game; Wednesday, May 18 – Presidential Luncheon in Marion, Ohio; Tuesday, July 19 – Rising Star Casino; and Tuesday, August 2 – Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals evening game. Call Cookie at 937-456-4947 for more information or stop by the Senior Center to pick up a flyer.
Join Us at the 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 1950’s 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.
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 at www.prebleseniorcenter.org or the Preble County Council on Aging Facebook page.
