CENTERVILLE — As we come into October, we remind you of the United Way Drive. We at the 18-80 Club depend heavily on it proceeds. This wonderful program is designed to help the non-profit organizations that do not get state or federal dollars. Our local United Way remembers the club very nicely, and we seniors appreciate them.

On Oct. 4 we had a meeting for the New Orleans trip this month. If you have missed this you should call as soon as possible.  

Tomorrow Oct. 7, we will have our beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, pickled beets, banana muffin and mandarin oranges lunch at 11 a.m. Yes we will serve a half hour early so the group of seniors wanting to attend the noon walking program on the square can attend. A group of 25 seniors are being shuttled from the club to the square for the “Healthiest State Initiative” efforts. We will also play bingo at 10:15 a.m. Plan on being early so you can get in on the first game. We will try to have three or four games, time permitting.  

Monday, Oct. 10 will be the first day to sign up for the casino trip this month. We did not get enough to take the bus in September so they will be the first to take the seats and what’s left will be limited so come in any time after 6:30 a.m. We will have space for only about 15 people.

Wednesday, Oct. 12 we will have our second flu clinic. Today it will run from 9-11 a.m. The Appanoose County Public Health nurses will be in giving the shots. Plan on bringing your Medical Card and secondary insurance card. A short form will need to be filled out prior to the vaccination. Today we will also have our birthday party with movie starting at 9:30 a.m. Chicken dinner along with cake and ice cream will be served to the seniors that eat at the site.

Thursday, Oct. 13 we will have our evening birthday party with co-op and bingo at 5 p.m. Bring in your favorite covered dish and table service and the beverages will be furnished.  

Saturday, Oct. 15, 52 local seniors will be off to New Orleans for a nine-day trip to see the Big Easy. We have hotel rooms just a few blocks from the French Quarter, so lots of touring will be done by the group as well as individuals. It will be so nice to have five days in the surrounding area.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 we will have our Chef Charles Program at 10:30 a.m. Gail will be in giving the program with nutritional information as well as active exercises for seniors program. Our chicken dinner will follow the program at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 will be our Wii Bowling tournament. It will start with the first bracket at 10 a.m. Four people will participate in each bracket and bowl until all brackets are finished. The winner of each bracket will play against each other to determine the winner of the month. September winner was Lorraine Mulcahy with a score of 209. High score went to Willa Dobbs with a 246. The winner of each bracket and the high score person receives a variety of gifts and the winner receives a five day meal ticket and gifts as well as the traveling trophy for the month. It has been requested by several that we have two tournaments a month and I think that’s just a great idea, so we will be looking into starting this in November. We will plan it for the second Tuesday and the last Tuesday of each month.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 we will have our Caregivers program at 11:15 a.m. followed by the chicken dinner at 11:30 a.m. A reminder that your Medicare Part D changes are able to be done earlier this year. Stop in and discuss options of how this can be done or come to the meal today and learn more.

Thursday, Oct. 27 is our Lakeside Casino trip. The motor coach will depart at 9 a.m. and return home at 5 p.m. Cost for the day is only $18 per person and each receives a free lunch buffet with $10 loaded on your card to play with.

Monday, Oct. 31 is Halloween and we will be having a very special party. The day will start with games at 11 a.m. Costumes are not required, however, prizes will be awarded if you choose to participate. Call and make reservations prior to the day so we know how many to cook for.

Looking into the month of November we will have the ability, to participate in a program called “A Matter of Balance.” Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.

You will learn to:

•View falls as controllable

•Set goals for increasing activities

•Make changes to reduce fall risks at home

•Exercise to increase strength and balance

Who Should Attend?

•Anyone concerned about falls

•Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength

•Anyone who has fallen in the past

•Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns

The class will be held at the club three times a week for three weeks. Each class is two hours long and will run from 9-11 a.m. Classes will begin on Nov. 1 and run until Nov. 16. Trained professional leaders will host this session and the registration fee is only $10 perperson. Forms are available today so come in and get your spot reserved. If you have questions, feel free to call.

In November I will also update you on the roof project and discuss the siding needs. Lots of devoted seniors have worked hard to make this project a reality. Thanks to all for your wonderful efforts.