MIDDLETOWN SENIOR CENTER

We are here to serve the seniors of our community.

Lori Tourville, Executive Director

Director's Monthly Message

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “It takes a village”. That usually refers to parenting. I never felt a village was rearing my children. At least, no one else was contributing to their college fund. I was, as all other parents, raising them to the best of my abilities.

To where “it takes a village” really applies is in the daily functions of a senior center. Without our volunteers, the cost of funding salaries for all of you who contribute your time and energy would be prohibitive. At least it would be prohibitive without a “sugar daddy” with unlimited funds.

To our Drivers: Wow! You are here each day as a life line to many seniors unable to cook or drive to a grocery store.

To our Servers: Wow! You make it possible for our seniors to dine with dignity. No dropping plates in the buffet line. It is not an easy feat to balance a knife, spoon, fork, plate piled high, napkin, along with a cane or walker.

To all of our other volunteers: Wow! You assist with all of those hidden tasks which arise each day—cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning, raising funds in the Thrift Store, offering entertainment through videos and books, teaching classes, supplying music, supplying fresh vegetables via our garden, notifying our birthday seniors of their birthday month luncheon, greeting our seniors before lunch, delivering mail, and supplying us with photos to eternalize our events.

And to our “other” volunteers who donate their time and expertise, also known as our Board of Directors, another WOW.

It was Tessie and my pleasure to recently have spoiled you for a change. Keep up the great work. You are appreciated.

Lori

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Come visit

our Thrift Store

Lots of Good Stuff!

Remember the Thrift Store’s monthly raffle. Featured are photographs by Lozja Mattas. Her work is on display in the Thrift Store. (A real must see.)

Check out the current selection at the greeter’s table. The raffles will be held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Luncheon Club lunches. Tickets are on sale for $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. Inquire in the Thrift Store.

Need not be present to win.

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Tessie Espinosa, Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper

HICAP

Provides free and objective information and assistance in dealing with Medicare, Medi-Cal, HMO's , long term care insurance and other health insurance issues. HICAP provides two main services - individual counseling and community education presentations. Local appoints are available with a registered volunteer. To schedule a one-on-one counseling appoint with a HICAP counselor, call 1-800-434-0222, ext. 117.

Information

and Assistance

A free service for seniors 60 and older in Lake and Mendocino counties, linking older individuals and their caregivers to appropriate community resources available to meet their needs. Senior I & A will help you know about area services and whether you qualify.

Senior Hot Line Available: 1-800-510-2020

Senior Legal Assistance

The program provides free legal assistance, education, advice, counseling and representation to Lake & Mendocino county seniors in the following areas:

*Elder Abuse

*Housing Rights

*Public Benefits (health, income & supportive services)

*Consumer Protection and Debt

*Incapacity and long-term care

Legal Services of Northern California

421 N. Oak Street

Ukiah, CA. 95482

Board MinutesBoard Minutes

Nutrition Snippet

HOW TO KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY

Although you may not be able to fully prevent a cold or flu this season, a healthy immune system is one way to give your body extra protection. Focusing on nutrient-rich foods and healthy lifestyle behaviors can help you and your family stay a step ahead of germs this season.

Immune-Boosting Nutrients—The following nutrients play a role in the immune system and can be found in a variety of foods:

· Beta Carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli, and tomatoes.

· Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli.

· Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Milk and 100% juices that are fortified with vitamin D also are sources of this important nutrient.

· Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources such as beef and seafood, but also is in vegetarian sources such as wheat germ, beans, nuts, and tofu.

· Probiotics are “good” bacteria that promote health. They can be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt and in fermented foods such as kimchi.

· Protein comes from both animal and plant-based sources, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils.

Focus on Balance—To help keep your immune system healthy all year long, focus on a balanced eating plan, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Aim for five to seven servings of vegetables and fruits daily to get immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Good hygiene and hand-washing help prevent the spread of germs.

Remember to wash produce before eating or using in recipes.

Clean glasses, forks, spoons, and other utensils to reduce the spread and growth of bacteria.