The Minnesota River Region Agency on Aging provides advice, information, resources and assistance so seniors can maintain the lifestyle of their choice. To learn more about this and other presentations and training the MNRAAA has to offer, visit
Live chat with a specialist is also available online at
.
SAIL: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Willmar Community Center, free, all levels. The Stay Active and Independent for Life program uses strength and balance exercises to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis by increasing muscle strength, balance and bone density.
55+ driving lessons: This class offered by the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center will save you up to 10% on your car insurance. Completion of an eight-hour course entitles you to the discount. To keep the discount, you must complete a four-hour refresher every three years. The course covers defensive driving tips, changes in laws, vehicle technology and road safety. It is also available online at
. Pre-registration required, online at
or call
. Courses set in the West Central Tribune area include
- Refresher course, Jan. 12, 12:30-4:30 p.m., $24, Jefferson Learning Center, Willmar.
- First class: Jan. 13 and Jan. 16, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., $28, Jefferson Learning Center, Willmar.
- First-time classes: March 9 and March 20, 5-9 p.m., $28, Jefferson Learning Center, Willmar.
LinkAge Senior Line: A free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, the Senior LinkAge Line is the state health insurance assistance program and Senior Medicare Patrol for Minnesota. Seniors can contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays to receive help with questions about Medicare and health insurance, help to find services to stay at home or to pay for medication. Make sure you have a complete list of prescription medications and dosages.
Disability Hub MN: A free, statewide resource network that helps with troubleshooting, navigating the system, and planning for the future. The team knows the ins and outs of community resources and government programs, and has years of experience helping people put them together. Call 1-866-333-2466 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or find email and live chat options at
.
Coffee chat: This statewide telephone chat line for seniors is open from 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays. Call toll free at 877-238-2282. It is staffed by volunteers who understand the needs and challenges of the senior population and are dedicated to alleviating loneliness and social isolation among seniors. Volunteers can offer words of encouragement and understanding and provide information about support and resources available in the person’s community. Calls are free. Caller privacy is a priority, and the only information requested will be the first name. Line users can call as often as they like.
Meals on Wheels LSS: Hot meals at home are delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A frozen meal is available for the next day or the weekend. Meals are available for people who cannot cook for themselves due to age, disability, illness or recent discharge from hospital. In addition to the regular meal, two special diet meals are available. The cost is $8.75 and includes milk. People 60 and over can contact LSS to see if they qualify for a reduced price. Order before noon the weekday before the day of delivery by calling 320-737-0985. The menu is available on the website
.
Willmar Senior Dining Room: Meals are served at 11:30 a.m. weekdays and can also be picked up curbside at the Community Center. Meals are open to people aged 60 and over. Suggested donation of $5 per meal. Call 320-262-5288 before noon the day before and leave a message. The menu is available on the City of Willmar website
under Community Center.
Lutheran Social Service: Frozen, shipped meals are available for seniors statewide through the LSS Meals to Go service. Each shipment includes 14 frozen meals and the cost is approximately $9 per meal, which includes shipping. . The cost is covered for Minnesotans who use one of five waiver programs. Meals are also available for anyone in Minnesota who could benefit from healthy meals shipped directly to their home. Order meals on the site
or call 800-488-4146.
Keep reading for more of this week’s calendar items under related content.
The American Red Cross is holding blood drives in the Midwest. To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health. You can donate blood every 56 days. Double red blood cells can be donated every 112 days. Although all blood types are required, type O and type B negative donors are especially encouraged to donate.
Appointments can be made at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org. All donors require acceptable identification. The preferred form is government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a Red Cross blood donor card. Otherwise, you will need to provide two other pieces of identification, such as a work ID, social security card, personal check, or credit card. Personalized mail such as a utility bill will not be accepted.
The blood drives scheduled for the Tribune area are:
Dec. 21 Paynesville: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paynesville Area High School
Dec. 23, Oliver: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Max’s Grill
Dec. 28, New London: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open Christian Church
Dec. 29 Willmar: 1 to 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church
Jan. 3, Sacred Heart: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Center
Jan. 4, granite scraps: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Prairie’s Edge Casino
Jan. 9, Bird Island: 1 to 6 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church
January 9, Willmar: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Assembly of God
Jan. 10 Appletons: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Appleton Area Health
Jan. 17 Glenwood: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Glenwood Lutheran Church
Jan. 17 Willmar: 1 to 7 p.m., Eagle Lake Lutheran Church
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