December 2014

THE SCOOP
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H E L P ING

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Upcoming Events

Pg 2,
4

Bits & Pieces

Pg 3

Senior Lunch Report

Pg 6

Calendar

Pg 7

Lunch Menu

Pg 8

6 7 0 2 6

EA C H O THE R B EA T TH E HO L IDA Y B LU E S !

While the holiday season is a festive time for many, it can cause depression for seniors who've lost loved ones or are having health or financial problems.
For some seniors, this despondency can lead to suicide, according to the American
Geriatrics Society, which noted that the 2004 suicide rate for Americans over the age
of 65 was 14 per 100,000.
The society offers seniors some tips on how to avoid feeling blue during the holidays:
Get out and about. Ask family and friends for help traveling to parties and events
or invite family and friends to your home.
Volunteer. Helping others can be a great mood lifter. Contact local schools,
churches, synagogues and mosques to find out about volunteer opportunities.
Don't drink too much alcohol, which can lower your spirits.
Accept and express your feelings. There's nothing wrong with not feeling happy
during the holidays -- many people feel the same way. Talking about your feelings
can help you understand why you feel the way you do.
Recognize the signs of depression, which include: sadness that won't lift; loss of
interest or pleasure; changes in appetite and weight; sleeping much more than
normal; crying often; feeling restless or tired all the time; feeling worthless, helpless or guilty; slowed thinking; thoughts of death or suicide.
If you notice that an older loved one seems depressed, lend a hand by offering to help
them with shopping, transportation and preparations for get-togethers in their homes,
the society advises. Encourage your loved one to talk about how he or she is feeling
and acknowledge their difficult feelings.
You should also encourage your loved one to talk to a health-care provider. Many
older people don't realize when they're depressed. If you believe an older loved one is
depressed, tell them depression is a medical illness that can be treated and managed.

D E CE MB E R B I RT HDAYS
H O W O LD W O ULD YO U B E I F YO U D I D N ' T KN O W HO W O LD YO U AR E ? S AT CH E L P A I G E

Don Watt 12/05

Virginia McSwain 12/06
Barbara Callaway 12/07
Verla Wells 12/07
Cindy Eason 12/09
Ruby Morehead 12/12

Dorothy Erwin 12/12

Janet Amerine 12/17
William Titterington 12/18
Ardena Matlack 12/20
Peggy Chitwood 12/20
Barbara Caddy 12/21
Carla Butterfield 12/22

Ron DeWeese 12/22

Fran Nickels 12/23
Linda Whitney 12/24
Ester Murphey 12/28
Shirley Tarrant 12/31
Aaron Finney 12/31

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Schedule of
Events

12-5 Planning
Meeting

12-6 Red Cross

Blood Drive

12-9 Carry In
Lunch
12-11 Center
Closed due to
being rented.

12-18 Christmas caroling

12-24,25 Center Closed

UPCOMING EVENTS

Blood Pressure Checks

Has your Dr told you to monitor your blood presChristmas Carry-In-Lunch
sure? Do you not have a blood pressure machine at
Join us for a great lunch made by the best cooks in
home? Stop by the Center to have your blood prestown. We will have Gartens Music here to provide
sure checked for free
music and talk about music lessons. We ask that
everyone brings in a dish to share and a plate and
Date: Every Monday
utensils. The event is free but donations are acceptTime: 10 am 12 noon
ed.
Location: Center Main Room
Date: Tuesday, December 9th
Cost: Free
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: Main room at Center
Morning Coffee
Cost: Free but donations for meat are appreciated Have you been looking for a place to come have
as this will be our Christmas dinner.
morning coffee and visit with friends? The Center
Biscuits & Gravy breakfast
All you can eat Biscuits & gravy made by Center
volunteers. This is open to ALL age groups. It is a
nice place to come feed the family when you dont
feel like cooking.
*NO BISCUITS & GRAVY IN DECEMBER*
We will pick back up in January.

Painting Group
Come down and paint with friends. This group is
for people who already know how to paint. Please
call the Center first to register.
Date: Every Monday
Day: Monday
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Art & Crafts
room
Cost: Free
Tai Chi & Exercise Class
Tai Chi is a Chinese system of slow meditative
physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health. Come down and enjoy this class
which is taught by Lew Kellogg.
All ages welcome!
Date: Every Tuesday & Friday
Time: 8:45 am
Location: Centers Main Room
Cost: $8 per month

is now offering morning coffee. This is open to

everyone. We will have a donation jar out for coffee.
Date: Every Wednesday morning
Time: 9:00 amuntil you are
done
Location: Centers Main Room
Cost: donations for coffee

BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Whitlow will be leading a Bible Study on
Mondays here at the Center. The group is now
going through the book of Acts.
Date: Every Monday
Location: Craft Room
Time 9:30 am

BINGO
Come down and play BINGO with friends. There
will be plenty of prizes to chose from. Bring a
friend and come play some good ol fashion BINGO.
Date: Friday, December 19th
Location: Main Room
Time 1:00 pm
Cost: .25 per card

December 2014

Page 3

C HR I S TM A S M AG I C C O O K IE B A R S
Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Unwrap butter and place in 13" x 9" pan. Place pan, with butter, in the oven and turn the

1 stick butter (1/2

cup)
One 14 oz Can Of
Sweetened Condensed
Milk
1 & 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup Holiday or
regular chocolate chips
(divided into 1/2 cup
portions)
1 cup chopped nuts
(I prefer walnuts)
1 cup Holiday or
regular M&M's (divided
into 1/2 cup portions)
1 & 1/2 cups flaked coconut

oven on to 350*F. Butter can melt in pan while preheating. Keep an eye on it, checking every few minutes and pulling out of the oven when butter is melted. Please be careful while
preparing recipe as pan will be very hot.
2. Crush graham crackers in a food processor to create graham cracker crumbs (or buy
crumbs).
3. When butter is melted, remove pan from oven
and carefully sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs
over the melted butter. Press in lightly with fork or
back of spoon.
4. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the crumb
layer.
5. Sprinkle 1/2 of the chocolate chips, 1/2 of the
M&M's & the nuts over the sweetened condensed
milk layer. Sprinkle coconut on top, followed by remaining chocolate chips & M&M's.
Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly
browned. Remove from oven. Allow bars to cool
completely. Slice, give and enjoy!

B I T S & P I E CE S
SAFE HOUSE NEEDS
Betty Jo Embry who works with the Safe
House in Wichita, KS, states that there is a
need for small snack items that homeless children can put in their back packs. Also there is
a need for boys and mens pants and blankets.
If you would like to donate some items they
may be dropped off at the Senior Center.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
If you would be interested in being a volunteer
driver for our Meals on Wheels program in
Clearwater please contact Cindy at 620-5842332. We are currently needing back up drivers for when others can not make it.
BUNKO PLAYERS
Calling all BUNKO players. We are getting

closer and closer to colder months and we

have some Seniors who are interested in
learning how to play BUNKO. It is a nice
activity for inside. If you are interested
please call 620-584-2332.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are wanting to start some new activities
here at the Senior Center. In order to do this
we will need some leaders to step up and
lead the class. We are needing the following
people.
A singing instructor. (ex. Retired music
or choir teacher)
A painting instructor.
BUNKO instructor/player.
If interested please call 620-584-2332.

B YO D S A M E

E V E N T , N E W NA M E

BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, will be taking the place of

our Computer Help. Each Thursday, minus the 2nd Thursday of the month we offer time for people to come in and get
help with their computer. We can help with laptops, tablets,
smart phones, digital picture frames, GPS, you name it and
we can probably help you understand it. If we cant figure it
out we can usually find someone who can. If you are interested in learning how to use your device efficiently then stop by
on a Thursday morning at 9 am and lets see what we can figure out.

Volunteers, a
precious resource
we can not afford to
lose
-Denise Penn

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THE SCOOP

UPCOMING EVENTS
Square Dancing Class
City of Clearwater Senior
Community Center
Mission Statement:

With all its moving, twisting, and turning, square dancing provides more than the daily
dose of heart- and bone-healthy physical activity. John Chitwood
will again be leading a class that will teach the basics of square
dancing. This class is closed to new students after November 28th
but you are free to come watch.

The Clearwater Senior/Community Center is here to provide, maintain, and expand to the Community the social, educational, physical, nutritional, health,
recreational, spiritual, and intellectual
well being of each senior in our community.

Date: Every Friday

Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Main Room
Cost: donations for coffee

Goals:

1. Keep and Maintain a warm and friendly center.

2. To increase the activities and growth
at the Center.
3. To maintain the newsletter promoting
all activities at the Center.

Objectives:

1. Improve community involvement by

newsletter, telephone, email, TV access
channel with information on all Senior
Activities.
2. Implement new ideas, programs, and
activities as they develop.
3. Maintain and keep accurate records of
attendance.
4. Maintain current facility and plan for
growth.

Staff
Clearwater Senior Community
Center
Pamela Riggs,
Director
Farol McMillan
Administrative Assistant

Advisory Committee Members

Terry Sullivan - Chairperson
Joan Fleming - Co-Chair
Barbara Hufford Member at Large
James Charles - Member at Large
Marlene Hand - Member at Large

Planning Committee Members

Marlene Parret - Secretary
Cheryl Wright Member
Farol McMillan - RSVP Program
Becky Estes Member

Clearwater Community Center

921 Janet Ave
Clearwater, KS 67026
620-584-2332
commcenter@sktc.net

Red Cross Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will be here to do a blood drive for our community. Some
things to remember when donating blood.

Have a light meal and plenty to drink.

Bring your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification.+
Bring the names of medications you are taking.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 9 am1 pm
Location: Main room

Christmas Lights Tour

We will be taking a school bus to Winfield, KS to look at the Isle of Lights. If you would
like to go please RSVP at the Center by calling 620-584-2332. The bus fills up quick so
make your reservations soon.
Date: Tuesday, December 16th
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: meet at the Center
Cost: $4 suggested donation.

Christmas Caroling
Join us as we drink hot cocoa and visit different neighborhoods and do some Christmas
caroling. If the weather is ok we will go to neighborhoods and carol otherwise we will
visit the nursing home and carol there. Dress warm!
Date: Thursday, December 18th
Time: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: meet at the Center

Crocheting Group
Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Come to a class and learn and make
some fun holiday presents. Open to ALL ages.
Date: Every Monday
Time: 7:00 pm8:00 pm

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THE SCOOP

M E DI C ARE P ART D C O UN SE L I NG
On Thursday, November 13th
we held a Medicare Part D counseling day here at the Community Center. We had 2 counselors
at the facility to help people
make decisions on their Part D
plan. Each year Medicare allows
people to take a look at their Part
D prescription drug plan. They
have the option to compare and
change to another plan if they

wish. So far this year the Clearwater Community Center has been
counseled 15 people and have
saved an average of $303.15 per
person per year! One Senior in
particular saved a total of
$3,100.32 a year! If you did not
get a chance this year to review
your plan, be sure to keep an eye
out next year for Part D Counseling here at the Center.

W H Y D O NATE B LO O D AND W H AT TO EX P E C T
You dont need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason. Some of us give blood because we
were asked by a friend.
Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
Some believe it is the right thing we do.
Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood
supply. And youll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.
Some Health Benefits
Did you know?
You will receive a mini physical to check your:
Pulse
Blood pressure
Body temperature
Hemoglobin
Donation ProcessTo get ready for your donation:
Hydrate. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids on the day of your donation.
Wear something comfortable. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled above the elbow.
Bring a list of medications you are taking: We will need to know about any prescriptions and/or over the counter
medications that may be in your system.
Bring an ID: Please bring either your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification.
Bring a friend: Bring along a friend, so that you may both enjoy the benefits of giving blood.
Relax: Blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure so there is nothing to worry about.
What happens to donated blood?

Blood Drive
Saturday, December
6th from 9am1pm
at the Clearwater
Community Center
921 Janet Ave.

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THE SCOOP

Senior Lunch Report

Tuesday, November 11th, 2014
Pam called the group to order. Marlene led reciting the Flag Salute and National Anthem. The November birthdays honored were Becky Estes and Cleta Cornett. Wayland Whitlow led the blessing for the
food. The Center furnished the turkey and Farol McMillan cooked it as well as gravy and dressings. May
other delicious side dishes were brought by the many people who attended.
Attorney Mike Brown, from Mulvane, was our first speaker. He spoke about Elder Law of Kansas. He
spoke on how we should all be planning on some form of long-term care of ourselves and other loved
ones. He offered basic information on home care and care home settings. He can be reached at his office
in Derby. He explained the potential costs of care home living. Explained about Medicare and Medicaid
status and requirements. Some of the things we need to be aware of are personal assets, need or a living
will, DPOA, health information, DNR, estate planning for those left behind.
Our next speakers were Matt McMillan and Scott Litwin who work for Stebbins roofing. They state we
should be checking the status of our roofs at least yearly. They told of the various types of roofing and the
capability to withstand the Kansas winds. When you are checking the requirement of roofers, make sure
they are able to furnish Kansas registration.
For our entertainment each person attending colored a picture of a turkey. Then they were judged by our
3 speakers while Marlene led us in some trivia questions on turkeys. Some trivia included: How long
should a frozen turkey be thawed? One day per 4 pounds, in the refrigerator. What are unhappy cranberries called? Blue berries! The 3 coloring winners were John Chitwood, Betty Jo Embry, and Mary Stafford. They each received a prize.
Announcements: The SHICK appointments for Medicare Part D are all filled up.
11-20 Trip to Benton to visit the Infinity Glass shop.
11-24 The local sewing group will be presenting a quilt of valor to a local Veteran at the Center.
12-6 Red Cross blood drive at the Center.
In December we will be caroling and touring Christmas lights. Betty Embry asked for donations of blankets for the homeless children in Wichita. These can be brought to the Center of the First Baptist church.
Sue Koenig from the library told of several on going activities happening there.
Kent Brown told of upcoming work in the city at Tracy and Ross and along north 4th st. Also the continued work on 135th north of town.
Marlene Parret, Secretary

28

Blood pressure ck
10am-noon
Bible Study 9:30 am
Painting 1pm-3pm
Crochet group 7pm

29

Blood pressure ck
10am-noon
Bible Study 9:30 am
Painting 1pm-3pm
Crochet group 7pm

22

Blood pressure ck
10am-noon
Bible Study 9:30 am
Painting 1pm-3pm
Crochet group 7pm

Blood pressure ck
10am-noon
Bible Study 9:30 am
Painting 1pm-3pm
Crochet group 7pm

15

21

Mon

Blood pressure ck
10am-noon
Bible Study 9:30 am
Painting 1pm-3pm
Crochet group 7pm

14

Sun

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
AA/Al Anon 7-9 pm

Tue

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
AA/Al Anon 7-9 pm

30

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
AA/Al Anon 7-9 pm

23

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
AA/Al Anon 7-9 pm
Lights tour in Winfield
5pm

16

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
Carry In Lunch noon
AA/Al Anon 7-9 pm

Wed

CENTER CLOSED

Morning Coffee 9am

Quilting group 7pm

31

24

Morning Coffee 9am

Quilting group 7pm

17

Morning Coffee 9am

Quilting group 7pm

10

Morning Coffee 9am

Quilting group 7pm

3
BYOD 9am
AA 7pm-9pm

Thu

25 CENTER CLOSED

BYOD 9am
AA 7pm-9pm
Christmas Caroling 56:30 pm

18

Center rented during

hours of 11am 1pm
AA 7pm-9pm

11

~ December 2014 ~
Fri

Sat

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
Square Dancing 7pm

26

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
BINGO 1pm
Square Dancing 7pm

19

Tai Chi 8:45 am

Exercise 10:00 am
Square Dancing 7pm

12

Planning Mtg 10 am

27

20

13

6
Tai Chi 8:45 am
Red Cross Blood
Exercise 10:00 am
Drive
Square Dancing 7pm
9 am 1 pm

MONDAY
BEEF STROGANOFF
BUTTERED CORN
DINNER ROLL
FROSTED CAKE
MILK

LASAGNA
ITALIAN VEGETABLE
GARLIC BREAD
CHEESECAKE
MILK

CHILI
CINNAMON ROLL
MILK

PIZZA
TOSSED GREEN SALAD
ICE CREAM SANDWICH
MILK

BEEF STROGANOFF
BUTTERED CORN
DINNER ROLL
FROSTED CAKE
MILK

Clearwater Nursing & Rehab.

TUESDAY
CHICKEN & NOODLES
MASHED POTATOES
GREEN BEANS
APPLE PIE
MILK

CHICKEN & NOODLES

MASHED POTATOES
GREEN BEANS
APPLE PIE
MILK

SALISBURY STEAK
BAKED POTATO
BAKED ZUCCHINI
DINNER ROLL
FROSTED CAKE
MILK

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

MASHED POTATOES
GREEN BEANS
DINNER ROLL
APPLE CRISP
MILK

23

30

10

FRIDAY

TURKEY TETRAZZINI
MILK

DECEMBER 2014
THURSDAY

POT ROAST
BOILED POTATOES
ROOT VEGETABLES
BREAD
PUMPKIN BAR
MILK

11

OVEN FRIED FISH

RED BLISS POTATOES
COLE SLAW
DINNER ROLL
STRAWBERRY PARFAIT
MILK

3
4
GLAZED PORK CHOP
CENTER RENTED
WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES
*ONLY HOMEBOUND MEALS WILL APPLE SAUCE
BE SERVED THIS DAY
SPICE CAKE
MILK

CHILI FRITO PIE

TOPPINGS
CINNAMON ROLL
MILK

(menu is subject to change)

WEDNESDAY
ROAST BEEF SANDWICH
MASHED POTATOES
GLAZED CARROTS
GOLDEN PEACH CRUMBLE
MILK

ROAST BEEF SANDWICH

MASHED POTATOES
GLAZED CARROTS
GOLDEN PEACH CRUMBLE
MILK

31

24

25

16
17
18
BREADED SHRIMP
CHRISTMAS EVE CENTER CLOSED
CHRISTMAS CENTER CLOSED POTATO WEDGES
*ONLY HOMEBOUND MEALS WILL *ONLY HOMEBOUND MEALS WILL BROCCOLI SALAD
BE SERVED THIS DAY
BE SERVED THIS DAY
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
MILK

PORK STIR FRY

VEGGIES
RICE
MANDARIN ORANGES
MILK

1
2
HOT TURKEY SANDWICH
CARRY IN LUNCH
HARVEST BEETS
AT THE CENTER
PUMPKIN PIE
*ONLY HOMEBOUND MEALS WILL MILK
BE SERVED THIS DAY

15

22

29

12

19

26

December 2014

Page 9

On Thursday, November 20th, a group of 5 members

took a trip to Benton, KS to have lunch at the
Stearman's Bar and Grill which is placed along the run
way of an airport. They then traveled to Infinity Glass
and watched the glass being blown and formed by hand
by artist Scott. All who attended said it was a great
time. Keep an eye out for future trips.

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