Crawford COA: March activities and updates

CRAWFORD COUNTY- The Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center would like to invite you to participate in any of the following activities at our location, 308 Lawndale Street, Grayling.

AARP Smart driver

• The AARP in conjunction with the Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center is offering the AARP Smart Driver Course. This two-day course will be held on May 9 and 10 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• This course is designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. You will learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. This should increase your confidence and improve awareness of situations. There are no tests to pass.
• The cost of the course is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members (all course materials are included in the cost). Participants need to pay the day of the first class with cash or check. A certificate will be issued, and some insurance companies offer a discount if you complete the course. Participants need to bring their valid Michigan driver’s license and AARP card if they have one.
• Come early and eat lunch at the COA from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Suggested donation for those age 60+ is $3.50 and price for those under 60 is $6.00. Please call the Commission on Aging at (989) 348-7123 to register.

Tai Chi

• The Crawford County Commission on Aging in partnership with Michigan State University Extension will be offering Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention starting in April, Tuesday & Thursdays from 9 – 10 a.m.
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention helps people with or without arthritis to improve balance, both mentally and physically, which helps significantly reduce the rate of falls experienced by older adults. Other benefits include improving relaxation, vitality, posture, and an improved immune system. Studies have shown that tai chi can reduce falls by nearly 70%. The program focuses on confidence building, which is linked closely to the reduced rate of falling.
• To register or if you have any questions, please call the COA at 989-348-7123.

Birthday Lunch

• The Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center would like to invite you to a monthly Birthday Lunch on Tuesday March 28t to celebrate the current month’s birthdays.
• Everyone is invited to celebrate with lunch plus cupcakes for dine in guests only. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Suggested donation for those age 60+ is $3.50 and price for those under 60 is $6.50.

Foot Care Clinic

• The Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center is offering a Foot Care Clinic on Monday, March 27 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Appointments are provided by Comfort Keepers where a nurse will soak the feet, trim and file toenails, lotion feet, provide foot care tips, and inspect feet for injury and circulation.
• The cost of the service is $25. This payment must be made at the time of booking to secure the appointment. Please bring your own towels (2) and a foot basin to soak feet.
• Call 989-348-7123 to make your appointment.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

• The Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter, offers a support group for friends and caregivers of people who have Alzheimer or other related dementias. This support group is designed to provide an outlet for caregivers to talk, share, get support, learn coping skills, and get education about these dementias.
• Conducted by trained facilitator, Sherry Haag, meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Brook of Grayling, 503 Rose St. at 11:00 a.m.
• There is no charge to attend this group. If you are unable to leave your loved one alone, Respite Care services are available by contacting the Commission on Aging at (989) 348-7123.

Medicine Shop bingo

• Everyone is invited to play Medicine Shoppe Bingo monthly at the Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center. Play FREE to win Medicine Shoppe coupons. These coupons can be used to make purchases at the Medicine Shoppe! Medicine Shoppe Bingo will be on Thursday, March 2, at 3 p.m. For more information, call the Commission on Aging at (989) 348-7123.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

• The community is invited to the Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center’s Curbside Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 16 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. On the menu will be corned beef and cabbage, roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, mixed fruit and key lime pie.
• RSVP before the luncheon by calling (989) 348-7123. The cost of the dinner is $6.50 for those under 60 and a suggested donation of $3.50 for those 60 years of age or older.

Additional Activities and Events

• New to Medicare – Join us via Zoom for a presentation that will help demystify the issues surrounding Medicare, Wednesday, March 29th at 11 a.m.
• Deterra Pouch – With Deterra, drug disposal has just gotten easier and safer. These free drug disposal pouches are easy and safe to use. The COA will have pouches available to pick up. Stop in to get a pouch at 308 Lawndale St. in Grayling.
• Medication Lock Box – Keep your prescription medication safe with a lock box. The COA will have medication lock boxes available to pick up. Stop in to get a box at 308 Lawndale St. in Grayling.
• Friends of a Feather – Quilting and sewing group meeting the first Tuesday of the month, March 7, at 9 a.m.
• Bible Study – Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., Ron Larson leads a guided study and discussion surrounding Biblical topics.
• Mahjong – Every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Mahjong players play this fun and challenging game!
• Chess Club – The Crawford County Commission on Aging is hosting a Chess Club called Checkmate on Monday’s from 1- 4 p.m.
• Penny Bingo – Bring your pennies to play Penny Bingo every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
• Pantry Bingo – Play bingo every Friday from 1-3 p.m. for the chance to win pantry items!
• Diamond Dancers – Line dancing group that meets Tuesdays at the Fredric Township Hall at 1:30 p.m for beginners and later on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. for level 2 and 3. Maze Stephan and Ruth Pilon instructing.
• Pickleball – Now play one of America’s fastest growing sports Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m.
• Zumba Gold – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m., Nancy Lemmen instructing.
•  SilverSneakers – Monday and Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m., Rich Ferrigan instructing.
• Indoor Walking – Come walk indoors at our new Senior Center on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Bring a pair of shoes to change into!
• For more information please call (989) 348-7123.