It might be time to consider a Lincoln Senior Center membership

One look outside or to feel the warming temperatures lets us know that the long, hard winter of 2022 is nearing it's end. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us more than two years ago life in general has taken many changes and the Lincoln Senior Center is no different.

Memberships have dropped over the past few years, due in some cases to the aging of Lincoln and people who are not able to get out and around as they used to. The pandemic had kept people inside and away from friends, relatives or neighbors and created for many a sense of aloneness. But with the easing of COV ID restrictions and people anxious to once again meet and greet others safely, the Lincoln Senior Center is ready to welcome friends back in and encourage new families to understand the benefits of membership in the Center.

The most obvious benefit is the noon meal offered daily at 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., prepared by Senior Center Cook Diane Ironi. The meals are healthy, balanced and very good. They are welcome opportunity for Seniors to take a break, get out of the home and enjoy conversations with others over a meal, and perhaps meet someone new. Dinners are $5 for Seniors and $7 for those under the age of 60, and you do not need to be a member to partake in the Senior lunch program. All that is asked is to let Diane know you are coming by 9 a.m. so ample food is prepared for the day. Call 362-4504 for a reservation.

The Senior Center Association is the board charged with memberships, games, fundraisers and to take care of the business end of the Center. It relies on income from memberships and fundraisers to meet building expenses such as utilities, personnel, cleaning costs and other unplanned expenses. During the past few years with memberships declining, which affects the bottom line for fundraisers, the viability of the Senior Center Association to meet its expenses is in jeopardy.

We'd like to take this opportunity to invite those who have not yet joined to consider coming to the Center to learn what is offered and perhaps join the membership. Membership dues have not increased in a number of years and for an individual it is just $20 annually and $30 for a family. The Board has two fundraisers annually to help meet its expenses, one at Christmas time and again in the summer, near the 4th of July, with a concentration on outdoor and garden items. All donations for fundraiser baskets and home crafted items are sincerely appreciated.

The Center invites all interested parties to join us for pinochle each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. During the summer months we can usually fill three to four tables for pinochle for an evening of friendly competition and stirring conversations. Although the Center has enjoyed a number of activities in the past, such as Mexican Dominoes, Bingo and Woodcarving, those activities have been moved to other locations in town due to COVID-19 concerns. It is hoped that, with an increase in those coming back to the Senior Center, more can be offered in the future. In addition to pinochle, the Center offers RADA Cutlery, which is known for its durability and for being made in the USA, and sewing crafts such as kitchen linens, potholders, towels, scarves and hats.

The Senior Center is the base for Helena's Rocky Mountain Development Council in Lincoln, which strives to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the area. One of its outreach programs is home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors; others include the promotion of activities throughout the year such as Energy Share Montana and other cost-saving concerns to keep residents safe in their homes.

The Senior Center Association meets bi-monthly to address the center's business concerns and upcoming activities. It welcomes interested parties to get involved and lend a hand for all aspects of operations. The next meeting will be held the second Monday in July, which is July 11, at 1 p.m. We hope to see some new faces who have an interest in Lincoln's Senior Center and its future.