New board members installed for seniors
New board members were installed Dec. 16, during a meeting of Senior Citizens of Marion County, Inc. at Hillsboro Senior Center.
New members are Kathryn Heinrichs, Adeline Bernhardt, Estelle McCarty, and Arlene Unruh. Outgoing members are Ron Freeman, Magdalen Dvorak, and Blanche Cowan. A memorial candle was lighted for Marlin Bartel who died this past year while serving on the board.
In other business:
— Kermit Ratzlaff reported repairs were made to the vinyl kitchen floor at the Hillsboro Senior Center.
— Marion County Department for Elderly Director Noreen Weems districted an end-of-the-year budget report.
Additional chairs are needed at the Tampa and Marion senior centers. Funds of $1,500 will be encumbered from the 2005 budget to purchase the chairs.
— Robert Carlton, executive director of Central Home Care & Hospice, honored Edwin and Alice Winter who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25, and Irvin and Elaine Goertzen, who celebrated their 59th anniversary on Dec. 26.
An open house that recently was held was well-attended.
— Blanche Cowan presented information about colds and flu, and how to fight them.
— Don Fruechting will continue to serve on the board for North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and will attend when he's able.
— A report was made by Howard Collett regarding the fall Silver-Haired Legislature session.
He presented information about a volunteer ombudsman program and the hopes of receiving tobacco settlement money to assist senior citizens affected by tobacco.
— Information also was presented by Virginia Downing regarding Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
— There were six trips during the month of December — all were health-related, reported transportation coordinator Lanell Hett. Four trips were canceled.
The next transportation meeting is Jan. 11.