The Ice Box of the North Chapter of AARP met Feb. 9 at Koochiching County Senior Center. President Tom Wagner called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.
Shirley Wagner, membership director, reported that members had begun paying their very low yearly dues. An informal financial report was given.
Monthly fees for trash collection was discussed. Fees are based on the number of containers a household has. Partly full containers are not given a reduced rate and so it is most cost effective to use only the actual number of containers a household actually fills up. Small households may wish to co op with a neighbor to reduce the cost. Open hours at the Transfer Station will soon change and when spring arrives a small fee will be charged for yard waste.
Information was presented concerning the Senior Companion Program administered by the Elders Advisory Program, Leslee Loop, program specialist. The program is looking for persons 50 years and older to assist others with daily needs, transportation and friendly visits. Fifteen hours per week is required and a stipend is offered which can add to a senior’s income. More information can be received by calling 283-7030.
Members are reminded that in March all donations to the local food shelves are especially important. It is at this time that the donations count toward the amount the food shelves receive from the state food bank. Cash donations allow the Food shelves to purchase extremely low cost items from the food bank.
The annual ethnic food dinner will be in March at Backus Community Center. There will be food from many countries to eat in or take out.
Now that the State Legislature is in session, president Wagner is again receiving weekly updates on bills and information that can impact senior citizens.
A number of local seniors have received life insurance offers in the mail; the offer sounds good until the fine print is read and the immediate payout/cost is revealed. It is important to remember to read all the information when an unsolicited offer, of any kind, is sent to your address.
It was suggested that the group seek a small hand held microphone to improve the acoustics during the meeting. This will be looked into as members do find times when speakers are difficult to hear.
Refreshments were served by Violet Johnson. The meeting adjourned and it was noted the next meeting will be at 1 p.m. March 9 with Charlotte Saari serving refreshments.
