We would like to remind the community that the Advocacy Program at the Mower County Senior Center is here to assist you.

The mission of the Mower County Senior Advocacy Program is to provide support and resources that will allow older adults to live as safely and independently as possible in the community.

The following are some of the upcoming events and services that we offer.

The Mower County Senior Center will be holding Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This six-week educational program was developed to provide caregivers with tools to increase their self-care and confidence. This is a national program that has reached more than 70,000 caregivers in 32 states.

This program will help caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Two experienced class leaders conduct the series. Many are experienced caregivers themselves, who have successfully applied the techniques they teach.

Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the tools you choose and put them into action for your life.

You will receive a book, “The Caregiver Handbook,” developed specifically for the class. If you care to keep the book, a donation of $25 to help defray the cost of the book is suggested, but not required to attend the class.

The classes consist of six, 90-minute sessions held at the Mower County Senior Center on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m., starting June 5 and running through July 10.

If you would like to register or have questions, please call Marianne at 507-433-3462 or Nancy at 507-433-8376. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

Help with taxes

It’s that time again.

The property tax statements have been mailed out. The Advocacy Program will be available to assist you with the Minnesota property tax refund. Please have the necessary paperwork available.

All sources of income in 2012 must be reported. This includes; social security, interest income, pensions, and assistance amounts from Supplemental Security Income and Minnesota Supplemental Aid. We will also need your income tax return, if you filed.

Please remember to bring your property tax statement.

You can make an appointment by calling Marianne at 433-3462 or Nancy at 433-8376.

 Caregivers Support Group

The Caregivers Support Group meets at the Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. every third Thursday.

The next meeting will be held May 16 at the Mower County Senior Center. All caregivers are invited.

Our meetings are informal; we provide information on a topic of interest and time is given for open discussion. It is a time for caregivers to share with one another and discuss the challenges and triumphs that they face.

If you need respite care or if you have any questions, please call the Advocacy office, Marianne at 433-3462 or Nancy at 433-8376.

 Upcoming events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers 8:30 a.m.; Exercise w/Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Zumba, 4:05 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:35/7 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba Boot Camp, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 4:05 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:35/7 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards, (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.

Weekly card results

Monday Bridge

No Results

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge April 9, four tables

first Bud Higgins, first Jim Fisher; second Dave, Solomonson, second Jaynard Johnson; third Ray Schmidt, third Gail Schmidt; fourth Joyce Crowe, fourth Gene Muchow; fifth Dick Hansen, fifth Larry Crowe

Tuesday “500”

April 9, three tables

first Wayne Chilson, second Beulah Luthe, third Wilbur Mittag, fourth Eddie Hall

Pinochle

No Results

Friday Bridge

April 12, two tables

first Carolyn Higgins, second Betty Jorgenson, third Dave Ring, fourth John Harnes,

fifth Loretta Nelson

Weekly Cribbage

April 10, three tables

first Jaynard Johnson, second Dale Peters, third Barb Dickman, fourth Madelon Collette

Weekly “500”

April 12, four tables

first Dave Solomonson, second Arlys Spurlin, third Barb Dickman, fourth Eddie Hall

Semcac daily meals

Monday: Chicken breast in sauce

Tuesday: Swiss steak

Wednesday: Crab salad

Thursday: Taco salad

Friday: Hawaiian chicken