April 2010 Activities 

Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center, 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA

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NORTHEAST LOUISIANA SENIOR OLYMPIC GAMES MAY 1^ST THRU 6^TH

The Northeast Louisiana Senior Olympic Games are held each spring and are a joint effort of the University of Louisiana Monroe, Ouachita Council on Aging, Osterland Recreation Center, Bayou Bowl, Monroe Athletic Club, and Chennault Golf Course. This year, the Games will take place May 1 – 6, with over 400 participants expected, ranging in age from 50 to 95+, coming from all twelve of the northeast parishes, competing in more than 30 events. Anyone who will be age 50 by December 31, 2010 is eligible to enter the games. Entry forms are available at Ouachita Council on Aging, 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe, West Ouachita Senior Center in West Monroe, or any of the Councils on Aging in the Region VIII District. To download an entry form, go to www.northeastlsog.com.  If you’re interested in learning more about the Northeast Senior Olympic Games, visit our website, or contact Diane Gaines at (318) 387-0535, ext. 205.  Deadline to enter is April 20^th.

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EASTER EGG HUNT AT CAROLYN ROSE STRAUSS SENIOR CENTER

Calling all seniors! You are cordially invited to attend the annual Easter celebration at the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center in Monroe on Thursday, April 1^st.  Activities will begin at 11 a.m. with an Inside Easter Egg Hunt, followed by an Easter Bonnet Contest at 11:30. Prizes will be given for (1) most eggs found, (2) the most outrageous Easter Bonnet, and (3) the most beautiful Easter Bonnet. This contest applies to both men and women, as men are invited to decorate a cap or hat and enter the contest as well.

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The Ouachita Council on Aging is again providing facilities for the AARP Tax-Aide Program. The program is staffed by IRS certified volunteers who provide free tax help for taxpayers with middle to low income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. The service is to assist taxpayers in the preparation of standard tax returns, assistance with complex returns (rental income, farm income, etc) is not provided. Tax Returns will be filed electronically (e-filed). Service will be provided from 9 a.m. til 12 Noon and from 1 p.m. til 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thru April 15^th. Appointments are required, please call 387-0535, ext. 200 for an appointment. The Taxpayer must complete an IRS interview form before the tax preparation can begin. This form is available from the Receptionist at Ouachita Council on Aging, 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe.

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Seniors who participate in the “Food For Seniors” Commodities program at Ouachita Council on Aging should make a note that the next distribution date is Tuesday, April 27, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m..  If your last name begins with A thru H, your pick up time is between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.  If your last name begins with I thru P, pick up time is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Names between Q and Z will pick up from 11:30 a.m. ‘til 12:30 p.m.

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FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC APRIL 10TH

Due to the Easter Holiday, the free “Legal Advice Clinic” for Seniors (age 60+) will be held the second Saturday of the month, Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 10 a.m. until Noon, at Ouachita Council on Aging, 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe.  No appointment is necessary. If you cannot attend the walk-in clinic, you may call the Legal Aid of Northeast Louisiana office at (318) 387-2201 to make an appointment. Office is located at 511 Stubbs Avenue, Monroe, LA. .………………………………………………………………...........................................................

 AARP “SAFE DRIVING CLASS” APRIL 6TH               

AARP’s “Safe Driving” course will be offered at the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center the first Tuesday of each month.  The next class will be on Tuesday, April 6^th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Class size is limited, so pre-register by calling Ruby at 387-0535, ext 200. No need to send a check now, you can pay onsite. Cost is $12 for AARP members, and $14 for non-members. Most insurance companies offer a discount if a driver has completed this course. Instructor will be Billy Edmondson.

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Looking for a new activity for Spring? Try a beginner’s course in Line Dancing. A new class will start at Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.. Instructor will be Barbara Rhone. Call 387-0535, ext. 200 to register. Participants should plan to attend each Thursday, at 2 p.m., thru the month of June, as the basic steps are taught in the first few sessions, with progression made throughout the course. Location: 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe.

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Laura Majure, RNC, with Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care, will offer a presentation entitled “Hospice, Knowledge is Power!” at Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center on Wednesday, April 14^th at 11:45 a.m. No pre-registration is required. Not only will you learn about hospice, but you may also win a DOOR PRIZE, so be sure to register when you arrive.

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If you are age 55, or older, and income-eligible, you may qualify for the ULM Older Worker Program. Call 343-5533, or toll-free at 1-800-256-1493, to get more information on this valuable service.

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Ouachita Council on Aging, the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center, and OCA’s 12 other satellite dining sites will be closed on Friday, April 2^nd in observance of Good Friday.

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An Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at the Ouachita Council on Aging the third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. If you’re a caregiver, or a family member, of an individual with Alzheimer’s, you’re invited to come share your experiences. The meeting is facilitated by Fannie Holland, B.A., Social Work.  

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The “Sunshine Quilters” will meet on Thursday, April 1^st, 1:30 p.m. at the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center on Ferrand Street in Monroe.

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