ACTIVITIES OFF-PREMISES

BREAKFAST WALKS:  Persons who like to walk, stroll and visit, are encouraged to join this group. It is relatively easy to walk over to the bicycle path in the park as a group and then go west to the golf course restaurant or east to Bakken Park for breakfast. In the winter months, the walkers meet at the Rushmore mall for walking and breakfast.

BOWLING:  Monday is bowling day for Center members. They gather at the Meadow-wood lanes on Sturgis Road at 10 A.M. It is a fun group and there is plenty of exercise. Some members are beginning bowlers and are so enthusiastic they have purchased their own equipment.

GOLF DRIVING PRACTICE LESSONS:  Equipment has been purchased (frame, net and floor mats) that is set up on the second floor of the new addition year around. On occasion, lessons have been made available for those wishing to keep their swing in shape over the winter. If enough participants pre-register for group golf lessons and an instructor can be found, arrangements on a fee basis are made. Watch the newsletter for such an activity.

HIKING:  Each summer the "Recycled Hikers" participate in hiking the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The season is started in May with easy hikes and continues to build endurance and stamina until the end of the season in September when the "final" is a trek up Harney Peak. This proves physical fitness can be enjoyed.

LAWN BOWLING:  During the summer this activity takes place at Roosevelt Park and because of the heat, is scheduled at 4 P.M. This is not a strenuous activity, but is a lot of fun.

TRIPS/TOURS AWAY FROM THE CENTER:  The Center owns two vans which have a capacity of 11 passengers each. Examples of activities involving the vans are trips to the Black Hills Playhouse, various Black Hills attractions, visits to other senior centers, hiking etc. Watch for announcements in the Center newspaper as well as the sign up sheets on the activity counter. Come join in the camaraderie and fun!

SENIOR GAMES:  "Olympics": The Senior Games are held once a year during June. The focus of these games is on fun, fitness and participation. Competitiveness is also a part of it, although not the main focus. Everyone is a winner in the Senior Games, whether it be in making new friends, toning muscles, or reaching a sought-after goal. The following is a partial list of events that senior athletes can enter, shot-put, runs, walks, tennis, bowling, lawn bowling, volleyball, golf, card games, shuffleboard, softball throw, table tennis, swimming, etc. You must be 55 or over to enter and there is an entry fee. An awards banquet is held after the events and awards are given.

OTHER FACILITY INFORMATION

COPIER:  The Center has a copier, its capabilities include enlarging and reducing. Paper size can be as large as 11 x 17 inches. Center members can use this machine for a minimal fee per copy.

LIVING WILL:  A computer driven program "Living Will" is a document prepared by you when you have all of your facilities and tells your family physician, friends, relatives, pastor and lawyer what kind of lifesaving efforts should be provided for you in certain life-threatening situations when you are unable to communicate your wishes. South Dakota now has a Living Will law and has amended Power of Attorney statutes to include health. A Living Will is a legal document. Computer driven Living Will format is available. Please make arrangement with the Director for utilization of the current computer software.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE:  A computer driven Durable Power of Attorney format is available at the Center. It includes available health decisions. The format designates a person to make your health decisions should you become unable to do so. Please make arrangements with the Director if you are interested in completing such a document. It is a good idea to have a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney. Some individuals even create a video of themselves while reading their Living Wills.

STATE ELDERLY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS:  The state has provided for some tax relief for senior citizens if you qualify economically. Three programs are available; sales tax refund, property tax refund and a freeze on assessment of your dwelling when you turn 65 years of age. These programs must be applied for annually before May 1. Forms may be picked up at the Country Treasurer's office.

TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:  The Center serves as an AARP site for income tax assistance to the elderly and low income during the months of February through April 15. This non-charge service is sponsored by AARP utilizing tax-trained counselors who provide basic filing information, e-filing, and general assistance in the completion of tax returns either by hand or computer-assisted.

HEALTH AND HOME CARE EQUIPMENT:  The Center has a variety of scheduled health programs which are conducted and include "wellness" clinics (which offer blood pressure and oxygen checks) and a foot clinic (which offers basic foot care at a nominal fee). Several healthy life-style seminars are scheduled throughout the year which include guidelines relative to aging issues such as diabetes, physical therapy, back pain, etc. A limited amount of home care equipment for use by members is available on a temporary loan basis. This includes exer-cyle, wheel chairs, crutches, bathroom stool extenders, canes and walkers. If you have need for these items, check with the office staff. Use is on a donation basis.

PIANOS:  The Center has pianos. Members are free to use these instruments when activities are not being conducted, in fact music is always welcomed at the Center.

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER & TELEVISIONS:  VCRs connected to televisions set are located at various sites in the Center. Members wanting to use them for programs are free to do so. A VCR is kept in the main building for programs presented to a large audience. This set is not movable within the building.

COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS/COMPLAINTS:  Open communication is a key to the operation of an effective and caring senior center. Comments, suggestions, complaints or information should be directed to the Director, President of the Board or one of the members of the Executive Board. A list of these officials (and their telephone numbers) is published in your monthly Senior Citizens News.