Wadsworth Center for Older Adults
138 High St., Wadsworth
Director: Nancy Likens
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 330-335-1513
Fax: 330-335-2804
Web site: www.wcoa.wadsworthcity.com.

We’re busy planning many new programs for 2008, in addition to offering our tried and true favorites.

Get ready for great deals galore at our fifth annual Rummage Sale in February. We need donations — please help if you can!

Sign up for income tax assistance and our free computer classes. Once you’ve taken care of business, get ready for some fun at our Travel Expo in March. You won’t want to miss the terrific line-up of trips we have planned for you.

Don’t forget “health and wellness” is our mantra for 2008. We’re starting a new program called Over 60 Health. Two teams of four seniors will embark on a journey to improved health, wellness, fitness, energy and vitality.

We’re also offering our first-ever Brunch & Bingo event in March for caregivers and seniors.

Of course, we’ll still offer many traditional programs to keep you fit and active this year. Take advantage of our exercise programs, our support groups, our recreation programs and more. We’re just a phone call away if you need us.

Special programs
Addressing Life Challenges — If you want to feel happier and more energetic and learn to cope with life’s challenges, Solutions Behavioral Healthcare’s therapeutic group program for seniors, Addressing Life Challenges, beginning February 2008, can help. Call 888-425-4258 for information.

Brunch and Prevention Bingo — The HANDS Foun-dation and Wadsworth Center for Older Adults invite you to this fun-filled event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 28.
You’ll be treated to a delicious brunch prepared by Chef Bryant Watson of Altercare, followed by an exciting and informative game of Prevention Bingo, where you will learn about the use and misuse of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and alcohol.

Caregivers are invited to stay for a special informational program after Bingo.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Call the center by March 21.

This program offered though grants from the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

Community survey — A community collaboration among the City of Wadsworth, Wadsworth City Schools, WRH Health System and Wadsworth Public Library wants to hear from you regarding education, recreation, health and wellness issues in Wadsworth. The collaborative group is issuing a community-wide survey to get your thoughts on program and facility needs.

The survey will be conducted electronically. The survey Web address will be posted at the senior center, Steiner Center, city hall and in the February utility bill insert. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may complete a hard-copy version of the survey at the center.

Diabetes education — Certified Diabetes Educator Brenda Witsaman, Medina County Health Department, will offer important information for diabetics and those at risk at the diabetic education program held at 11 a.m. Feb. 13 in the nutrition site. Sugar substitutes, cooking oils and carb counting will be featured in February.

Memories and photos — Preserve your memories, organize decades of photos, write your memoirs or work on your photo album projects at 2:30 p.m. every Thursday in February and March. The cost per class is $2, and the first class is free. No pre-registration necessary — come to as many or as few classes as you like. For more information, contact Stacey at 336-6440 or e-mail her at CMStacey@wadsnet.com.
Over 60 Health Program — Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Have you kept it?

Most of us start the new year with a firm resolve to make changes that will improve our overall health and wellness. The problem is that most of us give up on those self-improvement resolutions before the end of January!

If you would like to make 2008 a banner year for improved health and wellness, consider taking part in an exciting new program for seniors offered by the Center for Older Adults and the Wadsworth Recreation Department. We want YOU!

The center is accepting applications for seniors who will participate in the first segment of our new program, “Over 60 Health.” You must be willing to commit to the entire length of the program (April though June), complete an application and meet certain conditions of participation.

Call the center for a phone screening/application. Eight seniors will be selected to participate in the first segment of the program on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rummage sale time — Plans for our annual rummage sale are in full swing! Mark your calendars now and get ready for another bargain bonanza on Feb. 22 and 23.

Tax deductible donations are accepted through Feb. 15. So, get busy and clean out your closet, attic, garage and basement. Almost anything goes! We accept household items, clothing, toys, craft supplies, novelty and electronic items, decorations, etc.

We need volunteers to help with all aspects of the sale: Sort, organize and price items; prepare food and work in the food court; and work during the sale to restock merchandise, bag items, etc.

Home Energy Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance to income eligible households. If you need assistance to complete and submit the application, contact the Medina County Office for Older Adults at 330-336-6657. An outreach worker can come to your home to assist you and provide follow-up to ensure you receive the benefit if you qualify.

Homestead exemption program
Eligible homeowners are able to shield $25,000 worth of the market value of their home from local property taxes. For example, the owner of a $100,000 home who is eligible would be billed as if their home was worth $75,000.
The program is open to any Ohio homeowner who currently lives in their home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, and who:

o Is at least 65 years old or will reach age 65 during the current tax year; or
o Is certified as totally and permanently disabled as of Jan. 1 of the current tax year, regardless of age; or,
o Is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who as at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse’s death.
Homeowners who currently receive Homestead Exemption will automatically qualify for the expanded exemption and do not have to reapply.

Brochures and applications are available at the Center. For information, call the Medina County Auditor’s office at 330-336-6657.

Income tax preparation
Tax aide counselors will provide assistance to Wadsworth area seniors from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays through April 14. AARP volunteers trained by the IRS will prepare and electronically file your 2006 income tax return for free during tax season.

Call the center to make your appointment. Be sure to bring a copy of your 2006 completed tax return and all tax-related documents for 2007 to your appointment. All Wadsworth residents are eligible for free assistance with their CCA city tax return.

Travel talk
The Wadsworth Center for Older Adults will unveil our line up of one-day and multi-day trips and dream vacations at our upcoming Travel Expo held at 10 a.m. March 14.

Representatives from local tour companies will feature their best travel destinations for 2008. Check out our dream vacation to Branson, Mo. We’re sure travelers of every interest level will be happy this year, as we’ve planned trips for gaming, sightseeing, leisure time, historic interest and much more.
Your payment is made directly to the tour operators. It (and/or the deposit for bigger trips) serves as your reservation for the trip. Bring your checkbook or money order to the Expo to save a spot for your favorite trips. No cash payments, please.
Sign up now for these great trips:

o Feb. 26 and 27 — Rising Sun, Ind., $78 per person, double occupancy
o March 18 — Greektown Casino in Detroit, Mich., $31 per person.

Wadsworth Library program
The Wadsworth Public Library offers free monthly programs for seniors on the second Thursday of the month. Refreshments and conversation will follow.
At 2 p.m. Feb. 14, join Paws for Love as therapy dogs and their human friends talk about their labor of love and caring.

Likens is the director of the Wadsworth Center for Older Adults.

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