MISSION: To create opportunities that allow Douglas County residents 60 years and older to remain independent and active in their homes and communities.
December 2013 Volume 40 No. 12
INSIDE Message from the Executive Director ������������ PG 2 Calendar of Events ���������������������PG 7 Senior Meals Menu ��������������������PG 8 Legalese ���������������������������������������PG 9 Leisure and Learning Featured Events �����������������������PG 10
This group photograph was taken during the DCSS Quantrill’s Raid Bus Tour Friday, Oct 25 in front of the monument memorializing Raid victims at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.
ATTENTION ALL SENIORS!
In case of bad weather please listen to KLWN 1320 AM radio for closing of senior center, meals and activities. Information will also be available on TV station KMBC Channel 9 and cable channel 6.
VISIT US AT WWW.DGCOSENIORSERVICES.ORG
SENIOR WHEELS ADDS NEW MINIVAN A new vehicle arrived at DCSS Oct. 29. The newest addition to the Senior Wheels fleet is a beautiful 2013 Dodge Caravan equipped with a wheel chair ramp for accessibility. Provided by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, it replaced a larger 2001 model which was energy inefficient and had many maintenance issues. The new van gets much better gas mileage and offers a more comfortable ride. DCSS Executive Director Kristin Scheurer refers to it as “the grand gem of the fleet.” Driver Chip McConnell was at the wheel for the Caravan’s maiden voyage and was very impressed with all the bells and whistles. “I’ve discovered if I push a button, the door closes itself,” he said. That’s just one of the many high-tech amenities. The first passenger to
DCSS Senior Wheels driver Chip McConnell offers his arm to passenger Vera McHenry after the “maiden voyage” of our brand new minivan.
ride in the new vehicle was Vera McHenry, who has been riding with Senior Wheels for two and a half years. When asked what she thought of the van, she commented, “I like that new car smell!” The Senior Wheels program provides nearly 800 rides each month throughout Douglas County. Tina Roberts, who works with Senior Wheels describes those rides as “medical, nutritional and personal
in nature. For example, we take seniors to see their doctors, do their grocery shopping, and get their hair done.” Senior Wheels operates Monday through Friday. Rides may be scheduled as far in advance as 7 days or as little as 48 hours. To schedule a ride in Lawrence, Eudora or Lecompton, call Senior Wheels at 865-6925. To schedule a ride in Baldwin City, call 594-3376. Come ride with us!
INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE AARP Tax-Aide will once again be offering free tax assistance at the Douglas County Senior Services building, starting on Monday, February 3, 2013. Taxes will be offered on an appointment-only basis again this year. Starting on Tuesday, January 21, appointments may be made by calling 785-856-0365. Please look for more details in our January edition.