Announcements

Support the Center by Purchasing a Copy of the
“Life’s Journey of Remembrance” Publication

The most common reasons for writing are to express yourself, to analyze, to inform, entertain, and persuade. Sometimes your writing will combine several purposes. Some writing that you do for yourself is practical such as filling out forms and writing letters of complaint. Other self-prompted writing you will do simply because you enjoy it. This type of writing includes poems, journal entries, personal memories, reminiscences, and “just for fun” topics of interest.

Everyone is an individual. You think and act in ways that are uniquely your own, as we each have our own “voice”. As you write you discover what you think about yourself – and the world around you which is different for everyone. This is one of the main reasons why I enjoy teaching this class so much. The diversity inspires me and hopefully will inspire you as we go on this great adventure together.

I am proud to introduce a collection of writings by the students of the Fall 2023 Creative Writing Workshop at the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center in Klamath Falls, OR.
-Maurine Loprete, Creative Writing Instructor

Follow the link here to purchase a print or ebook copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNRMXWDK?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Serving the Klamath Community through Meals on Wheels

A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the meals on wheels movement going. Call the Senior Center at 541-883-7171 to become a volunteer today!

If you or someone you know is in need of Meals on Wheels, please register with the Klamath Lake Counties Council on Aging by calling 541-205-5400.

Read recent Facebook posts
for helpful information and upcoming events

SHIP TALK (Senior Health Insurance Program)Medicare – 2025First the basics: Medicare Part A remains with no premium. The deductible will be $1,676 – an increase of $44. Medicare Part B premium will raise to $185.00 per month – an increase of $10.30. The Part B deductible will raise to $257.00 – an increase of $17.00. And of course elevated premiums will also rise for those with high incomes. (Too detailed to review in a short column.)However, at the same time, Social Security payments will rise by 2.5%. On average, the Social Security Administration estimates this will be about $50/month. By the time you read this column you should have received a notice from Social Security telling you what your payment will be for 2025, with details of any deductions made to your payment. Social Security mailed out these notices during December 2024. Please do not throw away this information. It can be very useful in determining any low-income or other benefits you are, could or should be receiving. 2025 looks to be a year of lots of confusion. In our November column, we listed the many changes in Part D coverage. Chief among them is the reduction of co-pays to cap at $2,000/year. Note: This does not mean that your total out-of-pocket cannot be over $2,000. This means that the insurance plan will only be allowed to charge out $2,000 in co-pays. Everything beyond that in their formulary will have to be covered in full by the insurance plan. How can this be? Insurance plans would go broke if you have some extremely expensive drugs. Therefore, we are learning that almost all plans have changed their formulary so that extremely expensive drugs are no longer in their formulary, i.e., no longer covered at all. This is going to be a terrible shock to millions of seniors who have been satisfied with their Part D plan and do not realize the change coming up. For most people this will not be a concern. Medicare estimates that 60% of recipients don’t even reach $2000/year. Some will even find it a benefit, but those with extreme drug costs will not feel the benefit at all. Understanding this may take a while to digest and will have many repercussions. Most of us, including myself, did not fully comprehend this until we saw the plans coming out with reduced formularies. We’ll keep abreast of changes as they occur. I think it’s very likely this might be that kind of year. In the meantime, we’re here to help guide you through the Medicare maze. Come see us at the senior center. Phone: 541-883-7171 for an appointment. Happy New Year to All!Anne Hartnett, SHIBA Counselor ... See MoreSee Less
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Our assistive equipment loan closet is in need! We are overflowing with briefs and underwear, sizes medium to 4XL. We also have tons of underwear liners. Please drop by and grab what you need. Check pictures to see brands and styles. We are low on shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes, raised toilet seats, four-wheel walkers, front wheel walkers. If you have any to donate or return after use, please bring gently used, clean equipment during our business hours and speak with our front desk. A reminder that this closet is no cost, no term limit. However, we do accept donations to support this community resource. ... See MoreSee Less
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Enhancing Quality of Life for Older AdultsBy Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center StaffQuality of life is a vital consideration as we age, encompassing physical health, emotional well-being, social connection, and a sense of purpose. At the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, we believe that supporting these dimensions can profoundly impact the lives of older adults, fostering independence, resilience, and joy.Staying Active and HealthyPhysical activity is a cornerstone of quality of life. Regular movement not only improves strength, balance, and flexibility but also reduces the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Exercise programs tailored for older adults, such as Pilates and mobility, walking groups, or strength training classes, also offer social benefits by bringing people together. At our center, we provide opportunities to engage in activities that keep you moving and feeling your best, whether through fitness classes or our falls prevention initiatives.Nutrition plays an equally critical role. Access to nutritious meals ensures that older adults can maintain energy, boost their immune systems, and support overall well-being. Our congregate meal programs and Meals on Wheels service provide not only sustenance but also a sense of community and care. A simple shared meal can be a powerful way to combat loneliness and foster connection.Building Emotional and Social Well-BeingSocial isolation is a challenge many of us face, particularly in rural areas. Staying connected with others is essential for emotional well-being and can even have physical health benefits. We provide a vital space for building relationships through group activities, workshops, and shared meals. Programs that encourage creativity, such as art classes or storytelling sessions, also help you express yourself and feel valued.Emotional support is another critical factor. Many older adults face significant life changes, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, or health challenges. Access to counseling, support groups, and a caring community can make a world of difference, offering a sense of belonging and understanding.Fostering Independence and PurposeMaintaining a sense of independence is crucial for our quality of life. Transportation services, like those provided by our center, enable older adults to attend appointments, run errands, or visit loved ones, empowering them to live their lives with dignity and freedom.Equally important is the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to others and staying engaged in meaningful activities. Whether volunteering, mentoring younger generations, or participating in hobbies, finding a sense of purpose gives us a reason to greet each day with enthusiasm.Looking Ahead TogetherImproving the quality of life for older adults is a community effort. By investing in programs and services that promote health, connection, and independence, we can help ensure that we live our later years with vitality and joy. At the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, we are proud to be a part of this mission and invite you to join us in making every day a little brighter for the members of our community.Together, we can create a supportive environment where we all thrive—one step, one meal, and one connection at a time. ... See MoreSee Less
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Dear Friends and Community Members,As we welcome in a New Year, we embrace new beginnings and exciting opportunities. It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center (KBSCC).I am a long-time resident of Klamath Falls and a proud mother of four children. My deep roots in this community, combined with my passion for service, make me incredibly excited to take on this new role. I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives and creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for all of our seniors and the community.I am excited about all the new adventures and programs the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center will introduce in the coming months, alongside our beloved, ongoing activities. “This is a new year, and with it comes new opportunities. The possibilities are endless, and I’m looking forward, with your support, to making KBSCC an even better place for all of us. Already, I feel at home, and I can’t wait to work alongside each of you to make this a truly special place for our community.”Here’s to new beginnings, fresh possibilities, and a wonderful year ahead for all of us! Warm regards,Theresa EdwardsExecutive DirectorKlamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center ... See MoreSee Less
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Greetings Uku Players! January, 2025? REALLY? Yes! Really!!! Music tells the language of the soul, therefore we will continue to strum away this new year by meeting TUESDAY, JANUARY 14th at the Senior Center. We will set up and warm up 5:30-6pm. Then we will be using our UKU books to choose requested songs from you UKULELE players. We have become more spontaneous, sharing different songs, methods and possible events/resources, to carry us through the month. We will also continue playing and singing out of Jumpin’ Jim’s UKU Songbook, ‘The Daily Ukulele’ (365 Songs for Better Living). Don't have a book? No worries! We can share, yet also have an extra to sell you, first come first serve. Dont have an UKU? Again, no worries? We have extras you can check out. New (and hopeful) players are always welcome. So, come on along. Please note that the new doors to the Senior Center are now operational. Uku players will now enter and exit through the double doors at the far right of the building front. See you 2nd Tuesday in January! All are welcome! ... See MoreSee Less
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