Nate Markham, of the Manistee County Council on Aging, manned a booth at the Northwest Michigan Salute to Service Expo Aug. 8, 2026 at Little River Casino Resort. The expo provided information for veterans.
Courtesy of Sarah Howard
What an amazing week we have had at the senior center. I love it when it is busy and there are a lot of people finding fun things to do. I love to listen to everyone laughing and talking in classes or during cards and of course bingo.
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Monday: Teriyaki chicken with fried rice, oriental blend vegetables, sliced carrots, strawberries, milk
Tuesday: Chicken salad on a croissant, cucumber salad, potato salad, apple slices, milk
Wednesday: BBQ shredded chicken on a bun, hubbard squash, sliced carrots, orange, milk
Thursday: Salisbury steak, dinner roll, mashed potatoes, midori blend veggies, mandarin oranges, milk
Friday: Goulash, Texas toast, peas and carrots, italian blend vegetables, banana, milk
Menus are subject to change.
We have a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks. So, pick up the newsletter and find something fun to do.
This past week we had some fun things going on.
On Monday, we had Dominoes, which always looks and sounds like a good time and in the afternoon, we had Pinochle. The Pinochle group has been playing at the senior center for a long time. But there is always room for more players. Give us a call if you want more information.
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Tuesday, we had music with Playing It Forward. They are so much fun, and they are really great musicians. Thanks Donny, Ruben, Dave and Kim. You are awesome!
Rachel Divozzo, of Reliance Community Care Partners, was the celebrity caller for bingo Aug. 12, 2026 at the Manistee County Council on Aging’s Wagoner Community Center.
Courtesy of Sarah Howard
Wednesday, we had the Blood Pressure Clinic with Lindsay. Lindsay is the sweetest person I have ever met, and our seniors love her. Thanks Lindsay for taking such great care of everyone. We also had Fun Bingo and our celebrity bingo caller was Rachel Divozzo from Reliance Community Care.
She seemed to have a fun time with everyone. We all love meeting new people who serve our county. Thanks Rachel, you are awesome.
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Thursday, we had Movies & Munchies with a new movie. “Project Hail Mary” was at theaters in the spring. I haven’t seen it yet, but I would like to.
There was also a great group in to hear all about the trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Maureen does a fantastic job on all of the trips. If you want to travel with some great seasoned travelers, give us a try.
Friday, we had our wonderful attorney, Michael Herring in to help out a lot of seniors with so much. Michael is always smiling, and he truly loves to help people out. Thank you, Michael, for spending so much time in Manistee County.
In the afternoon, we also had a fun Root Beer Float Day. Who doesn’t love a delicious good old-fashioned root beer float. Thank you everyone for coming in for some fun and treats.
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A master gardener reach out to us regarding the old fountain that is full of weeds at the Wagoner Community Center. When we were picked by West Shore Bank a couple of years ago for an outdoor beautification project, we were so excited. Everyone did a beautiful job and things looked amazing.
After some time and a ton of weeding, we all gave up. So, in walks this wonderful person, Alan who has offered to give us a hand. I am so excited after seeing what his plans are for that space. He said it will take some time, but I think it will be an amazing showpiece as it gets done.
If you enjoy digging in the dirt and planting bushes and flowers, I am sure Alan would love some volunteers to help with this big project. Just give us a call or stop by if you are interested in helping.
This week we have some great, things to do.
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On Monday there is a little outing to the Northern Falls Mini Golf. You will play a fun game of putt putt and have a delicious ice cream while having fun with Nate.
Tuesday, we have the Mobile Secretary of State at the senior center. They can do anything the regular office can do, and you don’t need an appointment. Come on in and get your tabs, change your license get an ID card, do a driving test or apply for a handicapped hanger.
Tuesday at 11 a.m. we have the amazing Ricky Lee for Toe Tapping Tuesday. Come and listen to all of the wonderful music he plays.
There is also, Popcorn & a Movie at 1 p.m. at the beautiful Vogue Theatre. Call and get on the list and go watch a fantastic movie for free.
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Wednesday at 10 a.m. we have Lori Brooks in for a presentation on “Planning for a Financial Emergency”. I met Lori a couple of weeks ago. She is the nicest person and so knowledgeable about banking.
At 11 a.m., we have Fun Bingo and we will be celebrating August birthdays with a beautiful birthday cake from the great people at Meijer. Thanks Meijer, your team is amazing!
Thursday, we have our Annual Senior Summer Picnic at the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach. The fun starts at 4 p.m. We will bring the burgers and hot dogs to grill and the drinks. You need to bring a dish to pass and your appetite.
Give us a call and get signed up for this great time at the beach.
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Friday, we have our always popular Senior Food Bank. We have been serving 240 senior families each month. With the way prices are going up, I know it has been difficult for seniors to make ends meet. If you can, please donate to your local food bank.
I hope you have a super week and remember to try something new!
Sarah Howard is the executive director of the Manistee County Council on Aging. She can be reached at 231-723-6477.
Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate
The Manistee County Council on Aging maintains a chore provider list for seniors who need help. The list is seeking providers for lawn mowing, housekeeping, snow shoveling and transportation. These are paid services, not volunteer.
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To join the list, call the senior center at 231-723-6477.
Congregate meals
The congregate meal site at the Wagoner Community Center serves lunch Monday through Friday at noon. Reserve by noon the day before.
Wellston serves lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays. Marilla serves lunch Wednesdays at noon. The Arcadia Community Center in Arcadia serves lunch Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Maple Grove Township serves lunch Thursdays at noon.
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Menus are subject to change due to food shortages.
The senior center food bank runs the third Friday of the month, 9-11 a.m. Seniors 60 and older who live in Manistee County are eligible.
If picking up for another senior, bring a proxy note with their name, address, birth date and household information. Monetary and nonperishable food donations are welcome.
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The next food bank is 9-11 a.m. Aug. 21 at 260 St. Mary’s Parkway.
The Manistee County Council on Aging hosted Bingo on the Road in Arcadia Aug. 7, 2026.
Courtesy of Sarah Howard
Emergency food assistance
Manistee County seniors in need of emergency food can stop in or call the senior center at 231-723-6477 to speak with a staff member. The center operates an emergency food pantry to help prevent food insecurity among seniors.
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Senior reimbursement program
The Manistee County Council on Aging reimburses qualifying expenses to help seniors remain independent. Eligible Manistee County seniors may receive reimbursement for house cleaning, yard work and transportation services.
Current participants: receipts must be dated within 30 days, signed by the senior and the chore provider, and include the senior’s birth date. Moving out of the home disqualifies a participant. All participants must recertify each year.
Income requirements apply. New clients must complete a registration form. Mail receipts to 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee, Michigan. For information, call the senior center at 231-723-6477.
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Sit and Get Fit: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Wagoner Community Center; Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Farr Center in Onekama.
Indoor walking group: During business hours, Monday–Friday.
Balance and stretching: Mondays, 1 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m.
Cardio drumming: Wednesdays–Fridays, 1 p.m.
Zumba Gold: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Line dancing: Tuesdays, 1 p.m.
Tai Chi: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m.
All classes are free for seniors; donations accepted for those under 60.
Karen Goodman was the celebrity caller for bingo at the Manistee County Council on Aging’s Wagoner Community Center Aug. 5, 2026.
Courtesy of Sarah Howard
Support groups
Grief support meets the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. The next meeting is Sept. 3. Doug Klee, spiritual care advisor with Munson Healthcare Hospice, will facilitate. For information, call the senior center at 231-723-6477.
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Dementia support meets the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting is Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. The group offers a supportive gathering for caregivers, family members and anyone interested in learning more about the dementia community. For information, call Jacki Krolczyk at 231-883-1341.
Parkinson’s support meets the third Thursday of each month. The next session is Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Wagoner Community Center. For information, call Marianne Blair at 586-917-8964.
Dining and Cooking