Donations helped center cover unexpected expenses

Lori DeCreny

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 6:45 p.m.

I've always heard that bad things happen in threes, but really never bought into that too much until last week.

The first big expense was a broken commercial water heater which we had to replace several weeks ago. Last week, we were informed that we had to have a permit to hold our Seniors Farmer's Market. The Southern Nevada Health District inspected our facility and we passed, paid our fees (which weren't cheap), and it was Farmer's Market as usual. Lastly and, we hope, finally, our commercial dishwasher required extensive repairs.

These unexpected expenses could have created havoc with our budget and make it difficult to continue day-to-day operations. We are grateful to several benefactors who gave generously, helping to defray some of these expenses. We would also like to acknowledge those who dropped their spare change in our donation bin; every cent will be used wisely.

Beware of scam

A member called me last week inquiring about a check they received in the mail. The check appeared authentic, but the member was unsure about depositing it, especially since they were asked to send some funds back to the originator of the check. By now, most of you have figured out that it was another scam designed to separate you from your hard earned money.

By coincidence, my mother received the same scam check which gave me the opportunity to examine it. There is no doubt that it looks real, but remember if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Please do not deposit or cash these checks. The thieves are preying on seniors and these scams are well documented. We do not want you to become a victim. If you have any questions, you can always check with your financial institution or come by the center.

Support group

Several of our members have recently been diagnosed with macular degeneration. This disease of the retina is most commonly diagnosed after age 50 and may lead to blindness. The Senior Center is looking to start an informal support group for individuals suffering with this illness. If interested, call either Lori or Betty at 293-3320 for information.

This Week:

April 30

8 a.m. — Wood carvers

1 p.m. — Canasta

1 p.m. — Chatty Hatters

1 p.m. — Pinochle

May 1

8 a.m. — Farmer's market

8:30 a.m. — Book cleaners

Noon —Health and wellness discussion group

12:30 p.m. — Duplicate bridge

1 p.m. — 500 Cards

1 p.m. — Pinochle

May 2

9 a.m. — Weight Watchers

May 3

10 a.m. — UMC of BC

May 4

10 a.m. — Medicare counselor

11:30 a.m. — Mah jongg

1 p.m. — Wood carving

1 p.m. — Party bridge

May 5

9 a.m. — Oasis home health

9:30 a.m. — Writers' round table

10 a.m. — Coin collecting

12:45 p.m. — Poker

1 p.m. — Pinochle

6 p.m. — Weight Watchers

May 6

9 a.m. — Blood pressure clinic

12:30 p.m. — Music jam

12:45 p.m. — Bingo

6 p.m. — Duplicate Bridge

6 p.m. — Pinochle

Menu:

Thursday — Open faced patty melts, fries, salad bar, fruit

Friday — Macaroni and cheese, lima beans, salad bar, fruit

Monday — Tuna salad sandwich, tomato soup, salad bar, fruit

Tuesday — Meatloaf, rice, mixed vegetables, salad bar, fruit

Wednesday — Baked ham, yams, green beans, salad bar, fruit