You only have until Monday, Jan. 23, to sign up to enter your delicious chili in the annual Chili Cookoff on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Looking ahead to February, there will be a Black History Celebration at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, with light refreshments.
And the Mardi Gras Dance and Fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, costs $5 but it helps support programs at the senior center. A DJ will provide music, refreshments are sponsored, and mask are welcome but not required.
Remember there is free tax aid thanks to AARP on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Feb. 1 to April 12. Call the front office to set up an appointment.
Also, because of the AARP Tax Assistance in the fitness room, the Wednesday Zumba class will be held in the Community Center at Flaherty Park on North White Street in February, March and April.
And the acrylic painting class with Alma will be held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. from Jan. 11 through March 8.
Whether you are new or an old hand at the senior center, you should check the calendar regularly because of all the offerings which change with each season.
The free health screenings and blood pressure checks are provided at 9:30 each Monday by a variety of local businesses, which are the Franklin Manor, Stay at Home Senior Care and Dr. Casey Baldwin, a pharmacist.
Please see the front office and materials there for all the counseling and assistance programs offered through the senior center. There is one-on-one counseling about eligibility and services for older adults and people with disabilities; there is similar counseling for financial care assistance; and a veterans representative is at the center on the second Wednesday. There will be a Medicaid counselor on site beginning in July and there will also be a workshop about Medicaid.
The Northern Wake Senior Center at 235 East Holding Avenue is owned by the Town of Wake Forest with programming and staffing provide by Resources for Seniors. Most programs are free for all. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the phone is 919-554-4111; the website with full information, including the full calendar, about the senior center and Resources for Seniors is available on computers, smart phones and tablets at www.Resourcesforseniors.com and http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/northern-wake-senior-center.aspx.
