A few rounds of a fast-paced dice game will help area seniors contribute to the continued service and success of the Cole County Senior Nutrition program.

AARP Chapter 4401 invites the community to a Bunco Night on Aug. 16 at the West Point Senior Center, 2701 West Main St. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. and start play at p.m. The cost to play is $10. Light snacks and lemonade, iced tea and water will be provided. There is a soda machine at the Senior Center. If you prefer, you may bring your own snacks to the event. There will be prizes for most wins, most losses, most Buncos, equal wins and losses, and most Baby Buncos. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

For those who don't know, Bunco is a very social, fast-paced dice game that's easy to learn and lots of fun. All you really need to know is how to roll dice and yell "Bunco!" We'll review the simple rules and scoring. Anyone who loves to play Bunco or wants to learn is invited to join the fun.

Bring your own table of four friends or come yourself and join a table. It doesn't matter because we will be changing partners and meeting new people as the game plays throughout the evening. For more information or to RSVP contact Charlotte Wening 573-761-5193. You may also sign up at the Senior Center. Or just show up! You'll be glad you did.

Bunco Night is an AARP-sponsored fundraiser for the Cole County Senior Nutrition Program. It is our way to thank the Senior Center for use of its facilities for our meetings and activities.

"Although the Senior Nutrition Council receives funds from Aging Best (formerly the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging) and the United Way, those funds do not cover all operating expenses," said Nathan Baysinger, manager of the senior centers. To continue to provide quality services, the local Senior Nutrition Council has a fundraising goal of $40,000 for fiscal year 2023.

The Senior Nutrition Council is a non-profit organization serving residents 60 and over in Cole County. For those who prefer not to eat alone or no longer enjoy cooking, the Clarke Senior Nutrition Center at 1310 Linden and the West Point Center at 2701 W. Main St. provide a nutritious, well-balanced meal from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for a suggested contribution of $5. In addition, homebound meals "Meals For You" (formerly known as Meals on Wheels) are delivered by volunteers weekly to residents of Cole and Osage counties.

The Senior Centers offer a place for seniors to meet socially, to play bridge, pinochle, other card games, mahjong, dominoes and board games. Tai chi is offered several times per week. Local musicians entertain during lunch monthly, and speakers and classes of interest to seniors are offered throughout the year. There are no memberships or fees. All are welcome.

All proceeds from Bunco night will benefit the Senior Nutrition Program and enable them to keep providing the many services they offer. So, come enjoy a fun evening and support our local Senior Centers.

The next general membership meeting of AARP Chapter 4401 will be at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the West Point Senior Center, 2701 W. Main St. We will have representatives from Aging Best speak about the services they provide for older adults in Cole County. Aging Best covers 19 counties in Mid-Missouri. In addition to the nutrition program, Aging Best also manages an ombudsman program with volunteers going into long-term care facilities to assist residents with getting the care they require. Aging Best also provides respite services, Affordable Care Act registration help, transportation services and serves as a clearinghouse for seniors to get information and assistance for almost any issue confronting seniors in our community.

You may join the local chapter of the AARP at the September meeting or by sending your $8 dues to AARP Chapter 4401, P.O. Box 105965, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65110.

As a member of the local chapter of the AARP, you will receive by email the AARP volunteer update, which features news of AARP happenings and legislative news about current bills concerning older adults and information on how to let your voice be heard. You will also receive information on Chapter 4401 meetings, speakers and events either by mail or email.

AARP Chapter 4401 would like to thank the following businesses for door prize donations made for our June Travel Extravaganza meeting: Jefferson City Sub Shop, Honda of Jefferson City, Slim Chickens, Starbucks, Bandana's Bar-B-Q and Catering, Big Whiskey's American Bar and Restaurant, Pancheros Mexican Grill, Colton's Steak House and Grill, High Rise Bakery, Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, Classic Travel and Tours, and USA Tours.

Print Headline: Bunco party to help nutrition program keep rolling

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