Aging Wisely

WILLMAR — Aging Wisely: Finding New Confidence and Purpose will meet Thursday, Oct. 15, in Willmar. The program is part of a series to help support the educational, social and nutritional needs of older adults. Curt Schlenner, an insurance agent, will speak on the changes in Medicare insurance plans in 2021. Reservations are required and the group will limit numbers according to current regulations and practice social distancing, wearing masks, etc. RSVP to Carrie at 320-231-2598 by 4 p.m. Oct. 14.

Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross conducts blood drives in the west central area. To give blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Sixteen-year-olds may if they have a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form. You can give blood every 56 days. Double red cells can be donated every 112 days. While all blood types are needed, type O and type B-negative donors are especially encouraged to give.

Appointments can be made at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org unless otherwise noted. All donors need acceptable identification. The preferred form is a government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, or a Red Cross blood donor card. Otherwise you will need to provide two other forms of identification, such as a work identification, Social Security card, personal check or credit card. Personalized mail such as a utility bill will not be accepted. Blood drives scheduled for the Tribune area are:

Oct. 14, Dawson: Noon to 6 p.m., Dawson-Boyd High School

Oct. 15, Madison: Noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church

Oct. 15, Litchfield: 1 to 7 p.m., Christian Church

Oct. 16, New London: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Open Door Christian Church

Oct. 19, Redwood Falls: Noon to 6 p.m., Community Center

Oct. 20, Willmar: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., YMCA

Oct. 20, Redwood Falls: Noon to 6 p.m., Community Center

Nov. 2, Murdock: Noon to 6 p.m., City Hall

Nov. 3, Spicer: 1 to 7 p.m., American Legion

Nov. 3, Appleton: Noon to 6 p.m., Appleton Area Health Services

Nov. 4, Benson: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Home-delivered meals

Willmar Meals on Wheels: Instead of volunteers, CCT bus drivers are delivering Meals on Wheels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On these three days, the meal is hot but a frozen meal for the following day or the weekend can also be included.

The meals are available for persons who are unable to cook for themselves due to their age, disability, illness or recent release from the hospital.

Along with the regular meal, three special diet meals are available. The cost is $6.81 and includes all the side dishes (including dessert) and either milk or juice.

Order by 1 p.m. the weekday before the delivery day by calling 320-235-5310 ext. 219 or 320-894-7401.

The menu is available on West Central Industries website, www.wcimn.org under Business Solutions.

Willmar Senior Dining: The meals will be available for curbside pickup at the Community Center between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Frozen meals are available.

The meals are open to those who are 60 years of age and older. Suggested donation of $5 a meal, one-time registration is required by calling 1-800-488-4146.

To reserve a meal call 320-262-5288 by noon the day before and leave a message.

The menu is available on the city of Willmar website www.willmarmn.gov under Community Center.

NAMI Western Minnesota

The National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Minnesota have started online support groups and mental health classes in response to COVID-19. All are available through the Minnesota website at namimn.org .

HELP — helping employees live in a pandemic: An online mental health program for employers to offer their employees to help them manage their stress, coping skills and resiliency during COVID-19. Class topics include mental health, staying connected, coping with kids, physical activity, nutrition and also the Question, Persuade and Refer course, which teaches the three steps anyone can take to help prevent a suicide. All classes are one hour in length. Employers can choose one or all of the classes to be offered through Zoom or another online platform. NAMI Minnesota appreciates, but does not require, an honorarium for delivering the classes. For information or to schedule a class, contact NAMI Minnesota at namihelps@namimn.org .