New center a boon for senior services

==On behalf of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center Inc., we wish to thank Gov. Sarah Palin for approving $3.2 million in the capital budget toward funding of a new senior center in Palmer. We extend our many thanks to Sen. Lyda Green and Rep. Carl Gatto for introducing the capital budget request and their continued advocacy and support for senior services in the Mat-Su Borough and the state of Alaska.

The Palmer Senior Citizens Center Inc. (PSCC) provides 280 to 300 nutritious hot meals five days a week to eligible individuals in a congregate setting, as well as to eligible individuals in their homes who are unable to attend the meal at the Center. PSCC provides over 100 rides a day. Additionally, PSCC offers services such as care coordination, adult day services, senior employment, family caregivers support services, information and referral services, affordable senior housing (Colony and Chugach Estates), chore services, notary services, equipment loan program, and living well care coordination services.

In addition to the services PSCC provides in an ongoing effort to keep seniors living independently and out of expensive nursing homes, PSCC also has exercise classes, free blood pressure checks, bingo, card games, an annual health fair, an annual bazaar, Dee Tours and various other monthly and annual events and activities.

PSCC is also utilized by the community as a meeting place for such groups as the Pioneers of Alaska, the Grange and the Rock and Mineral Club. PSCC is a polling place for many Palmer residents and is a designated emergency evacuation site for the Palmer Junior Middle School and the senior community.

We are very excited by the prospect of a larger and more modern facility. As the senior population continues to grow, we are committed to growing along with it.

Kenneth Anderson,

board president PSCC

Mary Ann Anderson,

president

Pioneers of Alaska,

Igloo #11