State budget cuts that could affect Marion County seniors continue to concern board members of Senior Citizens of Marion County, Inc.

When the board met March 19 in Tampa, information was distributed by Central Home Care Administrator Robert Carlton regarding state legislator contact information. Seniors were encouraged to contacted legislators regarding proposed cuts to senior programs.

Fiennes Jantz, Marion County’s representative on the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, said he could not understand why the legislature wasn’t willing to support the Senior Care Act. Cost estimates indicate it is more costly for people to receive care in nursing homes than in their own homes, he said.

Silver-Haired Legislator Tom Duggan said the Kansas Department on Aging will probably take large cuts and encouraged taxpayers to contact legislators.

In other business:

• Information about Homestead/Food Sales Tax, Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds, and checking income tax refund status online was distributed.
• Commodities will be distributed tentatively May 5 and will include a 5-pound bag of potatoes.
• ONE Committee Chairman Judy Mellott reported a meeting was March 9 at Marion City Library with representatives from Peabody and Marion. Mellott recommended that if a site manager cannot attend a meeting, someone else should represent that site.
• Adeline Bernhardt, health service providers committee chairman, distributed information about eating well, including a healthy breakfast.
• Senior centers reported activities in the past month. Burns had a potluck and USD 398 Superintendent Rex Watson provided a program.
• Bob Unruh spoke to the Durham group about his trip to Africa.
• Goessel had a fundraiser March 25.
• Lincolnville seniors met and played dominoes. They plan to eat in different restaurants throughout the county.
• Marion seniors enjoyed programs that included a collection of Noah’s arks, Trail Song Willie from Herington, a driving training course, Irish songs from Keith Collett, quilting, and playing pool and cards.
• Peabody had a birthday dinner and covered dish meal, a visit from a 4-H Club, a driving training course, and honored Pat Henderson March 31 on her retirement.
• Ramona seniors met for a monthly potluck and are working with the city on their July Fourth celebration.
• Tampa had a potluck and played card bingo.
• Hillsboro seniors attended a birthday dinner, bingo, and foot care; heard an update from Michael Ryan of Hillsboro Community Hospital regarding the new hospital and a talk by Linda Tyson about a support organization for families with sick children; and were offered a driver’s safety course.
• Wii game systems will be available at the nutrition sites.
• NC-FH, AAA Board Member Jerry Kline reported he attended a meeting in Emporia and said there will be at least one more Senior Fair in Salina. Costs for the fair have increased dramatically.
• Elaine Goertzen was commended for raising the monthly meal count at Goessel Senior Center.