Memorial Day Closure

Just a reminder, the Kirk Cafe will be closed on Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day.

Free Taxi and Bus Service to the Kirk Cafe!

During May and June 2012, the City of San Jose will be offering complementary taxi service to registered Senior Nutrition Program participants seeking assistance traveling to and from our luncheons.  Participants must live within a three mile radius of our center, and may book up to 3 roundtrips each week.  Space is limited, so come by the Camden Community Center and fill out a Taxi Participant Form ASAP!

Also during May and June 2012, the City of San Jose will be offering complementary VTA monthly passes to participants seeking assistance traveling to and from the Nutrition program.  You are eligible for these passes if you:

* Are a registered Senior Nutrition Program participant;
* Have an RTC Senior Card (available through VTA for seniors 65 and over);
*Complete a short Bus Participant Form.

Have questions about either of these programs?  Call (408) 559-6209 or (408) 371-2888.  We look forward to helping you sign up for these new transportation opportunities!

Bingo in May

If you love bingo, make a reservation for one of our bingo luncheons this May.  Our first bingo day will be Friday, May 4th.  The second bingo day will be Tuesday, May 22nd.

Alternate Entrees Are Back!

Starting in May, Kirk Cafe guests will once again have the opportunity to pre-order an alternate entree instead of the main dish offered on the menu.  There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian entree salads, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches to choose from.  The specific offerings will change each week.  If you choose an alternate entree, you will not receive the vegetable or bean sides or breads on that day's menu.  However, you WILL receive any desserts, fruit, juice, and milk.  Thank you to Bateman Senior Meals for offering these new choices!

Birthdays and Bingo in April

On Thursday, April 19th, we will be celebrating everyone with an April birthday.  Everyone (whether or not you are an April baby) is welcome, so make your reservation today! 

Wednesday, April 25th is our next bingo day.  Reserve ASAP for lunch and stay for bingo.  You might win a free lunch coupon!

Cooking for One (or Two)

For anyone who finds it challenging to cook for one (or two), I've found a great resource.  Click here, or go to http://www.agewell.org.nz/pdf/efficent_cooking_for_one.pdf for a
21-page guide called, "Efficient Cooking for One," prepared by Utah State University.  It contains basic principles, recipes, and nutrition information.  Check it out!

For some good microwave cooking-for-one recipes, try this website:  http://www.microwavecookingforone.com/Content.html.

Cesar Chavez Day Closure

Just a reminder, the Kirk Cafe will be closed in honor of Cesar Chavez Day on Friday, March 30th. 

Stretching Your Fruit & Veggie Budget

Want some ideas for how to stretch your fruit and vegetable budget?  Click here for a list of 30 suggestions compiled by the CDC.  Here are a few examples of the ideas on their list:

*  Homemade soup is a healthy and tasty way to use vegetables.  Make a big batch and freeze leftovers in small lunch-size containers.  Buy dried beans, peas, and lentils in their raw or uncooked form instead of the processed and packaged versions which cost more.

*  Buy in bulk with friends and share the cost.  This is an especially good idea for small families or anyone who lives alone.

*  Get creative with your leftover fruits and vegetables.  Make salsa from your tomatoes, onions, and peppers.  Make smoothies from your fruits.

Special Days in March

This March we have several special days planned, so mark your calendars and start reserving your seats!  On Wednesday, March 14th, a representative from California State Assembly Member Jim Beall's office will be our guest speaker.  Then, on Thursday, March 15th, we will be having our March Birthday Party (get ready for cake!).  On Friday, March 16th, we will be having our St. Patrick's Day Luncheon.  The last two weeks of March will each include a bingo day.  The first of these will be Thursday, March 22nd, and then we'll have another on Monday, March 26th.  Call (408) 371-2888 for reservations, or fill out a reservation form on your next visit to the Camden Community Center!

Thank You to the Dancing Divas!



On behalf of everyone at the Kirk Cafe, I want to thank the Dancing Divas for providing the entertainment at our February Birthday Luncheon last week.  Suzanne Regul, Shirley Daigle, Betty Rossman, Mary Ellen Mackay, Nancy Walb, Sue Shannon, Linda Aiken, Ele O'Bryon, and Barbara McDonald gave us a great tap dance performance.  Brava!