If you go ...
• WHAT: Blends & Friends Cafe;
• WHERE: Lower level of Behring Senior Center, 1113 10th St.
• BREAKFAST: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (reservation required).
• COST: Free for those 60 years of age and up ($4 donation encouraged). For those under 60, $8.26.
• PHONE: 608-325-3173
• EVENTS: Today, 11 a.m., presentation by Jessie Garcia, Green Bay Packers sideline reporter and author; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., folk guitarist and 1 p.m. coffee bingo; Thursday, 8:30 a.m., tour and balance tests; Friday, 8:30 a.m., ugly coffee-cup contest.
MONROE - We all know coffee and conversation go hand and hand.
Meanwhile, getting seniors to get out and about is sometimes a challenge. Unless, of course, you give them something they desire.
That's the mindset behind the creation of the Blends & Friends Cafe, a coffee bar and self-serve breakfast spot that opened to the public Monday in the lower level of the Behring Senior Center. Its first week is percolating with activities, wrapping up Friday with an ugly coffee-cup contest.
"I'll be going through my mugs this week," said Paul Hannes, a senior from Monroe. "They all could win. Which one do you want?"
Another attraction beyond the chatting and sipping is the offering of a free balanced breakfast three times per week. The combination makes for the perfect blend according to Lou Dalton, Aging Programs Coordinator with Green County's Aging and Disability Resource Center.
"Good nutrition and socialization are huge parts of staying healthy," she said. "It's actually No. 1."
The meals, offered both hot or cold, are produced by the Pleasant View Nursing Home. It's the organization that also runs the local Meals on Wheels program.
The county landed a $20,000 grant for the project, much of which went toward cosmetics.
"People aren't going to come to a place that isn't attractive," Dalton said. "We wanted something warm and inviting."
The setting worked well for Norma Delbe, who made the trip from Jefferson Township near the Illinois border.
"It's decorated very pretty - I like the fact there are flowers at every table," she said. "I play cards here at 1 p.m. three or four times a week. But this will allow me to make a complete day of it. It will certainly be a destination of mine."
Monroe's Dale Knauer was also on hand. He served as a "judge" last week in taste-testing the food and coffee, giving both a thumbs up. Yet his favorite aspect of the new place was that it created a setting for his gift for gab.
"It's so great that I'll have people to visit with," he said. "That's something I like to do and need more of."
Dalton again emphasized the social component.
"It's really critical," she said. "Happiness has been proven to be the top determination for longevity. Depression can be a constant companion for seniors. It sounds so simple, but getting out and talking is so important."
The Behring Center also feels energized by the cafe.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for us," said Director Tammy Derrickson. "It's something people wanted to see here and it certainly adds to the atmosphere."
Meanwhile, getting seniors to get out and about is sometimes a challenge. Unless, of course, you give them something they desire.
That's the mindset behind the creation of the Blends & Friends Cafe, a coffee bar and self-serve breakfast spot that opened to the public Monday in the lower level of the Behring Senior Center. Its first week is percolating with activities, wrapping up Friday with an ugly coffee-cup contest.
"I'll be going through my mugs this week," said Paul Hannes, a senior from Monroe. "They all could win. Which one do you want?"
Another attraction beyond the chatting and sipping is the offering of a free balanced breakfast three times per week. The combination makes for the perfect blend according to Lou Dalton, Aging Programs Coordinator with Green County's Aging and Disability Resource Center.
"Good nutrition and socialization are huge parts of staying healthy," she said. "It's actually No. 1."
The meals, offered both hot or cold, are produced by the Pleasant View Nursing Home. It's the organization that also runs the local Meals on Wheels program.
The county landed a $20,000 grant for the project, much of which went toward cosmetics.
"People aren't going to come to a place that isn't attractive," Dalton said. "We wanted something warm and inviting."
The setting worked well for Norma Delbe, who made the trip from Jefferson Township near the Illinois border.
"It's decorated very pretty - I like the fact there are flowers at every table," she said. "I play cards here at 1 p.m. three or four times a week. But this will allow me to make a complete day of it. It will certainly be a destination of mine."
Monroe's Dale Knauer was also on hand. He served as a "judge" last week in taste-testing the food and coffee, giving both a thumbs up. Yet his favorite aspect of the new place was that it created a setting for his gift for gab.
"It's so great that I'll have people to visit with," he said. "That's something I like to do and need more of."
Dalton again emphasized the social component.
"It's really critical," she said. "Happiness has been proven to be the top determination for longevity. Depression can be a constant companion for seniors. It sounds so simple, but getting out and talking is so important."
The Behring Center also feels energized by the cafe.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for us," said Director Tammy Derrickson. "It's something people wanted to see here and it certainly adds to the atmosphere."