Dunkirk Federated Seniors
The Dunkirk Federated Seniors met at the Dunkirk Senior Center on Tuesday. Vice President Helen Barone led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and "God Bless America."
A reading entitled "Rough Roads" was given by Chaplain Josie Wierczynski. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Wierczynski. They were accepted as read by Ruth Mackowiak with a second by Charlene Hallmark. The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Ruth Mackowiak. It was accepted as read by Marion Genovese with a second by Kitty Lehnen.
A moment of silence was observed for Ben Pagan.
Helper of the day was Hallmark and others who assisted. The kitchen committee for Feb. 1 is Genovese.
A free lunch is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Lake Shore Senior Citizens
The Lake Shore Senior Citizens met Wednesday at the Dunkirk Senior Center on Cliffstar Drive. President Charlene Hallmark led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of "God Bless America." A moment of silence was observed for deceased members Mildred Pangborn, past president; Ben Pagan and Eileen Heid. Prayers were also offered for the return to health for Scott Aldrich.
The treasurer's report was given by Sophia Urbanik. A motion to accept was made by Antoinette Arnone, seconded by Irene Christopher. A reading entitled "Still There is Hope" was read by Carol Kozlowski.
Kozlowski reported that she sent a get well card to Pat Kaus and a sympathy card to Patricia Pacos. A card of thanks was received from Kaus as a well as a resignation from Josephine Wierczysnki. A communication from the Great Lakes Home Health Care Services was distributed.
Dorothy Cooper was presented with a token gift in appreciation from her services as secretary for the past 10 years.
Attendance prizes were won by Kaus, Arnone and Ronnie Ginley. Refreshments were served by Cooper and Tiny Feser.
Stella Michalak was the helper of the day. The refreshment committee for Feb. 2 will be Ginley and Hallmark.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - Silver Creek Seniors met Tuesday at their club rooms on Route 5 with 22 members present. President Ed Newman opened the meeting with all joining in the pledge to the flag and singing "God Bless America."
Chaplain Irene Conny read a prayer "Walk with Me." Julie Anger and Arlene Mohart need prayers.
Minutes were read by Secretary Clara Griffin and passed as read of the last weeks minutes, passed by Milt Griewisch and Ernie Hilliker.
Joanne Martin reported on future trips coming up, one in April to a railroad museum in Henrietta and the end of May to Erie Playhouse.
The 50/50 drawings won by Joann M., Fran S. and Joan Suski. Weekly drawings prizes won by Mary Ann S. and Martin.
John Krestic read some stories. Birthdays for January and February were celebrated at this meeting for Evie Martin, Suski and Joyce Snyder. Cake was served. Bingo was called by Marv Smith.
The food committee for Feb. 1 is Jane Park and Clara Griffin.
Westfield Senior Citizens
WESTFIELD - The Westfield Senior Citizens met Jan. 13 at the Westfield YWCA, with 26 members and one guest attending. Dorothy Hall just returned back to Westfield and promises the group that she is here to stay. Hall became the club's newest member and the club welcomed her.
Secretary Art Kinney read as devotions, "Created for Relationship." As new secretary for 2011, Kinney read the minutes from the Dec. 9 meeting. Sylvia Colby retired from serving the organization since 2005 as the secretary.
Katie Smith, executive director for the YWCA, spoke on YWCA activities and all the new groups and classes that have been created this past year. Smith reported that in 1894, the YWCA of Westfield was established to serve women and girls of this region. Through the years, the organization has changed to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Shirley Kolpien stressed that the group is open to anyone 50 years and older. The Westfield Senior Citizens meet the second Thursday of every month at noon at the YWCA. The next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 10 at noon. It will be a pot-luck dinner. The kitchen committee includes Gladys Hess, Silvia Colby, Trudy Stafford, Salley Merwin and Chris VeStrand.
Mayville Senior Citizens
MAYVILLE - Forty-one members of the Mayville Senior Citizens met on Jan. 20 in the Mayville VFW. Dolly Gilbert, Bonnie Johnson and Eleanor Cornelius made the coffee and set the tables. Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked the blessing before Mary Carlson called the table numbers. The seniors enjoyed a large variety of casseroles and desserts.
President Joyce Ayers greeted the group and introduced two new members. Richard Ressler and Paul O'Dell who were made welcome by the group.
The chaplain read, " The Difference Between Men And Women," "The Husband Store" and the 18th Psalm and led the group in prayer.
Ayers introduced Verna Feathers who spoke about her trip to New Zealand, where she spent five weeks. She biked, drove a car, rode a train and a boat in order to see the whole area. Feathers had slides and pictures to display so the audience could see some of the beauty. She answered questions throughout her interesting talk.
Ayers again called the meeting to order and led the group in the Salute to the Flag. Secretary Izetta Ayling gave her report as did Treasurer Edna Brown. Goodwill Chair Mary Carlson stated that she had sent several sympathy and get well cards to members. Tour co-chairs Sandy Anderson and Jean Kelsey announced they have filled the schedule of trips for the year. Prices are not set, but most of the dates for the trips are: Salamanca Casino on March 8, Chautauqua Belle in June, Cambridge Springs on July 19, August will be Alaska and Sept. 20 will be breakfast at Sprague's and a tour of the Eldred WWII Museum and the Zippo Factory and in October there will be a trip to the Finger Lakes Area. They will have full details soon.
The person's name called for the new drawing was not present, so the amount grows. Joanne Westpfahl won the door prize.
The next meeting of the Mayville Senior Citizens will be on Feb. 3 at noon in the Mayville VFW. Those attending should bring a dish to pass and their own table service. The Pete Hoitink Family will provide music for our entertainment. There will be an Executive Meeting following the regular Feb. 3 meeting.
50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - The first AARP Driving Course for 2011 has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at L. K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins. The March 15 course has been shortened to a six-hour, one-day class plus a 45 minute lunch break. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Lounge Room of the center.
Pre-registration is required and can only be made by calling 532-2507. Course cost is $12 with AARP membership card and $14 for non AARP members. Payment is due within five days of making telephone reservations. Final day for registration is Feb. 28.
Checks are to be made payable to AARP and mailed to Collins Town Hall, Attention AARP, Post Office Box 420, Collins NY, 14034. A noon lunch provided by 50-Plus Seniors will be available at a cost of $2.50, payable on day of class. Lunch reservations are required and must be made when calling to register.
Income Tax time is fast drawing near and if you haven't already done so it is time to make your appointment with Don and Allison Girod, trained volunteers who will help prepare State and Federal income tax returns at the L. K. Painter Community Center. This free assistance to older individuals in the community is provided through Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sponsored by AARP and IRS. The Girods will be in the Center's senior room on five Thursday afternoons: Feb. 10, 24, March 10, 24 and April 7. Appointments are required and can only be made by calling the Girods at 257-3285. Appointment hours will be scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on each of the Thursdays.
The decorative glass plate class scheduled for Friday, Jan. 21 was canceled due to inclement weather. It has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. in the senior room. Anyone signed up who is unable to attend the re-scheduled class is requested to call 532-2507 to cancel. A few slots are vacant for Feb. 3; call for reservations.
Highlight of the 50-Plus Senior Program's activities for the coming week is the film "Inception" Friday at 1 p.m. in the community room of Collins Public Library. Co-sponsored by the library and the 50-Plus Seniors, popcorn will be provided.
Vacancies are available for the following 50-Plus Senior trips: Ft. Erie Slots and lunch at Green Acres Restaurant, March 26, matinee performance of "Sound of Music" on Sunday, April 3 with Soup Supper upon return to center, Thousand Islands trip May 9-11, and Wildwood New Jersey, Sept. 18-23. Flyers and sign up sheets are available in the senior room during regular programming hours or call Joan Byrne, senior program coordinator, at 532-2507 for more information or to make a reservation.
There will be a change in TV notification of 50-Plus Senior Program closings starting in early February. In the past senior activities at the L. K. Painter Community Center closed when Gowanda Central School was closed because of inclement weather. There have been occasions in recent weeks that this method has not been satisfactory resulting in the decision to make a change.
Closings of the 50-Plus Senior Program at L. K. Painter Center will appear on its own and will not be tied up with school closings. Even if the school is closed, unless there is a closing of 50-Plus Seniors listed, the activity will be held. Closings will appear on Channel 2 and Channel 4. Neither station lists Openings unless it is an emergency. Senior programs will continue to close on legal holidays.
