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 singing of "God Bless America."
A reading entitled "My Little Bit of Heaven" was given by Chaplain Josie Wierczynski. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Wierczynski. They were accepted as read by Irene Christopher with a second by Ruth Mackowiak.
The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Mackowiak. It was accepted as read by Marion Genovese with a second by Charlene Hallmark.
Attendance prizes were won by: first, Betty Korzeniewski; second, Mackowiak; and third, Shirley Palmatier.
Helper of the day was Hallmark and others who assisted. The kitchen committee for Feb. 15 is Josie Wierczynski.
A free lunch was enjoyed by all the members. Refreshments were served and cards were played. "Happy Birthday" was sung to Christopher.
Steger Hi-Rise Apartments
The Steger Hi-Rise Apartments held their fifth annual Groundhog Day party on Feb. 2 in the community room. There were 36 people present.
The menu was meatballs in brown gravy, pretzels, potato chips, and brownies (made by one of the tenants). A big "thank you" goes out to Kate Finch of Office for the Aging; Judith Presutti, executive director of the Dunkirk Housing Authority; Joyce Puranen, resident advisor, and all the others who assisted with the party.
Finch baked a coconut cake, an angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream and also a Mississippi Mud cake. Everything was enjoyed by everyone. Judy made the meatballs. Finch made Bingo game cards with names pertaining to Groundhog Day (such as shadow, Dunkirk Dave, woodchuck, etc.). Games were won by Anita Rinehart, Ann Schlichter, Addie Windsor, Moyralyn Radabaugh and Ruth Mackowiak.
Door prizes were won by Arnoldo Morales, Shirley Palmatier and Ann Schlichter. Moyralyn Radabough entertained the group with her music, she sang and played the guitar. A good time was had by all and the group is looking forward to next year's celebration.
The latest meeting of the Steger Hi-Rise Tenants Association was called to order by President Gordon Raynor on Tuesday in the community room with 20 members present. Vice President Pat Martinez led the members with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chaplain Josie Wierczynski read a poem titled "In My Heart." As secretary, she read the minutes of the previous meeting; they were accepted as read by Addie Windsor and seconded by Carmela Hernandez. Treasurer Shirley Palmatier read the financial report, it was accepted as read by Clara Weber and Ann Schlichter.
Sunshine Lady Addie Windsor sent a get-well card to Jean Hallmark and sympathy card to Evelyn Chelsey.
Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Zalacca in the community room. Rev. Zalacca is the pastor of Holy Trinity Church.
St. Patrick's dinner will be celebrated on Thursday, March 17 at 5 p.m. in the community room. A sign-up sheet will be in the community room, choice of ham or corned beef. Prayer was observed for Jean Hallmark.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Clara Weber, Carmelo Hernandez, Carol Berry, Kathy Stull and Cherriee Torres. The members played Bingo and refreshments were served for Bingo players only.
Brocton-Portland Seniors
The Brocton-Portland Seniors began the new year at the American Legion, braving 16 degree temperatures. A busy schedule provided a very entertaining afternoon for all. Newly-elected president introduced School Superintendent John Hertlein, board members and community members. A question and answer section followed. All were reminded to vote on the school improvement project on Feb. 14 at the school. A tureen lunch was enjoyed by all.
Robin Carr opened the meeting. Secretary Pat Zanghi read the minutes of the last meeting and Treasurer Rita Stonefoot gave her report. The group had a special surprise: on display was a quilt made for and with signed squares of members. This quilt has been stored at the local library.
Mary Tripi presented plans for the upcoming trip on Tuesday, March 15 to O'Malleys in Amherst. Contact her at 792-9748. Must have reservations by Feb. 28.
The February meeting will be a beef stew luncheon prepared by Chuck's Market. The menu consists of beef stew, salad, rolls, desserts to be provided by members. Reservations are due by Feb. 21. Call Rita Stonefoot at 792-4565. Serving on the committee is Fred Brown, Erma Colt, Kate Cranston, Robin and Dan Carr.
January birthdays were Rosie Giambra, Kate Cranston, Rick Cranston and Patricia Zanghi.
Two guests were welcomed by members Sally Dickenson and Tyler DeJoe. Tom DeJoe spoke, thanking the group for their support cards. Kindnesses went to his wife Jan.
Attendance prizes went to Josie Laitenslaker and Pat Zanghi. The 50/50 prizes went to Kathryn Fabritus, Josie Laitenslaker, Cora Patterson, Kate Cranston, Dottie McQuiggen. Cotton candy to Ruth Neal, Rita Stonefoot, Dottie McQuiggen, Ethel Hutt, Carm Johnson, Allen Jones and Elaine Woods.
Forty-seven members and two guests had a great time socializing and playing Bingo, called by Bob and Margaret Jagoda. The first Bingo winner received a load of homemade bread.
Sheridan Happy Seniors
SHERIDAN - The Sheridan Happy Seniors met Feb. 4 with 30 members present. President Ellyn Sutehall opened the meeting with all reciting the pledge to the flag and singing "God Bless America," followed by a prayer given by Arlene Miller. Bob Fancher offered thanks to Bob Wray for all his efforts benefiting the club.
Roll call was given by Clara Griffin in absence of Mabel Warner. Betsy Teachman is in Lake Shore Hospital. Minutes of Jan. 7 were read by the secretary and passed. The treasurer's report was given by Angie Logan and accepted. Marge Crosgrove audited the books.
A calling committee has been set up in case a meeting is canceled. Gertie Syper presented a few stories. Eight new members joined in 2010. Arlene Lawrence won the big drawing. Joanne Martin and Jane Bremer won the weekly drawing.
Joanne Martin is still working on senior trips for this coming spring and summer, perhaps a casino and Erie Playhouse trip. The food committee for Feb. 18 is Angie and Betty Logan, Lois Mahle, Joanne Martin and Iva McClenathan. Lunch will be held at noon on Feb. 18 at St. John Bosco Club. Members are asked to bring a dish to pass.
Pioneers Social Club
FORESTVILLE - President Arlene Miller called the meeting to order Monday. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Harry Lysette gave the opening prayer.
Twenty-eight members answered roll call with Donald Spears introduced as the newest member. Marion Ziecker read the minutes from the January meeting and they were accepted as read.
Treasurer Betty Kuzora gave her report. Carol Pierce made a motion to accept it and it was seconded by Nancy Wilson.
"Happy Birthday" was sung to all members with February birthdays. They are Rita Boyland, Majorie Hock, Robert Boyland and Esther McNamara.
Peg Heider, sunshine gal, sent cards to Glenn and Ruth McNamara. The food committee for the March 7 meeting is Joan Blohm, Lois Bentzoni, Wilma Crowell and Carol Dipirro.
The lunch drawings were won by Norma Steward and Harry Lysette and the 50/50 was won by Rita Boyland and Marion Ziecker.
The United Senior Council meeting will be held in Lakewood.
Cake and ice cream were enjoyed that was bought by the Boylands.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - Silver Creek Seniors Club met Tuesday with 20 people attending. President Ed Newman opened the session with all signing the pledge to the flag and singing "God Bless America."
Chaplain Irene Conny gave a prayer after which the group enjoyed a choice of soups, bread and crackers. The room was tastefully decorated with red Valentine theme with hearts, candles and flowers. Thanks go to Conny for the holiday atmosphere.
Two guests attended, David Griffin and Wayne Lee.
The club had a short meeting and discussed renting the hall once again for a shower; it was granted permission to do it.
A group picture will be taken March 15. Newman read a few stories in John Krestic's absence.
Several won prizes and Bingo was called by Ernie Hilliker.
Food for Feb. 15 will be provided by the Newmans.
50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - A great way to beat the winter blahs is to spend some time playing games with friends. For those who live alone, there will be an opportunity to enjoy this pastime Friday when a game afternoon has been scheduled for 1 p.m. in the senior room of L.K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins. In addition to a variety of games, the senior program will offer cards and the ever popular Sequence Board Game.
February is a good time for seniors to get started on getting in some exercise time and this week's offerings include Tai Chi on Monday at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium. Led by led by Elaine McGuire and Bobbie Leisner, warm up exercises begin at 12:30 p.m. For those who favor more gentle exercises, there are special exercises for people afflicted with arthritis on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., also in the gym. The Indoor Walking and Exercise Program has been canceled for Monday and Wednesday mornings but will resume at 9 a.m. on Friday.
For anyone interested in learning to play Euchre or to improve their skills, the Informal Euchre Game at 2 p.m. Monday in the senior room might be just the answer. This informal weekly session can help beginners to become more comfortable in a learning situation. For veteran players it is an opportunity to help introduce newcomers to a fun card game.
Wednesday senior program offerings include Quilting with Florence at 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the community room of Collins Public Library. For more information contact Florence Reynolds at 532-3075. Open Crafts with Pat Tucker has been canceled for this week but will resume next Wednesday. Senior Bowling starts at 1 p.m. at K & Lanes, Gowanda. Cost is $1.50 per game or $4 for three games. This is non league play and beginners are welcome.
The final day for the first payment of $122 for the May 9-11 trip to the Thousand Islands is due Tuesday, Feb. 15. Final day for reservations and payment for the March 26 trip to Ft. Erie Slots with lunch at Green Acres Restaurant is due Thursday, Feb. 17. There are openings for both trips and sign up sheets and flyers are available in the senior room during program hours. Openings are also available for the trip to Wildwood, N.J., and "Sound of Music" at SUNY Fredonia. For more information, call Joan Byrne, 532-2507.
The February Euchre and Pinochle Card Party will be held Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Admission remains at $5 and includes cash table prizes and luncheon.
Mayville Senior Citizens
MAYVILLE - Thirty eight members of the Mayville Senior Citizens met at the Mayville VFW for lunch on Feb. 3. The tables were set by Bonnie Johnson, Louise Richir, Dolly Gilbert, Nancy Navaro, Eleanor Cornelius and Mary Carlson before President Joyce Ayers welcomed the group. Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing for the food before the seniors enjoyed a wide variety of casseroles and desserts.
Ayers called the meeting to order and Goodrich read several short stories, including a "blond joke" and led the group in prayer before Program Chair Claudia Wittenbrook introduced the entertainment for the day, the Hoitink Family. Robbie Hoitink introduced the group. His mother Lorean, aunt, Greta Beck and brother Greg. They played piano, violins and trumpet. This talented family played light classical music for the seniors which included, "Lovers Waltz," "Maid of the Mist" and a beautiful violin solo by Bach, played by Greg.
Izetta Aying read the minutes and Treasurer Edna Brown gave her report.
Goodwill chair Mary Carlson stated she had sent some get well cards. She also sent a birthday card to Life Member Peg Jacobson who is more than 100 years old. Other birthdays include Charles Wright, Jim Subjack, Sandra Wagner, Edna Brown and Connie Milliman.
Trip co-chairs Sandy Anderson and Jean Kelsey announced that there would be a trip to the Salamanca Casino on March 8. Reservations are open to anyone. Call either Sandy at 753-7814 or Jean at 753-2663. A $5 deposit is required at sign-up.
New member Nancy Peters was made welcome.
The next meeting of the Mayville Senior Citizens will be on Feb. 17 at noon in the Mayville VFW. This will be the annual "Soup and Sandwich" lunch. If you didn't sign-up to furnish food, please come and bring $3. There will be plenty of homemade soup, sandwiches and desserts.
Fran Miller won the door prize. The person whose name was called for the "lottery" was not present, so it grows.
An executive meeting was held after the regular meeting to plan the special meetings for the year. These include a ham dinner, picnics in July and August and a chicken barbecue in September.
All area residents 55 or older are welcome to attend the meetings held in the Mayville VFW at noon on the first and third Thursdays of most months.
