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" in the absence of President Loretta Hemink.
A reading entitled "Holy Spirit" was given by Chaplain Josie Wierczynski. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Wierczynski. They were accepted as read by Marian Genovese with a second by Arlene Griswold.
The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Ruth Mackowiak. It was accepted as read by Kitty Lehnen with a second by Betty Korzeniewski.
Attendance prizes were won by Genovese, Wierczynski and Griswold. Helper of the day was Korzeniewski and others who assisted.
The kitchen committee for Sept. 20 is Griswold.
Refreshments were served and cards were played.
Lake Shore Senior Citizens
The Lake Shore Senior Citizens met at the Dunkirk Senior Center on Wednesday. President Charlene Hallmark led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "God Bless America."
A reading entitled "God's Love is Endless" was given by Chaplain Loretta Hemink. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Hemink. They were accepted as read by Sophia Kubasik with a second by Irene Christopher.
The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Sophia Urbanik. It was accepted by Dorothy Cooper.
Attendance prizes were won by Annette Arnone, Irene Christopher and Pat Kozlowski. Helper of the day was Stella Michalak and others who assisted. The kitchen committee for the next meeting is Antoinette Arnone and Barbara Barberich.
Mayville Senior Citizens
MAYVILLE - Forty-four members of the Mayville Senior Citizens met recently for lunch in the Mayville VFW. The buffet luncheon was set out by Louise Richir, Dolly Gilbert and Mary Carlson.
Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing for the food and Carlson called the table numbers.
After the group enjoyed the luncheon, President Joyce Ayers called the meeting to order. Goodrich read two cute stories and "Reflections, 10 Years Ago" and led the group in prayer.
Program Chair Claudia Wittenbrook introduced Toby Hanks who entertained the group with his guitar and songs. Hanks was a symphony orchestra member who retired and now plays bluegrass. He delighted the group with his renditions of Hank Williams tunes.
Ayers led the flag salute. Secretary Izetta Ayling read the minutes and Treasurer Edna Brown gave her report. Goodwill chair Mary Carlson reported she had sent several cards to members. She listed the September birthdays. Life members celebrating are: Ruth Crandall, Ruth Hall, Ruth Patterson, Rose Pelkowski, Doris Lahr, Bob Hartmann and Janice Barr. Others celebrating in September are: Dianne Goodrich, Elaine Winton, Pauline Cole, Jim Kurtz Paul Holthouse, Mike Barnes, Ila Johnson, Deanna Bliss, Ronald Moore, Beverly White, Gerald White and Margaret Young. Couples celebrating anniversaries are: Morris and Jo Crandall, Gerald and Barbara Thompson and Ronald and Elma Spacht.
New member Judith Shrier was made welcome, as was guest Andrew Scriven. The person drawn for the lottery was not present, so it grows. The door prize was won by Betty Walters.
The next meeting of the Mayville Senior Citizens will be Saturday at noon in the Mayville VFW. This will be the annual chicken barbecue cooked by the VFW Men's Auxiliary. Reservations are required. Everything will be furnished.
The Oct. 6 meeting will be the usual dish to pass lunch. Art Kinney will be the speaker. He will discuss the history of Jamestown.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - President Ed Newman opened the meeting Tuesday with all joining in the pledge to the flag and singing "God Bless America," with 23 present. It was good to have the chaplain back who gave a prayer, "My Lord and I." Bob Kittell was welcomed back after having foot surgery.
Minutes were read by the secretary and passed by Bart Adams. Newman gave the monthly financial report in place of his wife Lorrie who is not feeling well and needs prayers. Dorothy Miniri passed the report as presented.
Joanne Martin reported on the next senior bus trip on Oct. 12 to Medina and a train ride to Lockport; the cost is $14. Reservations must be in by Friday to Joanne at 934-3458. The 50/50 drawings were won by several members and number prizes.
Jokes were presented by John Krestic. Bingo was called by Marv Smith.
On Oct. 1, flu shots will be given at the senior building from 9 a.m. to noon. Cookies are being provided by several ladies.
Lucille Wells and Clara Griffin will provide dessert at the Sept. 20 meeting at 1 p.m.
Sinclairville Senior Citizens
SINCLAIRVILLE - Kelly Mikula was the guest speaker at the recent Sinclairville Senior Citizens monthly luncheon and program day. The event was held in the Sinclairville fire hall dining room and was attended by many.
Mikula spoke on the Curves program, which is designed for women. Mikula maintains the program on Main Street in Falconer and said she has members from the ages of 16 to 93. She has been working for Curves for 10 years and said it is the most researched weight and body program which helps women to restore and maintain muscle tone. Appreciation was extended to Mikula for taking her time to tell about the program.
President Elaine Palmer-Titus opened the day with a humorous story about taking plants in during the cold weather. Paul Kimble then spoke about the new portable sound system that he and his wife Arlene purchased for use with the senior group at their meetings. Kimble said that he purchased it at the Crino Music Store in Dunkirk and appreciated their assistance when purchasing the sound system. Treasurer Claudia Wittenbrook informed everyone of the upcoming senior bus tour to the Medina Stone Farm on Monday, Oct. 17.
Following the blessing by Titus, in which she asked everyone to remember in prayer the many standing in need, a buffet luncheon was served. The members brought dishes of food, and there were ample amounts and a large variety. The lunch was enjoyed by all.
Bill Wittenbrook was in charge of drawings. Recipients received gifts, flowers and envelopes. The recipients included Louisa Smith, Betty Wielgasz, Diman Smith, Bill and Claudia Wittenbrook, Laura Turzillo, Jim and Fran Odell, Diane Shaw, John and Susan Sipos, Linda Parmenter, Irene Goot, President Titus, Nellie Sharp, Lucille France, Martha Harmon, Jane Colburn, Pearl Sitterly, Gale Sauer, Marge McIntyre, and Arlene Kimble.
Table decorations of the fall season were provided by Turzillo and Parmenter. Sharp made all of the table coverings and gourds for table decorations were provided by the Palmer Family Farm in Sinclairville.
Smith gave a review of the progress of the Cemetery Soldier's Statue. A new statue has been ordered, and the contract was shown to all. The new statue will be ready by Memorial Day and installed on the current stone in the cemetery. Money is still needed to complete the project and donations are still being accepted.
Alice Sauer was recognized for her birthday at the luncheon with the birthday song being sung to her. Anniversary congratulations were extended to Bill and Claudia Wittenbrook for their 50th anniversary, and to Gale and Alice Sauer for their 53rd anniversary.
The next meeting will be on the second Tuesday in October at noon at the Sinclairville fire hall dining room. Members are asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table settings. Table decorations will be provided by Mrs. Wittenbrook and Mrs. Sauer. The program will be music provided by Paul Kimble. New members are always welcome.
United Senior Citizens
The United Senior Citizens met on Monday at the Fredonia Beaver Club with 91 people present.
President Charles St. George introduced Frederick Summerton and Pam Wlodarek as new members and then introduced Larry Cline, Janet Kyte and Brenda Martin as guests.
The president led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation given by Norma St. George.
A moment of silent prayer was observed for Guy Eppolito, the club's recently deceased member.
Lunch was prepared by the Beavertail Catering and was enjoyed by all members and guests.
After lunch, the 50/50 drawing was held. The winners were John Binko, Catherine Fabritius, Ray Halasinki, Dorothy Hilliker, Carmela Lucia, Josie Leone, Peggy Pokoj, Lois Ann Pryor and Mary Lou Sherman.
The meeting began by thanking the September calling committee which included Mickey Colicchia, Hilliker, Mary Ann Thompson, Lucille Rizzo and Wlodarek.
The president then introduced John D'Agostino, the publisher of the OBSERVER. He took questions from the members and it was reported that he did a great job answering them. The members enjoyed the speaker.
The calling committee for October will be Dorothy Hilliker, June Walsh, Ruth White, Nancy St. George and Pat Smith.
The September birthdays were Mary Edwards, Marilyn Nalepa and Mary Gangi. "Happy Birthday" was sung and the club also celebrated Charles St. George and Norma St. George's milestone of their 61 years of marriage.
The next luncheon will be on Oct. 10 from $7.
The club will also be collecting dues for 2012. These dues must be paid by Dec. 1 to get the discounted price on the Christmas party.
Bingo was played which was hosted by Carolyn LoGuidice, Phyllis Laurito and Mayme Joy.
Collins Center Seniors
COLLINS - Passengers for the Seneca Niagara Casino trip on Monday are reminded that the motor coach will depart at 8:45 a.m. from the parking lot behind the stores on Main Street in Gowanda.
The motor coach for the trip to Erie, Pa., on Wednesday to see Salute to the Crooners will depart at 11:30 a.m. from the same parking lot.
The next meeting for the Collins Center Seniors will be Monday, Sept. 26, at the Gowanda American Legion with a pot-luck lunch at noon followed be a short meeting. Payments for the Oct. 17. Seneca Niagara Casino trip and the balance for Daniel O'Donnell show Nov. 30 will be due Sept. 26 and can be paid at the meeting.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the club looks forward to the cabaret act "Diva and the Italian Guy" and lunch at Tillman's Historic Village Inn Albion.
Thursday, Oct. 27, the seniors will let their imaginations run wild at the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation "The Lion King" at Shea's followed by dinner at Prime 490 Restaurant.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the club is off to Cleveland to the Fabulous Food Show. Experience the Midwest's premier culinary event of the year. Reserved seats for live cooking demonstrations by celebrity specialist Bobby Flay. Live cooking demonstrations by regional chefs, cake, pastry, candy, chocolate bar by popular confectioners and pastry chefs. Sample a variety of special foods and taste wine and spirits. Check out the market place with cookware, gadgets and more. Non-members are welcome.
Frankie Avalon is returning to the Seneca Niagara Casino Dec. 7. The trip includes transportation by luxury motor coach and tickets for 1:30 p.m. show, passengers will receive $15 for slot play and $10 for food. The cost is $49 with a $20 deposit due by Sept. 26.
The Halos 'n Holly luncheon and Christmas show at Salvatore's Italian Gardens is Dec. 12. The first stop will be the Buffalo & Erie Co. Botanical Gardens Poinsettia Show and Display. The group will arrive at Salvatore's and have time to enjoy the holiday displays before lunch. The show is a heart-warming story unfolding on Christmas Eve.
2012 will be another fun year for travel starting Feb. 4 with a trip to the Lancaster Opera House to see "A Chorus Line."
The Alaska cruise June 6-16, 2012, is full and the club looking into maybe two short three- and four-day trips plus the casino and day trips.
Contact Irene Pfeifer at 532-4268 or Bridget Farner at 532-9586. Make checks payable to Collins Center Seniors, 13851 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034.
50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - "The next AARP Driving Course is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the L.K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins, but there seems to be a number of misconceptions regarding the course and the center's connection with it," Joan R. Byrne, senior program coordinator, said in announcing vacancies.
The AARP Driving Course has been offered to area residents for many years through the 50-Plus Senior Program. It had its beginnings with the Painter Center Board and was continued by the Collins Town Board in the belief that this is a valuable service to the community.
Money raised by course attendance goes entirely to AARP as those of you taking the course must realize since the checks are made payable to AARP. What has changed recently with the course becoming a one-day class rather than two mornings is the availability of a lunch offered by the senior program. This choice can only be ordered when registering for the class as lunch is homemade and requires purchasing food supplies. Proceeds from the $2.50 luncheon price go to the senior program.
The luncheons have been well received but a big problem arose with the recent August class. For the first time there were eight no-shows, half of whom had ordered the lunch plus four of the class attendees chose not to honor their commitment to purchase the lunch. With rising food prices, food purchased to serve the 23 people who signed up for lunch to have eight not paying becomes a costly difficulty that the senior program cannot absorb.
The eight persons, who just did not show up despite having paid their money, did a disservice to the stand-bys who needed and wanted to attend the course. Had the no- shows called a few days in advance, the stand-bys could have been accommodated.
"The 50-Plus Seniors involved in the AARP program have pondered what to do to rectify the problem and decided that we do not want to penalize the many area people who really appreciate having AARP Driving Courses available on a regular basis plus all the ones who have honored their commitment for lunch so we shall continue for the present to offer the driving course and the lunches but please remember to call 532-2507 in time to cancel if it becomes necessary," Byrne concluded.
The Oct. 25 AARP Course will start at 9 a.m. in the center's Lounge Room. Pre-registration is required and can only be made by calling 532-2507. Do not call until Sept. 23 and have AARP membership card available when registering. Cost is $12 for members and $14 for all others. Lunch can be ordered when registering.
The only senior program for September is Open Crafts with Pat Tucker on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. in the senior room. Regular programming will resume for fall season in October. The bus for the Oct. 1 trip to Ft. Erie Slots and Raceway will depart at 10:45 p.m. from the center's front parking lot, Main Street, Collins. Trip-goers must have a NYS Enhanced Driver's License or passport. Proof will be checked prior to boarding.
