50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - The New Year is here and the 50-Plus Senior Program will resume its regular weekly activities starting Tuesday, Jan. 3 at the L. K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins.
But first a reminder that if you are considering going on the June bus trip to see "Jonah" at Lancaster, Pa., the deadline for signing up is fast approaching. With almost all the area groups offering this once in a life time show it becomes increasingly difficult to reach the numbers needed to fill a bus and make the trip possible. If you are one of those who are considering going, please sign up soon in order that we can continue with plans for this three day trip June 6-8.
The price is very reasonable: $285 and includes 2 nights lodging, two breakfasts, 2 dinners including a first night dinner at Lancaster County's largest smorgasbord at Shady Maple and a family style dinner following the afternoon performance of "Jonah" at the Millennium Theatre. Plenty of time has been allotted for shopping at the Kitchen Kettle Village and Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market. A guided tour of the Amish Countryside has been scheduled for the morning of day two and includes stops at an Amish Craft Farm and a Bake Shop.
En route home you will get to visit the county's newest attraction, the Turkey Hill Experience featuring more than 26,000 square feet of interactive exhibits highlighting Turkey Hill's role in the agricultural heritage of the county. Also included in the price is meal and driver gratuities and motor coach transportation.
Call 532-2507 for more information or to make reservations. A sign-up sheet and flyers are available in the senior room during regular programming hours.
Highlight of senior activities for the first week of the new year is Friday's Showtime movie at 1 p.m. in the Community Room of Collins Public Library. Featured will be the Oscar nominated film, "The Help," starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Cicely Tyson, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer and Sissy Spacek. Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, a Southern society girl determined to become a writer returns from college and turns her friends' lives and her small town upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent Southern families. This is one not to be missed.
Other programs for the week are: Tuesday-Gentle Arthritis Exercises, 10 a.m. gymnasium. Wednesday-Indoor Walking and Exercises led by Pat Tucker, 9 a.m., gymnasium, Quilting with Florence, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Community Room, Collins Library. For more information call Florence Reynolds, 532-3075. Open Crafts with Pat Tucker, 1 p.m., senior room, Senior Bowling, 1 p.m., K & L Lanes, Gowanda. Fee is $1.75 per game or 3 games for $5. Thursday-Gentle Arthritis Exercises, 10 a.m., gymnasium. Friday-Indoor Walking and Exercises, 9 a.m., gymnasium. Showtime, 1 p.m., Community Room, Collins Public Library. Popcorn.
A reminder to those who would like to make the Christmas tree wall hanging that has graced the bulletin board during the holidays. Save any holiday cotton material you might have along with empty center spools from holiday wrapping paper, paper towels and toilet paper as we shall be offering a class in this craft during the winter months. Eleanor Arendt, local artist, also will be teaching a painting class later this month, date and price to be announced. Any suggestions for additional programs would be appreciated. Contact Joan Byrne, senior program coordinator, 532-2006, ext. 21 or 532-2507.
The first Tuesday Senior Soup and Sandwich Lunch for the year will be held on Jan. 10 at noon. Menu will be Vegetable Beef Soup and Egg Salad Sandwich. Reservations required and must be made by noon Monday, Jan. 9 by calling 532-2507. Sign up sheet also is available in Senior Room. Cost remains at $2.50. Sequence Board Game or Cards to follow.
Our winter has been extraordinarily mild so far this year; however, with January and February soon coming upon us, it is very likely that snow and ice will be in our future. Remember to check TV Channels 2 and 4 for closure days for 50-Plus Senior Program activities at L. K. Painter Community Center.
Dunkirk Senior Citizens
The Dunkirk Senior Citizens Board of Directors met recently at the Rainbow Inn for its Christmas celebration and regular monthly meeting.
President Barbara Bajdas announced that the January bus trip is scheduled to go to Seneca Niagara Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Departure time is 9:30 a.m. The cost of the trip is $20 which includes a $20 voucher for casino play, $5 food voucher, and prizes on the bus. Non-refundable pre-paid reservations may be made at the center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Members reviewed the 2011 quarterly reports regarding membership, Sunday Gala's and the House Committee.
The date and time of the monthly meeting was changed to the second Friday at 10 a.m. beginning January, 2012.
The cost of the Sunday Gala's will be increased in February. Members will be charged $4. Social members will be charged $5. Pre-paid reservations will be initiated in February.
New membership cards are now available. Annual dues are $1 for Dunkirk residents and $5 for all others. Those interested may register for membership at the center from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. All members are requested to register by March 8, 2012; however, membership will be open year round.
The center has scheduled a special Bingo game called the "January Thaw" on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. Volunteers include Nancy Crandall, Janet Kasprzyk, Jean Szot, Irene Christopher and Barbara Bajdas. Depending on its success, future events will be scheduled.
The meeting was followed by dinner, games, gift exchanges and the singing of Christmas carols.
Dunkirk Federated Seniors
The Dunkirk Federated Seniors met at the Dunkirk Senior Center at 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 27. Vice-President Helen Barone led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "God Bless America." A reading entitled "Be With Me" was given by Chaplain Josie Wierczynski. As secretary she read the minutes of the previous meeting. They were accepted by Charlene Hallmark and Irene Christopher.
The financial report was given by Treasurer Ruth Mackowiak. It was accepted by Betty Korzeniewski and Jean Kubera. Attendance prizes were won by Barone, Hallmark and Mackowiak.
The helper of the day was Hallmark and others who assisted.
The kitchen committee for Jan. 3 is Marian Genovese.
A moment of silence was observed for service men and women.
AARP Chapter 299
AARP Chapter 299 held their annual catered dinner on Dec. 19 at noon at the Dunkirk Senior Center.
President Ellie Dietzen welcomed the members and Jean Smyczek led members in grace and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The table favors were made by Martha Bialaszewski and Nathalie Kolasa.
Irene Rozumalski made a centerpiece that was raffled off along with a Christmas gift basket donated by Lill Katta, Judy Leone and Rose Lancaster.
There is no meeting in January. The event ended with a closing prayer and wishes for a blessed holiday season.
