50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - As autumn gets under way it is time to start thinking about Christmas and what trip to go on to celebrate the holiday. The Big Band Christmas Spectacular at SUNY Fredonia is the choice this year for the 50-Plus Seniors.
Eight of the college's most talented singers and dancers will join forces with the all-professional Little Apple Big Band to bring an entertaining evening of Christmas classics from the big band era at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening, Dec. 21 in King Concert Hall.
The show will be a mixture of instrumental numbers, vocal solos, special group numbers and dance routines. The program features both traditional carols and all-time Christmas favorites plus a jazz version of The Nutcracker Suite.
Cost is $30 for residents of the towns of Collins, Perrysburg and Persia and $32 for all others. A $10 refundable deposit is due with reservations. Balance is due by Nov. 2, the final day for both reservations and payment. Early reservations appreciated as college is reserving seats only until early November. Payment refundable if insufficient interest and trip canceled.
To make reservations, call 532-2507. Sign-up sheet will also be available in the senior room of the L. K. Painter Community Center during regular program hours starting in October. Payment is to be made out to Town of Collins and sent to Collins Town Hall, attention Trips, P.O. Box 420, Collins NY 14034.
To keep cost down for local area trips, transportation is by school bus. Bus will leave at 6:30 p.m. from the front parking lot of the Center, Main Street, Collins.
It is not necessary to be a member to go on trips and there is no membership fee to join the 50-Plus Seniors. Fall and winter activities get under way the first of October and will be listed weekly in this publication starting next week.
Congratulations are extended to the winners of the Collins Public Library's Quilt Raffle last Saturday. The double winner, Shirley Hadley of Boston, N.Y., learned of a young boy's spending all of his money on tickets hoping to win the shoulder bag for his mother. Hadley called the library Monday requesting to give the bag to the boy.
A money-saving opportunity for military veterans and their dependents is the free AARP Driver Safety Course being offered Nov. 13 at the L. K. Painter Community Center. The course is also open to non-veterans at the regular price. For more information or to make reservations, call 532-2507.
Grape Belt Seniors
The Grape Belt Seniors held its monthly board meeting on Wednesday to review the current activities and to plan upcoming events. The next pot-luck luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Interested seniors are asked to bring a dish to pass. Many participants have provided the recipes for the dishes that they bring to the luncheons and these recipes have been passed around and shared.
The 9 to 10 a.m. exercise class continues to be popular. Many people stay for coffee after exercise and many others just drop by at 10 a.m. to have a cup of coffee and visit with friends. Starting on Monday, line dancing will be offered at noon each week until the end of November. All those who have participated in the past, as well as those who have never tried line dancing before, are encouraged to join the new class.
The Grape Belt Senior site will be hosting several events and meetings in October. On Oct. 5 there will be a flu clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Book club will be starting up again on Oct. 10. Interested seniors are asked to come to the meeting at 10:15 a.m. and summarize an interesting book they read recently. Others are welcome to just come and listen. For more information, call 679-0001. Insurance representatives from Univera will be at the center at 11 a.m. on Oct. 17 and from Blue Cross/Medicare at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 19.
On Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Brenda Hayes will be speaking on the topic of "Dealing with Stress in Daily Living." Hayes is a personal coach in the field of mental health with many years of experience. After her presentation, she will be taking questions from the audience. The community is invited to attend.
All the activities take place at 321 E. Main St.
Lake Shore Seniors
The Lake Shore Senior Citizens met at the Dunkirk Senior Center on Wednesday. President Barb Barberich led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "God Bless America." A reading entitled "Look on the Sunny Side" was given by Chaplain Loretta Hemink.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Hemink. They were accepted as read by Jean Kubera with a second by Charlene Hallmark. The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Carol Kozlowski. It was accepted as read by Pat Kozlowski with a second by Sandy Tapasto.
Attendance prizes were won by Betty Erick, Tapasto and Hallmark. Helper of the day was Stella Michalak and others who assisted.
The kitchen committee for Oct. 3 is Mary Dworak and Betty Erick.
There will be no meeting on Sept. 26. Big Bingo will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Dunkirk Senior Center. There will be sandwiches and pop furnished. All are welcome.
Mt. Carmel Social Club
SILVER CREEK - President Carm Tampio opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Carm Morabito read a prayer called "He Answers Every Prayer."
Josie Crino took the roll call with 36 present. Secretary Thelma Hilliker read the minutes and they were approved as read. The members welcomed Melanie Bates who then gave the treasurer's report and it was also approved. Jeanette Mula gave the financial secretary's report which was approved.
The president announced that the annual steak roast was set for Sept. 19. The committee included Joan and Harry Suski, Jack Mateszon, Carm Contino and Ernie Hilliker. All attending are asked to bring their own place setting.
The club welcomed Lorraine and Gerald Hilliker from Kentucky who are children of the Hillikers.
Volunteers for the Nominating Committee are Angie Logan and Mary Congdon.
The Silver Creek Citizens annual VNA Flu Shot Clinic, open to the public, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Club Rooms on Route 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thanks were extended to all the members who contributed to the Memorial Luncheon for the Gill Family.
After the meeting, a lunch was served and enjoyed by all. A 50/50 drawing. Bingo was called by Joe and Theresa Ark. New members are always welcome.
Sheridan Happy Seniors
SHERIDAN - The Sheridan Happy Seniors met recently at St. Bosco Hall with 28 members present and one guest, Nancy Wilson of Forestville. President Ellyn Sutehall opened the session with all saying the pledge to the flag, singing "God Bless America" and the Happy Senior Song.
Roll call was presented by Sue Townsend in the absence of Mabel Warner. Milt Griewisch is in the hospital. Gertie Syper will act as sunshine person.
Secretary Clara Griffin and Treasurer Angie Logan gave their reports. Both were accepted.
Sue Townsend won the Riles and Woolley drawing; Rita Boyland and Gertie Syper won the 50/50 drawing.
The next meeting will be held Sept. 28 at noon and will feature a pot-luck lunch. Rita Boyland will be chairwoman and Vera Bell, Jane Bremer and Margaret Bell will serve on the food committee. Ellyn Sutehall will get plates and several other members will provide drinks.
Bob Sutehall introduced the speaker, Michelle LaVoie, the new Anderson-Lee librarian. She explained how to obtain a library card to borrow books, videos and movies. Internet access and large print books are also available at the library. There will be a photo exhibit by Niles Dening in October.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - Silver Creek Seniors met Tuesday at 1 p.m. with 19 present. President Ed Newman opened the session with all saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing "God Bless America." Chaplain Irene Conny gave a prayer, entitled "A Simple Prayer."
Lorrie Newman read a few short stories. A nominating committee for new 2013 officers was named. Prizes were won by Conrad Pawlak, Evie Martin, Joanne Martin, Lorrie Newman and Clara Griffin.
Milt Griewisch, Jane Park and Dot Jones need prayers.
On Oct. 6 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., flu shots will be given at the senior center. No appointment is necessary. Coffee and cookies will be available.
The next meeting is Tuesday at 1 p.m. with hot dogs, rolls, chips and drinks.
Sinclairville Senior Citizens
SINCLAIRVILLE - The Sinclairville Senior Citizens gathered recently at the Sinclairville fire hall dining room for their monthly luncheon and program. President Elaine Palmer-Titus welcomed all with a humorous story about a wedding ceremony being scheduled following a Sunday morning service.
Prior to the meal, Titus gave the blessing asking for thanks for the day, a blessing on those standing in need, the families who are having sadness, and a blessing on the food provided for all.
Lunch was a tureen dinner. The table decorations were provided by Diman Smith. Smith was thanked for all that he does for this group, and for getting the dining room ready for the luncheons. It was reported that Smith's appearance has changed now that the Civil War statue has been replaced at the Sinclairville Cemetery, as Smith had let his hair grow long, and his beard grow until the project was completed.
During the luncheon, musical entertainment was provided by the Backwoods Bluegrass group of Doug Waterman and Nora Cole with a variety of bluegrass songs including gospel songs. Songs such as bluegrass in Carolina, Greenville Trestle and Steel Rails were sung by the two. Waterman was playing the guitar and Cole was playing the bass. The group has been together for about five years. A round of applause was given in appreciation for their musical program.
Following the luncheon, the business meeting was held with Secretary John Sipos reading the minutes of the previous meeting. Sipos reported two major things in last month's minutes: Titus won a money prize in the drawings, now every month of this year, and that Paul and Arlene Kimble provided the music. Drawings were conducted by Sipos with recipients including Titus, Jim Odell, Louisa Smith, Jane Colburn, Fran Odell, Betty Wielgasz, Diane Shaw, Audrey Prosser, Nellie Sharp, Diman Smith and Alice Sauer. Jane Colburn and Alice Sauer were celebrating birthdays this month. The birthday song was sung to the two of them. Anniversaries celebrated were for Gale and Alice Sauer, and Bill and Claudia Wittenbrook.
The next meeting of the group will be on Oct. 9 at noon at the Sinclairville fire hall dining room. Table decorations will be provided by John and Susan Sipos. Those attending are asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table settings. Guest speaker will be Marna Terry Wolaver. New members and guests are always welcome for the luncheon.
Steger Hi-Rise Tenant Association
President Rosa Vega called the meeting to order with 21 members. Vice President Alba Santiago lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chaplain Josie Wierczynski lead in a moment of silence in memory of the 9/11 victims and their family and loved ones, followed by an encouraging prayer.
Acting Secretary Linda Lockhart read the minutes from the previous meeting.
Acting Treasurer Lockhart read the financial report.
Wierczynski offered to fill the secretary position if Lockhart was willing to continue to fill the treasurer position. Both members are qualified. Wierczynski has years of experience both at Steger and the Senior Center, and Lockhart is already doing the jobs.
Clara Weber nominated each for the prospective position and John Sellers seconded. Vote cast by a show of hands and passed by an overwhelming majority.
A copy of the draft of updated by-laws was handed out for review, to be discussed, voted on and finalized for print at the October meeting.
Ideas for the Halloween party were sought. Members are asked to bring some of their ideas to the next meeting.
All were reminded that the Latin Heritage Celebration on Saturday is open to everyone.
The association will be setting up an exercise area soon on the 11th floor.
50/50 winners were Sellers and Wierczynski.
Sunshine Lady Addie Windsor sent cards of thoughts to five people this month; all are doing well for now.
