50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - December certainly has come up fast and it soon will be time for the 50-Plus Senior Program to hold its annual Christmas luncheon and to help with toy wrapping for the Gowanda Lions Club's annual toy gifting for children who otherwise might have a bleak holiday.
The 50-Plus Seniors holiday luncheon this year will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13 in order that seniors can assist the Lions to wrap toys on Friday, Dec. 14. The Lions annual food distribution will be on Saturday, Dec. 15. The Christmas Lunch not only will be held on a different day this year but it also will feature Pizza and Salad provided by the senior program.
"In order to do this it is necessary that those planning to attend make reservations so that we will able to provide the proper amount of food needed," Joan Byrne, senior program coordinator, said. Reservations can be made by calling 532-2507 no later than noon on Monday, Dec. 10 or by signing up by that date on the reservation sheet that is located in the senior room.
Previously the holiday lunch has been of the pot-luck variety and offers of desserts would be greatly appreciated. Anyone wishing to bring a dessert can let us know when making reservations. Christmas Bingo will be played and attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped holiday token gift to be used as Bingo prizes. The Christmas party will begin at noon in the gymnasium of the L. K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins.
The seniors for many years have hosted the Gowanda Lions Club's annual Toy Wrapping Day and will do so again on Friday, Dec. 14. As usual, the wrapping will begin at 10 a.m. in the center's gymnasium and a lunch will be provided for the workers when the tasks are completed.
Many volunteers are needed for this annual event and it's not necessary to be a 50-Plus Senior or a member of the Lions Club to participate. All area residents are welcome.
Highlight of this week's senior activities is the Thursday evening trip to the Big Band Christmas Spectacular in King Concert Hall at SUNY Fredonia. Bus departs at 6:30 p.m. from the center's front parking lot. Be there no later than 6:15 p.m. for boarding as the bus must leave on time as the incredibly entertaining evening of Christmas classics from the big band era starts at 7:30 p.m., a half hour earlier than concerts began in previous years.
Also coming up this week is Friday's Showtime movie at Collins Public Library. Meryl Streep stars in this month's show starting at 1 p.m. in the library's Community Room. For particulars on the film, call the library, 532-5129.
Brocton-Portland Seniors
The Brocton-Portland Seniors met Monday with 40 members and three guests welcomed by Vice President Margaret Jagoda. Art Donovan led the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplain Alberta Blakely gave prayer of thanks.
The luncheon committee was Beulah Williams, Pat Nixon and Mary DeLand. Mary Tripi introduced her guests from Pittsburgh, and new members Cliff and Bea Lee were welcomed. A chili luncheon followed.
The secretary's report was read and approved. The treasurer's report by Pat Zanghi approved by Kate Cranston and Bob Jagoda. Lena Elliott and Dottie McQuiggan made a motion to send $100 to Food Pantry which was passed.
Rita Stonefoot is back home and Josie Lautenslaker is much better. Robin Carr's brother passed and a sympathy card signed by everyone was sent.
November birthdays were Charlie Reading, Mary Presto, Bob Jagoda, Betty Kierczyk, Art Donovan and Mary Tripi who was surprised by her guests with a lighted birthday cake. All sang the birthday song. Anniversaries were 59 years for Pat Zanghi and 15 years for Lena Elliott.
Door prizes were won by Bob Patterson and Don Wilson with raffle prizes going to Genevieve Ludemann, Don and Miriam Wilson and Carm Johnson.
The committee for the Christmas party at noon on Dec. 17 at the St. Stephen's Hotel is Bob and Margaret Jagoda and Ruth Neal. Members are to bring a $5 wrapped Christmas gift. Samples of prime rib by Al Seavy from St. Stephen's were a treat for all. The party menu is choice of potato with prime rib or lasagna with mixed vegetables, salad, roll, ice cream with toppings and beverage all included for payment of $5 for the lasagna or $10 for prime rib by signing up by Dec. 9 with Rita at 792-4565.
Bob Jagoda called Bingo after the meeting was adjourned.
Collins Center Seniors
COLLINS CENTER - The November meeting for the Collins Center Seniors was well attended, including a few new members accepted at the October meeting. Delores Kerker and Barbara Dole were nominated for president and election will be held at the Dec. 17 meeting. The following officers will remain: Vice President Norma Pine, Secretary Althea Brooks and Treasurer Dave Duncan.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, the motor coach for the Wayne Newton show at the Seneca Niagara Casino will depart from the parking lot behind the stores on Main Street in Gowanda at 8:30 a.m. The motor coach for the Christmas show at Salvatore's Sunday, Dec. 9, will depart at 11 a.m. from the same location.
The Collins Center Seniors will have two motor coaches for Know How Tours and Niagara Scenic Tours customer appreciation event at the Seneca Niagara Casino on Feb. 13.
On March 13, the group will enjoy an Irish Festival at the "Old Library Inn" in Olean. The first stop will be the Cuba cheese shop before a fun-filled afternoon, which includes an Irish buffet followed by music, authentic folklore, Irish dancers and comedy. Following the Irish fest, the group will travel to Bradford to visit the Zippo/Case Museum.
March 19 is Syrup and Slots day. Members are off to Portville for breakfast at Sprague's Maple Farm Restaurant before heading to the Seneca Allegany Casino for a lucky day at the slots.
Seats are available and non-members are welcome March 24 to enjoy the matinee performance of "Sister Act" at Shea's Buffalo Theater. A family-style dinner is included following the show at Ilio Dipaolo's Restaurant.
The club is planning a special Dyngus Day celebration Monday, April 1.
On April 13-21, members are going to New Orleans. This tour package is eight nights and nine days including four nights in New Orleans with a city tour including the French Quarter, a visit to Mardi Gras World, New Orleans School of Cooking, Jackson Brewery and a luncheon cruise on the Mississippi Queen and much more. Guided City Tours of Atlanta, Ga., and Nashville, Tenn., are also included.
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.
Grape Belt Seniors
The Grape Belt Seniors had another successful bus trip on Nov. 12, when they went to the casino in Salamanca. Four new members joined the board and came to their first board meeting on Nov. 19 with many ideas for future activities.
The exercise class returned in full force after Thanksgiving and were delighted to welcome new participants. Following exercise class on Nov. 26 and 28, many Grape Belt Seniors wrote personal messages on holiday greeting cards to service members. The cards were then sent to a special Red Cross Center in Maryland where the cards will be distributed to members of the armed forces.
Today, representatives from Independent Health will be at the center at 10:30 a.m. Marcia Bartley has arranged for all the meetings with the various insurance companies. There will be no formal exercise class on Friday, Dec. 7. On Monday, Dec. 10, there will be a catered luncheon for all members of the Grape Belt Senior Center. Reservations are required.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - Silver Creek Seniors met Nov. 20 with 29 members present to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner catered by Dolly Bebee. Tables were seasonally decorated by Irene Conny with a pine cone turkey at each place setting.
An appropriate prayer was presented by Chaplain Irene Conny. After members had finished their dinners, President Ed Newman led the group in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of "God Bless America."
Drawings were won by several members. A donated floral centerpiece was won by Fred Sikorski. The number drawing was won by Joan Suski and a guest, David Griffin.
Bingo was called by Marv Smith.
The seniors reconvened Tuesday at the senior center. Vice President Joan Suski opened the meeting in the club president's place. All recited the pledge and sang "God Bless America." Conny read a prayer, "When you think of Christmas." New member Michael Henry was welcomed.
Door prizes were won by Rose Falcone and Carl Mohart. The 50/50 prizes were won by Evelyn Martin, Ed Prouse and Suski.
Lorrie Newman read some cute stories about the club's past happenings.
The Pattons are in charge of food Dec. 4. December birthdays will be recognized that day.
Suski called Bingo.
Steger Hi Rise Tenants Association
The Steger Hi-Rise Tenants Association recently held its Thanksgiving dinner in the Community Room. Chaplain Josie Wierczynski said grace and recited a Thanksgiving prayer.
The dinner consisted of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, potato salad, rice, macaroni salad and rolls. Punch, lemonade, and coffee were served with the meal.
The dessert table was covered with an autumn-themed tablecloth. There were turkey-printed plates and napkins. The tenants donated an array of pumpkin, cherry and apple pies. There was also cheesecake, a birthday cake made by President Rosa Vega, and other desserts. Birthdays were celebrated, adding to this festive occasion. Members sang "Happy Birthday" and wished those individuals many more.
Members donated many of the items. They also cooked many of the dishes themselves, and served them. The 50/50 raffle was won by Bob Halsey and Harvey Lockhart. A good time was had by all.
Westfield Senior Citizens
WESTFIELD - The Westfield Senior Citizens recently met at the YWCA with 32 members present. They enjoyed a pot-luck dinner.
The speaker was Tom Schmidt of the Western New York Educational Service Council. The possible merger of Westfield and Brocton Central Schools was the topic. He had a series of questions he asked the seniors, to determine the aspects which were important to them. He also gave facts and statistics in support of the merger.
The meeting was called to order by President Shirley Kolpien. Chaplain Joyce Wainwright read "November Morning" as devotions. New member Lorraine Brasda was welcomed. The 50/50 raffle was won by Amy Gregory and the door prize was won by Wally Haley.
November birthdays were celebrated by Dolores Kaufman, Haley, John Osterhoudt, Pauline Winslow and Nick Alonge. A get-well card was sent to Mamie Criscione. Nancy and Richard Sanick had an anniversary.
The Westfield Recreation Department sent a letter announcing a trip on Dec. 11 to Cleveland to visit the James A. Garfield House and the Christmas display at GE's Nela Park. Dinner is "on your own" at Cracker Barrel. Cost is $38 per person. Call 326-4243 for more information or to make a reservation.
The nominating committee presented the slate of officers for the new year. President Shirley Kolpien, Vice President Geri Harper, Secretary Sylvia Colbey and Treasurer Dolores Kaufman. These were unanimously accepted.
The Dec. 13 meeting will be a pot-luck held at noon at the YWCA. Members should bring their own table services and a dish to pass. Installation of officers will take place as well as a gift-exchange among members. Each person should bring a $5 wrapped gift. The men should label their gifts as "man" and the women as "woman." The kitchen committee is Gladys Hess, Trudy Stafford, Emma Lloyd, Ann Cochran and Darla Augur. Only the committee should bring desserts.
New members are always welcome.
