50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - Christmas came and departed all too fast and the seniors are about to ring in the New Year. The 50-Plus Seniors turned out for a well-earned holiday party on Dec. 13 in the gymnasium of the L. K. Painter Community Center. It was fun to see everyone and it was great to have among the guests Collins Town Supervisor David Tessmer, Councilman Ken Martin and Scott Martindale who with his brother Doug, preside over keeping the center in tip-top condition.
The next day, the seniors were pleased to once again assist the Gowanda Lions Club with its annual Toy Wrapping Day. The turnout was unbelievable and before long the presents were all wrapped and the workers were having lunch in the Senior Room.
Saturday morning, the Lions Club again filled holiday boxes with food and soon both food and toys were on their way to the homes of those who otherwise would have had a less pleasant Christmas. A heartfelt thanks to the members of Gowanda Lions Club for asking the 50-Plus Seniors to help with these worthy endeavors.
Senior activities held in the center closed down for much of the remainder of the month although Senior Bowling continued at K & L Lanes and Quilting with Florence was held in the Collins Public Library Community Room.
It will soon be the start of a new year and we look forward to returning to regular programming that will start off this Friday with Showtime, the monthly movie held the first Friday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Community Room of Collins Public Library. Call the Collins Library, 532-5129, for more information.
For information on January senior activities check next week's issue of the OBSERVER or pick up a schedule in the Senior Room.
Collins Center Seniors
The December meeting for the Collins Center Seniors was well attended and everyone enjoyed the pot luck lunch.
The motor coach for the Jan. 15 trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino will depart from the parking lot behind the stores on Main St. in Gowanda at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 13 the seniors will enjoy an Irish Festival at the Old Library Inn in Olean. Everyone is Irish for the day. 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, seniors will travel to Bradford to visit the Zippo/Case Museum.
Tuesday, March 19 is Syrup and Slots Day. The seniors will leave for Portville for a breakfast at Sprague's Maple Farm Restaurant before heading to the Seneca Allegany Casino for a lucky day at the slots.
Passengers for the trip on Sunday, March 24 to the performance of "Sister Act" at Shea's Buffalo Theater are reminded that final payment is due Jan. 4.
Monday, April 1, the first stop of the day is a tour of Corpus Christi Church. Next the seniors are off to a special Dyngus Day Party at the Cove Banquet Facility in Depew. The event will include a Polish-themed buffet luncheon and an afternoon of entertainment by the internationally-known Fritz's Polka Band. Seniors can dance or sit back and enjoy the music. To complete the day, everyone will stop at the Marilla Country Store before heading home.
April 13-21 the Collins Center Seniors 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.
A Mystery trip is being organized for May. The seniors are going to Atlantic City with a visit to Cape May June 3-6. On July 10 there will be a Fun Trolley Tour at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, plus other stops. On Aug. 7 seniors will enjoy "Buffalo's Best" with lunch at Chef's Restaurant and a sightseeing cruise on Miss Buffalo and more. On Sept. 6 there will be a visit to Tall Ships in Erie with a fabulous lunch and interesting sights to make it a fun-filled day. On Oct. 17, the seniors will travel to the Corning Museum and enjoy the fall colors along the way. There will be several more trips scheduled for 2013, and hopefully everyone will be pleased with the destinations and activities.
The Collins Center Seniors wish a Happy New Year to all of their wonderful fellow passengers and club members. May they all enjoy many happy trails in 2013.
For additional information, contact Irene Pfeifer at 532-4268 or Bridget Farner at 532-9586. Checks should be made payable to Collins Center Seniors, 13851 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034.
Mr. Carmel Social Club
On Dec. 19, the club held its annual Christmas party at the Colony House in Irving. The tables were decorated with poinsettias and wicker angels. These were given as door prizes.
Father Dan Fiebelkorn gave the prayer of thanks.
All enjoyed a buffet of many choices. Host Jeff LaBarbera carved turkey breast and ham. A monetary collection was taken up for the food bank.
President Carm Tampio welcomed all and thanked the Christmas committee.
The next meeting will be Jan. 2, and the food committee will be Vince and Carm Tampio, Diane Seegert and Dolores Trewiler.
Silver Creek Seniors
Silver Creek Seniors met Dec. 18 with 27 members present for a Christmas dinner. President Ed Newman asked Chaplain Irene Conny to give a blessing. Newman announced that Ernie Hilliker was absent due to a health problem.
Minutes were given by Secretary Clara Griffin and passed as presented by Shirley Sikorski. Iva McClenathan was recognized by Newman for winning Bingo the most times this past year.
The 50/50 winners were Corkie Patton, Janice Snyder and McClenathan. Number draws were won by Patton, Lucille Wells and Mary Congdon. Everyone present received grape juice from Westfield Maid, distributed by Cliffstar.
Joan Suski called Bingo.
The next senior meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 8, 2013. Pizza will be provided.
