Dunkirk Senior Center News

Big Bingo is CANCELLED for AUGUST. It will resume in September.

There will be an ice cream social and beverages on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. for $1 per member. There will also be raffles. The event is for members only. Sign-up has begun.

Tai Chi is cancelled for July and August. The painting class is also cancelled for July and August, and will resume in September.

Travel updates for 2019:

The Turning Stone-del Lago trip will be Sunday, Oct. 6 and Monday, Oct. 7. The price is $240 per person. Details will be available on the flier. Sign-ups have begun.

There are two upcoming Customer Appreciation trips:

Tuesday, Nov. 12 to Seneca Niagara Falls Casino. The price per person is $30. There will be $30 slots and a free buffet. The sign-up will begin Monday, Sept. 9.

Thursday, Dec. 12 to Seneca Allegany Casino. The price per person is $30 and includes $30 slots and a free buffet. Sign-up begins Monday, Oct. 7.

An Amish Middlefield,Ohio brown-bag tour is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24. The price is $89 per person. It includes five stops: the Swiss Cheese House, Farmers’ Market, Mary Yoder Bakery, Nauvoo Market and an Amish wedding dinner. It leaves at 8 a.m. and returns 8 or 9 p.m. There is lots of walking involved. Sign-up will begin in July.

Two mini-bus trips are being negotiated (capacity 24). First come, first serve. The one for Thursday, Aug. 22 to Polka Buzz is full. The second is for Wednesday, Sept. 18. We’re going to a musical dinner matinee at Celoron Harbor Hotel. The price is $52, which includes lunch and a show. Details are available at the Center. There are only a few seats available. Sign up now.

Watch the OBSERVER on Friday’s Senior page for details of upcoming trips as they are finalized.

2019 membership dues ($5) are past due. The year runs Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. You must have an active membership to participate in programs.

The office, located at 45 Cliffstar Court, is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday all day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Center’s phone number is 366-7530.

United Seniors

The United Seniors met, on July 8, at the Fredonia Beaver Club. There were 28 members present. All guests and members were welcomed, Evonne Hennebery called the meeting to order, and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of “God Bless America.” Mary Edwards said the blessing. Everyone enjoyed socializing, and chatting. Birthdays were announced: Nick Andin, Kathy Domiano, Elaine Frederickson, Les Fuller, Fred Summerton. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” The treasurer’s report was given..

The catered lunch consisted of: hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, baked beans, watermelon, and coffee.

The next meeting will be, Aug. 12, Send all monies to Evonne Hennebery, P.O. Box 706, Dunkirk, N.Y. 14048. $10 for the meal.

Menu for the meeting in August, will consist of: Italian sausage, (with green peppers and onions) tossed fresh salad, with homemade dressing, potato salad, zucchini, and strawberry shortcake.

The callers were: Pat Ebert, Nancy Niebel, Josie Wierczynski, Linda Riley, Thank you so much. The bingo committee, was Phyllis Laurito, Rosemary Mancuso, Lucy Saeli. The Sunshine Club, sent a sympathy card to the family of Sam Sasso. A new member joined this month, Michael McClenathan. A thinking of you card was sent to Charles St. George. Joe Greco and Carm Johnson sold 50/50 tickets. Winners were Fred Sumerton, John Binko, Kathy Kamery and Delores Campbell.

Evonne Hennebery shared the story of her cruise to the Bahamas. She told of dolphins swimming with people, swimming up under them and lifting them out of the water to swim with them. They saw wild manatees, and sting rays and many sea lions. She said it was an amazing sight to see. She said she has more interesting stories about her trip, and will share them with everyone at the next meeting.

Silver Creek Seniors

The July 16 meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. President Ed Newman led the Pledge of Allegiance and “God Bless America” was sung with respect. Thelma and Ernie Hilliker, Claudia Markham and Jen Zlotnick were warmly welcomed back. In the same manner, Bryan Ahl, Claudia’s husband and Cindy Anger were welcomed as guests for the day. Y’all come back, ya hear? Pauline Flitt offered the blessing with thanks for those who prepared the food we were about to share and for the friendships we treasure. The healthy display of fruit and vegetable platters, salad, baked beans, deviled eggs and even popcorn was a delight to the sense of sight and taste. The hot dogs were enjoyed as the main attraction, while desserts provided a sweet, satisfying second course. Many thanks to our amazing volunteers.

Don Burghardt soloed in the comedy corner, telling the tale of an egotist with a predictable memory lapse. Smiles turned into laughs.

Most insects are considered pests. However, it’s been reported that we could learn a lot from the insects of the world about things like resourcefulness, team spirit and work in general. Take for instance, the ant. Ants can be warriors, builders, milkmaids, teachers and more. They are strong, patient, self-sacrificing and intricately connected to their group, fulfilling what’s needed to further the survival of the species. Most of all, ants have “High Hopes” and just like the ants, “You’ve Gotta Have Heart,” hope and reverence for all life.

50/50 winners were Enabell Mirando, Lorraine Bailey and Burghardt. Door prizes were won by Judy Hahn and Marilyn Flint. President Newman called mind-sharpening bingo and the winners were Flitt, Markham, Mary Ann Seibert, Ahl, Earl Sheeler, Ernie Hilliker and Mirando.

On July 23, at the 1 p.m. meeting, ingredients will be provided for the self-making of submarine sandwiches. Sounds like a fun time. A little something on the side or desserts are welcome if you wish to volunteer.

Sheridan Happy Seniors

The July monthly meeting was held on Friday, July 12. There was a good attendance of members plus Nancy Kelly, who was welcomed as a guest. The “Happy Seniors” song started the activities, followed by singing “God Bless America” and the Pledge of Allegiance. The menu for the day consisted of pizza from Ellie’s Deli and other sides brought in by volunteers. Thanks to all of you who have been helping out.

Get well cards were passed around and signed, sending get well wishes to the members who were unable to attend. Birthday wishes were also send to Shirley Sikorski who had a birthday on July 15. Belated birthday wishes to Ruth Sheeler whose birthday was July 7. Congratulations to Betty Kuzora for winning the Riles & Woolley drawing.

Pauline Flitt introduced some new activities which included the wheel, Texas Bingo and of course the usual BINGO !! Flitt was the bingo caller, adding some unique sound effects. Enabell Mirando won three times and Rose Cerrie won twice. The following each won once: Sheeler, Kuzora, Ellyn Sutehall, Eleanor Lemiszko, Arlene Lawrence and Lorrie Newman.

At the June meeting it was voted on having door prizes. The first winners were Burdella Warner, Cerrie and Mirando. These door prize winners are reminded to bring a gift to the next meeting. This meeting will be on Friday, Aug. 9. The location of the meeting is at The Liberty Restaurant in Fredonia at noon.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next month. Have a wonderful time till we meet again! “Happy Seniors” is our name!

Collins Center Seniors

The next meeting for the Collins Center Seniors will be Monday, July 22. at the Gowanda American Legion with a potluck lunch at noon.

The motor coach will depart from the parking lot behind the stores on Main St., Gowanda at 8:30 a.m. on July 25. for “CUSTOMER APPRECIATION at the SENECA NIAGARA CASINO” Receive $30 play and a free lunch buffet. Cost is $27. Payment is due. Seats available.

Aug. 14, the motor coach will depart at 8 a.m. for the “MYSTERY TOUR.”

NOTE We hope to have the final itinerary available for the “Thousand Island Tour” at the July 22 meeting.

Seats available Sept.10 for “AFTERNOON WITH THE STARS” at the Seneca Allegany Casino. Enjoy an afternoon with Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time. Receive tickets for the show, $20 play and a free lunch buffet.

Seats available Sept. 19. “FALL in CANANDAIGUA.” The Finger Lakes is famous for its Canandaigua Lake and shops situated on Main Street. We will enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Canandaigua Lady Paddle wheeler. In the afternoon, our visit includes a wine tasting, Docent-led Mansion tour and guided tour of Sonnenberg Gardens.

NEW Oct. 9. We are off to Bradford, Pennsylvania for a sit-down lunch at Beefeaters Restaurant in the Historic 1901 Carnegie Library. Next we will enjoy a Broadway style show called “WITCHES BREW, THE MUSICAL” with 20 show tunes. Following the show, we will have time to wander through Main Street Mercantile with a variety of unique shops.

NEW Oct. 28, we are going to delLago Casino

For additional information visit our web site @ www.knowhowtours.com/collinscenter or 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.

Brocton Portland Seniors News

The Brocton Portland Seniors met at the Brocton Legion on Tuesday, June 25 with Tom DeJoe opening the meeting before 41 members.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rich Carpenter, followed by Olive Becker giving a prayer of thanks. Committee members Rita Bennett, Ella Gaffney, Shirley Wolnik, Rosie Giambra and Tom DeJoe set the colorful tables, windmill centerpieces and cups of goodies. Catered pizza and wings went well with salads and desserts.

Sheriff Quattrone welcomed everyone and shared a talk on unwanted phone calls with solutions and what not to do. He specifically talked about the New York State Sheriff’s Association’s new project, the Yellow Dot program. This is a bright yellow sheet for each person, to be completed and stored in the glove compartment of the vehicle and one to be in your home freezer. The yellow dot decal affixed to your vehicle and on the house door alerts responders and prompts safer and faster care. Ask any officer to receive the personal sheet and yellow dot decal. Sheriff Quattrone asked and quickly answered a huge variety of topics and shared solutions of much interest to all.

The Ahira Hall Library brochure was passed out for the OFA – Aging Mastery Program beginning July 25 at the library. Concerts are at Rykman Park on July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The writing contest ends Aug. 21, and movies storytimes, games, etc. are all in July and August. Call 792-9418 for details. There are activities for all ages.

New members Eris Hogue and Dorie Pierce were welcomed. Tom DeJoe explained the Medal of Honor David Bellavia recently received as the first living veteran of the Iraq War.

Members attending the OFA picnic today need to take a can for their Christmas basket. The handicap porta-potty will once again be paid by the club for this picnic.

Margaret Jagoda announced the Salamanca Casino trip for July 24 is full and the bus will be leaving at 8:45 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., as there is a stop in Fredonia at 9 a.m.

A sympathy card was signed by all and sent to Rita Stonefoot, who lost her daughter, Sharon, and to the family of Maggie Rogers, 100, who passed away on June 21. Birthday folks for June were Rita Bennett, Lena Elliott, Marie Emke, Margaret Jagoda, Genevieve Ludemann, Linda Riley, Gil Seekings and June Woollett. Door prize winners were Floyd Carpenter and Carm Johnson. Raffle winners were Liz Stahlman, Bill Norris, Betty Erik, Beulah Williams, Tom DeJoe and Wendy Black. Windmill centerpieces went to Rosie Giambra, Lena Elliott, Bob Jagoda, Pete Spinuzza, Norma Sechrist, Patty Ploetz and Betty Erick.

The next meeting will be July 30, with hot dogs and hamburgers by Tom DeJoe and the guys, with members to bring a dish to pass and personal table service. The committee is Pat Zanghi, Rita Stonefoot, Jean Jaquith, Ruth Neal and Tom DeJoe.

Grape Belt Senior News

Aerobics and Weights with Catherine on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. In the event that Catherine cancels aerobics and weights, she will post it on her own Facebook page. 2019 dues are now being collected at the Center.

All trips, extended as well as day trips, are open to the public; members and non-members. Fliers for upcoming trips for 2019 are available at the Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Trips planned for 2019 FIRST PAID – FIRST RESERVED!

July 20: Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. Be behind Big Lots at 10:30 a.m. Bring a lawn chair.

July 26: Customer Appreciation. Seneca Niagara. Pay $30. Get $30 in slots and free buffet. Be behind Big Lots at 10:30 a.m.

Aug. 21: Belhurst Castle. Built in the 1880’s overlooking Seneca Lake. $115 per person. Visit Three Brother Estate Winery. Enjoy 5 free tastings at three wineries and a microbrewery. Buffet lunch at Belhurst Castle. Belhurst Winery for 5 tastings. A stop at Muranda cheese factory before departing for home. Be behind Big Lots at 7:50 a.m.

Sept. 4: Grove City Shopping and Oh, So Much More. $73 per person. Includes stop at Campbell Pottery in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. Shopping at Grove City Outlet Mall. Includes lunch at Hoss’s Restaurant. Over 140 Brand Named Outlets. Final stop is Wendell August Forge featuring handcrafted metal giftware. Pay by July 31.

October 29: “Witches Brew” the Musical – Bradford, Pennsylvania. $106 per person. First stop is Zippo/Case Museum. Next, enjoy a sit down lunch at Beefeaters Restaurant, followed by the Broadway style show, “Witches Brew, the Musical” featuring Enchante Cabaret. After the show, visit the Main Street Mercantile and the Tin Ceiling Gift Shop. Payment due by Sept. 16.

Casino trips with shows:

Oct. 8: Musical Tribute to Beautiful and Carole King. Fun-filled, all male Carole King Tribute. Family friendly comedy. Custom musical arrangements. A cast from NYC. $78 per person for show, $20 free slot play, and buffet lunch. Seneca Niagara Casino.

Nov. 5: The Rat Pack. Tribute to Dean, Frank, and Sammy. Seneca Allegany. $78 per person for show, $20 free slot play and buffet lunch.

Dec. 10: The Lettermen Hits and Holiday Show. Seneca Niagara. $78 per person for show, $20 free slot play and buffet lunch.

Extended trips for 2019:

Bavarian Europe: Sept. 10 to 20. Includes air fare to and from Austria. Then tour Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Northern Italy. Highlights include Milan, Matterhorn, Lucerne, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Danube River, Vienna and more. Fliers re: this trip are now available. Seats are still available.

David Wendt will be at the Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m. for the pre-departure meeting for Bavarian Europe. He will also present information on trips planned for 2020.

For information and to sign up for any of the extended trips, call Marianne Serio at 672-5274. For more information and to sign up for any day trips, call Judy Marino at 672-5778.

Find Grape Belt Seniors on Facebook. Those who have paid 2019 dues are eligible to join the Facebook group.

Collins 50 Plus Seniors

Activities for the week of July 21-27:

Sunday, July 21: Pickle Ball, 6:30 p.m., L.K. Painter Center gym or Collins Town Park.

Wednesday, July 24: Exercises with Pat, 10 a.m., Painter Center Yellow Room. Games & Crafts with Pat, 1 p.m., Painter Center Rose Room.

Please use the front entrance to the L.K. Painter Center for all Wednesday 50 Plus Senior Activities as Youth Rec. will be using the gym from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the Collins 50 Plus Seniors on Friday, December 20, 2019 for the “Holiday Pops Show” at Kleinhans Music Hall. This show is a sell-out every year. We start with coffee and doughnuts after we arrive, enjoy the wonderful pops show, then a delicious lunch at Pearl St. Grill. Travel by coach bus. Package price of $110. Call 532-2006 ext. 21 to sign up or for more details. This show is limited to 35, so sign up early.

The next AARP Defensive Driving Class will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the L.K. Painter Community Center in Collins. To sign up call 532-2006 ext. 21 and leave a message with your name, phone number and if you would like to have the lunch. The fee for the class is $20 for AARP members / $25 for non-members. Make your check or money order (no cash) out to “AARP” and bring it with you when you check in on the day of the class. The fee for the lunch is $3 and will be collected when you check in on the morning of the class. Class begins at 9 a.m. sharp. Please check in by 8:30 a.m. and bring your check, your AARP member card (if a member), your driver’s license and a pen.