AARP Chapter 299
The AARP Chapter 299 meeting was called to order by President Ellie Dietzen. Minutes were read by Elaine Raczka, seconded and approved as read. The treasurer's report was made by Patty Halas, treasurer, and filed for audit. All were approved.
Bill Armbruster, associate director of AARP, spoke to members concerning Medicare, Medicaid and AARP changes. He concluded with the need for AARP to contact Higgins and complain about these increases.
The next board meeting will be at Pizza Village on Nov. 7 at noon. Members are encouraged to attend.
Irene Rozumalski had a moment of recollection for Esther Mackowiak who passed away recently.
Drawings were held and refreshments with a Halloween theme were served. The next meeting will be Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Dunkirk Senior Center.
Dunkirk Senior Citizens Board of Directors
The Dunkirk Senior Citizens Board of Directors met recently at the Senior Center with Barbara Bajdas presiding.
Carol Kozlowski reported that 90 seniors enjoyed the Halloween-themed October gala. The youngsters, which included Patrick and Daniel Muldowney, John Banach, Jessica Beehler and Amari Carter, treated the seniors as they passed through the halls of spooky spiders, witches, and ghosts, filling their baskets with goodies.
Independent Health representatives met with the seniors at the center on Oct. 20 and 27.
Plans are finalizing for a bus trip to the Niagara Falls Casino on Nov. 10. Departure time is 9:30 a.m. In addition to prizes on the bus, each participant will receive a $20 free play and $5 food voucher. The price of the trip is $20. A few seats are still available. Reservations may be made at the Senior Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The craft committee completed their Halloween favors which are ready for distribution to many Meals on Wheels participants.
All directors and employees were reminded to attend an educational workshop this Friday at the center. Richard Koerner of Westfield, will address human relations.
The November Gala will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13. It will feature a Polish platter. The menu will consist of Polish sausage, golabki (pigs in a blanket), pierogi, sweet and sour cabbage, mashed potatoes, rye bread, butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Donations are $3. Reservations may be made by calling the center at 366-7530 on or before Thursday, Nov. 10.
President Bajdas reiterated the fact that all seniors in the Dunkirk-Fredonia and surrounding communities are invited to attend any and all programming offered at the Dunkirk Center.
On Nov. 10, Congressman Brian Higgins will be sponsoring an information fair at the center.
A moment of silence was offered for long-time members Anthony Mleczko and Louis Milk.
Dunkirk Federated Seniors
The Dunkirk Federated Seniors met at the Dunkirk Senior Center on Tuesday. President Loretta Hemink led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "God Bless America." A moment of silence was observed for service men and women.
A reading entitled "Bird on a Sill" was given by Chaplain Josie Wierczynski. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Wierczynski. They were accepted as read by Charlene Hallmark with a second by Marian Genovese.
The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Ruth Mackowiak. It was accepted as read by Arlene Griswold with a second by Kitty Lehnen.
Attendance prizes were won by Lehnen, Irene Christopher and Hemink.
Helper of the day was Betty Korzeniewski and others who assisted. The kitchen committee for Nov. 8 is Jean Kubera.
Mayville Senior Citizens
MAYVILLE - Forty-three members of the Mayville Senior Citizens met for lunch and meeting in the Mayville VFW dining hall. Tables were set and coffee made by Louise Richir, Bonnie Johnson, Mary Carlson and Lois Maloy.
Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing for the group and the meal before Mary Carlson called the table numbers. The many casseroles and desserts were enjoyed by all.
Goodrich read "Where is the Polish Sausage?" "Ten Cent Drink" and "God's Wonderful Grace" and led the group in prayer.
Program Chair Claudia Wittenbrook introduced District Attorney David Foley who spoke about the events and legalities surrounding the Ralph "Bucky" Phillips case. He stated his office is getting ready to try a homicide case. He also mentioned the need for laws to make reporting abuse to older people mandatory. He stated there is no system in place in New York to help abuses to be reported.
President Joyce Ayers called the meeting to order and led the group in the salute to the flag. Izetta Ayling read the minutes of the last meeting as well as the minutes of the Executive Board meeting. Treasurer Edna Brown read her report. Goodwill chair Mary Carlson thanked those who had given her cards to send to members who are unable to attend the meetings.
Trip co-chairs Sandy Anderson and Jean Kelsey announced that there would be a trip to Lancaster, Pa., to see "Jonah" and other points of interest in March, 2012. Also they asked for suggestions for day trips in 2012.
Five new members have joined the club: Mike and Lori Stewart, Richard and Shirley Curtiss and John Brightman. They were made welcome by the group.
Ayers announced that the harvest dinner will be on Saturday, Nov. 5, at noon in the Mayville VFW. Those attending are asked to make reservations by Oct. 31 for this turkey dinner with all the trimmings. All food and table service will be provided for this meal. A monetary collection for the Mayville Food Pantry will be taken at that time.
The lottery was won by Sandi Wagner. Door prizes donated by the Wagners were won by Betty Walters and Alma Shepard.
Mt. Carmel Social Club
SILVER CREEK - President Carm Tampio called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Carm Morabito read a poem called "Creator of Miracles" and then gave a blessing. Before starting the meeting, the members ate a meal which consisted of meatloaf, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes and squash. The meal was ended with many desserts. The luncheon was enjoyed by all. Thanks were extended to the committee that worked in the kitchen.
The meeting commenced with the reading of the minutes by Secretary Thelma Hilliker. Treasurer Marie Sack also gave her report. Both were approved as read. Roll call was taken with 44 members present.
Dues are due in October. Members are asked to see Marie Sack.
The election of officers was held Oct. 5. The elected slate of officers for 2012 is as follows: President Tampio, First Vice President Dorothy Miniri, Second Vice President Josie Crino, Treasurer Marie Sack, Secretary Hilliker, Temporary Financial Secretary Jeanette Mula acting for Nina Botticello. The installation banquet will take place at the Colony on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. To conclude the banquet, the officers will be sworn in. The committee for the event is Angie Logan, Ruth Dolce, Dorothy Miniri and Dorothy Mangano.
A card was sent to the family of Dorothy Baker, a recently deceased member of the club.
The 50/50 was held by Leo Morabito and Joe Ark. Bingo was called by Tony Sack and Theresa Ark.
The club is open for membership and welcomes newcomers.
Share and Care Seniors
The Share and Care harvest party was held Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Fredonia Beaver Club with 86 reservations. The party started at 3 p.m. with card players and members who enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, fruit punch, open cash bar and live music by Joe Iuculano and Phil Favata playing old-time favorites such as "Moon River," "Don't Blame Me," "Tea for Two," and "Strangers in the Night."
President Dorothea Janczak introduced the Share and Care Board of Directors who organized the party plans and program: membership and reservations chairperson Rose Cerrie, Vice President Sam Sasso, treasurer Mayme Joy, Secretary Margaret Larsen, Sunshine Chairperson Lucille Rizzo, Sue Jane Walsh, Russell Trump and Charles Mancuso. Not present were Phyllis Laurito, Carolyn LoGuidice and Betty Klawon.
Charles St. George, former Fredonia mayor and current president of the United Senior Citizens, was introduced and addressed the problem that senior citizens are facing with the possibility of the town of Pomfret board closing the senior center at St. Anthony's School in Fredonia. St. George urged all senior citizens to express their concerns by addressing the Pomfret Town Board members at their meetings in the Pomfret Town Hall.
Following St. George's presentation, the group said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang "God Bless America" and the prayer of grace. At 5:15 p.m., Beavertail Caterers served a buffet meal with the following menu: baked chicken quarters, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, red-skinned potatoes, cooked mixed vegetables, tossed salad with dressing, bread, coffee, tea and ice cream for dessert.
The 50/50 raffle winners were as follows: Kathy Kamery, Fran Maggio, Ruth Dean, Joan Haase, Russell Trump, Arlene Buckley, Millie Kruyzynski, Katherine Fabritius and Mayme Joy.
Janczak announced that it was the 66th wedding anniversary of Clarence and Emma Merow of Cassadaga. Also announced was that the next Share and Care party will be the Spring Fling on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Fredonia Beaver Club. Watch the OBSERVER for future announcements of details.
Following the meal, the members played Bingo with the following winners: Jenny Castellana, Harold Rusch, Allen Jones, Rose Cerrie, Gertie Syper, Charles Larsen, Josie Wierczynski, Millie Kruszynski, Lucille Inwood, Pat Corwin, Kathy Karnery and Nancy Jones.
Membership dues are $5 a year and may be paid anytime. "Early bird" dues may be paid now for 2012 by making a check payable to Share and Care Seniors and mail to P.O. Box 446, Fredonia, NY 14063. Anyone age 50 plus is eligible to join. People under 50 may join as associate members but are not eligible to serve on the board. New members are asked to include their date of birth and telephone number. All area seniors are welcome to join. After paying dues for three years and reaching the age of 80, seniors become lifetime members. Members are entitled to the discount admission price at parties. For more information on membership and joining the board, call Janczak at 673-1049 or Rose Cerrie at 679-4386.
Westfield Senior Citizens
WESTFIELD - The Westfield Senior Citizens met Oct. 18 at noon for a pot-luck luncheon, with 27 members attending. The gathering was held at the Y.W.C.A. Community Room.
Following the meal, President Shirley Kolpien introduced the speaker for the afternoon, Ann Luce, owner of Herbs R 4 U, Inc. She operates her business from 165 Foote Ave. in Jamestown. Luce spoke on the healing effects of herbs, and how the use of these herbs can help make those taking them feel better, be more active and potentially help to reduce the amount of medications taken. She proclaimed that her products have benefits for a healthier lifestyle and encouraged the membership to take the printed material she offered, read it and give herbs a try.
Following the presentation, the meeting was called to order by Kolpien with the salute to the American flag and the singing of "God Bless America." Secretary Art Kinney gave his report and the financial reports were given by the treasurer.
Further discussion lead to the upcoming catered luncheon to be held at the December gathering. It was decided the members would donate $5 each and the club will pick up the rest of the tab. Reservations will be required by telephoning Dolores Kaufman at 326-2828.
On agenda was the announcing of the nominating committee for the election of the 2012 Officer. The committee consists of Chairman Fran Anderson, Trudy Stafford and Salley Merwin. Election will take place at the December meeting.
Union Relief is requesting the club's assistance in the gathering of mitten, gloves, socks, scarves or caps. These can either be homemade or store purchased. Items must be brought to the November meeting.
Winner of the 50/50 was Amy Gregory and the door prize was won by Joyce Wainwright.
Betty Reid was welcomed by the group as the new member.
The sunshine report was given and the following individuals had birthdays: Dorothy Near, Margaret Gindling, Al VeStrand, Jack Smith and Dorothy Hall. Anniversaries were Al and Joyce Wainwright, Doc and Dorothy Near. Get-well wishes went out to Tort Gervasi.
The next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Y.W.C.A. in the Community Room. This will be the annual Chinese auction and members are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift. Tickets will be five for $1. This will also be the regular tureen luncheon. The kitchen/dessert committee includes Glayds Hess, Chris VeStrand, Pat Smith, Dolores Kaufman and Jean Stebell.
50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - The final AARP Driving Course for the year at L. K. Painter Community Center has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29 in the Lounge Room. This will be a six hour class starting at 9 a.m. with a 45 minute lunch break. Cost is $12 for those with valid AARP memberships and $14 for all others. Pre-registration is required and can only be made by calling Joan Byrne, senior program coordinator, at 532-2507.
The 50-Plus Senior Program at L. K. Painter Community Center, Main Street, Collins will be offering the regularly scheduled weekly activities, such as the indoor walking and exercises on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, senior bowling and Quilting with Florence. Gentle Arthritis Exercises will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Arthritis Exercises have been canceled on Thursday mornings during the month of November due to scheduling conflicts and Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday exercises will resume in December.
An informal Euchre game starts at 1 p.m. Monday in the center's senior room. This is an excellent way for newcomers to learn this popular card game and for others to brush up on their playing skills.
A special presentation will follow the Tuesday noon Soup and Sandwich Lunch in the senior room. Bob Velazquez, insurance outreach aide from the Erie County Department of Senior Services, will be a guest and give a brief presentation on major changes in some Medicare Supplement Plans for 2012 following the lunch.
Menu for the lunch is chicken and noodle soup, Tuna Sandwich, Dessert and Beverages. There is the usual $2.50 charge for the lunch but the Medicare presentation at 12:30 is free for those who call 532-2507 to register by Monday at noon.
Registration is necessary in order determine seating arrangements. Lunch reservations must also be made by calling the above number by Monday noon. A sign up sheet for lunch is available in the senior room during program hours.
The movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will be shown at 1 p.m. in the Community Room of Collins Public Library. Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian Mcshane and Geoffrey Rush star.
Balances are over due for the Dec. 13 Christmas show at the Riviera Theatre. Please pay by Nov. 1 at the Collins Town Hall. Balances were due Oct. 20. The motor coach trip Feb. 28 to the Seneca Niagara Casino is filled but stand-bys are being accepted.With sufficient stand-bys, there is a possibility that a second bus can be obtained. Cost is $12 for residents of the Towns of Collins, Perrysburg and Persia, and $13 for all others. Participants will receive $40 in Seneca Slot Dollars and a $5 food voucher. Call 532-2507 for information and to make reservations.
