50-Plus Seniors
COLLINS - The spring session of the 50-Plus Senior program is drawing to a close with the first week of May coming up this week. The final Tuesday Soup and Sandwich Lunch will be held this Tuesday and features a picnic menu of baked beans, hot dogs, dessert and beverages. Cost remains at $2.50 and reservations are required and must be made by noon on Monday either by utilizing the sign-up sheet in the senior room or by calling 532-2507.
The turnout for the April Showtime movie "War Horse" was excellent, with more than 40 people attending. It is expected that the May 4 movie, "The Iron Lady" starring Oscar-winner Meryl Streep, will draw a number of her fans to the 1 p.m. showing in the Community Room of the Collins Public Library. Streep portrays a surprising and intimate portrait of Margaret Thatcher, the first and only female prime minister of the United Kingdom.
The seniors have been very fortunate in obtaining some award-winning films for the spring season of Showtime, as the June 4 movie will be "The Descendants" with Oscar-winner George Clooney. The free monthly films, co-sponsored by the 50 Plus Seniors and the Collins Public Library, will continue on the first Friday of each month during the summer months.
Other senior activities for the week are: Indoor Walking and Exercise led by Pat Tucker, 9 a.m. in the gym, Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Informal Euchre Game, 1 p.m., senior room, Monday; Gentle Arthritis Exercises, 10 a.m. in the gym, Tuesday/Thursday; Quilting with Florence, 10:30 a.m., Community Room, Collins Public Library, Wednesday. For more information, call Florence Reynolds, 532-3075. Also on Wednesday are Open Crafts with Pat Tucker, 1 p.m., Senior Room.
All those going on the June 6-8 motor coach trip to see "Jonah" in Lancaster, Pa., are reminded that the final $110 payment must be received at Collins Town Hall before the closing of business on Monday, April 30. A get-together for participants will be held toward the end of May, date to be announced.
Seats are going fast for the June 28 trip to Seneca Niagara Casino. Cost is $16 for residents of the towns of Collins, Perrysburg and Persia, $17 for all others. Incentive is $25 in slot dollars and $5 food voucher.
Vacancies are available for the "Carol Burnett Show" and buffet lunch at Station Dinner Theatre in Erie, Pa., on Sunday, July 29. Cost is $76 for the three towns and $77 for all others and includes a two-hour stop at Presque Isle Casino where trip-goers will receive $10 in free slot play. Participants must show a New York State Driver's License or passport in order to received incentive. A refundable deposit of $25 is due within five days after making reservations. Final payment is due by May 30. Call 532-2507 for reservations and information.
Collins Center Seniors
COLLINS CENTER - Passengers for the trip to Gettysburg are reminded that the motor coach will depart at 6 a.m. Sunday from the parking lot behind the stores on Main Street, Gowanda.
Attention, Alaska Cruise Tour passengers: an informative meeting will be held Monday, May 7 at 5 p.m. at the Gowanda American Legion. Refreshments will be available. A second meeting will be held May 9 in Hamburg at the Know How Tours office. All passengers are urged to attend one of the meetings. Contact Irene Pfeifer or Bridget Farner if planning to attend either meeting.
Seats are available and non-members are welcome on the June 19 trip to the Riverside Inn Cambridge Springs, Pa., for a lunch and a faster-paced and funnier version of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" Oscar and Felix. The group will also stop at Karen's Angel's Gift Shop & Coffee Bar and Finney's Chocolates.
Seats are available and non-members are also welcome on the July 31 trip to Auburn for lunch at the historic Spring Side Inn and "My Fair Lady" at the Merry Go Round Playhouse. Enjoy some of the most beloved songs of all time.
On Aug. 16, the group will go to Erie, Pa., to pick up the tour guide for a "Puff and Stuff" trip. The first stop will be the Brotherton Covered Bridge in Waterford, next to Furman's old time General Store. Lunch will be at Pufferbelly's Restaurant, a 1908 renovated firehouse, and then off to the Firefighters Historical Museum. Enjoy a one-hour cruise aboard the Victoria Princess as well.
The seniors are going to see "Tribute to Country Legends" at the Medina Stone Farm Dinner Theater on Aug. 28. The group will enjoy a Nashville-quality music show and home-cooked family style luncheon.
A Sept. 18 trip is planned to see the fall colors of Letchworth and to take a "Hidden Valley Animal Adventure" with lunch at the Glen Iris Inn.
A second motor coach for the Ride the Rails West Virginia trip Oct. 1-3 will be added if enough people are interested. Non-members are welcome.
Seats are available and non-members are welcome to join us to see Bobby Vinton performing one day only at the Gale Center in Niagara Falls, Canada, on Nov. 26. Following the matinee show, trip-goers will enjoy dinner and tour through the annual Festival of Lights Holiday Displays.
Contact Pfeifer at 532-4268 or Farner at 532-9586. Make checks payable to Collins Center Seniors, 13851 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034.
Lake Shore Senior Citizens
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 "As Day Begins" was given by Chaplain Loretta Hemink.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Hemink. They were accepted as read by Jane Seffan with a second by Betsy Standera.
The treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Carol Kozlowski. It was accepted as read by Charlene Hallmark with a second by Sean Kubera.
Attendance prizes were won by Stella Michalak, Sophia Kubasik and Irene Christopher.
Helper of the day was Michalak and others who assisted.
The kitchen committee for May 2 is Christopher and Dorothy Cooper.
Mayville Senior Citizens
MAYVILLE - Forty-three members of the Mayville Senior Citizens recently met for luncheon meeting and entertainment at the Mayville VFW. President Joyce Ayers greeted the group and led them in singing "Happy Birthday" to 90-year-old Rita Lescynski. Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing for the meal before the Seniors enjoyed their annual Ham Dinner. The ham was furnished by the club and the membership brought a large variety of casseroles and desserts to complete the meal.
Bonnie Johnson provided a birthday cake for the "birthday girl." Tables were set by Louise Richer, Dolly Gilbert, Bonnie Johnson and Lois Maloy.
Goodrich read "Pigeon," "Blond Men" and "A Personnel Letter From God" and led the group in prayer. Ayres conducted the short business meeting after the flag salute. Secretary Izetta Ayling read the minutes and Treasurer Edna Brown gave her report. Senior Council representative Jeff Wagner stated that the council was collecting grocery coupons for the servicemen and families. Also Pete Weimer from We Wan Chu Cottages is looking for senior volunteers and there will be a trivia contest on May 10, sponsored by the Senior Council.
Goodwill chair Mary Carlson announced the birthday celebrants for April as: life members Rita Lescynski, Barbara Biekert, Jean Russ, Josiphine Spas and Barbara Rotte. Others celebrating are: Janet Loomis, Nettie Moore, Carl Witherow, Claudia Wittenbrook, Dolly Gilbert, Nancy Luensman, Reda Hoth, Julima Harris, Dorothy Whipple, Pat Baker, Hans Steen and Judy Smith. Wedding anniversaries are being celebrated by Bob and Judy Smith and Neal and Ila Johnson.
Trip co-chairs Sandy Anderson and Jean Kelsey stated there were a few seats left for the June 12 trip to the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The trip includes the Hall of Fame, a dinner buffet and transportation in a roomy Coach USA. There are a few seats still available for the trip to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood in August. The deposit for that trip is due on May 1. Call Anderson at 753-7814 or Kelsey at 753-2663 for information. It is not necessary to be a member of the Mayville Seniors to travel with them.
Wanda Gustafson announced there were still spaces available for the safe driving course being held at the Mayville VFW on May 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. This course helps reduce points on a driver's license or gives a discount on car insurance. Call Wanda at 753-7420 for information or to reserve a seat.
No one won the lottery. Fred Anderson won the door prize.
Program Chair Bill Tornstron introduced Skip Roberts who entertained the group by singing songs that aren't often heard anymore, such as old favorites by Nate King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. He sang "Fairy Tales" especially for Rita Lescynski and Janet Loomis who was also celebrating her birthday that day. Roberts ended his performance with one of his favorite songs, "High Hopes."
The next meeting of the Mayville Senior Citizens will be on May 3 at noon in the Mayville VFW. Stan Barton will entertain with the piano, violin and song. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass and their own table service.
Silver Creek Seniors
SILVER CREEK - Senior Creek Seniors met on Tuesday with 26 members in attendance. President Ed Newman opened the meeting with all saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing "God Bless America." Chaplain Irene Conny read a prayer entitled "Tomorrow."
Newman announced that Dot Jones needs prayers and Lorrie Newman, his wife, is recuperating from foot surgery. She is doing okay but will need several weeks of rest.
Harry Suski has conferred with the Department of Transportation about signs needed on Route 5 noting that the Silver Creek Senior Building is located nearby.
Sale of a number of items was held. Mary Congdon and Clara Griffin are in charge of food for May 1 meeting, which will be at 1 p.m. on Route 5.
Joanne Martin reminded members about the bus trip to Niagara Falls with a ride on the Maid of the Mist and the Power Authority lunch at Red Coach Inn and a visit to the aquarium. The cost is $10. Call Martin at 934-3458 or Angie Logan at 965-4150.
New members are welcome.
Westfield Senior Citizens
WESTFIELD - The Westfield Senior Citizens meeting was held recently at the YWCA with an attendance of 33. A dinner of various soups, sides and desserts was served by the Westfield Women's Organization.
Following the meal, Patrolman Billy Cummings of the Westfield Police Force spoke about identity theft and how to prevent it. He also talked about how to avoid some of the scams in which seniors are the main target. Each person received a booklet called "ID Theft: What It's All About."
The meeting was called to order by President Shirley Kolpien. Chaplain Joyce Wainwright read a piece based on Psalm 71.
New members Ann Cochran and Nick and Nora Alonge were welcomed.
Happy birthday wishes were noted for Middy Riddle, Gloria Wakeley, Albert King, Reda Hoth and Linda Haley. Special birthday wishes to the over-90 members Mamie Criscione, Ruth Cade, Carrie Trippy and Jennie Vilardo. A get-well card was sent to Ralph Wakeley and the Yeaneys and Haleys were wished a happy anniversary.
The 50/50 was won by Geri Harper and Sylvia Colbey won the door prize.
Members were reminded that the summer picnic will be July 12, a boat ride on the Chautauqua Belle at 5 p.m. preceded by a bag lunch at 4 p.m. Cost to members is $14 to be paid to Delores Kaufman.
The next meeting will be May 10 at 6 p.m. at the YWCA. The meal will be provided by the Union Relief Organization. Members should bring a prize for Bingo which will follow the meeting.
