January/February 2023

Director’s Comments

Stories aren’t told in words alone. Data and numbers are how we frame facts and explain thresholds, opinion, or comparisons. My grad school statistics class was foreign territory – working with numbers has always been a grind for me, and the skills did not seem relevant to my goals. However, when it came time to apply those skills to my Capstone research project, I found true delight discovering the correlations, trends, and differences that were explained by the data collected. Completed in 2016 with my classmate Emily Stamas, the report “Bring on the Boomers” examined the interest levels of participating in senior centers throughout Greene County. 

Starting in October, YSSC asked the community to provide feedback and insight by offering a survey in the Yellow Springs News. As of the end of November there have been 109 respondents. There were some indications of what the community is most interested in, but perhaps missing the male perspective, since 80% of the surveys were completed by females. Here are some insights we have learned so far:

• Lectures, academic instruction, and exercise classes generated the most interest. 
• YS is mostly DISinterested in Bingo, as well as Billiards or Ping Pong 
• 20% (20 people) of respondents would consider moving to senior apartments either immediately or in the next 5 years
• 52% attend events at the Library, 42% participate in online activities through YSSC or other groups
• Over half of respondents report they are able to walk to the Center, 25% can bike
• 41% of respondents live alone
• The “Yellow Springs Senior Center” as a name is satisfactory for most people

The numbers are providing some evidence, generalizations, and trends. The data will only be better as we get additional responses. If you haven’t yet participated, you are welcome to pick up a paper copy of the survey at the Center, or complete it on our website. 

Please see below to learn more details of the survey results. I will continue to develop more facts as I examine correlations (such as, is there a difference between age groups for preferred activities, schedule, challenges to participating) and how to plan for the future. Planning for the next chapters in our shared story relies on factual knowledge. Thank you for making your experience part of the collective.

 – Caroline Mullin, Executive Director

937-767-5751 x 101, cmullin@ysseniors.org

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Eve Fleck who won the “Diamonds are Forever” quilt made by Fran LaSalle. The Center raised $990 with Fran’s generous donation of the quilt.

Also kudos to Cynthia Olsen! Her idea for the Sienna Van car wrap will be the inspiration for the design. Look for it in the coming months. 

Use the buttons below to visit our website for the most up-to-date information about our classes and groups.

Winter Weather: If the Yellow Springs Schools are closed due to weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Closings will also be posted on the website (www.ysseniors.org) and the Facebook page. Transportation services may also be affected by weather conditions. 

Community Colloquy Series

Third Thursday of the month, 7–8:30 pm

YSSC will host monthly guests to share their expertise and knowledge with the community. The guests for January 19 are Matt Raska and Alex Melamed speaking on “An Invitation to Zoning Reform,” on their proposals to use zoning to promote affordable housing in YS. On February 16 Anne Randolph and Artie Isaac will read from their published work and speak on their creative process on “From Life to Poetry.”

Programs will meet in the Great Room and also be on Zoom. All are welcome. The Zoom link can be found on the calendar on the website at ysseniors.org/calendar.

Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market

Saturdays 8:30–11 am (cancelled on 12/24 & 12/31)

The YS Winters Farmers Market has returned indoors to the Senior Center Great Room. Open 9–11 am, with a half hour for seniors and high-risk individuals from 8:30–9 am. 

The outdoor YS Farmers Market, held in the Bryan Center parking lot, will continue to be open from 9–11 am each Saturday through March. EBT will be accepted at both markets; new tokens will be available at the indoor market at the Senior Center.

Share the Love Social

Friday, February 10, 2:30 pm

Please come for free treats and some fun together on Friday, February 10 at 2:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.

Day Trips to Local Museums

The Senior Center is offering trips to museums, one in January and one in February.

The January trip to Springfield Museum of Art is leaving from the Bryan Center parking lot, west side, at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 18. Admission is $3. Register for this trip by Wednesday, January 11 by calling 937-767-5751 or sending an email to info@ysseniors.org. 

Special Exhibits are the Lake Valley short film, and “Mirror, Mirror,” an exhibit of 60 works by women, and “Wild and Tenacious,” Beth Edwards’ hyper-realistic paintings of flowers and garden oases. 

In honor of Black History Month, the February trip is to the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce. Departure is from the Bryan Center parking lot, west side, at 1 pm on Friday, February 24, 2023. Admission is $5. Register for this trip by Friday, February 17 by calling 937-767-5751 or sending an email to info@ysseniors.org. 

The museum is exhibiting the ninth annual “Art of Soul” juried art show, with themes relating to the African diaspora and African-American culture and history, and other exhibits.

The expected return time from these trips to Yellow Springs is by approximately 4:30 pm.

Volunteer drivers are needed for this trip, please contact me if you can help. 

– Corinne Pelzl, Program Assistant

937-767-5751 x105, cpelzl@ysseniors.org

MySeniorCenter, a New Computer Check-In System 

We have a new, automated check-in system called MySeniorCenter which has been installed in the lobby at the Senior Center. The new system is extremely easy to use:

• All members and volunteers will receive a small keytag. (The card contains no personal info, but allows the new system to recognize you.)
• Instead of signing into the book, you’ll scan your keytag at the scanner, or enter your name on the touchscreen.
• Press the touchscreen to select the programs you’ll be participating in that day.
• Press FINISH. 

Even though MySeniorCenter is designed to be user-friendly, the front desk volunteer will be available to help people operate the new check-in system. There will also be instructions on our website, and also sent out through our email alerts. You’ll even be able to check out the Senior Center’s Calendar and register for events.

A huge thank you to the Yellow Springs Community Foundation for providing the grant to cover the costs of the new database.

A Strong Community

If the world had a front porch like we did back then

We'd still have our problems but we'd all be friends

–Tracy Lawrence, If the World Had a Front Porch

An editorial in the New York Times caught my attention: As Gen X and Boomers age, they confront living alone. More older Americans are living by themselves than ever before. Perhaps this concern has been on your mind, as well. Our village has a median age over 53 years, according to the census report, and 45% of our town is over the age of 64.

Social isolation is an important concern of our times. How do we measure the harm in experiencing social isolation? Many people experience depression, anxiety, lethargy, insomnia, memory loss, and suffer from poor self-care.

I don’t believe the phenomenon of social isolation is only a consequence of recent health protocols. Although Covid added a new facet to the trend, there have been many other factors exacerbating our tendency to withdraw from each other, to retreat from community. How serious a problem is social isolation in Yellow Springs? Such a phenomenon, by definition, is difficult to uncover. Yet a measure of awareness as to its occurrence might serve us well. 

I grew up with front porches up and down the street. The public-facing porticos were invitational, by design, to welcome the casual passerby into our space. Here, people casually met and, through casual conversations, learned more about their neighbors. Yellow Springs still offers this ambiance in many of our neighborhoods, downtown, and in opportunities over a cup of coffee at one of our eateries.

See below for more about added patio space at the Center. In his book, The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg investigates the want in community of a “third place” – a place outside of work and home where human connections revive and thrive. I hope our new patio becomes such a place, a community “porch,” where we feel happy, comfortable, and connected.

There are additional steps to take to stave off social isolation. Get involved in being a good neighbor. Take time to understand and know your neighbors. You might find time to volunteer to help lift up the good works in our community. Many opportunities await.

– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager

937-767-5751 x104, rlibecap@ysseniors.org

Hearing Aid Help

As I write, Open Enrollment is ending, and so far I have helped 75 people save about $25,000 by comparing Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.  

Hearing Aid Help will take a holiday break in December, but will start back up on January 24. On February 28 there will be a short informational session on insurance and hearing aid costs in conjunction with Hearing Aid Help.  

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2023! 

– Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager

937-767-5751 x108, slawson@ysseniors.org

Hope, Dreams, & Wishes

Imagine the winter wonderland of fresh snow covering the Midwest landscape as a canvas for our lives. It is clean and uncompromised, ready for fresh ideas that can range from a colorful kaleidoscope to a single pastel shade reflecting the hopes, dreams and wishes for 2023. 

Our homemaking program is welcoming new clients as well as new workers in this new year. I invite you to look into our program and how it can enhance your home life. 

Contact me with questions, inquiries or just to hear how we may be of help.

–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager

937-767-5751 x107, tbondurant@ysseniors.org

Membership Renewal

January is the month that all YSSC memberships renew. A membership envelope has been included with the print version of the newsletter. During January, you can renew at the 2022 rate ($20 for an individual). 

Due to increased postage costs, membership dues are increased beginning February 1, 2023 to $25 for an individual. Each additional household member remains $15 extra. If you are unable to pay the membership dues, contact Stephanie Lawson, Support Services Manager, to discuss a reduced rate.

Make checks payable to Yellow Springs Senior Center, and drop off at or mail to: YSSC, 227 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387

or pay online using the button below.

Calendar

Greene County Council on Aging

• Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, Jan. 9* and Feb. 6 (first Mondays) from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs (*Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, the January meeting will be held on Jan. 9, the second Monday of the month.)
• Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13 (second Mondays) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
• Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 2:30–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Legal Chat: Thursday, Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 (third Thursdays) at 2:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 3530 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek. Enter at lower level door with awning. 
• Medicare 101: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2:30–4 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.

Contact GCCOA with questions or to register for these events at 937-376-5486 or send an email to YourFriends@gccoa.org. Information is also available on their website at gccoa.org.

Ripples 2023

Ripples is an annual literary magazine featuring poems and articles by or about older adults in the community. Submit your stories, poems, and photos created by or featuring residents of Yellow Springs and Miami Township who are age 55 and over. 

The deadline is March 15, 2023. Submission guidelines are available at the Senior Center and on the website at ysseniors.org/Ripples. Send your typed, ready to print submissions along with a submission form to:

   YSSC – Ripples

   227 Xenia Ave.

   Yellow Springs, OH 45387 

Or email to pgeisel@ysseniors.org.

Copies of past issues of Ripples are available at the Senior Center and the 2021 and 2022 issues can also be read on the website at the address above.

Grocery Delivery

The Senior Center continues to shop for groceries weekly from Tom’s Market for anyone who is homebound due to transportation, mobility, or health issues. Deliveries are on Fridays and orders are due by 11 am on Thursdays. Orders are accepted one of three ways:

• e-mail to info@ysseniors.org
• by using the form at: ysseniors.org/grocery-delivery-program
• calling 937-767-5751 Mon.–Fri. 9:30 am–4 pm 

Credit Card/Debit Card/EBT cards are accepted. This is a free service. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Flora and Fauna, Pastel & Colored Pencil by Mary Cargan, Dec. 30, 2022–Feb 28, 2023

Mary’s earliest formal training was in an art class at the Worcester Art Museum (MA) at the age of 5. Her formal training continued as an adult with drawing classes at The Rosewood Gallery, Cox Arboretum, and Wright State. While wintering in Florida she was introduced to pastel, which became her favorite medium due to the rich colors and texture. 

She has shown her work locally at the Fairborn Art Association, winning a Popular Choice Award in 2012 and an honorable mention in 2013. She’s participated in group shows with the Monday Morning Artists, at the Senior Center, and most recently in the member show at the Springfield Museum of Art.

Mary feels that art is a creative solving process using colored pencils or pastel as tools. She works from her own photographs, choosing subjects offering contrast of light and shadow. Her work is detailed, requiring viewers to step forward for a closer look.

Her show can be viewed during the Center’s open hours of Monday–Friday from 9:30 am–4 pm, unless there is a class in the Fireplace Room at the time. 

There will be an artist reception on Friday, January 13, from 4–6 pm.

Survey Results

At press time, the survey results were still being compiled. Completed results will be on the website in January (ysseniors.org/surveyresults). If you’d prefer to have the results mailed to you, contact info@ysseniors.org

My preferred schedule for programs (98 responses)

I would rate my physical health as (105 responses)

57% report there are no difficulties preventing their participation in activities. The most common reasons reported that make participation difficult were: 

• 13% feel they are too young
• 13% have family obligations challenges
• 11% reported difficulty finding parking
• 9% programs not offered at a time they are available
• 9% reported transportation

January

01/01* Betty Hairston

01/01* Jean Nealon

01/02* Rosemarie Friz

01/02* Don Gasho

01/03* Mary Gail Simpson

01/03 - Deborah McGee

01/03 - Cindy Shaw

01/03* Frances Simon

01/05 - Shirley Hatfield

01/06 - Diana Atkins

01/10* Paul Beck

01/10 - Roger Reynolds

01/11 - Brenda Hubbard

01/12* Bruce Bradford

01/17 - Amy Achor

01/18 - Barbara Byrd

01/18* Griffin M. Johnson

01/19* Dan Beverly

01/19 - Dianne Collinson

01/19 - Lawrence McKever

01/22 - Emily Brucker

01/22* Dorothy Freeman

01/23* Bea Biteman

01/23 - Ruth Paige

01/26 - Anthony Barrett

01/27 - Mary Frost-Pierson

01/27 - Bette Kelley

01/27 - Marianne MacQueen

01/27 - Katherine Schooler-Williams

01/28* Patty Alexander

01/28* Gail Bauman

01/28* Judy Rose

01/28 - Faye Choo

01/28 - Veronica Frost

01/29 - Mark Crawford

01/29 - Roseanna Dufault

01/30* Mary Lamborg 

February

02/01 - Donna Caslin

02/02 - Celia Diamond

02/02* Diana Hayman

02/03* Helen Eier

02/03 - Lois Gladchild

02/03 - JK Lourens

02/03 - Diana Partee

02/03 - Sue Pfeiffer

02/06 - Joyce Dey

02/07 - Molly GunderKline

02/07 - MJ Kalkis

02/07* Nina Myatt

02/07 - Kathy Robertson

02/07 - Margie Wehner

02/08* Phyllis Evans

02/08 - Carolyn Smith

02/10 - Patti Dallas

02/11 - Pamela Davis

02/12* Nora Barth

02/12 - Irena Brawley

02/13 - Greg Treadwell

02/13 - Kimberly Horn

02/14 - Cheryl Smith

02/15 - Barbara Klopp

02/16 - Jeff Huntington

02/16* Maggie Heston

02/16 - Susan Murphy

02/16* Peter Whitson

02/16 - Charlene Prestopino

02/16 - Barbara Zulliger

02/17 - Maria Valentine Wright

02/17* Janeal Ravndal

02/18 - Robert Lytle

02/18 - Bill Randolph

02/21 - Margrit Tydings-Petrie

02/22* Dinah Anderson

02/22 - Mark Partee

02/23 - Carolyn Ray

02/23* Wilford Simon

02/25 - Marna Street

02/26 - Scott Kellogg

02/26 - David Robinow

02/27 - Ralita Chambers

02/28 - Barbara Stockley

02/29 - Claire Burbank

Welcome NEW Members!

Anthony Barrett

Karla Bristow

Rebecca Mark

Mary Ricks

Lorena Ann Christopher Skinner

Alicia Marie Christopher

Barbara & Rick Klopp

Julie Howell Richardson

Marie McBrien

Linda Rudawski

Barbara Stockley

Annette Newman Valey

Bonnie Werner

Maria Whittaker

Dennis Leckey and Jeff Reed have been busy the last few months creating the new outdoor patio which will become an improved courtyard area with seating between the Senior Center building and the Emporium. This project is funded by 62 individual donors who gave a total of $13,631 specifically for this project. The Yellow Springs Community Foundation 2022 Giving Tuesday raised $1662 for the purchase of patio furniture.

​The Yellow Springs Senior Center newsletter is published every other month, coming out at the end of the even numbered months. Copy deadline is the 1st of even numbered months. PDF versions of this and past issues can be found on the website.

All YSSC members also receive a hard copy mailed to their home. Memberships are $25 annually* with $15 for each additional member and are due in January. Make checks payable to YSSC and mail to: YSSC, 227 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387 or use the button below to go to the website to pay with a credit card.

(Renew by 1/31/23 to get the 2022 price of $20)

Email updates are sent weekly and the eNewsletter is sent every other month.