September/October 2022

Director’s Comments

Here we are in September – it is officially “Fall Prevention Month,” but it seems Fall/Autumn will arrive anyway. With the season there are many new opportunities coming up. Please be sure to look through this newsletter to find what programs or activities you might try. Despite being called the “Senior Center,” we do not have age limits for participating. Several multi-generational families come to our classes and activities. Everyone is welcome, including the eight-year-old who routinely challenges the Tuesday Rummikub players.

Fall Programs

This fall’s programs feature several ways to protect yourself – from falling, from falling for scams, and with several classes to keep your mind and body in great condition. Inspiration and recommendations for new programs has come through our members, our partners at the Greene County Council on Aging and from community partners such as the YS Police Department and our neighboring businesses. Your suggestions are always welcome and appreciated as we work together to create a true community gathering space.

“Everything But The House” Requests

Speaking of working together (my continuous theme) I am asking each person to consider what they might be able to contribute to the upcoming online fundraiser auction. The company “Everything But the House” will host the auction in October as a fundraiser for the Center. Their site sells items to buyers all over the globe – see what’s for sale right now at www.ebth.com. 

Some of the items already donated include art, jewelry, crystal glassware, and even a personal chef experience. Your items valued at $50 or more would be gratefully accepted as donations for the sale. Vacations, entertainment, and tickets may be donated as well as physical items. Unique items often sell well, perhaps you have some trinket from world travels (like the camel hair rugs one person donated) or an old comic book? 

Please email or call me to discuss items you would like to donate. We expect to be collecting items until about September 15 and will be making announcements when the auction is happening, hopefully the second week of October.

Street Fair

What else is happening during the second week of October? The long-awaited return of Street Fair! Please see the description on page 3 of the planned event. Volunteers who would enjoy time spent having interesting conversations are needed. 

More Good News

Congratulations to Teresa Bondurant who is a recipient of the Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame Award for 2022!

 – Caroline Mullin, Executive Director

937-767-5751 x 101, [email protected]

Quilt Raffle

The Senior Center is raffling off this quilt “Diamonds are Forever” made by Fran LaSalle. It’s 71" x 60". Tickets are $5 for 1 or $20 for 5. The drawing will be held before the end of the year.  

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

Poetry for the Soul

Saturday, September 17, 2–4 pm, in the Fireplace Room

Join local poet Audrey Hackett for “Poetry of the Soul,” an exploration of beautiful and meaningful poems that have the capacity to open our hearts and move our souls. We’ll read poems and reflect on them, as well as write and share our own in response to imagery and prompts. Suggested donation: $5–10. Maximum 10 participants.

“Avoiding Scams” Presentation

Monday, September 19, 7–8 pm, in the Great Room

Scammers are creative and sophisticated, constantly inventing new ways to take your money. Presenter David Hayes, Greene County Prosecuting Attorney, and Sherriff Scott Anger will explain how to spot and prevent financial exploitation of the elderly. There is no charge but reservations are required by September 12 by calling 937-767-5751 or emailing [email protected]. 

“Welcome Fall” Social

Friday, September 30, 2:30 pm

Please come for root beer and pretzels on the patio/carport. Everyone is welcome but please register at 937-767-5751 or [email protected].

Friendly Volunteers Needed for Street Fair

Saturday, October 8, time TBA

Do you enjoy conversations with strangers? Do you have stories to share? We are looking for volunteers to be available during Street Fair to chat with folks while relaxing in the Great Room. This fundraiser will encourage people to come in from the street, sit in a comfy chair and visit with a Yellow Springs resident. There will be time limits to the conversations. Topics are limitless, all for entertainment only. If you are interested in volunteering to talk to people, please contact Caroline at 937-767-5751 or email [email protected] by September 30.

Shall We Play a Game?

Friday, October 14, 6:30 pm

Please join us at the Center for an evening playing board games. We will have the classics (like Sorry and Monopoly) as well as some newer games (Catan, Dominion, Code Names). You are welcome to bring a game you might like to share, and so long as health requirements allow, you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks. All ages are welcome.

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 guest for September 15 is Karl Colon who will talk about “Libraries and Community Building.” The guest on October 20 is Local attorney Ellis Jacobs who will speak on “Voting Rights in Ohio.” 

Programs will meet in the Great Room and also be on Zoom. All are welcome but seating may be limited, so please register in advance by calling 937-767-5751 or emailing [email protected].

New Weekly Events & Classes

Tech Help with Kristyn

Fridays, 2:30-3:30, in the Fireplace Room

No appointment needed. Starts Friday, September 9

Spanish Classes

Saturdays for 10 weeks starting September 17

Advanced Spanish, 10 am: Class will cover the Imperfect Tense, the Present and Past Subjunctive, the Present Perfect, the Conditional, and the Future tense.

Introduction to Spanish, 11 am: All are welcome, but the class is only truly “from the beginning,” during the first meeting of the class. After that, lessons build on previously presented material.

Yellow Springs Mayor Pam Conine and Amy Bennett check out the location of the Senior Center’s future patio at the “If Only There Was a Patio” event on August 7, 2022. The community gathered to listen to live music, eat tasty treats, sample some wine, and discuss how the new patio space should be utilized. Donors who give $500 or more will be recognized with a tile.

Lean on Us

Lean on me, when you’re not strong

And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…  

–Bill Withers

Have I awakened an earworm? You know, that loop of sticky song lyrics that establish residence in your brain for seemingly endless hours.

“Lean on Me” is a bluesy, soulful – and quite contagious – song of the 70s that has stood the test of time. It is not unusual to hear it arise spontaneously at a hootenanny, around a campfire circle, or on the DJs short list of “golden oldies.” The simple melody and “hook” of the song are almost haunting, the timbre of Withers’ voice so alluring, drawing the listener into a communal space of sharing, of caring about another.

Withers’ tune came to mind as I thought about how best to introduce and promote our new Toyota Sienna van. GCCOA provided funds from the Senior Services Levy to help modify this vehicle, allowing for the conveyance of villagers who use wheelchairs. Like our COVID-inspired project to deliver groceries, the Senior Center is continuing to reach out and find additional ways we might extend assistance to you, our friends and neighbors.

Likely as not, you may not personally be in need of assistance getting out and about for groceries, medical visits and other personal care errands. Just as likely, you may know someone who might need to call on us for just such support.

To paraphrase Mr. Withers’ lyrics,

We’ll help them carry on…

For it won’t be long

’Til I’m gonna need somebody

to lean on.

– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager

937-767-5751 x104, [email protected]

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Leading sources of morbidity and mortality in the senior population are slips, trips and falls, resulting in damages that range from small unnoticeable bruises to serious breaks that sometimes ultimately lead to death. There is no one solution that prevents these accidents, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. The Senior Center offers several exercise classes that help with strengthening and improve balance. We have assistive devices such as canes, walkers, shower chairs, and reachers that are free to borrow. We are able to assist seniors obtain grab bars and safety buttons that can alert families and the authorities when an accident has occurred. We have capable caring homemakers who can help seniors remain in their own home by assisting with cleaning, cooking, and running errands. The Senior Center is working to uplift our community of seniors physically, emotionally, and mentally.

–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager

937-767-5751 x107, [email protected]

Medicare Open Enrollment

There will be changes to both Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans for 2023. Coverage changes from year to year, so be sure to compare what is available. The Open Enrollment opportunity to review plan options is October 15–December 7, 2022. We can help review your current plan, run comparisons and compare options, and help you sign up for a new plan. Soon I will send a form to those who have had insurance counselling here. The form is also on our website and at the Center, and should be completed prior to your appointment.

We are also starting a Caregiver Support Group. If you are interested in attending, call me.

– Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager,

(937) 767-5751, ext. 108, [email protected]

The newest addition to the Transportation Fleet allows the Senior Center to transport a passenger who is seated in a wheelchair.

On Track for Entertainment

The Senior Center activity program is planning to schedule a future trip to Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. Please call or email to express interest in a trip to this famous destination in November. Live harness racing is scheduled to return starting in September, according to the website. Call 937-767-5751 or email [email protected].

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 [email protected]
• 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.

Focus Groups: Livable/Equitable/Age Friendly Yellow Springs 

In late 2021, a partnership of Livable/Equitable/Age Friendly Yellow Springs and the Inclusive and Resilient Yellow Springs Coalition jointly mailed out a survey to a statistically significant number of Yellow Springs residents.

The next steps involve more direct conversations with residents to better understand their experiences and to gather ideas and recommendations that will be part of the Action Planning Process that will take place in 2023.  

Five of these Focus Sessions will be held at the Senior Center in the Great Room (unless noted) and will last about an hour.

• Tue., Sept. 27 at 11 am
• Sat., Oct. 1 at 11 am (in the Fireplace Room)
• Tue., Oct. 11 at 11 am
• Thu., Oct. 13 at 7 pm
• Thu., Oct. 27 at 7 pm

All are welcome, even if you did not initially fill out a Survey.

Artist Reception, Friday, September 23, 4-6 pm

Local potter Bruce Grimes and his great grand-daughter painter Myah Petri are the featured artists in the Fireplace Room for July–September. Bruce has exhibited in more than 300 shows and still produces pottery daily. Myah lives in Wisconsin but has spent five summers in Yellow Springs. The show is up through September 30 and can be seen during the Center’s open hours of M–F 9:30 am-4 pm, except during class time. Please check the calendar or call before you come. For information, visit ysseniors.org/art.

“Trauma Reshaped” triptych by David Battle which appeared on the cover of the American Psychologist magazine.

Upcoming Local Artist: David Battle

Award-winning artist David Battle will be the guest artist for October–December. David was born in Yorkshire, England, and both studied and taught art in London. He worked as a graphic designer in both England and in Yellow Springs and has created the cover illustrations for all of The Antioch Review issues.

Fall Prevention Event

Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospital stays, and deaths for seniors, but they do not have to be. The Greene County Council on Aging is hosting a Fall Prevention Event to share how to reduce the risk of falls and stay strong, healthy, and upright. 

The event is on Thursday, September 29 from 1:30–3:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St., next to the Council’s office. There is more information available on their website: gccoa.org/fallprevention

In conjunction with Fall Prevention month, GCCOA has issued a Fall Step Challenge from September 12–30. Sign up at the Senior Center and pick up a paper step log or download an electronic version on gccoa.org. Every weekday during those three weeks the Senior Center is hosting Fall Prevention Walking at 2 pm. If the weather is nice for walking we’ll be outside. If it’s raining the walking will be inside the building. Please join us and get your steps in for this challenge!

It’s My Money, My Stuff, and My Life

This popular four-week estate planning program is on Tuesday nights, October 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6 pm–8:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St. The cost is $40 per household and includes a binder with all program materials, and a box supper. Space is limited and reservations are required. For information or to register, email [email protected].

October Shred Event

Are you haunted by piles of paper in your home? On Saturday October 29 from 9 am–noon, bring up to three boxes of your private papers to be shredded by an onsite shredding truck at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St. in Xenia. They accept medical or financial papers but not recycling or businesses. They will also give out prizes for the friendliest ghost costumes and vehicle décor. Go to gccoa.org for more info. 

Other GCCOA Events

• Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, Sept. 13 and Oct. 10 (second Mondays) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
• Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, September 14 from 2:30–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Legal Chat: Thursday, September 15 and October 20 (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, October 12, 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 [email protected]. Information is also available on their website at gccoa.org.

The Senior Center’s annual Garden Dinner Party event was held in June this year, with the event starting at Executive Director Caroline Mullin’s house where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and found out where they were going for dinner.

A big thanks to everyone who participated and especially our hosts who prepared the wonderful meals: Sue Augustus & Judy Fors; Anna Bellisari, Linda Scutt, & Ann Adrian; Toni Dosik & Len Kramer; Margaret Dunn & Bill Spohn; Jim & Cammy Grote; Gayle Gyure & Bill Kent; Tim & Kazuko Heaton; and Beth Wiley, Kristine Hofstra & Liz Valenti.

September

9/01* Lois Pelekoudas

9/01 - Ann Adrian

9/03 - Montserrat CS Lau

9/06 - Joann Hausser

9/06 - Henry Lapp

9/07 - Vick Mickunas

9/08* Suzanne Patterson

9/08 - Denise Runyon

9/08 - Joy Bartenstein

9/09 - Barbara Bullock

9/10 - Julane Chaney

9/11 - Ken Coleman

9/11 - Alvaro Demarzi

9/11 - Barbara Leeds

9/11 - Bill Hardman

9/12* Oliver Clemens

9/15 - Melinda Squibb

9/16 - Vijay Bathija

9/18 - Mary Lynn Johnson

9/22* Harvey Paige

9/22 - Tom McCaffrey

9/22* Marianne Whelchel

9/22 - Jim Stone

9/22 - Nora Chalfont

9/23* Joan Horn

9/25* Judith Williams

9/26* Nancy Lewkowicz

9/26 - David Casenhiser

9/26 - Monty Cox

9/26* Parviz Dadras

9/26 - Danny Kiser

9/27 - Patricia Fleck

9/29* Andrée Bognár

October

10/01 - Bob Huston

10/02 - Mike Carr

10/02* Karl Koehler

10/02 - Virginia Caudill

10/02 - Anne Johnston

10/05 - Robert Libecap

10/08 - Sandy McHugh

10/09* Joan Ackerman

10/11* Pat Stempfly

10/12 - Cindy K. Diehl

10/13 - Lee Huntington

10/15 - Joseph Cimoch

10/16 - Debbie Downey

10/17* Dimi Reber

10/18 - El’Girtha Ryder

10/18 - Charles Krabec

10/18 - Katia E. Clod-Svensson

10/20 - Andrzej Bloch

10/20* James Corbin

10/22* Fran LaSalle

10/22 - Flo Lorenz

10/23* Sheila Filler

10/23 - Caroline Mullin

10/26 - Terry Hardie

10/26 - Laurie Martt

10/26* Pat Siemer

10/28 - Constance Richeson

10/29* Carol Bradford

10/29 - Sherraid Scott

10/31 - Bob Zearfoss

10/31 - Cokie Stello

Welcome NEW Members!

Amy Achor & Vick Mickunas  

Tom and Laura McCaffrey

Marty Rochon

Dorothy F. Clark 

M. Carlene Welsch

On the Road Again!

Tuesday, September 20, Trip to Jungle Jim’s and Ikea

This is the Senior Center’s first Jungle Jim’s/Ikea trip in years! Jungle Jim’s is a huge international food store south of Dayton. Ikea sells furniture and housewares and has an interesting restaurant. There is a $5 charge as a contribution to transportation cost. Sign up and pay by September 13 at the front desk. Departs at 10:30 am on September 20 from the Bryan Center parking lot, west side. Passenger number is limited for this trip, although people may drive themselves if they prefer.

Wednesday, October 19, Trip to the Dayton Art Institute

This trip includes seeing the Dayton Art Institute’s Smithsonian traveling exhibit “American Myth and Memory: David Leventhal Photographs.” The group will have lunch at West Social Tap and Table, a food hall made up of a six-restaurant collective serving diverse, flavorful, and authentic cuisines. Cost of the trip is $5 toward transportation plus the cost of the museum ticket. Please sign up by October 11 if interested. 

For more information, contact Corinne Pelzl, Program Assistant, at 937-767-5751 x105 or [email protected]. To register for either trip, call 937-767-5751 or pay at the front desk.