Director’s Comments
A New Location for the Center
For the past 45 years, the Senior Center has been located at 227 Xenia Avenue. In 1978, we purchased our current building, a house which was already over 100 years old, for $1. Over time, we have stretched the building to meet our growing needs. First, we added the lobby, then in 1994 we added the Great Room, and several times modified the internal walls to provide office spaces for our growing programs. In 2022, our patio space was added as one more way to maximize use of our location.
The Senior Center had already been in many locations in town – starting in 1959 at the Opera House on Dayton Street until that building was demolished, then occupying space at the building which is now the Emporium. Our first Director, Rev. Dr. Matthews, ran a flour mill and thrift shop in that building to support the Senior Center’s programs and services.
Our staff and members love being a part of the downtown activities, grabbing a coffee next door or lunch a few steps away. The challenges of continuing in this building continue to increase, however. Limited parking, steps at the entry ways, insufficient space for classes and offices and crammed storage space have warranted the quest for a new Senior Center location over the past 20 years.
This newest chapter will be the establishment of our permanent home at last. On December 11, YSSC purchased a half-acre of land at the corner of Livermore and East North College Street. The intention is to construct a building specifically suited to our growing needs. This provides an exciting opportunity for us to collect our thoughts and visions – what spaces, programs and classes would you envision in the future?
We are fortunate that in 2003, when it was apparent that a new location would be needed, a fund was established at Yellow Springs Community Foundation for the future building needs of YSSC. That endowment has grown and now provided YSSC the capital to complete this land purchase. We are grateful for the foresight and generosity of those who shared a vision for our future. Thank you!
– Caroline Mullin, Executive Director
937-767-5751 x 101, cmullin@ysseniors.org
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(Standing) Board Treasurer Jerry Sutton, Executive Director Caroline Mullin, Board President Wayne Gulden (seated) Closing Agent Lisa Terry and Antioch College President Jane Fernandes signed the paperwork for the purchase of the property. | |
Use the buttons below to visit our website for the most up-to-date information about our classes and groups. | |
Upcoming Events & New Activities | |
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Community Colloquy Series, 3rd/4th Thursday, 7 pm
The Senior Center hosts monthly guests to share their expertise and knowledge with the community.
The January 18 program is “Living on the Edge (financially) in Yellow Springs: What It’s Like, What Can Be Done.” The Senior Center and James A. McKee Group will co-host a community conversation on what has become a hot topic in the village, due to rising costs from many directions. People from a range of demographics will speak about their own challenges and those of friends, to continue to make Yellow Springs home, given escalating expenses. Representatives from local entities will also be present, to talk about what can be done.
The February 22 program (note that this is the fourth Thursday) is “Decades in Jerusalem: A Personal Conversation.” Longtime villagers Jay and Randi Rothman will interview each other on their personal reflections on the current crisis in the Mideast, and the war between Israel and Hamas.
Programs meet in the Great Room and on Zoom. All are welcome. To get the Zoom link, register on MyActiveCenter.com, call 937-767-5751, or email info@ysseniors.org.
Day Trips
• Hua Mei Restaurant, Wed. Jan. 10, 11–1 pm
A lunch outing to Hua Mei in Moraine. Carpool meet-up at 10:30 at the John Bryan parking lot. Pay individually. Contact Maggie to sign up.
• Dayton International Peace Museum, Wed. Jan. 17, 12–1:30
The January trip is a tour of the Dayton Peace Museum. The tour starts at noon and lasts about one hour, and can accommodate up to 10 people. Admission is $8 per person. Carpool meet up at 11:15 am at the John Bryan parking lot. Contact Maggie to sign up.
• National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Thurs. Feb. 8, 1–2:30 pm
The February trip is to the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce. Admission is $5 for seniors. Carpool meet up at 12:30 pm at John Byran parking lot. Contact Maggie to sign up.
Bingo, Last Friday of the month, 4–5:30 pm
Play Bingo for cash prizes on January 26 and February 23 in the Great Room, from 4–5:30 pm, a little earlier since it gets darker earlier. Cards cost 25¢ per card each round. Open to ages 21 and up.
Third Thursday Potlucks, 3rd Thursday, 11:30–1 pm
Join us in the Great Room for monthly potlucks. Please bring a side dish to share.
The January 18 potluck speaker is Julie Potter from Harmony Hearing. Julie will refresh on what services Harmony Hearing offers at YSSC, as well as tips and insights for overall hearing health. Julie will also be available for Hearing Aid Help before the potluck from 10–11:30 am.
The February 15 potluck speaker is Dr. Haley Sauder. Dr. Sauder will share insights into how to have the most successful doctor visit possible.
Draw What You See, Mondays, 10 am
Don Sak is a local artist, retired from a 34-year career as an artist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland. This class will begin with basic pencil and move on to demystifying perspective, the importance of light and shadow, and progress to incorporating values (shading) and composition. Winter is a great time to do still life work. The class is for all skill levels – the main thing is to have fun and advance your skills!
Drawing for Beginners, Fridays at 2–3:30 pm
Bob Huston is teaching another Drawing for Beginners series in January and February.
Big Talk with Karla, Wednesdays at 10 am
Have you ever felt lonely or disconnected? Does the question, “how are you doing?” lead you nowhere? Skipping the small talk, Big Talk is the intimacy of listening and speaking to get to know yourself or another more deeply.
Improvisational Theater Games, Thursdays, 10 am
This is a chance to build on what was started in the November Improv class. Prior experience or participation not required.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Thursdays 4:30–6 pm
In six weekly classes, this workshop led by Aida Merhemic helps caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to: reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate effectively in challenging situations, and other invaluable tools. This course is appropriate for all caregivers, whether a spouse, adult child of aging parents, parents of children with special needs, long-distance and from diverse rural, urban or ethnic communities. Jan. 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15.
| Register for classes and events at MyActiveCenter.com, 937-767-5751, or info@ysseniors.org | |
Medicare Follow Up
Medicare Open Enrollment has wrapped up and the Senior Center was able to help more than 80 seniors with their Part D enrollment. The overall savings was $186,118.12! If you have any questions and concerns about Medicare, including initially enrolling in Medicare, please reach out. I am available to speak with you throughout the year on Medicare and many other topics and am looking forward to working with you in the coming year!
– Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager
937-767-5751 x108, slawson@ysseniors.org
2024: Happy New Year!
In January 2020, just four short years ago, the world as we knew it made a swift, hard change. Covid took us by storm and the word unprecedented was used to describe a myriad of situations. We learned that we can knit our community together, using the good hearted yarn from family, friends, sharing, caring, and kindness. 2024 may be another year for unprecedented change but we still have our yarn, and we know that we can knit together a way for truth, justice, and fairness to prevail. Letting our light shine as an example of good!
–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager
937-767-5751 x107, tbondurant@ysseniors.org
Turning the Page
“The shadow by my finger cast, divides the future from the past
Before it, sleeps the unborn hour, in darkness and beyond my power:
Behind its unreturning line, the vanished hour, no longer thine:
One hour alone is in thy hands, The NOW on which the shadow stands.”
–Henry Van Dyke
We are approaching the Winter Solstice as I sit down to write this essay. The longer nights remind me how we are all living in the shadow of the future. Though tempered by gaiety of the holidays just past – it can seem daunting at times to peer into the future. Like the young woman in Ingmar Bergman’s film Through a Glass Darkly, we all feel like we are going mad at times. But this is not the time to dwell or ruminate on all we cannot control. To do so results in bogging us down, dispiriting our souls and serves only to distract from what we are able to accomplish with the “one hour alone” that is in our hands.
Well, then, what might we do with that hour? Some of you already have your New Year’s Resolutions in mind. Perhaps the very first thing we can do is be sure to write those resolutions down! For those of us (myself included) who haven’t finalized their list for 2024, let me offer a few considerations:
- Take stock in 2023 accomplishments. What has worked well for you. Take note of big and, especially, little achievements you made and write them down at the top of the page
- Prioritize time for friends, family and other allies who have been there for you and helped you “make it.” Would you like to expand this circle? What plans can you make to do so?
- Take a good look at your finances while reviewing other fundamental “to-do” tasks and documents, e.g., insurance coverage, wellness and healthcare papers (living wills, powers of attorney, emergency contact numbers)
- Update your digital (phone) files for this year’s birthdays, annual medical appointments and make plans for travel, weekly exercise, maybe a writing, painting, ukulele class or other new activities to shake up your comfort zone
- Improve morning rituals, daily mindfulness, journaling, better sleep, good nutrition
In closing, take good care of yourself and those around you, because…Buckle up! Here comes 2024!
– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager
937-767-5751 x104, rlibecap@ysseniors.org
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A big THANK YOU to Linda Sikes, who has been working for the Senior Center as an Encore Miller Fellow for the last two years. Her diligent work organizing the office has helped the whole team. We are grateful to the YSCF for funding the project | |
Calendar
Use the buttons below to visit the calendar our website or MyActiveCenter for the most up-to-date information about our classes and events.
To participate in virtual classes and events using Zoom, you must register through their account on MyActiveCenter. Zoom links are emailed to participants one hour prior.
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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:
Credit Card/Debit Card/EBT cards are accepted. This is a free service; donations are gratefully accepted.
Shakespeare Reading Group
The Shakespeare Reading Group will meet at 2 pm on Sundays Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb 11, 18, 25 at the Meeting Room at Friends Care.
Winter Farmers Market
The Senior Center is hosting the indoor winter Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9–11 am with a half hour early for seniors and high-risk individuals from 8:30–9 am.
Ripples 2024
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, 2024. Submission guidelines are available at the Senior Center and on the website.
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 are available at the Senior Center and on the website.
Winter Weather
If the Yellow Springs Schools close due to weather the Senior Center will also be closed. Closings will also be posted on the website, and the Facebook page. Transportation services may also be affected by weather conditions.
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Paintings by Samara Helen,
Dec. 29–Feb. 26 in the Fireplace Room
From a very young age, Samara Helen loved drawing. She moved on to charcoal, pastel, oil and ultimately the love of acrylic. She studied art design in college and life happened so she painted only for enjoyment. After her husband passed, her sister and daughter opened a crystal gem and fossil shop in Fairborn. They insisted that she paint and fill their walls with her paintings. Samara noticed people were interested in purchasing them, so she put prices on them. She started doing festivals and fairs, sold art online, and at Dayton’s local popular restaurant the Butter Café in Dayton.
Her style is eclectic and she has been inspired by many influences, such as Picasso Lichtenstein, and things she sees in photos, nature, and from her life in Japan. Lately she is inspired by her diverse ethnic background and her tribal link to the Patawomeck Indians, of Virginia.
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Greene County Council on Aging |
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Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, Jan. 1 and 15; Feb. 5 and 19 (first and third Mondays) from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs.
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Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, Jan. 8 and Feb. 12 (the second Monday) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
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Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 2:30– 4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
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Medicare 101: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2:30–4 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
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Legal Chat: Thursday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 15 (third Thursdays) at 2:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 3530 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek. Enter at lower level door with awning.
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.
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Membership Renewal
January is the month that all YSSC memberships renew. Annual membership is $25. Each additional household member is $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.
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Volunteer Appreciation Brunch
The Yellow Springs Senior Center held a volunteer appreciation brunch to honor the volunteers – over 175 individuals in 2023 – who share their time and skills to help the programs run smoothly. Volunteers help as drivers, receptionists, class leaders and so much more. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, call Maggie Dean at 937-767-5751, send an email to mdean@ysseniors.org, or visit ysseniors.org/volunteer. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers!
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Welcome NEW Members!
Sharon Bonadies
Jo Bouchard
Lisa Davis
Terry Graham
Lynda Hardman
Dr. Abeer Hassan
Thomas & Vicki Heiskell
Jenny Moore
Cindy Shaffer
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Dinner prepared by Chef Susan Neff
A five-course meal prepared by Chef Susan Neff with wines for four people! The meal will planned with you to accommodate your schedule and dietary needs. Some dates are not available. The value of this meal is $350.
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Three Ten Bed & Breakfast
TWO $75 gift certificates for the Three Ten Bed & Breakfast in Yellow Springs to be used by the end of 2024 on any available room booked in advance! More info about the Bed & Breakfast can be found at ThreeTenBedAndBreakfast.com
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Raffle tickets for each raffle are $10 per chance and can be purchased at the Senior Center. The drawing will be held on January, 31 2024. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center. | |
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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.
Email updates are sent weekly and the eNewsletter is sent every other month.
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