Director’s Comments
The Pieces of the Puzzle
We often have a jigsaw puzzle in progress in the front room of the Center. It is waiting to be worked on, an open invitation to anyone who stops by. Some people can fit many pieces in within moments, others will focus on one piece and be done, and some will sit at the puzzle table just to socialize with others in the room. Whether someone participates for a moment or an hour, it is a collaborative effort. No one takes credit for it on their own, and when another person has made progress on the puzzle their work is appreciated and acknowledged. The puzzle is an easy analogy for how the Yellow Springs Senior Center functions.
Most people like to start a puzzle with the edge pieces – let’s equate those with the staff of YSSC. There needs to be some structure to build on and refer to before everything else gets filled in. The YSSC team creates a schedule, maintains contact, shares information and assures that everything lines up (rides, activities, homemaking, volunteers). They provide the starting point for what will be filled in.
Within the puzzle there are usually some significant patterns – our picture starts to fill in at the Center with key volunteers who help as Front Desk Receptionists five days a week, Activity Leaders who share their time and talent to guide and teach, Drivers who transport to appointments and errands. These dependable, generous individuals provide the framework to assure that communication and connections are maintained. Their work expands the capacity of the Center.
Now come the tougher pieces – the ones that aren’t obvious and might require some distinctive character to find. These are the volunteers who find a niche – from sorting greeting cards, weeding flower beds, and even helping with building repairs. These are the fill-ins that help it all come together.
When you are just about finished with a puzzle sometimes it seems there must be a piece or two missing. Looking over the AMAZING list of volunteers who have helped the Center during 2021 (see below) we might have missed some of our vital help. There are SO MANY people to thank. Each person who has shared their enthusiasm and energy towards helping others is greatly appreciated. The services provided by YSSC rely on the generosity of volunteers. Please join us in thanking them for their kindness.
That last piece of the puzzle is a special triumph. It is the final step of the collaboration. Are you that piece?
– Caroline Mullin, Executive Director
Thank You!
Many thanks to all who donated to the 2021 Annual Appeal, Concert for Everyone, and YS Giving Tuesday. Your generosity is appreciated and making a financial gift to the Yellow Springs Senior Center is very welcome at any time.
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Use the buttons below to visit our website for the most up-to-date information about our classes and groups. | |
Upcoming Events & New Activities | |
Looking into the New Year, and back into 2021, I want to thank all activity leaders for your important part in the service of the Senior Center. Thank you for your part in making the Senior Center a meaningful part of people’s lives for mental, emotional, and physical health, and for just plain fun!
– Corinne Pelzl, Program Assistant
Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 8:30–11 am
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. Masks are required.
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.
GCCOA Senior Artisan Show
The Greene County Council on Aging’s Senior Artisan Show is planned for 2022. Anyone who is interested in submitting artwork should email yourfriends@gccoa.org or call 937-376-5486 for info.
Ethical Wills
Mon., Jan. 10, 6:30-7:30 pm
Dr. Artie Isaac will present information on Ethical Wills on Monday, January 10 from 6:30–7:30 pm in the Great Room. Ethical wills are not a legal document or about material items, they are a way to convey your values, stories and important information to loved ones. Dr. Isaac’s presentation will help you start crafting your own way to express your ideas. Registration is required, call 937-767-5751 or email info@ysseniors.org, limited to 15 participants.
MLK Day viewing at YSSC
Mon., Jan. 17, 11 am (doors open at 10:45 am)
The Senior Center is closed on Monday, January 17 in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While there will be a march this year, the celebration including speakers and music will be happening over Zoom. The Center invites up to 24 people to gather in the Great Room that day to watch the events together on the big screen. Masking is required as is registration, call 937-767-5751 or email info@ysseniors.org. Enter through the Great Room door since the building will be closed.
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Please join us in congratulating the winners of our Car Wrap design contest. Designs submitted by Ava Taylor and the team of Helen Eier and Ken Coleman were both on the same theme of sunflowers. The two concepts are being pulled together by a graphics designer and we hope to have the art on our red Honda in the beginning of 2022. Watch for it driving through town and wave to our friendly drivers.
Each of the winners have been awarded a gift card to Current Cuisine. A huge thank you to all who submitted design suggestions, including the ones that were done with a playful sense of humor.
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Constant Change
Change is one of the few constants we can count on. After almost two years of uncertainty and unprecedented circumstances, we have yet to reach a “New Normal.” Things seem to swing on a pendulum; mask on or off, social distancing, family gatherings are they good or bad? And just when we think we have moved to victory over Covid-19, a new variant raises it ugly head.
That all may sound dismal, however behind every cloud is a silver lining. We can firmly say that the Village of Yellow Springs and the wonderful community of seniors lead by example, the way to push forward, full of wisdom experience and full of vaccine with booster. Seniors are slowly drifting back to the Center for a variety of activities and also many are returning to the use of the Homemaker Program.
To assist with the increase in Homemaker clients, there are three new employees: Katia Clod-Svensson, Kimberly Horn, and Melanie Evans. The goal is to help seniors lessen their load and remain comfortably in their own homes. Please contact the Center with any questions.
–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager
Medicare Follow Up
Medicare Open Enrollment has wrapped up and the Senior Center was able to help more than 50 seniors with their Part D enrollment. The overall savings was more than $68,000!
If you have any questions and concerns about Medicare, I am available to speak with you throughout the year.
I am looking forward to working with you in the coming year!
– Stephanie Lawson, Support Services Manager,
New Year's Resolutions
Life is good, You look around and think I'm in the right neighborhood…Life is grand, And wouldn't you like to have it go as planned?
–Aimee Mann, Patient Zero
Aimee Mann’s song lyrics have been intruding on my walkabouts lately. Just the other day I realized they offered a perspective on the New Year! New Year’s Day – a cultural milestone representing a time to make plans – to renew, refresh our outlook on life, love, friendships and life’s goals.
Like many, you are thinking of making some improvements to your finances, waistline, and diet. Good and worthy goals all. Steeped in the belief that we can change and improve ourselves at will, we take chisel in hand, chipping away here and there, to refashion our plans for the new year.
A Pureprofile survey in September 2020 found the inclination to make resolutions varied by the age of the respondent. The youngest were more enthusiastic, with 92% of “Gen Z” making resolutions. The numbers declined with each, older generation – the “Baby Boomers” at 60% in favor while only 47% of our esteemed “Silent Generation” did.
Could it be that we become more content with ourselves over the years, thus lessening the impulse to make improvements? Perhaps. A few studies indicate people are “happier” in their 50s than they were in their 20s. Although inconclusive (meaning: lots of variables and exceptions), there is evidence that those in their 70s and 80s report they are the happiest they’ve ever been.
Or, maybe, we are just more pragmatic as we attain elder status. We have seen the annual, January gym spike fade over and over again after a few weeks. We have learned to appreciate February 1st as the unofficial date marking the demise of most New Year Resolutions!
Possibly, we have just gained a better sense of humor over the years! Maybe we are able to more easily laugh at ourselves and have learned to be a bit skeptical about having all the answers and knowing what’s best. Self-directed laughter, when not self-demeaning, eases tension and pain and reminds us of our humanness.
I’ve made my resolutions for 2022. First, “be the change” I want to see in the world. Secondly, laugh often. Happy New Year. I hope it goes as planned.
– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager
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Home Energy Assistance Program | |
HEAP is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill. Income levels:
- 1 person household income less than $22,540
- 2 person household income less than $30,485
Call 1-800-282-0880 or call the Senior Center at 937-767-5751.
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Ripples 2022
Ripples is an annual literary magazine featuring poems and articles by or about older adults in the community. Submit your stories, poems and photos featuring residents of Yellow Springs and Miami Township who are age 55 and over.
The deadline is March 28, 2022. Submission guidelines are available at the Senior Center and on the website at www.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
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Art Committee
The Fireplace Room has gotten a makeover! Thanks to a grant from the Yellow Springs Community Foundation, funds from the estate of Jill Chapman, and an anonymous donor, the room has new wallpaper, fresh paint, track lights and a modular conference table.
The Art Committee has started meeting again and is in the process of planning future art exhibits. If you’re an artist and would like to be considered for an exhibit, or if you’d like to be a part of the Art Committee, send an email to pgeisel@ysseniors.org.
eNewsletter
PDF files of the bimonthly Newsletter, going back to 2019, are available on www.ysseniors.org. An eNewsletter is also sent to everyone who gets the weekly email blasts. If you would like to get these emails, email info@ysseniors.org or go to www.ysseniors.org to sign up using the link on the home page.
Mobile Farmers Market
The Foodbank, Inc., has a Mobile Farmers Market in the Yellow Springs area. Their Mobile Farmers Market program is a free food distribution with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. It is held every third Thursday of the month from 1–3 pm at First Baptist Church, 600 Dayton Street. This is a walk-up mobile market. Please bring bags or a cart for transporting items to your car.
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 to the Senior Center by noon on Thursdays. Orders are accepted one of three ways:
Credit Card/Debit Card/EBT cards are accepted, and a representative of the Senior Center will call on Thursday to get card information. This is a free service. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Covid Policies
General Policy: As Covid policies continue to adapt, the Center is monitoring the recommendations of the CDC, local and state health and the Ohio Department of Aging, including masking requirements. Check the website at www.ysseniors.org for the most up-to-date information.
Transportation Department: Unvaccinated potential riders please call for more information.
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End of year thanks to volunteers – There is no way to adequately thank the individuals who provide voluntary work. Some working in the building, some provide classes over Zoom, others drive passengers or make grocery deliveries. The hours of unpaid labor provide much of the service of our organization. If you recognize some of these kind people please take a moment to thank them. We apologize for any names that were accidentally omitted. | |
Alisa Isaac, Front Desk
Amy Harper, Instructor
Andrée Bognar, Everything
Andrew Brody, Instructor
Andy Holyoke, Driver
Anna Bellasari, Board
Anna Hogarty, Front Desk
Arati Cacciolfi, Front Desk
Beth Holyoke, Driver
Bette Kelley, Grocery
Bob Huston, Committee
Bobbi Treadwell, Driver/Grocery
Carmen Milano, Instructor
Cathy Hill, Board
Chris Murphy, Driver
Cindy Diehl, Front Desk/Driver
Daniel Pelzl, Driver
Dave Anthony, Driver
Dave Finster, Driver
Deborah Dillon-Bloch, Projects
Dee Rockwood, Instructor
Diana Quirk, Front Desk
Diane Chiddester, Board
Fran LaSalle, Committee/Projects
Gayle Gyure, Front Desk
Harriet Dadras, Driver
Harvey Paige, Driver
Howard Shook, Grocery
Janeal Ravndal, Projects
Jane Baker, Projects
Jane Brown, Instructor
Jerry Buck, Driver
Jim Bailey, Driver
Jim Johnson, Driver
JoAnn Kiser, Instructor
Joe Hill, Driver
Jon Hudson, Projects
Joy Fishbain, Projects
Joyce McCurdy, Instructor
Judith Skillings, Instructor
Karen McKee, Board
Karina Tafolla, Driver
Kate Anderson, Driver
Kate LeVesconte, Driver/Groceries
Katie Egert, Projects
Kelly Ann Tracy, Grocery
Ken Dahms, Board
Kim Iconis, Driver
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Lacey Moseman, Driver
Lee Huntington, Projects
Lili Jennings, Grocery
Linda Cox, Committee
Linda Mates, Driver
Linda Parsons, Front Desk
Linda Scutt, Board
Linda Sikes, Instructor
Lynda Hicks, Instructor
Luan Heit, Driver/Front Desk
Lynn Hardman, Instructor
Macy Reynolds, Board
Marcia Ridgley, Driver
Marian Miller, Instructor
Marianne Welchel, Projects
Mark Delozier, Projects
Mary Cargan, Instructor
Mary Jane Kalkis, Instructor
Michael Kraus, Driver
Ned Oldham, Driver
Pat Robinow, Front Desk/Projects
Paul Mullin, Projects
Paulette Olson, Driver
Peggy Erksine, Driver
Peggy Koebernick, Front Desk
Peter Price, Driver
Phyllis Evans, Front Desk
Reena Appell, Instructor
Richard Zopf, Driver & Projects
Robert Conard, Instructor
Rosa Martinez, Driver
Ruth Lapp, Board
Ryan Beach, Instructor
Sandra Jessen, Front Desk/Driver
Sara Beltran, Driver
Selwa Whitesell, Driver
Seth Skidmore, Grocery
Shirley Mullins, Instructor
Shirley Smith, Driver
Simone Demarzi, Front Desk
Stanford Harris, Driver
Susan Alberter, Board
Susan Bothwell, Front Desk
Susan Freeman, Driver/Instructor
Suzanne Patterson, Projects
Teresa Gill, Front Desk
Tom Degenhart, Driver
Wayne Gulden, Driver/Board
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Also a heartfelt thank you to:
Cindy Diehl for the fabric for the walker bags.
Susan Gartner, Eve Fleck, the Antioch School, and Victoria Smith for red yarn for the Red Scarf Project.
Lin Wood, Marcella Link, Jackie Delk, Kathy Robertson, Terry Graham, Andrée Bognar, Becky Sikes, Linda Sikes, Susan Freeman, and Jeanine Clark, the knitters who helped make scarves for the Red Scarf Project.
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In Memoriam
We honor the service, life and legacy of YSSC Board Trustee Karen McKee who passed away December 9, 2021. Karen served on several committees and as a volunteer at the Center. She served the community in many additional capacities, leaving an impact that will extend into the future of the village. She will be greatly missed.
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Use the button below to visit the calendar our website for the most up-to-date information about our classes and events. Virtual classes and events will also have the links to these events.
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 www.ysseniors.org and the Facebook page. Transportation services may also be affected by weather conditions. | |
Welcome NEW Members!
Pati Dunlap
Patricia Henrich
Kari Tulecke
Jacqueline Waggoner
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Dues were not charged during 2021 since events were on standby for most of the year. January is the annual renewal month for all YSSC memberships: $20 for each individual, an additional $15 for others in the same household. Benefits of membership include newsletters by mail or email, discounted rental on the Great Room, and knowing that your funds are helping to support the staffing and services at the Center.
Memberships can be paid in cash in person or by mailing a check to YSSC, 227 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387 or through the website.
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A Concert for Everyone recap | |
A Concert for Everyone online music concert which happened on Nov. 12, 2021. Performers include: | | |
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4 String Fun ukulele group with Pat Charters, Chris Murphy, Tony Paglione, Laura Curliss, and Susan Wolfe. | | |
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Yellow Springs Strings with conductors Shirley Mullins and Cammy Grote, members Nadine Martin, Dhyana Graham, Marna Street, Violette Anne Onfroy, Amanda Wallace, Mary Beth Burkholder, Melissa Kuhns, Tom Duffee, Nancy Hesz, Scott Kellogg, Jim Duffee, Bob Brecha, and Simone Demarzi. | | |
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Africanacosa Afro Caribbean percussion with Gyamfi Gyamerah, Laura Curliss, Nathan Hardman, and Christopher Ward. | | |
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Misty Moneé (Teresa Gill), jazz vocalist, accompanied by Mark DeLozier on the piano. | | |
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Heartstrings Folk and Celtic music with Sarah Goldstein, Carol Van Ausdal, Mary Beth Burkholder, and Linda Scutt. | | |
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Issa Ali performing original hip hop with DJ “Fatty Lumpkin.”
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Thanks to all who participated, including our host, Phillip O'Rourke. We hope to make the event better in the future! | |
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 5th of even numbered months. PDF versions of this and past issues can be found on the website.
All YSSC members receive a hard copy mailed to their home. Memberships are $20 annually with $15 for each additional member. 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.
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