Director’s Comments
The “Senior Center” is not an inviting tagline. So many people tell us that they are too young to attend any event or class that happens in this building. Simultaneously, there are people who think that we are a residential home caring for people with chronic and debilitating conditions. Rather, we are a place where those who continue to find inspiration can gather and share growth and knowledge to inspire each other.
Our program leaders, mostly volunteers, ranging from their 20s into their 80s, demonstrate that each of us can continue to pursue wellness, regardless of our age. As a contrast, our most enthusiastic volunteer is a six-year-old who adores each person she gets to know at potlucks, ice cream socials and the Flash Mob. How do we see beyond age as a number, aging as a deficit, seek connections with each other without stigma?
Take yourself back to being a young person, what was your perception of aging? Your grandparents may not have survived through their 60s, your parents may have seemed ancient in their 50s, but you, as a youth, were invincible. Most people gauge their lifespan by the age their parents lived to be, but that is not always a good measure. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the past few decades.
As we add years to our lives, what can be done to rejuvenate optimism, enthusiasm, and community engagement? If going to a “Senior Center” feels incongruent with your current status, perhaps we can help you find another way to add some great energy to your life. You can work with us as a volunteer to help your neighbor or friend.
We have finally emerged from a global pandemic that limited us in myriad ways. While many of us lost touch with our neighbors, tangential friends, and even formerly close allies and coworkers, we learned to use technology to connect over vast distances. It may continue to be difficult to reestablish our connection within the community. Perhaps the gratitude of surviving and having autonomy can sustain you, but contributing to the well-being of others in the community can really boost your emotions.
You have valuable experience – can you help gather items for the YS Food Pantry? Can you play music to help someone forget their struggles? Can you put stickers on our newsletter mailing to share the latest updates? Whatever it is that you can think of, it would be of help to someone else. That is the essence of community, and why we know every person of every age can make a lasting impact.
We would also like to hear from you – how can we plan ahead for the services and programs you would like to see in the years to come? With the upcoming design our own building, we have the unique chance to address our own community’s wishes. Complete this survey online ysseniors.org/newbuilding or pick up a paper copy at YSSC.
– Caroline Mullin, Executive Director
937-767-5751 x 101, cmullin@ysseniors.org
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Ripples is here!
All YSSC members received a copy of Ripples with the print version of this newsletter that was mailed at the end of June. Additional copies are $5 each and can be purchased at the Senior Center. An electronic version is also on the website at ysseniors.org/ripples.
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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 | |
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Day Trips
Breakfast at Arise Café, Tuesday, July 9, 9:30 am
The Arise Café is on the Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative Campus, 2960 West Enon Road. Meet at the John Bryan Center parking lot at 9 am to carpool.
Great Council State Park, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1–3 pm
Join us in visiting this beautiful new state park. Built to honor the Shawnee village that once existed on this land, the interpretive center has exhibits and a theater, and walking trails surround it. Meet at the John Bryan Center parking lot at 12:45 pm if you want to carpool. Contact Maggie to register.
Yellow Springs Brewery Tour, Thursday, Aug. 22, 3 pm
Step behind the scenes on a guided tour of our local brewery and learn how specialty brews are created, with an optional happy hour/tasting to follow. No fee for the tour, limited to 10 people. Contact Maggie to register. Participants should meet at the brewery, 305 Walnut Street, at 3 pm sharp.
Third Thursday Potlucks, 3rd Thursday, 11:30 am–1 pm
Join us in the Great Room for monthly potlucks. Please bring a side dish to share.
The July 18 speaker is Haley Sauder, MD, who will talk on preparing for a successful doctor visit.
The August 15 speaker is Hope Reger from Grief2Hope who will speak on the non-profit she created to help herself and others process grief.
Seated Yoga Class, Tuesdays, 4–5 pm, Great Room
Reena Appell is teaching a seated yoga class during July and August.
Ping Pong, Mondays, 4–6 pm, Great Room
We have a new ping pong table with open play on Monday nights. We will add a weekend session if there’s enough interest. No Ping Pong on July 8.
Create a Comprehensive Medication List
Fridays July 5 and Aug. 2, 10–11 am, Fireplace Room
In a variety of scenarios, you may be asked for a comprehensive list of your medications, and often such a list isn’t readily on hand or updated. Emma Robinow is an experienced pharmacist who can sit down one-on-one and help create this important document. Contact Maggie to sign up and secure an appointment. Bring your medications with you.
Safe Medication Practices for Better Health
Tuesday, July 16, 10–11 am, Fireplace Room
This toolkit is designed to offer helpful information about appropriate medication use for an older adult audience. This presentation by Sarah Badger includes valuable resources, a video, and even a fun trivia game. Contact Maggie to sign up.
Summer Variety Show
Friday, July 12, 5–6:30 pm, Great Room
Have you noticed how much talent we have in our small village? Particularly our senior community? Let’s showcase some of this incredible talent! This will be a fun evening of music and laughter with special guests Jim Felder, Barbara Leeds, and the YSSC Improv Group led by Justin Howard. There will be a short reception following the performances. Suggested donation of $10 at the door. Contact Maggie to sign up or for more information.
“The Power of Myth” Viewing & Discussion Group
2nd and 4th Sundays, 2–4 pm, Great Room
Hosted by the C.G. Jung Association of the Miami Valley and led by Gayle Gyure, this group will watch the 6-episode documentary featuring journalist Bill Moyers interviewing Joseph Campbell. The group will view a one-hour interview followed by a conversation. From July 14 to September 22. For info or to register, contact Maggie. First session is in the Fireplace Room, the rest are in the Great Room.
Meditation Basics with Debra Williamson
Mondays in August, 10–11 am, Fireplace Room
Debra will share her 35+ years of experience with various meditation systems, focusing on a different one each week. Contact Maggie to register.
End of Summer Social
Friday Aug. 23, 3–4 pm, Great Room & Patio
Come and enjoy some root beer floats and share the highlights (or lowlights, or anything in between) of your Summer!
Square Dancing Lessons
Thursdays, 7–9 pm, starts Sept. 12
Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center
Every Thursday from September through May, starting September 12. The first two classes are free (Sept. 12 and 19), and subsequent classes are $3/class. Contact Jean Britton to sign up at 937-620-4815.
| Register for classes and events at MyActiveCenter.com, 937-767-5751, or info@ysseniors.org | |
Summer Topics
Affordable housing is a topic of interest for many. There are people who are looking for an affordable place to live. There are also those who have some extra space in their homes that could be rented. While home sharing is an option that is becoming more popular, it is difficult to be informed of all the potential opportunities. Nesterly is one company that is working with communities to help build home sharing networks that are safe for all involved. The closest network to us is in Columbus but they have a website with information about how this process works. If there is enough interest here, maybe one day we could also have a home sharing network. Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas on this topic.
Hot, summer weather is now here and there are programs available to help with utility costs for those who qualify. The Village of Yellow Springs has a Utility Round-Up program to assist residents who are at risk of disconnection of utility services. Information and an application are on the Village of Yellow Springs website or call Florence Randolph at 937-767-3716. There are other assistance programs available, including a Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). Please contact me if you have questions about these programs or need assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, Food or Housing.
– Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager
937-767-5751 x108, slawson@ysseniors.org
Summer ‘Trips’
Plans for most summer trips are well anticipated, or are they?? Summer encourages many to venture outdoors where trips can become life threatening. Here are a few tips to prevent trips/falls outdoors.
- Exercise programs improve strength that will help navigate uneven terrain and long distances.
- Speak with your health care provider to help understand your fall risk.
- Get both hearing and vision checked annually. You need to be able to hear and see hazards such as vehicles, animals and uneven terrain.
- Use assistive devices such as canes, walkers and rollators.
- Be sure to wear your alert buttons so in case of an unexpected trip or fall, help will be on the way.
Summer is a fun time to enjoy the outside but be careful to avoid trips.
–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager
937-767-5751 x107, tbondurant@ysseniors.org
Missing Keys
Sometimes one hand reaching out. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Sometimes it’s one simple smile. Sometimes that’s the difference it makes.
– Lady Becky
I’ve been missing a set of keys for a couple weeks now. I say “missing” because it’s been quite a while since I’ve actually lost anything. Oh, sure, I’ve routinely misplaced items on a daily basis. In fact, if it weren’t for the possibility of web-dialing my own cell phone, I might never know where to find that aggravating nuisance of electronica. And you must know the puzzlement of losing track of a newspaper, a cup of coffee or the TV remote in the wake of simply moving from one room to another! These things always turn up in time. The keys? I’m starting to lose hope.
The missing keys prompted further thought into the distance – both emotional and logistical – between the concepts of “lost” and “misplaced.” This continuum might apply to my interest in the topic of “community” as well. Is there something we’ve lost or misplaced in modern culture that makes living in community so difficult? Have we lost some basic ingredient or underlying value necessary for strong communities to thrive in the modern era? Have they been misplaced? Can they be found?
We might agree what is NOT community. Take the internet, for example. Google makes each of us independent scholars and feeds an inflated self-reliance to tackle every problem on our own. Every hour we spend with screen time robs us of the opportunity to engage others face-to-face, to ask for their advice, their suggestions and – most importantly – to ask for their participation and assistance. Often, we are simply too busy to be in community. If we’re always: a) trying to get to the bottom of a to-do list; b) constantly balancing schedules to “meet up,” or; c) in constant pursuit of other goals and achievements, well, I would suggest, we are simply not available for community. When everything is on an agenda, we are simply doing – not being.
Let me suggest, Being in community means sharing regular, unproductive time together – on the porch, over a cup of coffee, on the street corner – and enjoying it. Let’s not risk losing it. Join in!
p.s. Should you find my keys with a bronze medallion attached, please contact me at the office.
– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager
937-767-5751 x104, rlibecap@ysseniors.org
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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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Garden Dinner Party Recap
The Garden Dinner Party, held on June 29, raised $8545 to support YSSC’s daily operations. Thank you to all the attendees, donors and also the wonderful hosts: Ralita & Mike Chambers; Margaret Dunn, Marie Spohn, & Chris Spohn; Molly & Keith GunderKline; Bill Kent & Gayle Gyure; Jim Johnson & Debbie Henderson; Moira Laughlin, Jerry Papania, and Pegeen Laughlin; Gabriele & Todd Leventhal; Sandy McHugh & Jerry Sutton; Sue Neff; Elizabeth Wiley, Christine Hofstra, Teresa Dunphy, and Tommaso Gregor.
Art on the Lawn
Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 am–5 pm
Because of construction at Mills Lawn Elementary School, this year’s Art on the Lawn will be at the Senior Center’s new property at the corner of East North College and Livermore Street.
2025 Art Shows
The art committee is looking for artists who would like to be considered for a show in 2025. Interested artists can find an application at ysseniors.org/art.
Online Auction Donations
The online fundraising auction the Senior Center had the last few years through the “Everything But The House” will happen again this fall.
Donations are welcome and should be worth $50 or more. Items can include art, antiques, jewelry, or unique experiences including Airbnb stays and Chef events. Contact the Fundraising Committee at info@ysseniors.org to discuss contributions. All items will be sold via www.ebth.com with proceeds benefitting YSSC services, building, and programs.
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.
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Retrospective (with Recent Additions) by Susan Wolf
July 5–August 30, 2024
Reception Friday, August 16, 4–6 pm
Susan is a life long artist and teacher. She was trained as a painter and has worked with a range of media and subjects. She taught art at both the Antioch School in Yellow Springs and at Possum Elementary and Middle School in Clark County.
Wolf mostly works in defined projects. Included in this exhibit are pieces from two of those projects. One was an exhibit documenting her art teaching years including portraits of children with their art. Also represented are painted versions of cat illustrations from her book project, “Some Cats!”
Volunteering at the Yellow Springs Senior Center as ukulele teacher has become her primary role in retirement, and has inspired an interest in drawing people playing ukuleles. This will also be represented in the show.
Susan finds living in Yellow Springs makes doing art especially rewarding because the wealth of other artists and artist.
The 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.
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Greene County Council on Aging |
Medication Reviews
The Greene County Council on has one-on-one Medication Reviews by a local pharmacist at their Xenia office or over the phone. Appointments can be made with the pharmacist on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am–3 pm. For more info or to schedule a consultation, call 937-376-5486 or email YourFriends@gccoa.org
Mark Your Calendars
Save the dates for these Greene County Council on Aging events held at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St, next to the Council’s Xenia office.
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Fall Prevention Event
Thursday, Sept. 12, 1:30–3:30 pm
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Savvy Senior Expo
Thursday, Oct. 24, 10:30 am–3:30 pm
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Drive-By Shredding Event
Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 am–noon
Other GCCOA Events
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Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, July 1 and 15; Aug. 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, July 8 and Aug. 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, July 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, Aug. 14, 3–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
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Legal Chat: Thursday, July 18 and Aug. 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.
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Ukulele News
The monthly meetings of the Yellow Springs Ukulele Club are now at the Yellow Springs Senior Center. The new location became necessary because of the need for a larger space to fit its growing membership. The club was founded by and is led by Chris Murphy. It uses a song-circle format where participants take turns choosing a song for the group to play and sing. Chords and lyrics will be projected. Come with a song in mind or just be ready to say “pass.” There is no age requirement to attend.
The Ukulele Club meets on the first Saturday of each month from 6–8:30 pm. Because this is an evening event, enter at the red door by the carport. More info at facebook.com/4stringfun. Or, email Chris Murphy at fourstringfun@icloud.com.
Used Ukuleles Needed
Do you have a ukulele that is no longer being used? We hope that you will consider donating it to the Senior Center ukulele program. It’s a big help to have people start on “loaners” so that they don’t have to purchase before they have played one.
Please Return “Loaner” Ukuleles
Some of our loaner ukuleles haven’t come back. If you still have a borrowed one, please either let us know that you’re still working with it by calling 937-767-5751 or emailing info@ysseniors.org, or drop it off at the reception desk.
“Get Started” Ukulele Classes
There are 3-session beginner classes that meet from 9:30–10:30 am on the first three Thursdays of each month (except in December). There is no charge, but registration is preferred by calling 937-767-5751 or emailing info@ysseniors.org.
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Welcome NEW Members!
Theresa & Jerome Borchers
Clark Bruggers
Louise F. Carlson
Jerri Currier
Lorri DeVore
Herb Finke
Earl Hull Jr.
Mia Knight
Mark Willis
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Thanks to everyone who participated in May’s Flash Mob Event, and thanks to Lynn Hardman for creating the choreography and coordinating the event. A video of the event is on the YSSC YouTube Channel. | |
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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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