September/October 2025

From the Director

When I wrote about retirement in the last newsletter, I didn’t realize how close to “home” my message was. Our own Lin Wood, who has been with YSSC since 2003, has retired so that she has more time to take classes and play Mahjong. We’re glad we still get to see her several times a week. There is no way to tabulate all the ways Lin kept us rolling for decades. Her job description changed often and her knowledge of people and the community have been invaluable resources. Sara Beltran, as Lin’s understudy for many months, will step up to the challenge. 

More updates…the Great Room air conditioner couldn’t keep up with this summer’s heat, so we had to spend almost $10K to replace it. We are grateful to several donors and the YSCF for helping us cover this unexpected expense. A few weeks later the water heater decided it, too, was overwhelmed, fortunately that replacement was less than $2K. Send us good vibes that we don’t have too many other expenses as we need to stay in this building for a few more years at minimum, and our budget can’t take much more.

Thank you to each of you (donors, volunteers and advocates) who help to keep us going and providing excellent services to the community. There is no way we could continue without very generous support from donors. Our classes, activities, benefit consultations, and transportation are almost all free. Some (about one third) of the support for these opportunities comes through Greene County’s Senior Services Levy, but OVER one third of our financial support comes from individuals.

One more way to help: join us for “Spring” cleaning…do we still call it that in the Fall? We need to do some tidying up in the building. We’ve scheduled the morning of Saturday, October 4, from 9:30 am until 11:30 to clean windows, attack dust and make some minor repairs to chairs and equipment. I promise to have coffee and tasty treats for everyone. Please invite any kids who need to get volunteer hours.

These photos show some examples of the ways YSSC improves and enriches lives every day. We welcome EVERYONE to come join us. 

 – Caroline Mullin, Executive Director

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

In July we gathered at our new land for the “Wheelie Fun Block Party” and celebrated our new van, which will be getting its daisy wrap soon!

Photo credit: Yellow Springs News

Weekly Wednesday lunches are provided for FREE by Antioch College, featuring much of their fresh produce. Diners have been delighted.   

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

Village Voices, 3rd Thursday, 7 pm

The Senior Center hosts monthly guests to share their expertise and knowledge with the community. 

Sept. 18: Jay Williams will present “Life at the Zoo: The Next Chapter” and share her experiences working at the Cincinnati Zoo.  

Oct. 16: Bill Kent will discuss some of the history of Yellow Springs including a bit about Helen Birch Bartlett and he will also show a video originally filmed by Sandy Love. 

Programs meet in the Great Room and Zoom. To get the Zoom link, register on MyActiveCenter.com, call 937-767-5751, or email info@ysseniors.org.

Daytrips

Dayton Art Institute

Thursday, Sept. 4, 11 am–12:30 pm 

Visit the “Cats in Art/Dogs in Art” special exhibit with us. Register with Maggie and meet at John Bryan Center parking lot at 10:30 am.

Snooty Fox Bus Tour, Cincinnati

Wednesday, October 22, 8:30 am

This “all-day shopping extravaganza” bus tour stops at all the Snooty Fox clothing and furniture consignment stores in Cincinnati and goes from 10 am–5 pm, so the YSSC shuttle van departs by 8:30 am. Visit shopsnooty.com/bustours for more info. $45 per person and includes a boxed lunch. Register with Maggie by Oct 1.

Brunch Bunch

1st Tuesday, 11 am

The Brunch Bunch explores local restaurants to build community through sharing food. Either meet at the John Bryan parking lot at 10:30 am or meet at the restaurant at 11 am. Please RSVP to Maggie one week prior if possible, so group reservations can be made.

Sept. 2: Blue Berry Café, 2932 S. Dixie Dr. in Kettering, voted “Best Breakfast” by Best of Dayton.

Oct. 7: Ellie’s Restaurant at the Mills Park Hotel.

Third Thursday Potlucks

3rd Thursday, 11:30 am–1 pm

Please bring a side dish to share. 

Sept 18: Joanna Sullivan, Head of Mobile Services from the Greene County Public Library will speak about all of the services available from this valuable resource.

Potlucks will now occur quarterly, watch for info in the next newsletter.

Events

Free Hearing Screenings

1st Fridays, 10 am–noon

Dr. Parker from Family Audiology and Hearing Center in Springfield is conducting free hearing screenings monthly on the first Friday. Fireplace Room

YS History Bus Tour

Thurs., Sept. 11, 1–3 pm

Kevin McGruder leads this tour. Suggested $20 donation ($15 to 365 Project and $5 for YSSC van use.) Max of 10, register with Maggie by Sept. 4.

Clothing Swap

Sun. Sept 14, 1–4 pm

Join us with Sister Trillium for a clothing swap: accessories, fabrics, clothing and shoes. RSVP with Maggie; we’re also looking for volunteers to help organize this event. Great Room

Vaccine Clinic

Thurs., Sept. 25, 10 am–12 noon

The Kroger Little Clinic will provide vaccines for the Flu, Shingles and possibly COVID (depending CDC guidance). Register with Stephanie. Great Room

Street Fair

Sat., Oct. 11, 9–5

Raffle drawing, vendors, t-shirts, and more!

YS Brewery Tour

Thurs., Oct. 16, 4–5:30 pm

We will tour of the production facility at the YS Brewery at 305 Walnut St. Register with Maggie.

Spooky Social Hour

Fri., Oct. 31, 3–4 pm

Before Bingo. Extra treats for those in costume! Great Room

New Classes

The Daily Sketchbook

Mondays, 9:30-10:45 am 

6-week class with Bob Huston where attendees keep a daily sketchbook with a different weekly focus. Beginners welcome; more experienced sketchers will benefit more. Register with Maggie. Great Room

Artist’s Way Journaling

Mondays, 10–noon

8-week class with Debra Williamson, 8 participants max, register with Maggie. Fireplace Room

Cardio & Strength

Tuesdays, from 11:45–12:45 pm

Lynn Hardman leads this SilverSneakers™ FLEX class. Register with Maggie. Great Room

Self-Care for Caregivers

Tuesdays, 10–11:30 am

5-week class with Debra Williamson in September for caregivers to develop self-care strategies including creating nurturing and rejuvenating practices. $10 suggested donation per class. 8 participants max, register with Maggie. Fireplace Room

Draw What You See

Thursdays, 10–11:15 am 

8-week class with Don Sak, 10 participants max, register with Maggie, no class Sept. 25. Great Room

Exploring Flash Fiction

Thursdays from 10–11:30 am 

8-week writing class with Ed Davis starts Sept. 11 with 8 participants max, register with Maggie. Fireplace Room 

Memoir Class, Tuesdays

10–noon (Oct & Nov)

8-week class with Debra Williamson, 8 participants max, register with Maggie. Fireplace Room

Beginning Zentangles

Fridays, Sept. 5 & 19, 2–4 pm

2-day workshop with Dione Greenberg. $10/person for 2-class series paid to instructor. 20 participants max, register with Maggie by Sept. 2. Great Room

Zentangle Seascapes & Gardens

Fridays, 2–4 pm

4-week class with Dione Greenberg in October. $35 cash or check for paid to instructor. 20 participants max, register with Maggie by Sept. 29. Great Room

Beginning Handbuilding with Clay

Fridays, 1–4 pm

5-week, off-site class with Dianne Collinson from Sept. 12–Oct. 10. Learn basic techniques making fun and functional pieces. $45 for materials, paid to Dianne. 6 participants max. Register with Maggie. 

Listening Circles

1st & 3rd Sat., Sept & Oct, 10–12

Amy Bennett and Jane Blakelock are planning “We Were There: Women in Vietnam,” at the Foundry Theater on Nov. 1 & 2. In preparation for that performance there will be Listening Circle Sessions at the Senior Center. If you have experience to share related to Women in Vietnam, please attend. Contact Maggie with questions. Fireplace Room

John Bryan Community Pottery Projects

Build-a-Gnome with Nate Frank on Tuesdays, Sept. 23 & 30 from 12–2 pm for $45 per person and Spooky Windchimes on Wednesdays, Oct. 8 & 15 from 12–2 pm for $45 per person, both at the John Bryan Community Pottery. Register with Maggie.

Register for classes and events at MyActiveCenter.com, 937-767-5751, or info@ysseniors.org

Grocery Delivery

The Senior Center shops for groceries weekly from Tom’s Market for anyone 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

  • ysseniors.org/grocery-delivery-program

  • calling 937-767-5751 Mon.–Fri. 9:30 am–4 pm

A Credit Card/Debit Card/EBT card is used. This is a free service; donations gratefully accepted.

Members Art Show

The Members Art Show will be up from November 6 through December 19 with a reception on Friday, November 14 from 4–6 pm. The show is open to artists 55 years or older who live in Yellow Springs or Miami Township and are either members or become one. To guarantee a spot in the show, submit a “Commitment to Exhibit” form by October 20, available at the Senior Center or download from ysseniors.org/member-art. 

Kroger Rewards

If you shop at Kroger you can designate YSSC as your “Kroger Rewards” organization. Our number is RU161. There are directions on our website about how to register at ysseniors.org/kroger-rewards.

Photo Walk

Sept 5–Nov 3, 2025 

Reception: Wed., Sept 10, 6–8 pm

Photo Walk: A group show from the weekly FOCUS lessons taught by Yellow Springs photographer Ellen Brucker Marshall. Featuring the study of color, pattern, composition, portraiture, documentary, and experimental images. See the magic of phone camera work when locals try new values. The show can be viewed during the Center’s open hours Monday–Friday from 9:30 am–4 pm, unless there is a class 

in the Fireplace Room.

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.

Laughter Connects Us

Leonardo da Vinci said, “I love those who can smile in trouble.” Now, I’m not sure what kind of trouble Leo was talking about – maybe his paintbrush falling into the fresco or someone stealing his flying machine plans – but I’m guessing he meant the kind of people who grin in the face of life’s ups and downs. People like that either have inner peace, or they’ve just gone a little loopy. Either way, they might be onto something. 

Smiling and laughter are the universal Swiss Army knives of human interaction. According to George Carlin, “Everyone smiles in the same language.” And science agrees! Darwin – yes, the evolution guy – thought smiles were biologically programmed. French scientist, Guillaume Duchenne hooked people up to electrodes to make them smile. He discovered that a true smile involves not just the mouth but also the eyes. If your eyes aren’t crinkling, your face is lying.

Let’s talk types. There’s the lip smile (for bare minimum effort), the cheesy smile (ideal for the awkward family photos), the twinkle smile (usually reserved for flirtation or when you’ve eaten the last slice of cake and pretend not to know where it went), and the rare full-body smile that radiates joy like a Pixar character on espresso. 

Laughter? Oh, it comes in flavors too! There’s the hearty laugh (grandparent-approved), the belly laugh (ab workout included), the snicker (for when you’re pretending to be mature), and the guffaw, which should be used sparingly unless you’re in a pirate movie.

Why do we do all this smiling and laughing? Simple. It keeps us alive. Literally. 

Laughter releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins — “There’s not much to smile about these days,” some would say. It never seems like there is a reason to smile until you feel that expression take over. Just start laughing at yourself. Tripped over nothing? That’s slapstick. Forgot your password again? Classic recurring joke. Found a book titled “How to Solve 50% of Your Problems?” Buy two!

Laughter connects us. It bridges differences, lightens burdens. It doesn’t bear overanalyzing – it just does. As Louis Armstrong sang, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.” 

  – Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager

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

Medicare Enrollment

Open Enrollment is from October 15–December 7 and is an opportunity to review plan options and make changes if necessary. There may be changes to both Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026. I can help you review your current plan, run comparisons, and sign up for a new plan. We have a form to list your prescriptions, please fill it out prior to your appointment. If you have had insurance counselling here in the past, you will receive info and a form in the mail. The form is also available at the Senior Center and on our website.

The Senior Link program has had some interest lately. If you would like to call and chat with a senior or you would like to receive a call from someone, there is information on our website on the program. I am also happy to discuss it with you. 

Please contact me if you have questions about Open Enrollment or Initial Enrollment in Medicare. I am also available to assist with Medicaid, food, housing or utilities assistance. 

 – Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager

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

Supplies Needed

One of the most satisfying parts of our work is helping people adapt as they go through challenges and changes. Often this includes needing some equipment to help with physical needs. We have a collection of medical equipment to give or loan when someone is in need. We also gladly accept donations from the community of lightly used wheelchairs, walkers, and other such equipment. This community is so kind in taking care of one another…a few weeks ago a son came in asking for pull-ups for his mother. We didn’t have any but our front desk volunteer went shopping with the funds provided by her insurance and donated the supplies he needed. If you have extra OTC benefits available from your insurance at the end of the year, consider shopping for some supplies that we can offer to someone in need including: 

• Adult pull-ups, men’s and women’s, all sizes
• Disposable gloves in all sizes
• Disposable, flushable personal care wipes
• Nutritional supplements, such as Boost
• Blood pressure meter
• Easy to use/read digital thermometers
• First Aid kits

 –Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager

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

Greene County Council on Aging

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. This event on Thursday, September 11 from 1–3:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St., will cover ways to reduce the risk of falls and keep everyone strong, healthy and upright.

Activities include: Fall & Balance Assessments; Device Station (Safety Checks of Canes, Walkers, etc.); Technology Resources, including Emergency Response Systems, Medication Dispensing Systems, and Fall Apps for smart phones; Review of High Fall Risk Medications (bring your med list); and a live remote with Real Roots Radio’s Roy Hatfield.

It’s My Money! It’s My Stuff! It’s My Life!

This popular four-week program returns this fall. The sessions, presented by local professionals, are held in the Xenia Community Center on Tuesdays from 6–8:30 pm on October 7, 14, 21, and 28. The cost is $40 per household and includes a binder with all program materials, and box suppers. Space is limited and reservations are required. For information or a registration form, email yourfriends@gccoa.org.

Savvy Senior Expo

The Savvy Senior Expo on Thursday, October 23 is a fun, informative event exploring options for your best aging experience. The Expo at the Xenia Community Center runs from 10:30 am–3:30 pm with a variety of vendor tables and interactive experiences set up in the Xenia Community Center gym and breakout sessions will be peppered throughout the day in the classrooms. There is no cost (although a donation for area food pantries is requested) and no registration is required.

Other GCCOA Events

• Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, Sept. 8* and Oct. 6 (the first and Monday) from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs. (*change of date due to the Labor Day holiday)
• Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, Sept 8 and Oct. 13 (the second Monday) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
• Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 2:30– 4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Medicare 101: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 3–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Legal Chat: Thursday, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 (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.

Two Raffle Opportunities!

The English Cottage B&B

2-night stay with 2 bed-rooms for up to 4 people ages 12 and up. 1 block from downtown. A $900 value! Tickets are $20 each or six for $100.

Bass Ukulele & Amp

A Kala Scout Fretless 4-string acoustic/electric U-BASS Ukulele with a soft-sided carrying case, a Fender Rumble 25 amplifier with cord, and a “Teach Yourself to Play” bass book, a $450 value! Tickets are $10 each.

Welcome NEW Members!

Danielle Mortell

Judith McGuire

Lynn & Peter Sinnott

The Senior Center is hosting a Square Dance on Sunday, October 26 from 2–4 pm at Camp Greene, 3452 Grinnell Rd, featuring the local band the Corndrinkers. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased ahead of time or at the door and benefit the Senior Center and Glen Helen. Call 937-767-5751 or email info@ysseniors.org.

​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.