May/June 2025

We Can Do That!

Since the origins of Yellow Springs Senior Citizens, Inc., we have been meeting the needs of the community, starting with providing transportation…a service we have been able to continue and expand since 1959. We continue to adapt and respond as needs change – over time we added homemaking services (now serving over 100 local individuals), supportive services (Medicare and other benefit consultation) and a variety of classes and activities that few senior centers of any size can boast of. 

Our members often come to us asking for the opportunity to share their talents or experience by leading a program. In this edition of the newsletter you will find several such programs: a Memoir Writing class, a tour of the village, and all the other ongoing classes that we are able to provide (almost all for free) because they are led by volunteers.

During the pandemic we developed our ongoing local Grocery Delivery Program and in 2022 we revived the Volunteer Medical Escort Program which assists people when they need a companion for medical services. We just started our trial van shuttle service throughout town with the ambition to develop an ongoing and expanded service to get people to the Center and beyond. Many of these programs developed after YSSC heard concerns from members and sought solutions. 

The word “WE” is operative to all of this – all of these services and programs have developed from the most amazing resource we have – our DONORS and our VOLUNTEERS. The hardworking YSSC staff creates the framework that everything is built on – maintaining the building, keeping everyone informed, setting schedules and coordinating the efforts of our nearly 200 volunteers. YSSC could not exist without the generosity of donors who fund over one third of our operating budget, which covers salaries, utilities and all the other expenses of running the business.

Don’t forget that donations of unique items valued at a minimum of $50 are always welcome for our online auction. Since 2023 YSSC has earned over $14,000 from items that sold on EBTH.com – that’s enough to cover our utility bills for two years! Please consider YSSC for treasures big and small.  

Please plan to join us as we celebrate our successes and look to the future during our Annual Membership meeting on Wed., June 25. This should be an exciting meeting, as WE preface this meeting with LWC Architects introducing our potential building design and have some time to reflect on all WE have accomplished already. Thank you for all the ways you help us keep thriving!

 – Caroline Mullin, Executive Director

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

Parkinson’s Puzzle Hunt

Saturday, May 17, 9:30 am–12:15 pm  

$10 per person ($15 after May 1)

on teams of 1–4 people

Fundraiser for “Parkinson Support and Wellness”

The proceeds from this puzzle hunt will benefit the “Parkinson Support and Wellness” nonprofit. Find more info at ysseniors.org/pdph.

CD Decorating Party, Friday, May 9, 11 am

CDs will be prepped with a solid color painted for people to decorate as art prizes for the Puzzle Hunt.

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

Village Voices Series

3rd Thursday, 7 pm

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

May 22: Jim Duffee, retired physician and the president of the board of Friends Care Community, will speak on “Aging in Yellow Springs: Opportunities for Collaboration.” He’ll speak on the current FCC services, future possibilities, and information from a recent market study regarding local needs and opportunities for aging people in the community.

June 19: Cancelled for Juneteenth

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.

Daytrips

Yellow Springs History Tour via the Shuttle Van

Thurs. May 15, 1–3 pm

Tour the village in the new shuttle van with history guide Kevin McGruder. Limit of 10, arrive at the John Bryan parking lot by 12:50 pm. Suggested donation of $10/person to be split between the YSSC and The 365 Project. Contact Maggie to register. 

Great Council State Park

Thurs. June 12, 10 am–1 pm

We’ll return to Great Council and revisit the museum and walk the completed path to the river then have lunch at Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia. Meet at the John Bryan parking lot at 9:45 am to ride in the shuttle van.

Brunch Bunch

1st Tuesday, 11 am

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

May 6: Linh’s Bistro Vietnamese restaurant, 5532 Airway Road in Dayton.

June 3: Miguel’s Tacos here in the village. Let’s support local business and check out the new space.

Innovations of Yellow Springs

2nd Thursday, 7 pm

May 8: Maxwell Mullin will follow up on his February talk, presenting “Artificial Intelligence Part II: How to use AI for Good and Evil”

June 12: Alan Brunsman continues his profile of inventor Leland Clark’s legacy of innovations. 

These will also be on Zoom. To register email info@ysseniors.org or call 937-767-5751. Great Room

Third Thursday Potlucks

3rd Thursday, 11:30 am–1 pm

Please bring a side dish to share. 

May 22: Aaron Fowler from OSU Extension program will present a talk on Humor & Stress

June 19: Cancelled for Juneteenth

Events

Death Cafe

Thursday, May 8, 10–11 am 

Neil Fogarty will facilitate a group discussion of up to 15 participants. Note this is not a support group, grief group, or marketing event. This is a safe space to discuss death with no set agenda. To register or for more information, contact Maggie. Great Room

Ukulele Concert

Sunday, June 1, 2–3:30 pm

A Peace, Love, and Understanding Sing-a-long. Great Room

Dragon’s Game

Thursday, May 29, 7 pm

Contact info@ysseniors.org about buying tickets.

Street Fair

Saturday, June 14

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

Solstice Social

Friday, June 20, 3–4 pm

Summer Solstice deserves a celebration. Join us on the patio for trivia and treats. 

New Classes

Pottery Projects at John Bryan Pottery

The May project is a Picture Frame Plate on Wed. May 14 and 21 from noon–2 pm for $45 per student. Participants should bring a picture frame that is 12"x12" or smaller. For June participants can make a wheel-thrown pot on Tues. June 17 and 24 from noon–3 pm for $60 per student. Register with Maggie.

Draw What You See

Mondays, 10–11:30 pm

Led by Don Sak, limited to 10 participants. Contact Maggie to register. Great Room

Fundamental Drawing

Fridays, 2–3:30 pm

Led by Bob Huston, limited to 8 participants, doesn’t meet June 20. Contact Maggie to register. Great Room

Line Dancing

Fridays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

Led by Lynn Hardman through May 23. Great Room

Memoir Class

Mondays, 10–11:45 am

Memoir writing often involves exploring your life to discover meaningful events, people, and places. Debra Williamson will guide you through the process of finding those stories, giving you space to write, organize, and add details to bring your moments to the page. This eight-week course draws on your experiences to develop them into a story for sharing. Class is limited to eight people. Contact Maggie to register. Fireplace Room

Genealogy Club

Tuesdays 10–11:30 am

Do you have questions about your family tree? How to start one, what to do with one already started? Is DNA for you? A family mystery to solve? Or do you just want a time and place to talk about what you’ve learned or learn new things, share with others what you know? Come and sit with us, newcomers and oldtimers, bring your papers, laptops, questions, answers, whatever you’ve got! Fireplace Room

Photo Walks

Thursdays, 9–11 am

Experienced photographer Elly Marshall will lead 8 weeks of a hybrid class that begins in the Great Room each week, reviewing photo slides and techniques for 20–30 minutes before heading out into the village for a photo walk. Any type of camera (phone, digital, film, etc) and any level of photography knowledge is acceptable. Suggested donation $10/class, or pay ahead for a discounted rate. Register with Maggie. Arrive at the center at 9 am; group will not return to center once walks are over.

Senior Singers

Thursdays 10–11 am 

Bev Logan leads singers of various ages and levels. Contact Maggie to register. Great Room

A Somatic CommuniTea of Practice for Seniors

Thursdays 10–11:30 am, May 15–June 12 

Join somatic practitioner and circle facilitator Amy Rebekah in a five-week embodied exploration for seniors to support a sense of safety and connection as we navigate times of transition together. Participants will learn information and practices to support nervous system regulation during times of stress and change. Dress comfortably and bring a notebook or journal. Tea will be provided. Maximum of 8 people. $20/class ($100 for series) or $10/class ($50 for series) for YSSC members. Contact Maggie to register or with questions. Fireplace Room

Kung Fu & Tai Chi/Qi Gong

Kung Fu, Sundays, 8:30 am

Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Sundays 10 am

Classes are $7.50 for Senior Center members and $15 for non-member, per class. Grand Master Gao teaches people of all ages and abilities, helping them improve their health and develop self-defense skills. To register send your name and phone number to maoju9@gmail.com or call the Senior Center at 937-767-5751.

Open Game Time

Mondays, 12–4 pm

Come anytime between 12–4 pm if you have a game you want to play. Fireplace Room

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

Puzzles and Other Things 

by Pat Robinow

May 1–June 30, 

Reception: Fri., May 16, 4–6 pm

Pat Robinow is a Front Desk volunteer at the Senior Center on Monday mornings. There’s an active group of puzzle enthusiasts who are there most days and they are a major theme of this show. She made small sketches of them which she used for larger paintings and collages. The show, which also includes other subjects from her everyday world, 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. 

Artists 55 or older who would like to have an art show in 2026 can find more information and an application at ysseniors.org/art.

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.

June 25: Annual Meeting

3:30 LWC Architects to present schematic design concept for new YSSC facility. 

5:00 YSSC Annual Meeting, election of trustees, celebration of what we’ve achieved

New Shuttle Van

Coming SOON to our village – Yellow Springs’ very own SHUTTLE VAN!

The Yellow Springs Senior Center has been working all winter developing plans for a limited shuttle bus service. Everyone is acutely aware of parking issues downtown – YSSC has but two spaces behind the building. We hope that the YS SHUTTLE will allow individuals to access Senior Center activities and downtown merchants with greater ease. 

The SHUTTLE service, as planned, will circulate three or four times daily – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – with morning and afternoon routes. All individuals 18 and older are eligible to ride.* Although there is no fee, donations are welcome.

This service will be launched as a 90-day PILOT PROJECT. Our aim is to establish a ridership that justifies continuing this program beyond the initial pilot stage and weaving it into the fabric that makes Yellow Spring so unique.

The SHUTTLE VAN is an extension of our current transportation services. We continue to arrange rides for passengers to medical, dental, or counseling appointments, special treatments (e.g., chemo and dialysis) and personal errands (e.g., grocery, pharmacy, banking). This neighbor-to-neighbor assistance is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteer drivers and funding from the Greene County Council on Aging. 

We are interested in hearing your ideas about this service. Do you currently drive a car? Do you walk or bike downtown? How often? Would a shuttle service promote your interest in visiting downtown, going to the library, attending Senior Center or other social daytime activities? Feel free to send us your thoughts and suggestions.

To keep up to date – and contribute your ideas – to this project, please visit: ysseniors.org/shuttle

* Passengers with special needs will need to call the Senior Center to arrange transportation.

  – Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager

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

Medical Escort Program

The Volunteer Medical Escort Program, VMEP, is a “door through door” service that we offer to older adults needing someone to accompany them to and from medical appointments and procedures. The purpose of this program is to help reduce any barriers associated with access to health care. The VMEP volunteers can accompany a senior to an appointment, pick up prescriptions, ensure the senior gets in their home safely, and contact the senior’s emergency contact as needed. We currently have four wonderful volunteers who are serving in this role. If you have extra time and would like to join our VMEP volunteer team we would love to have you!

Anyone on Medicare should make an account on www.ssa.gov, the Social Security website. It is also a good idea for workers over age 18 create an account. Through this account you can view your contributions to Social Security, get an estimate for future payments, request a replacement Social Security or Medicare card, and more. If you have questions or would like assistance with creating an account, I would be happy to assist you. 

We can help with insurance and Medicare questions and provide information on food and housing assistance, and many other services that can help seniors age in place in their own homes. 

 – Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager

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

Take Notice

I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple and you don’t notice.

–Alice Walker 

I, too, believe that there is so much beauty all around us and if we could redirect our focus away from all the abundance of negative images, bad news and a general bad behavior that is constantly before us, and instead see the lilacs growing wild and the tulips chalked on the wall of the grocery store, smell the honeysuckle permeating through the air. YES it is true there are unpleasant circumstances that we all must face and we must notice; BUT there is always a friendly word, a heartfelt gesture of kindness, lovely children that we can NOTICE and smile at even if for a moment. Please come down to the center and ask how our homemakers can help make your life brighter.

 –Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager

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

Greene County Council on Aging

SeniorPalooza 2025: Reach for the Stars

The Greene County Council on Aging is celebrating “Older Americans Month.”

It starts on Wednesday, April 30 from 1:30–3 pm with a Drive-By Event at the Xenia Community Center parking lot, 1265 W Second St., to pick up a fabulous Takeaway Bag for the SeniorPalooza which will include the itinerary of events, games and challenges, the Senior Field Day registration form and more! 

Then on Monday, May 5 at 11 am join others for a walk to start Older Americans month on the right foot at Russ Nature Reserve.

The fun culminates with the The Senior Field Day on Thursday, May 22 from 11:30 am–2:30 pm which will be full of fun and games, indoors and out, at the Xenia Community Center. Registration is required and space is limited. YSSC is coordinating transportation to this event. If you’re interested in riding along, email info@ysseniors.org or call 937-767-5751. This is separate from registering for the event itself, you must register for both.

For more information or to request an itinerary, contact the Council at YourFriends@gccoa.org or 937-376-5486 or on their website at gccoa.org.

Summer Solstice Shindig

The GCCOA’s Summer Solstice Shindig is on June 21 from 11 am–2 pm. Admission is free for this family friendly fun event which will include live music, games, a Silent Auction, Cloud Racing, make & take projects, and summer refreshments!

Annual Yard Sale

The Greene County Council on Aging’s Annual Yard Sale is Thursday, June 5 from 9 am–4 pm in the GCCOA’s Parking Lot, 1195 W. Second St. in Xenia. The event will be held rain or shine and proceeds benefit their Grab Bar Installation Program.

Items to donate can be dropped off at GCCOA on May 8, 14, and 16 from 10 am–2 pm. They will take household items, jewelry, small furniture, tools, kids’ toys and accessories, holiday and miscellaneous decor, and gardening items.

Other GCCOA Events

• Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, May 5 and June 2 (the first and Monday) from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs.
• Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, May 12 and June 9 (the second Monday) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
• Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, May 14 from 2:30– 4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Medicare 101: Wednesday, June 11, 3–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
• Legal Chat: Thursday, May 15 and June 19 (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! 

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the Senior Center. The drawing will be held at Street Fair June 14. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center.

• A five-course meal prepared by Chef Susan Neff with wines for four people. The meal will be planned with you to accommodate your schedule and dietary needs. The value of this meal is $350.

• A Martin C1K Ukulele valued at $500, donated by Bob and Susie Swaney of Jailhouse Suites. This concert-sized model features top, back, and sides crafted of solid Hawaiian koa, a wood native to Hawaii and a favorite of island players. A soft-sided carrying case is included. 

Grandfriends Day at Young’s

Saturday, May 31

YSSC and the YS Community Children’s Center are hosting a joint FUNdraising event at Young’s. The event starts at 10 am at Cowtherine’s Carousel with welcome remarks and the fun goes all day. There are three options for tickets: 

• 3 tickets for $24.95

• 5 tickets option for $32.95

• ‘Mooitall’ all-day-access wristbands (age 5 to 11 for $20.50; age 12 and up for $27.50) 

Tickets will be sold at the Senior Center and the Children Center with 20% donated back (10% each).

Welcome NEW Members!

Catherine Annis

Eric Ball & Larisa McHugh

Leslie S. Buerki

Ruth & Keith Crompton

Nancy J. Gentry 

Marcella Gomez

Penni Lowery 

Emmanuel ‘Gus’ Mancy

Lon Rozelle

Bob & Susan Swaney 

Saturday, June 28, 2025

5–6:15 pm: Meet & Greet at the Mullin’s Farm, 4300 St. Rt. 370, to receive your Host dinner location/directions.

6:30–9 pm: Dinner at a Host Home.

$85.00 per person ($65 is tax deductible)

RSVP by June 1, 2025 (Seating is limited and could fill up before that date so register early)

Please include all persons in your party, limit six, in the same envelope with payment. We will do our best to accommodate your request. More information and registration form at:

ysseniors.org/garden-dinner-party

​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.