Director’s Comments: All I Ask of You
My mother reports that my first real sentence was a question, “Is it time to go home?” Perhaps that’s just how I roll. I’ve been told, especially by teenagers fed up with a nosey adult, that I ask too many questions.
Over the past month it seems I’ve been asking scads of questions – the Senior Center issued a survey to the community to help us learn how to better serve the community (more info on the back page). The Center requested that Villagers help us design the exterior wrap of our new van. We’ve asked for advice and input designing our new patio and requested donations to pay for it (stop by and check it out!). During the weekly Thursday Zoom “Lunch & Meet” program, guests take questions from all the participants, often leading to fascinating insights.
This year our Street Fair event was “Conversations with Strangers” providing the chance for people to socialize, share stories and find new connections. Curiosity about each other’s experiences led to interesting conversations, with one question often leading the next.
One of the most essential aspects of the Senior Center’s success is the number of people who say “Yes” when asked to volunteer. This newsletter includes the impressive list of individuals who have provided their time and talent in service to others and our organization. They serve as drivers, instructors, front desk receptionists, committee, and board members and so many other tasks. YSSC would not be able to function without the time and skills provided by so many kind and caring people. On behalf of the entire membership and staff, THANK YOU!
A critical request annually is for donations to support YSSC’s mission. Would you please contribute to our Annual Appeal? While much of YSSC’s budget is supported through grants (including Greene County Council on Aging funds from the Senior Services Levy) and fundraising events, the Center relies on the generosity of donors to sustain operations. The $54,356 raised last year was an essential 15% of our overall budget. Donations can be made through the website at ysseniors.org/donate.
The Center will continue to grow and thrive so long as we continue to be responsive to the needs of the community. My work is to continue asking the questions that help determine what is needed, what’s next and how we can best serve the whole community. I welcome your questions at any time – they keep me on my toes!
With gratitude for all the ways Yellow Springs comes through when asked…you are appreciated!
– Caroline Mullin, Executive Director
937-767-5751 x 101, cmullin@ysseniors.org
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Online Fundraising Auction Recap
Thanks to everyone who donated items, bid on items, or shared the link to the event, and a huge thanks to Dave Chappelle (above) for his personal, autographed donations. Thanks to everyone’s efforts the Center raised $5,859.
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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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Grandparent Magic
Friday, November 4, 2 pm
Professional Magician David Williamson will demonstrate and teach easy-to-do and utterly amazing tricks, stunts, and brainteasers that will engage the grandchildren and provide giggles, jaw-dropping awe, and wonderful memories.
Community Colloquy Series
Third Thursday of the month, 7–8:30 pm
YSSC will host monthly guests to share their expertise and knowledge with the community. The topic for November 17 is “Preliminary Findings of Research on the History of Race and Real Estate in Yellow Springs” presented by Kevin McGruder, Associate Professor of History, whose previous research has focused on racial residential patterns in Harlem. There will be no program on December 15.
Programs will meet in the Great Room and also be on Zoom. All are welcome. The Zoom link can be found on the calendar on the website at ysseniors.org/calendar.
The Shakespeare Reading Group
Sundays, November 27, December 4 & 11, 2 pm
The Shakespeare Reading Group will resume to read “The Winter’s Tale” over three Sundays: November 27, December 4 and 11, at 2 pm in the Fireplace Room.
For decades, a number of villagers have gathered on Sunday afternoons to revel in the English language at its richest, as written by The Bard. Attendees, whether drop-ins or those who’ve participated for years, sit in a circle, and each person reads the next character’s lines. Occasionally the group stops to discuss or debate. For more info, contact Deborah McGee or Keith Doubt.
Cocoa & Cookies Social
Friday, December 2, 2:30 pm
Please come for free hot cocoa, cookies, and carols on Friday, December 2 at 2:30 pm, held outside so dress for the weather. Everyone is welcome.
Ukulele Concert
Sunday, December 11, 2 pm
Hear “4 String Fun,” the Yellow Springs ukulele club band give a rousing holiday performance with sing-along caroling. Light refreshments will be provided.
There is a monthly meetup on the first Saturday at 6 pm at the YS Arts Council Building where anyone can come to sing and strum. There are free weekly ukulele lessons at the Senior Center on Tuesdays at 10 am with ukuleles provided for in-class use. The library also has ukuleles to lend.
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Enter and Win!
The Senior Center provides transportation services for Seniors with the support of funds granted by the Greene County Council on Aging, the Community Foundation, and donations by passengers and the community at large. Still, the rides could not be done without the generous “in-kind” donations of Volunteer Drivers – their time and energy – which fuel the program’s success. This year alone, Volunteers have contributed over 700 hours of their time to provide a safe and a neighborly helping hand for 400+ rides – to doctors, dentists, grocery shopping and more. Demand for this service is growing – now even more since a wheelchair-accessible van has been added to our fleet.
Your help, whether driving once or twice a month – or, even once or twice a year –adds up to keeping this transportation program a vital link Seniors may rely upon.
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A Strong Community
If we want living, functioning communities, we will have to make them ourselves in our own neighborhoods, starting with the means at hand and the nearest problems.
–Wendel Berry, The Need to Be Whole
One of Wendell Berry’s predicates for a strong community is that it “enables its members to help one another.” Small town America – now a relic of a time before and, without a nostalgic, smokey veneer of “the good ’ol days,” still informs what a “living, functioning community” might feel like today. Sympathy, empathy, tolerance and respect guided behaviors. Though sometimes intrusive, neighbors took note and, often, took care of others in need.
Service groups, schools, and other community-based institutions offer social infrastructure to help amplify community values and ability. They offer a framework around which individuals organize their individual talents, energy and financial support to ably address “nearest problems.”
Building and sustaining strong communities takes work. It takes involvement. Together we make a difference!
A huge “Thank You” to all the Senior Center’s volunteer drivers – past, present and future – who keep villagers on the move. If you are able to lend your time to this community project, I will be pleased to hand over the keys.
– Robert Libecap, Transportation Manager
937-767-5751 x104, rlibecap@ysseniors.org
Medicare Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is upon us! Please be very wary of advertisements on the television and of the overabundance of mail you may be receiving that appears to be from Medicare but may actually be marketing ploys wanting to enroll you so they can get a commission. The assistance you receive at the Senior Center is unbiased and not based on a commission for enrollment.
Coverages change from year to year, so make sure to compare your current plan with available options for 2023. There may be changes to Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D. The Open Enrollment season ends December 7, 2022. I can help you review your current plan, run comparisons and compare options, as well as help you sign up for a new plan. There is a printable form for listing your current prescriptions available on our website under Programs, Support Services. If you don’t have access to a printer, you may stop by the Center and pick up a form. This form needs to be completed prior to your appointment.
A Caregiver Support Group is being held the first Monday of the month, from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs. If you would like more information on this group, please contact the Greene County Council on Aging at 937-376-5486 or YourFriends@gccoa.org.
– Stephanie Lawson, RN, Support Services Manager
937-767-5751 x108, slawson@ysseniors.org
Smelling the Flowers
In November 1938, a short cartoon was released by Walt Disney called “Ferdinand the Bull.” It detailed the life of a bull that would rather smell flowers then to be prize winning bull that is chosen to be a part of the famed bull fights of Madrid, Spain. All the other bulls grew and competed to be the chosen bull; Ferdinand just enjoyed the flowers. And as fate turned out, Ferdinand grew to be the largest bull and due to a rambunctious reaction to a bee sting, he was chosen as the prize bull. Of course, Ferdinand was oblivious to all the hoopla surrounding him and the famed fight and just calmly remained happy to smell the flowers. The past two years have been loaded with hoopla: Covid 19, war, political and civil unrest, you name it. The Senior Center, like Ferdinand, keeps smelling the flowers and being the comfortable oasis we are. Come by and see what we have to offer.
I would like to humbly express my gratitude for the outpouring of love and support given to me from the Senior Center and the Yellow Springs Community, because of my induction to the Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame. Thank you. It is such an honor and a blessing.
–Teresa Bondurant, Homemaker & Outreach Manager
937-767-5751 x107, tbondurant@ysseniors.org
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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. | |
Greene County Council on Aging
2022 Holiday Gift Soiree
The Greene County Council on Aging’s Holiday Gift Soiree will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 10 am–6 pm at the Xenia Community Center, 1265 W 2nd St. in Xenia, next to the Council’s office. They are planning a special experience and the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted items and homemade treats. The YSSC Staff will be going – let us know if you’d like a ride.
Other GCCOA Events
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Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 (first Mondays) from 6–7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs
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Grief & Loss Group: Mondays, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 (second Mondays) from 10 am–noon at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.
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Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 2:30–4:30 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
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Legal Chat: Thursday, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 (third Thursdays) at 2:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 3530 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek. Enter at lower level door with awning.
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Medicare 101: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2:30–4 pm at the Xenia Community Center (XCC) next door to the GCCOA Office.
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.
Ripples 2023
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, 2023. Submission guidelines are available at the Senior Center and on the website at 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
Or email to pgeisel@ysseniors.org.
Copies of past issues of Ripples are available at the Senior Center and the 2021 and 2022 issues can also be read on the website at the address above.
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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David Battle Art Exhibit through December 28
Award-winning artist David Battle will be the guest artist for October–December. David was born in Yorkshire, England, and both studied and taught art in London. He worked as a graphic designer in both England and in Yellow Springs and has created the cover illustrations for all of The Antioch Review issues.
The show is up through December 28 and can be seen during the Center’s open hours of Monday–Friday, 9:30 am-4 pm, except during class time. Please check the calendar or call before you come. For information, visit ysseniors.org/art.
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End of year thanks to volunteers – There is no way to adequately thank the individuals who provide voluntary work. Some work 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 to anyone whose name was accidentally omitted. | |
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Amy Achor
Diana Adkins
Ven Adkins
Ann Adrian
Susan Alberter
Kate Anderson
Kristyn Andrews
Dave Anthony
Reena Appell
Jim Bailey
Ryan Beach
Anna Bellasari
Sara Beltran
Jennifer Berman
Andree Bognar
Susan Bothwell
Andrew Brody
Barbara Brookshire
Jerry Buck
Arati Cacciolfi
Mary Cargan
Diane Chiddister
Robert Conard
Sheilah Conard
Pam Conine
Christopher Cox
Ken Dahms
Kelley Day
Tom Degenhart
Mark Delozier
Simone Demarzi
Cindy Diehl
Keith Doubt
Deborah Downey
Laurie Dreamspinner
Phyllis Evans
Dave Finster
Joy Fishbain
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Eve Fleck
Susan Freeman
Larry Gerhoffer
Cammy Grote
Wayne Gulden
Gayle Gyure
Sherry Harding
Lynn Hardman
Amy Harper
Luan Heit
Lynda Hicks
Cathy Hill
Joe Hill
Anna Hogarty
Andy Holyoke
Beth Holyoke
Jon Hudson
Lee Huntington
Kim Iconis
Alisa Isaac
Artie Isaac
Sandra Jessen
Jim Johnson
Ruth Jordan
Bette Kelley
JoAnn Kiser
Peggy Koebernick
Michael Kraus
Melissa Kuhns
Ruth Lapp
Fran LaSalle
Hannah Lawson
Kate LeVesconte
Maureen Lynch
Barbara Mann
Linda Mates
Jim Mayer
Lynn McCown
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Deborah McGee
Larry McKever
Carmen Milano
Marian Miller
Misty Monee
Paul Mullin
Chris Murphy
Harvey Paige
Linda Parsons
Suzanne Patterson
Cyndi Pauwels
Corinne Pelzl
Daniel Pelzl
Gabriel Potter
Julie Potter
Diana Quirk
Macy Reynolds
Marcia Ridgley
Pat Robinow
Dee Rockwood
Libby Rudolf
Linda Scutt
Kathi Siedl
Pat Siemer
Linda Sikes
Judith Skillings
Josephina Sosa
Brad Terry
Bobbi Treadwell
Daphne Trillana
Aamil Wagner
Ahmad Wagner
Amani Wagner
Marianne Welchel
Michelle Wilson
Susan Wolf
Lin Wood
Richard Zopf
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A heartfelt thank you to:
Dinah Anderson, who has been bringing the Center a fresh bouquet of dahlias and amazing vegetables every week through the Fall, and Bob & Tia Huston who have also been sharing vegetables from their garden.
And our Board Members!
The Board of Directors has filled the unexpired term (ending in 2023) of member Ruth Lapp with Jim Johnson. Thanks to both Ruth and Jim for their service!
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Welcome NEW Members!
Judith Sigmund
Brenda McDonald
Jane Dorsey
Bob Martineau
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If you get the Yellow Springs News, you might have seen an insert that was a survey that the Senior Center is doing. If you didn’t get the survey and want to participate, there’s still time to do so. Surveys can be picked up at the Senior Center, can be filled out online at ysseniors.org/survey, or one can be mailed to you if you contact the Senior Center at info@ysseniors.org or 937-767-5751. Thank you for your opinions! | |
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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 $20 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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