Director's Message - March 2025

Ruth Ann and Ron Paslay brought in their family to help us prepare for lunch. From left to right: Ruth Ann, Ron, daughter Jennifer Kert, and granddaughters Sophia Paslay, Dora Kert and Natalie MacNeil.

​In like a lion, out like a lamb! It is definitely feeling like that around here recently and not just with the weather. I’ll have to admit, though, I think we are still in the “lion” part of everything — I am so ready for the “lamb.” We have had such a busy time around the center with so many additions to our membership and new clubs now splitting at the seams with participants. The grounds are looking like they need some spring attention (volunteers, anyone?) and the requests for after-hours event rentals have exploded. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have it any other way but please understand if you pop into my office with a question or a need and instead find me up on a ladder somewhere. I will make time for you, I promise

Lisa Blair
Executive Director

Our volunteer population has also exploded and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you. The senior center is able to function in large part because of our volunteers. Our Program Director Lydia has added a once-a-month free lunch for our volunteers who are here a substantial amount of time each week, thereby earning a name badge. The first volunteer lunch was a huge success and we expect the enthusiasm for this to continue. There has been a large uptick in volunteer applications and they are kept indefinitely in our files. If you have completed an application and have not been placed in a position yet, don’t get discouraged. Our needs can often be specific and not designed for everyone (dishwashing, anyone?). Lydia, our volunteer coordinator, peruses the file frequently looking for someone to fill a particular need.

Along with growing pains, we are feeling other changes at the center as well. For those of you who attend our Sunday dances, you are very familiar with the duo Double Deal. They have performed at the senior center for many years and they’ve played every year for the New Year’s Eve dance. Due to illness, one member of the duo was unable to perform at this last New Year’s Eve event and you know you can’t have a “double deal” with just half of it. Unfortunately, the dance was canceled and there were many disappointed people. Although the performer recovered from their illness, they made the decision to step away from the Sunday dances permanently. They were a weekend favorite and will be sorely missed. We wish them well and hope to see them around the center from time to time. Some of you may be familiar with Mike Bills, a musician who performs at local venues including Pybus. He has eagerly agreed to step in for Double Deal. I encourage you to check him out and spend a Sunday dancing to Mike and enjoying his talent.

I’d like to give a little shout-out to all of you lunch attendees. You have been doing a fabulous job making your lunch reservations and Barbara is so grateful for this. We are having a special lunch this month in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and you’ll want to get that reservation in EARLY. The date is Friday, March 14. Debbie will be serving the traditional corned beef meal with all the fixings. I have it on special authority that there may be a certain Leprechaun here to enjoy the lunch with you (think “Dave”).

As I sit here in my office and look out the window at all the snow coming down, in late February no less, I find myself wanting to look forward. So forward I will go. Bob Clark will again be holding his cellphone classes soon. Although we don’t have a definitive date yet, keep an eye out for further details so you can sign up early. His classes tend to fill up quickly. Also, I am hoping to hear soon from AARP regarding its Smart Driver course. That one fills up quickly as well, so make sure you read your Livewire from cover to cover so you don’t miss any information.

If you want to look forward with me, you can check out all the upcoming trips for the remainder of 2025. The 2026 calendar is filled with new trips as well, although not all of those brochures have arrived yet. With Lydia at the helm of travel, her adventurous side is showing and a few of these trips reflect that. Don’t miss out! Stop by her office any time and ask questions or reserve space for your favorite trip. Fun fact: you can sign up any time to hold your space and get a full refund of your deposit if you change your mind more than six months out from the travel date. What are you waiting for?!

Thank you to all our members for being a part of our organization. Each and every one of you is important in our function and my goal is to continue to make the senior center a place you enjoy coming to. Happy March and keep in mind that flowers will be blooming soon!!

~ Lisa
 
 
 
 

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