Holiday Spirit Shines at Senior Connections Christmas Celebration

On Dec. 10, Senior Connections, a free, vibrant activity center for seniors aged 55 and up, hosted a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the KC Hall in Schulenburg. With members from its satellite locations in Weimar and Flatonia joining, the event attracted a lively crowd of 172 attendees eager to share food, fellowship, and festive fun.

The day kicked off at 9 a.m. with dedicated game enthusiasts arriving early to engage in dominoes, sequence, and Torok, all while enjoying fresh coffee and delicious donuts. Adding to the holiday spirit, Martha Beckman transformed a special area into a festive backdrop where members could take photos with Santa, creating cherished memories for everyone.

Generosity shined brightly as the Encore Lions Club from Weimar arrived with thoughtful gifts: activity books with a drawing packet for all the members and much-needed heaters to be distributed soon. Attendees participated in an engaging activity sheet game for a chance to win a prize, with Carolyn Moore emerging as the lucky winner of a handcrafted gift from Janice Collins.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from community volunteers, including those from Dairy Farmers of America, who decorated tables and provided a fantastic array of prizes—ranging from overnight bags and tool kits to tabletop grills. Martha Beckman and Stephanie Shroyer also contributed their artistic creations as prizes, while volunteer Sheryl Tumis donated adorable, crocheted Mr. and Mrs. Snowman figures. Jordan Ranch provided the main dish and volunteers, too.

Before the meal, guests had a chance to guess the number of homemade cookies in a delightful stocking donated by Cynthia Trojacek, with Janiece Collins taking home that festive prize.

The celebration took a charming turn when second, third, and fourth-grade students from St. Rose delighted the audience with Christmas carols and light-hearted jokes. Goodie bags prepared by Caroline Moore and Martha Beckman added an extra touch of joy for the young performers.

As for the meal, attendees were treated to a delectable feast prepared by Jordan Ranch, featuring marinated chicken, butternut squash, and a medley of oven-roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, and Brussels sprouts, and an excellent winter salad was prepared by our team of volunteers under the direction of our talented Executive Director, Amanda Kridel. Many members brought desserts to share, turning the meal into a delightful dessert buffet.

Throughout the day, door prizes were awarded to ticket holders, and at noon, Super Dave Hollas entertained the crowd with Christmas music and traditional polkas, keeping the festive atmosphere lively. Members enjoyed dancing to many of his tunes.

Looking ahead, Senior Connections will be open for one day only on Dec. 22, allowing members and volunteers to spend time with family during the Christmas holiday. The menu will include chicken tenders, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans from Oakridge Smokehouse, along with a special Lunch and Learn session featuring Kenny Couch from Habitat for Humanity, who will discuss their services. Peyton Steele from AMEDISYS Hospice Care in Brenham will also lead a fun bingo game. As the holiday season unfolds, Senior Connections extends heartfelt wishes for happiness, health, and safety to all seniors and their families. Membership is free, and the warm community atmosphere makes it a perfect place for social engagement.

For more information about Senior Connections, visit http://seniorconnections. org or follow them on Facebook at Senior Connections979. For inquiries, contact them at (979) 743-3227.