Senior Connections Keeping Locals Active This Summer

Participants in Artful Friday Watercolor class with Stephen Henry was a treat. The same image with 10 interpretations. From left: Joyce Hanzelka, Betty Mulholland, Cindy Ferguson, Annette Jasek, Misty Schindler, Stephanie Shroyer, Kim Penland, Linda Barrilleau, and Deborah Jones with instructor Stephen Henry front and center. Numbers of Senior Connections went on an adventure to La Grange Feb. 26. Their first stop was Fayette Heritage Museum and archives where they enjoyed the displays and then Roxanne demonstrated how the magic TV screen worked with the history of downtown La Grange comes to life. Then we visited Reba‘s Pizza for lunch. We finished the day at the Texas Quilt Museum. Pictured are (back, from left) Shirley Machicek, Vivian Villarreal, Misty Schindler, Lillian Vanicek, Alice Fajkus, Julia Webster, Kathy Carpenter, Gary Carpenter, Gary Pauler, (middle) Stephanie Shroyer and Carolyn Moore, (front) Betty Hellcamp, Gloria Cook, JoNell Vasek, Alice Michalke, Betty Mulholland, Cynthia Meyer, and Jaime Janda.

As the summer sun shines brightly, Senior Connections is gearing up for a fantastic week filled with friendship, fun, and delicious home-cooked meals. This welcoming gathering place for seniors, located at 1111 Bowman Ave. in Schulenburg, First United Methodist Church at 301 W. Saint Charles St. in Weimar, and Flatonia Methodist Church at 403 E. North Main St. in Flatonia, invites everyone aged 55 and up to join in on the excitement. Senior Connections is ready to start a busy week following a delightful Fourth of July weekend.

Doors open at 9 a.m. July 7 in Schulenburg and welcome members until 2 p.m. Mornings at Senior Connections are a time to catch up over coffee while engaging in stimulating games such as dominoes and Sequence or collaborating on puzzles. At 11:15 a.m. the aroma of home-cooked lasagna and fresh summer salad will fill the air, complemented by our house salad, garlic bread, and desserts provided by generous members. Due to the growing attendance, two members have volunteered to bring enough desserts to ensure everyone can indulge.

Mondays also feature a “Lunch and Learn” program, where members can gain insights from guest speakers. This month’s spotlight will shine on Kitra Ruiz, who will share her inspiring journey and experiences that led her to Senior Connections. Following lunch, competitive bingo will take center stage at 12:30 p.m. with Elizabeth Fox from Freyberg Hall hosting the lively game.

Gathering continues July 8 at the Flatonia Methodist Church in Newman Hall. Members will enjoy the bright, sunny environment starting at 9 a.m. with chair exercises starting at 9:45 a.m. The menu will include chicken spaghetti, mixed vegetables, garden salad, and more delightful desserts. The Lunch and Learn Program presenter will be Jesenia Manzano from Jordan Ranch, a Christian Retreat Center nearby. She will share the organization’s Christian mission, history, and future plans. This lovely organization volunteers for Senior Connections at our holiday gatherings and provides scrumptious meals, too. We are blessed to have them as part of our family.

The day will end with another exciting round of bingo with Joshua from Lovejoy and Crown Hospice.

The fun continues July 9 in Schulenburg at our Senior Connections Center in Wolters Park. Today’s meal, featuring mouthwatering brisket and chicken from Oakridge Smokehouse, volunteer-prepared potato salad, and a trio of desserts from our members, will bring a crowd. Remember to arrive by 11:15 a.m. to allow the volunteers time to complete final preparations for the meal’s serving. Bingo will follow, hosted by the always enthusiastic and beautiful Chyla from Wellsential in Hallettsville, who has been missed by the members for a bit.

The center in Schulenburg will host an “Artful Fridays” workshop July 11 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon led by the talented Jamie Janda. Participants will create personalized art/junk/ scrapbook journals, perfect for preserving memories.An open studio is available for those wishing to continue working on projects from other classes. A light lunch will be provided after the class, catering to the growing number of attendees.

Because the number of participants in these monthlong courses is growing, preregistration will be required for any of our upcoming offerings from September through December, when we will move back to Arts for Rural Texas, our partner in this great gift. We look forward to having talented artists teach these courses in acrylic, assemblage art with found objects, mosaics, seasonal crafts, and art journals. Call the center at (979) 743–3227 to get the schedule sent to you so you can get signed up.

Mark your calendars for a special summer gathering on July 30, themed “Road Trippin’.” This potluck picnic will be held indoors at the air-conditioned KC Hall in Schulenburg, inviting members from all our locations to come together. Not a member? That’s OK, come on out and check us out. Senior Connections will provide hot dogs with all the fixings and chili for those who prefer. Coke and root beer floats are on the ticket for dessert, and attendees are encouraged to bring summer side dishes. With games, music from Super Dave Hollas, and a bingo game hosted by a local police officer, it promises to be a day filled with fun and community spirit. And there will be some fantastic door prizes. We have sign-up sheets for attendees, so if you plan to join us, let us know. If you want to bring a summer side dish to share, call the center so we can add you to that list, (979) 7433227 is the number to call.

Membership at Senior Connections is free, and the joy of good food and great company is guaranteed. Whether you’re a regular or new to the group, you’ll be greeted with smiles and open arms. Join in on the fun at any or all of our locations, there’s something for everyone. For more information, call (979) 743-3227 or visit www.srconnections. org for more details. You can also follow us on Facebook.