Combatting Loneliness at Senior Connections

Loneliness can be a silent yet formidable foe, especially among senior citizens. Studies show that social isolation can lead to various health issues, including depression, cognitive decline, and even physical ailments. At Senior Connections, we understand the value of companionship and community, and we warmly invite you to consider whether you or someone you know could benefit from the engaging social aspects of our center playfully referred to as our own little “social club.”

As we look forward to an exciting week of activities, we open our doors on Monday morning in Schulenburg at 9 a.m. Members are greeted with smiles, warm hugs, and a steaming cup of coffee. What could be better? Sometimes, we even have delightful, sweet treats to enjoy alongside our coffee, encouraging members to engage in conversation, play dominoes or other games, work on puzzles, or relax and hang out with friends.

At 11:15 a.m., we start preparing for our delicious home-cooked meal, which will be served at 11:30 a.m. following our pledge, blessing, and sharing of prayer concerns. On June 30, we’re in for a treat with Amanda Kridel’s famous meatloaf, paired with buttered potatoes and a fresh salad by our amazing volunteers. To top it off, members will be bringing desserts, and with our growing numbers, we’ll be enjoying not one but two cakes thanks to our generous members.

After such a hearty meal, we allow ourselves some time to digest while continuing to socialize. It’s hard to chat when you’re in the heat of a competitive domino game. Then, we’ll dive into an exciting game of bingo. Since it’s the fifth Monday of the month, we won’t have a regular caller, but one of our dedicated volunteers will step in to keep the fun going.

On Tuesday, July 1, you can find us in Weimar at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of College Street and Saint Charles. Our schedule remains consistent at all our campuses. In Weimar, our eager members often arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. ready to jump into their beloved domino games even before the coffee is brewed. Today’s homecooked meal will feature a savory beef shepherd’s pie, accompanied by our signature mixed greens salad topped with strawberries, apples, and toasted almonds, all drizzled with our secret dressing. Garlic bread and delectable desserts, lovingly prepared by our dedicated volunteers Linda Heller and Janice Collins, will complete the meal. Let’s give them a round of applause next time we see them.

In Weimar, we’re also introducing a special storytelling segment on the first Tuesday of each month, where members can share their life experiences. We’re thrilled that Rita Royale, one of our newer members, is brave enough to kick things off. Following this, we will have a bingo game led by Anne with First Texas Home Health, who travels from Katy, to join us with fantastic prizes.

On Wednesday, July 2, we return to Schulenburg for our program. We will enjoy baked chicken and a delicious squash casserole from Oak Ridge Restaurant and Koopmann Catering for lunch. Our volunteers will prepare a salad, and members will bring desserts to share. After the meal, we will jump straight into bingo, with prizes generously supplied by Fayette Savings. They will also call an exciting game. Our community is so supportive, and we’re grateful for the many donations that keep our bingo games exciting and rewarding.

We will not hold Artful Friday because of the holiday, but we will be back at it with Jaime Janda on July 11 at 10 a.m. She will facilitate her art, Junk, and personal journals with the students, and new students aged 55 and up are welcome to join in at any time. You do not have to be a member. We will be meeting at the Senior Connections Center this month at 1111 Bohlmann Ave. in Schulenburg.

As we wrap up the week, we will take a moment to honor our country on Friday, July 4, celebrating Independence Day. We wish everyone a safe holiday filled with family and friends. Happy Birthday, America.

Did you know that Senior Connections membership is entirely free? This is our gift to our community of seniors aged 55 and up, as our goal is to serve and support them in every way possible. Our programs are grant-driven, and our dedicated Executive Director and chief cook, Amanda Kridel, works tirelessly to secure the funding that allows us to thrive.

We hope you’ll join us or encourage your family, neighbors, and friends to do the same. There’s always room for you at our table. For more information, visit our website at srconnections.org or follow us on Facebook at Senior Connections979. If you have any questions, please call us at (979) 743-3227.