Senior Connections Enriching Lives of Seniors
In Sue Pape’s January Artful Friday class, students experienced creating acrylic skins using a variety of different acrylic mediums, which they painted onto a glass surface and then embellished with a variety of other materials. These skins were then peeled off the glass and added to a painted surface and then completed using the materials and paints in a similar fashion to collage. Look for these that are upcoming art show to be held in the Gorman Gallery in April. Pictured from left are Annette Jasek, Deborah Jones, Berni Gillings, Kim Penland, artist instructor Sue Pape, Verna Length, and Kathy Carpenter. Some of these projects are still a work in progress.
This is team number two who participated and won a competitive game of Heart Health Jeopardy brought to us by the staff of Youens & Duchicela Clinic in Weimar. Brandon Gonzales created the game just for Senior Connections. He and PA Abbie Adamson and med student Carolina Venturi joined Dr. Duchicela to bring this excitement to the Weimar program.
In the heart of Schulenburg, Senior Connections is a vibrant activity center dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors in Schulenburg and members in Weimar and Flatonia. The importance of social interaction for seniors cannot be overstated. It is crucial in enhancing mental health, reducing loneliness, and promoting a sense of belonging. Engaging with peers through various activities allows older adults to maintain cognitive function, improve mood, and foster friendships that can last a lifetime.
At Senior Connections, we recognize that connection is vital, especially for seniors who often feel isolated. Our center is a welcoming space where members can come together, share stories, participate in games, and enjoy nutritious home-cooked meals. We strive to create an environment that promotes camaraderie, support, and joy all essential components of a fulfilling life in the golden years.
In the upcoming schedule for the Week of Feb. 17, we have a unique lineup of events and activities that members will surely enjoy. Here’s what’s in store: On Monday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m., enjoy coffee and games will fill our morning. Today is Cookie Round-Up Day. Please bring in your baked cookies for to share with the community. At 11:30 a.m. we will have a special meal featuring beef bourguignon, fresh green beans, our famous spinach salad, and a light dessert from a cherished member. This afternoon, we will transform our gathering space into a spa for a pampering session for members. This is a gift to the members for Valentine’s Day.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Donna Ellis of Loosen Up Massage in La Grange for coordinating this relaxing event and to all other volunteers who are helping make this day unforgettable. That list includes our volunteers, Kandice Dolmolin, Janeice Collins, Cathy Pittman, Judy Janik, Brenda Ray, and Martha Beckmann.
Other people donating their time for this event include Takisha Hodge with The Oaks Nursing Facility in Columbus, Niesha and Tracy with True Care Living in Columbus, Cindy Meridith with The Herb Cottage, and licensed massage practitioners Nellie Varnell and Gabby Orona. Member Jan Willet is bringing Valentine-shaped cookies and helpers will join in by the afternoon. Members will have the opportunities for massage, foot soaks, hand and elbow paraffin wax wraps that are great for arthritis, hand massage, face masks, and a chance to relax by playing with zen sand gardens, small rock balancing, and Mandela coloring. Herb teas, cucumber water, and fruit plates will refresh them as they travel from station to station. Currently, we are fully booked for this event.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, gather in Weimar at First United Methodist Church from 9 a.m.-11:15 a.m. for coffee, treats, and games will fill the morning with some pretty serious competitive domino players. At 11:30 a.m. enjoy a meal of lasagna, garlic bread, spinach salad, and a dessert contributed by a member. At 12 noon, the Lunch and Learn Presentation will be by Charlene Ford of the Gonzalez Master Gardeners on superstar plants for your garden. Then at 12:30 p.m. it is bingo time led by Takeisha Hodge from Columbus Oaks Nursing Home.
Join on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Schulenburg from 9 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. for coffee, treats, and games will fill the morning with serious competitive domino players. Tarok card players will be in the house, too. We celebrate February’s birthdays. At 11:30 a.m., members will enjoy a catered meal by Oak Ridge Smokehouse. The menu features fried fish, hush puppies, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese, with dessert by a member. At noon, Joshua Lovejoy from Crown Hospice will call bingo.
On Friday, Feb. 21, Artful Friday at Arts For Rural Texas begins at 10 a.m. Art projects led by Martha Beckman, focusing on Easterthemed creations, and open studio in the other class with Stephanie Shroyer and Tory Farley. Bring a project, finish a project, use gelli printing, and use ceramic glazing of bisque ware. A light lunch is served at noon after the two-hour class. The address for this creative space is 1206 South Lyons Ave.
Senior Connections is a hub for various games and activities. Whether you’re interested in dominoes, cards, or board games like Sequence, there’s always something happening. Do you have a game you would like to share? Bring it. We’re also looking for players for Canasta and Mahjong, so if you know how to play, join us at the tables.
Visit srconnections.org, and don’t forget to follow the Senior Connections Facebook page to stay updated on all the fun activities.