DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Senior Center has plenty of events to keep members as engaged and as active as they wish, thanks to an enthusiastic board of directors.
The board is made up of volunteers who operate within the Senior Outreach program, sharing the goal of delivering quality programs that support the independence of Darke County seniors, promote their health, and enhance their well-being.
Recently, the group organized a caravan to Carrillon Park of Dayton to see the Christmas lights. Sixteen met at the Birchwood Center and carpooled while two others met at the park. It was a fun evening for everyone despite the extreme winter chill. A stunning Super Moon lit up the sky, enhancing the evening experience. The group divided and conquered the massive sixty-five-acre complex, some by train, while others by foot. Many enjoyed a meal at Carrillon Brewing Company, and everyone enjoyed the tour through the Wright Brothers museum, which featured the 1905 Wright Flyer III.
The park included a massive indoor museum, which allowed everyone the opportunity to warm themselves up and learn or reminisce about the region’s history from its founding in 1796 to the present time. There were hundreds of exhibits and artifacts like the first automobile self-starter, the backpack parachute, the pop top/pull-tab can, freon, ethyl leaded gasoline, the cash register, the human heart-lung machine, microfiche, self-contained refrigerator, and Cheez-its!
Throughout the park, there were dozens of historic buildings with rich histories. Seniors enjoyed the Christmas-themed puppet show based on The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter, a model train collection, a massive display of NCR cash registers, and a carousel enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. One group made a Christmas card with their names on it in the print shop.
Seniors watched young kids excitedly writing letters to Santa in Newcom’s Tavern, while they chose to enjoy warm apple cider, roasted chestnuts, and/or hot chocolate. The joyfulness of Christmas was in the frigid air, making it a perfect evening to warm tummies!
At the center, the second annual cookie exchange proceeded as scheduled, unaffected by any adverse winter weather conditions. More than twelve individuals prepared their signature cookies, shared them among the group, and sampled them while drinking hot chocolate. Participants also took part in a unique trivia game, created by Theresa Kress, designed to inform players about the history of the senior center and notable facts regarding its board members.
All attendees appreciated one another’s presence and departed with a selection of cookies. The event was organized and managed by a committee comprised of Marian Eley, Debbie Warner, Diana Shafer, and Theresa Kress.
Twenty seniors, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, had a fabulous time caroling at three area assisted living facilities–Oakley Place, Brookdale, and Village Green. They filled the halls and rooms with festive Christmas tunes, brought cookies for the staff, and gifted each resident a soft pair of bed socks. The event was organized and directed by “The Sisters Three”—Sue Mills, Joan Ritz, and Janet Clemens.
Due to the holidays, regular Wednesday line dancing classes will not be held. Instead, a special session is scheduled for Monday, December 29th. Beginner classes will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, followed by classes for all other participants from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Attending this class is free of charge.
The Birchwood Senior Center will introduce new events and features in January. These offerings include social dancing classes held on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., a Lending Library, and a new series of Tai Chi movements, referred to as “Tai Chi 1 Advanced.” There will also be a senior citizen walking club which will meet at 6:00 pm every Monday starting January 5th inside the entrance of the Greenville High School. More information will be forthcoming.
On Monday, January 5th there will be a free craft class to knit a scarf without needles. Those attending need only bring a skein of medium-weight yarn for this project. Please RSVP by calling or texting Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565.
The board strives to keep everyone informed of schedule changes, as well as prioritizing the safety of all. Since there may be more severe weather this month, it’s always a smart idea to follow the Darke County Seniors’ Facebook page for updates on any event changes. Cancellations and updates will be posted on Facebook.
DECEMBER
17 – Wednesday – Alzheimer’s Support Group 5 – 6 pm
18 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
18 – Thursday – Tin Can Snowman Craft 1:00 – 3:00 pm *Must RSVP by 12/11
19 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
19 – Friday – Friends on Board presentation 1:00 – 3:00 pm*Must RSVP by 12/12
22 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
22 – Monday – ai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:30 pm
23 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
23 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
24 – Wednesday – Closed for the Christmas Holiday
25 – Thursday – Closed: Merry Christmas!
26 – Friday – Closed: Enjoy your Christmas Holiday
29 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
29 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner CANCELLED
29 – Monday – Beginner Line Dancing (No Fee) Noon – 1:00 pm
29 – Monday – Line Dancing (No Fee) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
30 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
30 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
31 – Wednesday – Closed: Enjoy the New Year
*RSVP by calling or texting Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565
JANUARY -–sneak peek—
01 – Thursday – Closed: Happy New Year
02 – Friday – Closed: Enjoy your Holiday
05 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
05 – Monday – Finger Knit Scarf Craft Class 11:30 – 12:30 am *RSVP by 12/30
05 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm
05 – Monday – Senior Citizens Walking Club 6:00 – 8:00 pm we meet inside GHS
(100 GreenWave Way) main entrance and walk indoors.
06 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
06 – Tuesday – Free Bingo with Mary Rader 11:30 – 12:30 pm
06 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
07 – Wednesday – Bingocize-Nutrition 10:00 – 11:00 am
07 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
07 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
07 – Wednesday – DC Seniors General Meeting beginning at 3:00 pm
08 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
08 – Thursday – Senior Soup Noon – 2:00 pm
08 – Thursday – Tai Chi 1 Advanced 3:30 – 4:15 pm
09 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
09 – Friday – Movie & Popcorn: Doctor Zhivago 11:30 am (new time & new day)
09 – Friday – Senior Soothe Me (Chair Massage & Thai Yoga Massage) 11:30 am – 2 pm
**Must sign up & fee of $10 for 15 minutes required
09 – Friday – Social Dancing 3:30 – 5:00 pm *RSVP limited class size
All events are held at the Birchwood Senior Center, 5844 Jaysville-St. Johns Rd, Greenville, unless otherwise indicated. These events are open to anyone 55+. Membership of $2 per year is required.
Questions and *RSVPs should be directed to Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565. **Sign up at the Senior Center for the Senior Soothe Me – 15-minute time slots available.
