3278 Whitehaven Road
773-9683
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Installation of Officers & Holiday Luncheon - December 2017
From left: Nancy Tobe, newly elected president; Supervisor Nathan McMurray; Kathy Lechner, past president.
From left: State Senator Chris Jacobs, Nancy Tobe, president, Michelle Chasse, vice president; Supervisor McMurray; Barb Nowakowski, secretary; Brenda Cassoni, treasurer; Jerry Kutis, sergeant-at-arms (represented by Sean Fallon).
Lee Cohen story & photos.
Golden Agers celebrated their traditional Christmas party on December 21, 2017 and were treated to the lovely sound of holiday favorites by the Huth Road Elementary School Select Chorus, under the direction of Carol Horrigan. Prior to a delicious dinner with all the fixings, Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray installed the newly elected Golden Age Club officers. They are Nancy Tobe, president; Michelle Chassé, vice president; Barb Nowakowski, secretary; Brenda Cassoni, treasurer; and Jerry Kutis, sergeant-at-arms. As part of the festivities a special visitor from the North Pole greeted the seniors, who held a Secret Santa gift exchange as part of the afternoon's activities. The dining room was gaily decorated and seniors wore their special Christmas sweaters. Santa Pancake Breakfast - December 2017
Casey and Iris Galeza and their grandsons.
Cody, Katelyn & mom Kristie Roger.
Mary Stewart Photos.
A pancake breakfast with santa claus for family and grandkids was held at the Grand Island Senior Center on Saurday, December 9th. Everyone enjoyed the pancake breakfast prepared by the center's kitchen crew. Kids had fun getting face paintings and decorating cookies. Of course, a visit from Santa was the highlight of the morning. With a ho ho ho, he made his entrance and talked to each one of the children as they told him what they were hoping to get for Christmas.
Hanging of the Greens - December 2017
Mary Stewart Photos.
It was "Hanging of the Greens" at the Goldern Age Center on Friday, December 1st, as members decorated for the Christmas season.
SOLD OUT-Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus - November 2017
The Golden Age Center is hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9th from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Buy Tickets by December 1st. See flyer.
GAC Birthday Lunch - November 2017
Entertainer Alan Sexton.
Mary Stewart photo.
Each month the Golden Age Center celebrates that month's brithday by having an extra special menu and entertainment. November's lunch was held on Wednesday, November 1st and featured Pork Chops with apple mushroom cream sauce and birthday cake and ice cream, followed by singer and poet Alan Sexton.
Halloween at the GAC - November 2017
Mary Stewart Photos
Holiday Happenings Photos - October 2017
Mary Stewart Photos
The Golden Age Center Holiday Happenings took place on Saturday, October 21st at the center. This was the best attended Holiday Happenings event ever, with over 200 baskets in the raffle and many vendors with hand made items. The chili, chicken noodle soup and roast beef sandwich lunch was well received and the bake sale sold out! Kudos to Nancy Tobe of the Ways and Means committee for her extra efforts in getting many donated items for the raffle.
Senior Volunteers Stuff School Tax Bills - September 2017
Sitting from left: Jeri Benzing, Nonnie Carroll and Bernie Callahan.
Standing: Martha Muller, Linda Clark, Kathy Lechner, Brenda Cassoni, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel and Dorothy Lew.
This is the 13th year a group of seniors from the Golden Age Center have stuffed tax bills for Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel. The seniors spend the day stuffing envelopes for the School taxes and get treated for lunch in return. They also come back in January to stuff Town/County tax bills.
Past Presidents Recognized - August 2017
Back row from left: Eleanor Lewis, Lorraine Mangin and Dorothy Lew.
Seated: Kathy Lechner and Nonnie Carroll. Missing is Joan Raab.
Mary Stewart Photo.
The Grand Island Senior Center recognized past presidents along with August birthdays at the beginning of August. The presidents have given a lot of their timeover the years to lead the center and deserve to be recognized for their service.
GAC Herbal Garden - August 2017
Golden Age Center recreation attendent Liz Wilbert sent in this photo of planted herbs and flowers at the center. Thanks Liz!
GAC Picnic Day - August 2017
Above: Barry Conway, new head chef at Golden Age Center.
Mary Stewart Photos.
There was a great turnout for the senior center's Golden Age Picnic Day held on Thursday, August 24th. The program included a delicious picnic lunch and ice cream sundaes and games, including putt putt, water balloon golf, bean bag toss, clothes pin drop and ladder drop. The ways and means committee provided homemade baked goods which could be won by spinning a special wheel. Four special prizes of $5 Tim Hortos gift certificates where included on the wheel to be won. The August raffle winner's name was also drawn. The winner was Nonnie Carroll. A good time was had by all.
GAC Surprise Shower - August 2017
Jen Menter.
Mary Stewart Photos.
A surprise baby shower was held for Golden Age Center Recreation Leader Jen Menter on Tuesday, August 1st. Jen has been with the center for three years and is responsible for starting many new programs. A baby girl is expected in September.
Summer Walking Program with Erin - August 2017
The Golden Age Center is hosting a "Summer Walking Program with Erin" at different locations around Grand Island. These one mile walks will take place on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. See flyer for details.
Golden Age Center Venue Change - July 2017
Total Body Workout cancelled Friday, August 4th
Total Body Workout will be held on the stage at the Golden Age Center on Tuesday, July 18 and Thursday, July 20th. Classes will resume in the Community Building on Tuesday, July 25th. Tai Chi will be held on the stage at the Golden Age Center on Mondays, July 17 & 31 and Fridays, July 21 & August 4. Classes will resume in the Community Building on Monday, August 7.
Summer Walking Program with Erin - July 2017
The Golden Age Center is hosting a "Summer Walking Program with Erin" at different locations around Grand Island. These one mile walks will take place on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. See flyer for details.
GAC Birthday Luncheon - June 2017
Christa Bihler
Kathy Leuchner.
Mary Stewart Photos.
Grand Island's Senior Center held their June birthday lunch on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, to honor those having birthdays this month. Elderwood provides cake and ice cream to the members. A pound auction followed the lunch, where seniors could bid on many surprise items.
The contents can be anything as long as it weighs approximately one pound.
GAC Wellness Fair - June 2017
Chair yoga.
Vendors at the Wellness Fair.
From left: Nancy Tobe, Senator Chris Jacobs, and Ellie Wiant.
Mary Stewart Photos.
There was a good turnout as New York State Senator Chris Jacobs and the Grand Island Senior Center co-hosted a free "Spring into Summer Wellness Fair" on Friday, June 2nd. The event included various health screenings and vendors including Erie County Senior Services, Erie County Department of Health & Grand Island Recreation Department. Various medical, health and wellness professionals were also on hand to answer questions and offer such things as blood pressure test and relaxing massage. Those looking for methods of exercise could try Tai Chi, chair yoga and arthritic chair exercise. A raffle for a $50 Walgreens card and $25 Tops card was also held.
Summer Walking Program with Erin - June 2017
The Golden Age Center is hosting a "Summer Walking Program with Erin" at different locations around Grand Island. These one mile walks will take place on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. See flyer for details.
Gram's Garage Sale - May 2017
Mary Stewart Photos.
There was something for everyone at this year's Gram's Garage Sale on Saturday, May 20th at the senior center. A wide variety of baked goods were available, thanks to the club's ways and means committee and others who donated baked items. It was a great success and was sold out by the end of the day. Also, hotdogs, pulled pork sandwiches and macaroni salad could be purchased.
A spring raffle, which included garden and other spring items, and a raffle with the proceeds benefiting the Grand Island Dog Park were also held. The winner of the spring raffle will be notified May 25th. Two winners will be picked for the dog crate raffle. Raffles tickets will be available through June and can be purchased at the senior center. Included with the dog crates are lots of goodies for "mans best friend" and various gift certificates from Island merchants. Flyers will be placed at various points around the Island. Thank you to all those who made this year's sale success and to the center's new ways and means committee, which was recently formed to arrange events and come up with different ideas for the center.
Golden Age Center Donation - May 2017
Several Grand Island organizations, including the Golden Age Center, helped raise funds for the "Grand Island Challenge to complete a room with care", for the new John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, opening November, 2017. The goal for Grand Island was $25,000. If this goal is met, a plaque will be hung outside the room dedicating it to Grand Island. A total of $2,125, which included several individual donations, was sent to the hospital by the center. Donations are still being accepted and can be mailed to the GI Challenge, Children's Hospital Foundation, 1028 Main St. Buffalo, N. Y. 14202.
Senior Health and Wellness Fair - May 2017
Friday, June 2, 2017 at 9:00am, New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60th SD), and the Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, will be co-hosting a free Senior Health and Wellness Fair for all residents. Attendees of the event will have access to various health screenings, one on one meet and greets with various medical, health, and wellness professionals, as well as have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities including Tai Chi, Chair Yoga and arthritic chair exercise. This event is open to any senior residing in the 60th Senate District. See flyer 1 and flyer 2.
Gram's Garage Sale - Saturday, May 20th.
Bubbles, Brunch & Bingo - April 2017
Lorraine Willlcox and Anita Wasson
From left: Rosemarie Shelp, Kathy Shaklee and Brenda Cassoni.
From left: Helen Harrison, Shirley Warmus, Wilma Greenwood and Phyllis Wesolek
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Senior held a "Bubbles, Brunch and Bingo" fundraiser Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the center to raise money for the Meals on Wheels program on
Grand Island. Included in the event were punch, brunch, bingo, a 50/50 drawing and a door prize. It was a sell out event and enjoyed by all who came. Brunch sponsors were McMahon's Family Restaurant, the culinary talents of the Golden Age Center staff and Tom Thompson.
Bubble sponsors were Elderwood at Grand Island and Wheatfield. Bingo sponsors included Island Ship Center, Dick and Jenny's, Neighborhood Foundation of Grand Island, Recreation Department, Village Inn, Say Cheese, Silk Flowers, The Laundry Lounge, Rose Liquor Store, and Town Cafe. Individuals who contributed were Rosemary Loth Fisher, Kathy Loth, Barbara Nowakowski, Kathy Shaklee and Jullian and Rich Warner. A $50 gift certificate from Dick and Jenny's was the door prize won by Bernie Callahan. The winner of the 50/50 received $130. The event raised over $2400 for Meals on Wheels.
Easter Friday Party at GAC - April 2017
Left: Paul Leuchner, Right: Jeanne Anstett
Tony Amato and Pat Phillips.
Mary Stewart Photos.
An Easter egg hunt began the day at the Grand Island Senior Center on Friday, April 14th. The eggs were hidden so well that the seniors a had a hard time finding them. Prizes were given to those who found an egg with a number inside. After the hunt, a Good Friday Brunch was enjoyed by all.
Summer Walking Program with Erin - April 2017
The Golden Age Center is hosting a "Summer Walking Program with Erin" at different locations around Grand Island. These one mile walks will take place on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m., starting May 3rd. See flyer for details.
Bubbles, Brunch & Bingo Fundraiser - April 2017
Brunch Sold Out!
The Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, is hosting a Meals on Wheels program fundraiser on Saturday, April 22nd from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and includes brunch, bubbles (punch) and bingo with TONS of prizes. Flyer
Meals on Wheels Booster Night- April 2017
Dick & Jenny's restaraunt is hosting a Meals on Wheels Booster Night on Tuesday, April 18th from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 20% of your bill will go to the organization Flyer
Pajama Party at GAC - April 2017
Left: Pat Smith, Right: Mary Stewart
From left: Barb Gannon, Pat Phillips, Jen Mentor and Liz Wilbert.
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Golden Age Center had a Pajama Party on Thursday, March 30th to celebrate "breakfast at lunch" on the menu. Seniors enjoyed sausage, pear french toast, kuchen and fruit cup.
University Express Senior Classes - March 2017
Join us for NINE different University Express classes, lifelong learning for adults age 55+, being offered at the Golden Age Center this Spring. These presentations are brought to you through a collaboration with Erie County Senior Services, Wegmans, Excelsior Orthopedics, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, as well as partnering senior centers. Check out the University Express classes that will be offered at the Golden Age Center class list and call 773-9682 to register. Complete WNY University Express class list. All of these University Express presentations are FREE, but you must register for these classes. Join in the fun!
Golden Age Center Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast - March 2017
The Golden Age Center Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast will take place on Friday, April 14th. Easter Egg Hunt at 9:15 a.m. and breakfast at 10:15 a.m. Breakfast includes French Toast, vegetable quiche, hash browns, fruit and beverage. Tickets at $4 and available at the GAC office. See flyer.
Golden Age Center Happenings - March 2017
From left: Joanie Raab and Nonnie Carroll
From left: Kathy Lechner and Tony Amato, Sr.
Fat Tuesday Party above.
St. Patrick's Day party.
Mary Stewart photos.
The Golden Age Center is always ready for a party. On Fat Tuesday, February 28th, Mardi Gras was celebrated with costumes and make your own masks. On Friday, March 17th, members dressed in their greens and enjoyed traditional corned beef and cabbage luncheon.
Donation Opportunities at GAC - March 2017
The Grand Island Golden Age Club has successfully reestablished their IRS exempt status as a 501(c)3 public charity. Donors can deduct contributions they make to the Golden Age Club, Inc., and the Club is eligible to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under IRS Code.
Effective February 16, 2017, the Golden Age Club can provide donors with a tax deductible receipt of any value; the IRS requires a receipt to substantiate donations over $250.
When thinking about deductions for your taxes, or for estate planning purposes, please remember the Golden Age Club has been organizing and conducting activities for the benefit of Grand Island's seniors since 1959! Open to all Grand Islander's over the age of 50, we welcome you to visit us at 3278 Whitehaven Road weekdays to learn more about what we have to offer. Thank you for considering a donation to help our local seniors.
Bows for Paint the Town Purple - March 2017
From left: Relay co-chair Lynn Dingey, GAC rep Jen Menter and member Kathy Loth.
Mary Stewart photo.
Every spring the Grand Island Relay For Life "Paints the Town Purple", to bring attention to the upcoming Relay For Life event. Recently, co-chair Lynn Dingey stopped by the Golden Age Center to instruct interested volunteers in making purple bows, to deck out the Town Hall & Commons.
Games at the Golden Age Center - March 2017
Mary Stewart photos.
On Friday, February 3rd, St. Stephen School 8th graders traveled to the Golden Age Center to play various board games and card games with members of the GAC. This is an ongoing project with the 8th grade class, where students and golden agers can interact to get to meet and know each other.
Mats on a Mission Project - February 2017
Jen Mentor and Kathy Loth.
Lee Tetkowski & Gail Potter.
Finished product displayed by Jen Mentor, left and Gail Potter.
Mary Stewart photos.
Recently, Gail Potter from "Mats on a Mission" visited the senior center to tell about the project; how it started and its purpose of recycling plastic bags to make "plarn". Plarn is plastic yarn used to crochet hand-woven mats for the homeless. Plarn is rolled into balls and taken to various locations where the mats are assembled. In September of 2016, Gail found out about "Mats on a Mission", which started in Tucson, Arizona, and wanted to start this locally. It didn't take long to recruit volunteers from various groups and organizations to help with this endeavor. The Golden Age Center will be making the plarn as part of their Craft for a Cause project, held on Mondays starting at 10:00 a.m. Bags from Tops, Wegmans or Target can be dropped off at the center between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. For further information, contact Jen at the Senior Center - 773-9682 - or check out "Mats on a Mission" on Facebook.
Valentine's Day at GAC - February 2017
From left: Ann and Dave Rogers (51 years), Sue and Ray Whitbeck (63 years), Evelyn and Don Lewis (54 years), Barbara and Richard Brzyski (54 years), Jean and James Brighton (54 years).
Joan Raab 94 years-old, and dressed to the nines.
Mary Stewart photos.
A special luncheon was held at the Senior Center on Valentines Day celebrating the anniversaries of members married over 50 years.. Honorees included Sam and Pat Akinbami married 51 years, John and Maureen Corrao married 61 years, Ann and Dave Rogers married 51 years, Ray and Sue Whitbeck married 63 years, Don and Evelyn Lewis married 54 years, Richard and Barbara Brzyski marriead 54 years and Jim and Jean Brighton married 54 years. Special music by "Second Time Around" provided entertainment. There were also prizes for those who wore the most visible hearts.
Volunteers Recognized at Birthday Luncheon - January 2017
Mary Stewart photo. Click photo for larger view.
he Grand Island Golden Age Center has many talented hands knitting and crocheting items for those who have needs not only on Grand Island but the surrounding area as well. "Mitten Project" is a united effort to help others by creating hats, mittens, scarves, hand bands, lap robe for vets at Veterans Hospital; baby hats for newborns at Children's Hospital, and cancer caps for cancer victims School children. who also have needs, benefit from a "bag of warmth", which includes a hat, mittens, scarf and a pair of new socks if available. Anyone wishing to donate new socks or yarn can drop them off at the Senior Center between 8 am and 4 pm. Many letters of thanks have been received from children as well as adults. One young student said in his letter "now i can keep warm". Over 1700 items have been knitted or crocheted last year alone. Other groups who have benefited from this project include the Shriners, City Mission, Salvation Army and Friends of the Night People. At the February Birthday Luncheon on February 1st, the volunteers were recognized for their good works.
GAC Closed Wednesday - February 2017
The Golden Age Center will be CLOSED Wednesday, February 8th, due to staff illness and member illness.
We will reopen again on Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Senior Volunteers Stuff Town/County Tax Bills - January 2017
Sitting from left: Chris Bihler, Martha Muller, Nonnie Carroll and Pat Ehinger.
Standing: Mary Cooke, Dorothy Lew Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, Kathy Lechner and Bernie Callahan.
This is the 13th year a group of seniors from the Golden Age Center have stuffed tax bills for Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel. The seniors spend the day stuffing envelopes for the Town/County taxes and get treated for lunch in return. They also come back in the fall to take care of the school tax bills.
New Year's Celebration - January 2017
Mary Stewart Photos
The Grand Island Senior Center held its first birthday lunch on Wednesday, January 4th, celebrating the new year with hats and noisemakers. The birthday luncheon celebrates all the January birthdays and guests were invited to come dressed in country attire, to go along with this month's theme, "country hoe down birthday luncheon". Entertainment was provided by "Just Banjos", with great banjo music. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
Coffee Chat about Cancer at GAC - January 2017
Tuesday, January 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd.
Join local American Cancer Sociey volunteers and staff for a afternoon conversation about cancer resources and support. Learn about the Society's life-saving mission, including groundbreaking research, cancer preventation and education, patient services, and advocacy efforts. We'll also share how you can get involved in the cancer fight right here on Grand Island. Light refreshment will be served. RSVP at the Golden Age Center or via email at missy.stolfi@cancer.org.
Volunteers Needed for Respite Program - January 2017
HELPERS WANTED - The Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, is looking for volunteers to help start up a new community respite program in February which will provide breaks for people who are providing care for loved ones with dementia.
Volunteers should be willing to share a few hours of their time on the second Wednesday of each month by providing companionship for people with dementia.
The Alzheimer's Association Western New York Chapter will furnish all necessary training at no charge. For info, call Jennifer Menter at the Center at 773-9682 or email jrmenter@grand-island.ny.us.
The Alzheimer's Association also trains volunteers and oversees respite programs and 10 other locations in Erie and Niagara counties. For info about respite and the chapter’s other programs, call toll-free 800-272-3900.
Mary Stewart photo.
Standing: Martha Muller, Linda Clark, Kathy Lechner, Brenda Cassoni, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel and Dorothy Lew.
Seated: Kathy Lechner and Nonnie Carroll. Missing is Joan Raab.
Mary Stewart Photo.
Mary Stewart Photos.
Mary Stewart Photos.
Kathy Leuchner.
Mary Stewart Photos.
Vendors at the Wellness Fair.
From left: Nancy Tobe, Senator Chris Jacobs, and Ellie Wiant.
Mary Stewart Photos.
From left: Rosemarie Shelp, Kathy Shaklee and Brenda Cassoni.
From left: Helen Harrison, Shirley Warmus, Wilma Greenwood and Phyllis Wesolek
Mary Stewart Photos.
Tony Amato and Pat Phillips.
Mary Stewart Photos.
From left: Barb Gannon, Pat Phillips, Jen Mentor and Liz Wilbert.
Mary Stewart Photos.
From left: Kathy Lechner and Tony Amato, Sr.
Fat Tuesday Party above.
St. Patrick's Day party.
Mary Stewart photos.
Mary Stewart photo.
Lee Tetkowski & Gail Potter.
Finished product displayed by Jen Mentor, left and Gail Potter.
Mary Stewart photos.
Joan Raab 94 years-old, and dressed to the nines.
Mary Stewart photos.
Standing: Mary Cooke, Dorothy Lew Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, Kathy Lechner and Bernie Callahan.
