Grand Island Golden Age Center

Golden Age Center Webpage - 2005

3278 Whitehaven Road
773-9683

Golden Age Center News 2006

Previous Golden Age Center News

Town of Grand Island Website
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OFFICERS 2005

President Maisie Dommell, Vice President Gloria Diringer, Treasurer Chris Bihler,
Secretary Nonnie Carroll, and Sgt-at-Arms Ed Kij

Golden Age Center Entertained By Middle School Singcopations - 2005

Singcopations director Annalea J. Masiello and choir.
Click for larger view
   The Grand Island Middle School Singcopations braved the blustery weather on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 to entertain the Golden Age Center members after lunch. The group performed "A Kentucky Carol," "Sing Me To Winter," "Winter Light" and a fabulous version of "Christmas Bells." The Singcopations are directed by Mrs. Annalea J. Masiello.

Golden Age Center Elves Decorate - 2005

(Left) Santa's elves decorating the Golden Age Center - (right) Golden Agers Hank Carroll and Norm Matteson
Click for larger view
   More than a dozen members of the Golden Age Club spent Thursday morning, December 1st getting the center in the spirit for the holidays. Three Christmas trees were being set up in various areas of the building while garland, arrangements and wreaths were strategically placed by all of Santa's elves.

Independent Health Speaker At Golden Age Center - 2005
   An Independent Health Speaker will be at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2005. The date was listed incorrectly in the Golden Voice.

Golden Age Center Holiday Happenings & Open House - November 2005
   Holiday Happenings & Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2005 at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road. A luncheon menu available will include homemade chicken soup, roast beef sandwiches, hot dogs, coffee, tea, or loganberry. A baked goods table, mini farmers' market, craft items, basket raffle and more will be featured.

Golden Age Center Members Thank Eagle Scout - 2005

(left) Golden Age Club members Hank Carroll, Liz and Bob Smith, Betty Clayton (head of personnel), Eagle Scout Anthony Albano, Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro and Doris Pettitt.
Click for larger view
In order to become an Eagle Scout, Anthony Albano, a member of Troop 652 sponsored by St. Andrew’s Church, had to complete a project to benefit the community. He chose to paint the outside of the Golden Age Center on Whitehaven Road. As construction manager, he led a team over three days scraping and painting the center. Golden Age Club members, on Friday, October 21, 2005, presented Anthony with a plaque to thank him for the great job he did.

Golden Age Center Sunday Dinner - Polish Wedding Band - September 2005
   The Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, offers a Turkey Dinner (with stuffing & all the trimmings) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2005 followed by a Polish Wedding Band, featuring Polish music, sing-along and dancing. Tickets are available at the Center at $7 and reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 21, 2005. For more information, call 773-9682 or 773-9683

Golden Age Center Fall Foliage Trip - September 2005
   The Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, offers a Fall Foliage Trip to Bristol/Canandaigua on Tuesday, October 11, 2005. The group leaves the Golden Age Center at 9 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.
   The first stop will be a gift shop where coffee and cookies will be served. "Now the shopping is done!" Next, the participants will enjoy a scenic ride along Canandaigua Lake to the Bristol Harbor Resort where they will have lunch.
   The trip continues south to the Village of Naples where visitors will see the unusual St. Januarius Church, a Shrine to Our Lady of the Grapes. If time permits there will be a tour and tasting at Widemer Winery.
   Cost of the trip is $49.50 and seating is limited. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, October 6, 2005.
   The Center will be closed Monday, October 10, 2005.
    For more information, call 773-9682 or 773-9683

Golden Age Center Travel/Trips - September 2005
   The Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, lists the following trips:
• October 9 - Over The Tavern at the Lancaster Opera House - Cost app. $22
• December 7 - Nuncrackers at the Lancaster Opera House - Cost app. $22
• March 12 - Love, Sex & The I.R.S. at the Lancaster Opera House - Cost app. $22
• April 12 - Social Security at the Lancaster Opera House - Cost app. $22
A limited number of tickets are available for the Lancaster Opera House and must be purchased in advance. Sign up with a $10 deposit for each performance.
• Philadelphia - November 4-7 - Cost $409 double occupancy - 4 days/3 nights
Package includes 3 nights lodging, 3 full breakfasts, 2 full course dinners, Lily Langtry's Dinner Theatre featuring Ice Castles, guided tour of historic Philadelphia including: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center National Constitution Center and much more.
Trips For 2006
• New Orleans - April 29-May 7 - Cost $674
Check with Golden Age Center Office
• New Hampshire - September 25-29, 2006
Tour Package includes: 4 nights accommodations at Indian Head, 4 dinners (choice of menu), 4 breakfasts (choice of menu), Woodstock Emporium, Annalee's Doll Museum, Basket World, Cabot's Creamery, Clark's Trading Post, Fairbanks Museum, Hand Crafter's Barn, Hobo Railroad with lunch, Mt. Washington Cruise with lunch, Maple Grove, Tour of the Mt. Washington Hotel, Cocktail Reception, FREE individual photos for everyone. Floor show & evening entertainment. Cost with tipping & gratuities is $645, if 40-45 go. If under 40 people attending, cost will be $660.
   Travel Club Meeting - September 12, 2005 at 10:45 a.m. Those interested in traveling should plan to attend. Deposits of $25 for the New Orleans and New Hampshire trips will be accepted. Sufficient interest in the Lancaster Opera House presentations will be determined at this meeting. A Fall Foliage Trip will be available for sign-up at this meeting.
   A trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut will also be presented at this meeting and those interested should be prepared to make a deposit on this 3-day trip. This is a beautiful casino, with everything at your fingertips. This trip is planned for January 2006 and includes round trip deluxe motor coach transportation, 2 nights accommodations, taxes, baggage handling, $30 free bet, 2 dinner buffets & 1 breakfast buffet. Cost approximately $180.
   The Golden Age Center is open to Grand Island residents 50 years of age or older. Golden Age Club activities, including daily lunch and the above mentioned trips, are for Grand Island residents, 50 years or older. Stop at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road or call Director Barbara A. Gannon at 773-9682 for more information.

Calendar of Events

Golden Age Center Menu - September 2005
Thursday, September 1 - Italian Sausage w/penne & sauce
Friday, September 2 - Souper Seniors

Monday, September 5 - Center Closed
Tuesday, September 6 - Hot Turkey Sandwich
Wednesday, September 7 - Birthday Lunch - Beef Stew
Thursday, September 8 - Meatloaf
Friday, September 9 - Souper Seniors

Sunday, September 11 - Brown Bag Lunch
Monday, September 12 - Hot Dog & Baked Beans
Tuesday, September 13 - Swiss Steak
Wednesday, September 14 - Baked Chicken & Stuffing
Thursday, September 15 - Reuben Sandwich (Exec. Board)
Friday, September 16 - Souper Seniors

Monday, September 19 - Spaghetti & Meatballs
Tuesday, September 20 - Chicken & Dumplings
Wednesday, September 21 - Ham & Macaroni & Cheese
Thursday, September 22 - Roast Beef on Weck - General Meeting
Friday, September 23 - Souper Seniors

Sunday, September 25 - Sunday Dinner
Monday, September 26 - Game Day - Beef Stroganoff
Tuesday, September 27 - Chicken Salad Cold Plate
Wednesday, September 28 - Breaded Pork Chops
Thursday, September 29- Lasagna
Friday, September 30 - Souper Seniors

Golden Age Center Menu - August 2005
Monday, August 1 - Hot Turkey Sandwich
Tuesday, August 2- Salisbury Steak
Wednesday, August 3 - Birthday Lunch, Pineapple Lemon Chicken
Thursday, August 4 - Chili & Corn Bread
Friday, August 5 - Souper Seniors

Monday, August 8 - Reuben Sandwich
Tuesday, August 9 - Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Wednesday, August 10 - Bacon Cheese Hot Dogs
Thursday, August 11 - Stuffed Peppers
Friday, August 12 - Souper Seniors

Monday, August 15 - Spaghetti & Meatballs
Tuesday, August 16 - Cold Plate
Wednesday, August 17 - Meatloaf
Thursday, August 18 - Breaded Pork Chop (Exec. Board)
Friday, August 19 - Souper Seniors

Monday, August 22 - Ham & Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday, August 23 - Italian Sausage w/Peppers & Onions
Wednesday, August 24 - Sloppy Joe
Thursday, August 25 - "Picnic"
Friday, August 26 - Souper Seniors

Monday, August 29 - Game Day - Roast Beef on Weck
Tuesday, August 30 - Spanish Hamburger
Wednesday, August 31 - Vegetable Lasagna

Ribbon Cutting Takes Place At Golden Age Center Entrance - 2005

Among Islanders attending Friday's ribbon cutting were (left front) Councilman Gary Roesch, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Rotary President Dr. Jerry Barlow, Golden Age Club President Maisie Dommell, State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, Betty Clayton, Rotarian Ted Bates and Golden Ager Hank Carroll.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click photo for larger view
   A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the new front entrance enclosure on the Grand Island Golden Age Center Friday afternoon, June 10, 2005. The enclosure project of the front entry way to the facility on Whitehaven Road was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Grand Island, and construction began in February.

Islanders 50 And Over Invited To Join The Golden Age Club - 2005

(left) Ruth Landel - (right) a group of bingo players
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click photo for larger view

Photos taken over the several years!
   Grand Island's senior citizens are more fortunate than most when it comes to government-sponsored centers across the state and probably across the nation. The Golden Age Center at 3278 Whitehaven Road near West River is a good sized building maintained just for the Island's over 50 population. Hot meals are served Monday through Friday. Unlike the average cost of $2.50 at other centers, Grand Island's nutritious lunch is $2 with the birthday lunch and general meeting lunch at $2.25. Meals include home-made soup, vegetable, potato or other starch, bread, butter and tea or coffee.
   What is served, you ask! On the June 2005 menu is baked chicken and stuffing, Sloppy Joes, spaghetti and meatballs, breaded pork chops, Reuben sandwich, roast beef on weck, and chicken salad cold plate to name a few.
   The Town of Grand Island offers transportation through the Golden Age Center. This is on a priority basis for all Island residents over 50 and first priority is given for medical appointments. Transportation is also provided to the Golden Age Center and for grocery shopping, pharmacy etc. for those who would otherwise have no means of transportation. Advance notice is necessary for appointments on and off the Island.
   The list of daily activities taking place at the Center is long and includes but is not limited to craft classes, several different exercise classes, a chorale group, discussion group, bingo, ceramics, line dancing and tennis. "Walkabout," open to all over 50s, meets at various Island locations such as Buckhorn State Park, Sandy Beach, and Beaver Island where the exercise of walking with friends is combined with the scenery of Grand Island.
   The Golden Age Travel Club at this writing has plans for a June bus trip to the Historic South, and a November trip to Philadelphia. The Philadelphia trip costs $409 and includes three nights lodging, three full breakfasts, two full course dinners, Lily Langtry's Dinner Theater featuring "Ice Castles," a guided tour of historic Philadelphia (Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center) and more.
   Day trips planned for this month (June) include Seneca Niagara Casino on both June 6, 2005 and June 27th, and the Buffalo News Tour on June 9th. For those who have no way of shopping off the Island, there are usually several mall and major grocery store trips.
   The Golden Age Center's "Golden Voice" newsletter is produced monthly and contains the month's menu, a calendar of events, and general Club news. (Click for Golden Age Calendar Of Events)
   Golden Age Center Department Head is Barbara Gannon. Betty Clayton is head of Personnel. For information, call the Center at 773-9682 or 773-9683.

Maria Leszczak Shines at Golden Age Center - 2005

Jodi Robinson Photo - Click photo for larger view
   Isledegrande.com received a note from Barb Gannon, Director of the Golden Age Center, last week regarding Center cook Maria Leszczak. Barbara wrote, "I believe a story highlighting Maria’s job dedication and continued desire to improve on the meals she serves the seniors, would be newsworthy. Maria keeps an eye on food costs, getting the most for the money without compromising quality."
   Maria has been with the Golden Age Center for over twelve years, the last three as head cook. Before that she was a housewife who loved to bake. Now she bakes for the lucky lunch crowd at the Center. Everything is made from scratch with the help of assistants Barbara Wilson and Kathy Knight. The ladies serve lunch to 50-60 seniors a day. There is always fresh homemade soup, an entree and tasty desserts. Maria mentioned the chicken dishes seem to be the favorites including chicken and dumplings and country chicken. "I am very proud of Maria and the job she and the ladies do for the seniors," Barb Gannon said this week. Maria has been an Island resident for 26 years.

"Le Chapeau Parade" at Golden Age Center - 2005

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view
    The ladies (and gents) of the Golden Age Center were invited to wear their hats to the Birthday Lunch on Wednesday, May 4, 2005. Following the meal there was a parade with prizes being given to the most original creations. The employees joined in with the office crew, donning hats from the past while the kitchen gals wore just plain silly. Yes, that is a kitchen glove blown up with a smiley face on it!
   Prizes were awarded to the following:
Milly Goldbach/Grand Prize & Most Original
Ruth Cunningham/Most Unique
Maisie Dommell/Prettiest
Ann Tubin/Oldest Hat
Pearl Lane/Newest
Don Forester/Most Distinguished.

Gram's Garage Sale - 2005
The Golden Age Club's annual Gram's Garage Sale will be held from 9:30 a.m to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Nike Base Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Baked goods, grilled hot dogs and, or course, garage sale items will be sold, rain or shine.

St. Patrick's Day at Golden Age Center - 2005

Shown from left are Birthday Gal, Nonnie Carroll and Ted Shelp

Sally Riggs (left) and the Golden Age Club Choir.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view
   Many members of the Grand Island Golden Age Center were wearing the green on St. Patrick's Day including GAC Secretary Nonnie Carroll who was celebrating her birthday. The Golden Age Center choir entertained the group with an Irish sing-a-long after a lunch of corned beef and cabbage.

Sweetheart Luncheon at Golden Age Center - 2005

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view
   Nine couples were honored at the annual sweetheart luncheon at the Golden Age Center on Monday, February 14, 2005. From left Don and Stella Hess (58 years), Joan and Jim Burns (60 years), Bill and Peg Winterfield (51 years), Norm and Bertha Matteson (63 years), Herm and Nell Roberts (60 years), Merle and Maisie Dommell (58 years), Larry and Louise Zelonis (50 years), Art and Carolyn Broadway (64 years), Hank and Nonnie Carroll (58 years).

Work Is Underway On Golden Age Center Entrance Enclosure - 2005

Dan McMahon Photos - Feb. 4, 2005 - Click photos for larger view
   February 10, 2005 . . . Work began last week on the new front entrance enclosure on the Grand Island Golden Age Center. Photos show the beginning work with the original walkway removed and the beginning footer forms. The enclosure project of the front entry way to the facility on Whitehaven Road was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Grand Island, and will feature a totally enclosed entry 12' x 23' with heat, lights and benches and will provide the seniors a comfortable area for entry.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.