Senior News

by MARLA LENT

Office on Aging

I know many of you look forward to the bus trips that we plan each month. In the past, it was the revenue generated from these trips that enabled us to keep up with the operation and maintenance costs for the buses throughout the year.

As you may suspect, increased fuel costs are killing us. We are trying hard to keep these trips affordable and have held off raising the costs. Another challenge that adds to our problem is too many people signing up for trips and then canceling or not showing up at the last minute. These practices do not allow ample time to notify others who may have wanted to go on the trip. Therefore, we have a bus taking off with empty seats.

Empty seats mean that often a trip costs more than the money we collect. Many trip destinations require admission fees to be paid in advance; if there are no-shows, then we cannot get our money refunded. The Senior Bus Office can no longer operate like this. Therefore, beginning immediately, if you sign up for any trips, we will need to have your money in advance. If you do not show up for the trip, your money will be forfeited. If we do not have your money, your name will be moved off the list so someone else can go.

Figure out the cost for any trips that you sign up for and make a check payable to the Wellington Senior Bus and mail to me, Marla Lent, Office of Aging, 115 Memorial Willard Square, Wellington, 44090. You may also pay me at the Town Hall if that is more convenient. We feel these trips are an important part of our program for seniors and want to be able to continue to offer this service. I apologize for any inconvenience and we understand that any last-minute illness is unavoidable. Thank you for understanding. We have some great trip drivers who look forward to taking you to some awesome destinations this summer.

Sherry Petty has advised that the Metro Parks at Carlisle will hold a rughooking exhibit on Tuesday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested call and let me know. If there are enough callers, there will be a bus trip to view the exhibit and perhaps have lunch beforehand at Quick and Delicious. The cost of the trip would be $5.

The Lorain County Office of Aging, Southern Satellite and Wellington Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring the first annual Wellington Hot Air Balloon Fest on Friday, June 20; raindate is June 21. The fest will take place at the American Legion just past Dairy Queen. Starting time is 5 p.m. with food available as well as entertainment later in the evening by the Four Lads. Check the Wellington Enterprise for more details and ticket information.

Beginning at noon on Friday, June 27 and continuing through Saturday, June 28, our friends from the Scottish Games will bring their celebration of events to the Lorain County Fairgrounds. There will be piping and drumming competitions, Border Collie demonstrations, Scottish singers, music and dancing and of course a host of merchandise, food and craft vendors.

Are you having trouble hearing or think you may be in need of some maintenance on your hearing aids? Call Marla for an appointment to see Lee Anne from Christner Hearing on Thursday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. She will be happy to administer a free hearing test or advise you on whether you need cleaning or repair of you equipment. Don't be left out of the conversation call 647-4626 Ext. 5.

Treat dad to an adventure at Bonnie Brae Elk Farm on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15. This is the only time all year the entire bull elk herd will be on display. Try elk bratwurst and beef hot dogs at a picnic table under a shady tree. No admission to the festival, but there is a small fee for a wagon ride. Contact Melinda at 647-3232 for more information.

Concerts in the Park start this month on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. They will begin June 8 and continue through Aug. 10. Bring a lawn chair and blanket.

The residents at the Elms recently enjoyed a party complete with cake, punch and a balloon release to celebrate National Nursing Home Week. The balloons were tagged with the Elms' phone number. The very next day they received a call from a lady in West Virginia who found one of their balloons.

The annual community yard sale will be held Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Oberlin Office on Aging has secured a motorcoach bus to travel to the 23rd annual craft fair at Hathaway Brown in Shaker Heights, Ohio on Friday, June 20. This elegant girl's school campus will be the site for this garden party style craft fair. There will be 150 exhibiting artists which have been selected from more than 600 applicants across the country. The artists work in ceramics, metal, jewelry, photography, painting, glass and more. Special attractions include refreshments and live music. Cost of admission and the bus trip will be $20. Seating is limited so you need to contact me at 647-4626 Ext. 5 or Ruth Kreiner, director of Oberlin Office on Aging at 775-1504 as soon as possible.

Sadly, two more of our seniors have passed, Dorothy Wright and Kenny Mohrman. Though we will miss them, it is important to cherish the memories and times together that each of us may have shared with them. Such memories will keep them in our hearts. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to both the Wright and Mohrman families. Thank you to all for your donations in their memory.

It's that time again when I find myself with a week's vacation to use or I lose the time. I will be out of the office Monday, June 23 until Tuesday, July 1. Hope the weather cooperates and gives me some blue skis and sunshine. See you when I get back!

June events

* On Tuesday, June 3 there will be a free Father's Day party at the Elms. The party starts at 2 p.m.

* On Wednesday, June 4 enjoy a trip to Amish Country as the bus driver will choose the destination. The bus leaves at 9:30 p.m. and the cost is $10.

* The senior luncheon is Wednesday, June 11 at noon and will be held at the Brighton United Methodist Church, 51011 State Route 18. Call your reservations in by Saturday, June 7. The menu was not final at the time of printing and might include beef, noodles, lettuce salad, ice cream and beverage. Jerry Skimmerer on keyboards will be the guest.

* The free pancake breakfast will not be held at the Kelly Street Fire Station but at the Elms Assisted Living dining room on Thursday, June 12. The breakfast will be from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.

* The Village of Archbold is located in western Fulton County. It's a Christian community and its people are of German, Swiss and French ancestry with the majority being German. Sauder Village is located in Archbold and offers a wonderful array of venues for you to explore. A well-informed, costumed staff combine with working tradesman in historic homes, buildings and shops to reflect life in the late 1800s. If you enjoy browsing undisturbed, you can visit the museum. While there, make sure you visit the Doughbox Bakery. Even grandma would approve of the fine ingredients and care that goes into the sweet rolls, cookies, cakes and pies. You can eat at the Barn Restaurant where food comes from a kitchen clean enough to please the most discriminating cook. Under the barn's original hand-hewn timbers you can enjoy the buffet or family-style dining with all the trimmings. There is an admission fee associated with this adventure so total cost of your trip will be $25. You must pay in advance of the trip and checks needed to be received by June 2. The bus will leave town at 8:30 a.m. This is an all-day trip.

* Scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 is the Anthony Thomas Chocolate tour in Columbus and enjoy a bit of shopping too. The bus will leave town at 9 a.m. and the cost is $10.

* On Friday, June 27 enjoy a free day at the zoo for seniors 55 and older. There is only one bus available and it will leave at 9:30 a.m. The cost for the trip is $8.

* On Wednesday, July 2 take a trip to Berlin Heights for a basket tour and also enjoy eating at Berardi's in Huron. The bus leaves town at 10 a.m. and the cost is $8.