Senior news

by MARLA LENT

Office on Aging

The Office on Aging, Senior Bus drivers and Wellington Golden Agers would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Bob Manning. Bob and Winnie were very active in our senior group. Bob's sudden passing came as quite a shock and he will be truly missed by all of us.

Do you need a tune-up? LeAnne from Christner Hearing Services will at the Town Hall on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you need her to take a look at your hearing aids or get batteries, call me to schedule an appointment at 647-4626 Ext. 5. LeAnne also offers free hearing tests.

Veterans who are having problems with hearing aids will be happy to know that Wade Park Audiology Clinic no longer requires you to schedule an appointment, but will instead accept walk-ins during select times. Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Wade Park facility only veterans with hearing aid problems can be seen. These changes were designed to improve customer service and wait times. If you have any questions contact (216) 421-3047.

The Elms Retirement Village will host their third annual Car Show and Festival on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested in registering a car, the cost is $10 per car. In addition to the car show there will be food, fun and entertainment for all, so bring the family and join in.

The Lorain County General Health District announced the dates and locations for the 2008 Flu Clinics. Unless there are changes, Wellington is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lorain County Fairgrounds. A drive-through service will be available for persons who are mobility challenged. This year shots will also be given at the Camden Baptist Church in Wellington at 17901 St. Rt. 511 or in Oberlin at New Russia Township Hall, 46268 Butternut Ridge Rd. on that same date if those locations are closer for you. Remember to check with your doctor if you have any special medical conditions. The shot will be $10, or Medicare and Medicaid will be accepted. No one is refused due to inability to pay.

September events

This is the time of year when we want to take advantage of the good weather and get in some travel time to areas that the cold, winter weather will prevent us from traveling to in just a few short months. Port Clinton and Marblehead always offer some scenic views and there should be a couple of good restaurants along the waterfront to choose from; maybe Crabby Joe's or the Crow's Nest up by East Harbor State Park. Of course any time is a good time to head down to Amish Country; there's always beautiful, rolling countryside and plenty of homecooked meals and other goodies along the way. Last month we had a picture perfect day to sail the Goodtime III and explore the waterfront in Cleveland. Thought maybe some of you might be interested in taking Lolly the Trolley and hearing about the sites on shore from a veteran Clevelander. If any of you have points of interest that you would like to explore, don't hesitate to call me and if it's a possibility we will add it to our trip list in the future. It is working out much better to have the trips paid for in advance. The buses have been leaving town full with no last minute cancellations. Thanks to all of you for your continued support of this program.

* Don't forget that this month is the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon which will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 512 N. Main St. on Wednesday Sept. 10. This luncheon will honor all the volunteers who so unselfishly dedicate their time to provide the host services and programs for our seniors. Remember that volunteers eat free; let them know you are a volunteer when you sign up so they can make a notation next to your name. The menu will include ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, roll, beverage and dessert. The mayor will be cooking while Father Reymann and crew will be hosting the event. In addition to our recognition of the volunteers, we will have guest entertainment and gospel singer Lori Long. For those of you who have not heard her sing you are in for a real treat.

* On Thursday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., enjoy a free pancake breakfast at Elms Retirement on Prospect Street.

* On Wednesday, Sept. 17 a trip to Amish Country is scheduled. Pick up starts at 9 a.m. and the cost is $8.

* On Sunday, Sept. 21 Harvest of the Arts will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Square.

* On Wednesday, Sept. 24 enjoy Lolly the Trolley City Tour of Cleveland. More than 20 miles of facts and fun are covered in this tour which includes the North Coast Harbor, Downtown District, the Warehouse District, the Flats, Ohio City, West Side Market, University Circle and Playhouse Square. The tour concludes with a brief stop at the Rockefeller Greenhouse and a drive along the Lake Erie Shoreline. Pick-up starts at 8 a.m. and the cost is $26. This trip is not wheelchair accessible.

* Every year we have taken at least one bus and traveled to the Amish Door to eat a bountiful dinner and then listen to the Barbershop Chorus in the fall. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:15 p.m. We would be happy to offer that trip again, however, I must advise that the cost has gone up considerably. Yes, it does include your transportation, your meal and the entertainment for the evening, but it will be $43 per person. Call to reserve your spot as soon as possible so I know how much interest there is in this trip. Payment will be due by Oct. 3 and checks should be made payable to: Wellington Senior Bus.