City of Tonawanda

Senior Happenings

"The City of Tonawanda Recreation Department's mission is to provide a comprehensive recreation and park program suitable to the needs and interests of is residents in a safe leisure environment. We will strive to provide, assist and coordinate community resources to implement services and programs for youth, adult, and senior groups, related to the well-being of the City's residents in a professional, efficient, and courteous manner."

"GOING PLACES" VAN SERVICE   505-1172

If you are 60 years of age or older, can get in and out of a van under your own power, and occasionally need transportation, call the Recreation Department for information on the "Going Places" van.  They take request for transportation every Monday morning for appointments for the rest of the week.  The cost is $1.00 each way for local appointments and $2.00 each way for Buffalo, Williamsville and Amherst.  We work on a priority basis - doctor and hospital appointments are scheduled first.  It can be inconvenient at times in that we may have to pick you up earlier than you want, or you may have to wait a bit for a ride home.  But if you need us, we will try to be there for you.
 

Visit the Center at 35 Main Street, Monday thru Friday between 9:30am and 4:00pm. Activities include exercise, cards, billiards, line dancing, singing, monthly dinners, special activities, travel opportunities, and much, much more. To be put on the month newsletter mailing list, call 692-7029 or 695-8658. To join the Senior Club, fill out a short application and pay the lifetime fee of $1.00. Yes, that's right, $1.00 for life.


CURRENT SENIOR CLUB OFFICERS:

DINNER MEETING

Dinner meetings are held on the last Monday of each month.  Tickets must be purchased by the Friday before the meeting.  Call the center for more information.

HEAP

Click here for HEAP Information in our area.

MY BROTHERS KEEPER PROJECT

This project will meet on Thursdays at 10:00am.  Volunteers are always welcome.

READING AND PUZZLES

The center has a small library of hard cover and pocket books along with jigsaw puzzles.  Stop in and see what is available for our members.

8-BALL BILLIARD TOURNAMENT

Mondays at 1:00PM.

9 BALL TOURNAMENT

NEW DAY - Thursdays at 1:00PM.

The Vial of Life project is under way for seniors (60 years and older), who are residents of the City of Tonawanda. Applications will be available at the Senior Center or you can call Doreen at the Center to have application mailed to you.

The Vial of Life project is an Eagle Scout service project being pursued by Scout Michael Messana of Troop 808, and is in cooperation with the City of Tonawanda Fire Department. The vial will contain medical information about you that will be stored in your freezer, attached to the shelf with two rubber bands, and identified by either a sticker or magnet on the outside of the freezer door. The vial will become a valuable tool to EMS personnel in the event of a First Aid situation. All information on the application will be confidential. Michael is looking forward to your participation.

BOCCE

Check back in the Spring for more info.

Wii BOWLING and MORE

Come and join us on Wednesday mornings at 11am for some Wii fun.  If you are unable to attend Wednesday mornings, feel free to come to the Center any time to play.  The system is available to use any time and is easy to start up.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00pm. You do not need a partner-just come on in!

LADIES PINOCHLE

Every Thursday afternoon at 12:45 pm, the members play. If you have always wanted to learn, there are members who will help teach you and you do not need a partner.

8 BALL SINGLES TOURNAMENT
Monday afternoons at 1:00pm is the new day and time for this program.

GAME ROOM

The room is available 9:30am to 3:45pm daily.  Feel free to stop in and use it any time.

PIRATE BINGO

Come try a new way to play bingo on Tuesday's, at 1pm. Feel free to join in anytime.

INTERNET

Want to keep in touch with family far away, set up an e-mail account, or look up some information?  A computer with internet access has been installed in the downstairs TV room.  The computer can be used by any senior, anytime that the center is open.  Guidelines for use are posted.  If you have never used the internet before, let Doreen know and we will make arrangements to teach you how to "surf the net".

BEGINNERS WESTERN LINE DANCE CLASS - Mondays at 9:30am
Class resumes on Mondays at 9:30am.  This class has Marion Schultz as the instructor. There is no fee for this class and you may join at any time.

ADVANCED LINE DANCING - MONDAYS 10AM

Now that you have learned the basics, learn some new steps.  There is no fee for this class and you may join at any time.

PING PONG CLASSES - Tuesdays at 1pm
This program will return Tuesdays September 12th.  Evelyn Meinhold is the instructor and members may join at anytime.

COMPUTER CLASS - Mondays at 10:30am
This class is held on Monday mornings at 10:30am with Blanche Borkowski as the instructor.  This class is FREE!

BRIDGE
If you are interested in playing Bridge, please call the office and we will try to have a time and a day where everyone can attend. John Wolf will instruct this class.

EXERCISES
Exercises are worked on every morning at 9:45am. Low key, but important.  Also stop in to see the Health Maintenance Room in the lower level of the building with several pieces of exercise equipment. 

SINGING
Join us Tuesday mornings as the Happy Notes at 10:30am.

THE BARGEMEN - NEW DAY AND TIME 

The Bargemen will now rehearse on Tuesday Mornings at 9:30am.

LADIES BILLIARDS
Fridays at 1:00pm, only ladies hit the tables.

MEN'S BILLIARDS
Wednesdays at 1:00PM.

PLAYING CARDS
Check the calendar for lots of options.

CRAFTS - Thursday at 10am
This class will be held on Thursday at 10:00am.   New ideas always welcome!
 

CERAMICS - Wednesdays at 10:00am

Gert Ahrens is the instructor for this class, which is held on Wednesday mornings at 10am.  There is no fee for this class and you may join at any time.

BOWLING - Bowling is held at Manor Lanes on Tuesdays at 10am beginning September 6th.

ASK THE PHARMACIST

Walgreen's Pharmacist Andrew Montante will be at the Center once a month.  Call to find out when he will be here.  Stop in and ask him any questions regarding prescriptions.  You may bring your medications with you.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

The City of Tonawanda Fire Department will provide this free service on the first Thursday of each month from 11-11:30am.  No appointment is necessary.  ALSO Fire Chief Stuart would like to remind our members that in keeping with your Health Programs the Fire Department will take your Blood Pressure at Fire Headquarters anytime you may have to have a regular reading before going to your doctor.

CENTER EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
The Center has a health maintenance room in the lower level of the building with several pieces of exercise equipment for use by the members. You may stop in any day from 9:30am to 3:30pm and Monday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm to take advantage of this program.  Stop in to see the renovations that have been made.
 

The best hope of curing lung cancer is finding it as early as possible. If you are at risk, this new test can detect tiny spots on your lungs years before they would ever be seen on a regular chest x-ray. These tiny spots, or nodules, may be signs of early lung cancer.

The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program, known as NY-ELCAP, is research study to determine if low-dose CT scanning technology is an effective screening technique to detect lung cancer in it's earliest stages for people at high risk for the disease.

The low-dose scanning CT is a quick 20-second scan of your chest and lungs. The CT scanner is shaped like a donut, with a table that quickly slides you in and out of the machine. No injections or medications are needed. Eligibility Requirements:

· 60 years of age or older
· current or former smokers history (one pack/day for 10 years, or two packs/day for five years)
· no prior cancers of any type (except non-melanoma skin cancer)
· in good health

If you qualify for the NY-ELCAP study, the screening CT exam is free. Based on the results, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary. The payment for those tests will be your responsibility, but most insurance companies cover these costs. Your results will be reviewed by a team of researchers and then will be discussed with you and your sponsoring physician. To make an appointment, please call toll free 1-866-693-5227. If eligible, they will provide you with an appointment at a time and study site that is most convenient for you. Most of the study sites offer appointments between 4 pm and 6 pm, Monday through Friday. This information was provided by Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

 

When selecting a nursing center, ask the following questions of the administrator or admissions coordinator:

· What levels of care do they offer?
· Do they accept Medicare or Medicaid?
· Are there any restrictions on the type of patients they admit?
· What is provided for in the basic daily rate?
· Is there a volunteer program?

It is recommended that you visit the facility and observe the following:

· Is there adequate staff: Check on how long nurse call lights stay on. See if the patients look clean and if they are dressed in clean clothes. Observe if staff members are kind and responsive when they talk to residents.
· Is the food good? Ask a resident how it tastes. See if it looks good and if it's served hot. Do the patients seem to get enough to eat? Are they offered second servings, diet permitting? Does the home serve snacks? Is the dining room clean and well furnished? Are patients assisted with eating, when required?
· Is there an activity program? Ask if a full time activity director is employed. Is a list of activities posted? Is there something for patients to do that are confined to their rooms? Are there a lot of patients sitting around with nothing to do? Does the facility have community TV with good reception? Is there a volunteer program?

Based on the above factors, your choice of a nursing facility should include the following:

· Good, visible resident care.
· Convenient location.
· Friendly, competent staff.
· Good food, well prepared, attractively served, and adequate portions.
· Clean, free of unpleasant odor.
 

CONSTITUENT OUTREACH PROGRAM

A Constituent Outreach Program for Legislator Michele Iannello will be held at the Center every 4th Tuesday of the month from 12pm-4pm.  Jean Harmon from Iannello's Office will be available to answer any questions residents may have.

ATTORNEY - Mark Saltarelli will be at the Center on the second Thursday of every month at 10:30 am.  This is a free service with no appointment necessary.

FOOD PANTRY

The food pantry is always in need of paper bags.  Please drop them off at the center and the bags will be taken over to the food pantry.

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AVAILABLE

If you are leaving on a trip some time soon or no longer have a photo ID you can stop by the City's Recreation Office at any time to get one.  The Recreation Department is located at 291 Kohler Street, and are available from 9:00am-5:00pm for this service.  These photo ID's are available for $10.00 and are good for two years.

POLICE LIAISON FOR OUR SENIOR COMMUNITY

The police liaison for seniors is Officer David Ray.  If you have any questions or concerns and would like to contact Officer Ray, his voice mail phone number is 692-2102 ext. 340.  The non-emergency phone number for the police department is 692-2121.

THE NORTH TONAWANDA INTER-CHURCH FOOD PANTRY
The Food Pantry is in need of volunteers, both men and women. If anyone is interested, please contact Bonnie Giamusso at 692-8552. The hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 12:45pm. They are closed most holidays and all weekends.
The food pantry is always in need of paper bags.  Please drop them off at the center and the bags will be taken over to the food pantry.

MESSAGE FROM THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
If you are in the process of, or planning to hire a contractor to do work inside and/or outside your home, and you reside in the City of Tonawanda, call Kevin Rank, the City's Building Inspector, at 695-1806. He can let you know whether the contractor has a current City of Tonawanda license and whether any complaints have been filed. Mr. Rank recommends that you get three estimates before you decide. DO NOT BE PRESSURED. Take the time to check out the contractor.

LIONS CLUB

We are collecting old eye glasses and hearing aids for the Lions Club.  Please drop them off at the Center at any time.

SENIOR AND ENHANCED STAR EXEMPTIONS

Everybody Has Needs – Do the Right People Know What Yours Are?

GRANDPARENTS' RIGHTS PROGRAM

The Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western New York, Inc. has developed the Grandparents' Rights Program, a program funded by the Erie County Department of Senior Services. The Grandparents' Program represents seniors in family court on matters involving custody of minor children.

Seniors seeking assistance need not be a grandparent; he or she can be a great-grandparent, aunt, or other family member. However, since the funding for this program is derived from the Federal Older Americans Act, the senior must be 60 or older to be eligible for the services.

Further information on the Grandparents' Program is available at 853-3087.

 

We meet on the second Thursday of every month at 10am at the Sr. Center.  New members always welcome.

Contact Ann Gray at 693-3757 for more information.

Check back for more trips we are planning.

webmaster: coverholt@ci.tonawanda.ny.us