by Stacey Mason

The Stockbridge Area Senior Center is now regularly spotlighting a senior center member in the newspaper and online. We’ve created a ten-question quiz we’re calling, “What’s Your Take?”

We’re kicking off this new quiz approach with SASC member Mary Schwark. Mary is one of many volunteers who keep our center organized and running smoothly.  When you stop in the center, you can usually count on seeing her at our reception desk with a warm smile.

Mary Schwark Takes 10:

1. Do you prefer coffee, tea, or something else in the morning? Coffee.
2. What is one thing you own you should throw away? Yarn! I have too much yarn!
3. Do you prefer apples or oranges? Apples have a better texture.
4. What’s your earliest memory? I think I was around three, living in Detroit. I remember seeing ice on the windows, and we could not play outside.
5. What is the best sandwich? Bologna with onion, mustard, on bread. The second best is egg salad.
6. What is your favorite memory? My Mom and Dad’s twenty-fifth anniversary party. All of us kids pitched in for a silver set, and Mom was super happy. I liked seeing her happy.
7. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you want to go? I’d love to see the country of Ireland.
8. What is your favorite smell? I love the smell of fresh air in the morning while I sit and drink my coffee.
9. What is the scariest animal? A mountain lion, I’d hate to run into one in the woods.
10. What do you love most about the Stockbridge Area Senior Center? I love all the people! I love talking together, hearing everyone’s stories. Our backgrounds are different, and everyone is so interesting.

Mary is one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. When we decided to expand our services by opening on Mondays, Mary immediately agreed to volunteer the extra day. She supports all of our fundraising efforts, whether it’s sharing our online posts, contacting friends and family, or working at the event. Mary has a warm and inviting presence, and is always welcoming new members with open arms. This lovely lady has stated more than once how grateful she is for the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. According to Mary, before becoming a member, she was isolating at home with nothing much to do.

We are so happy Mary found us! She has become so vital to our ongoing success. We’ll miss her if she ever decides to retire—again!

If you’re over 50 years old, we’d love to have you stop in to meet our great SASC members (like Mary!) and take a few minutes to check out our fantastic center! We are continually adding activities and presentations to our calendar.

This month is vital as it’s the beginning of Medicare open enrollment. All Medicare beneficiaries should review their plans as they change from year to year. Stop by on Oct. 22, at 12:30 p.m. to hear from Sue Thurma of the Tri-County Office on Aging as she explains upcoming changes to Medicare coming in 2026. We can’t wait to see you!

Stacey Mason is the director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC)—a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480- 0353 for information.