November activities, member ‘Takes 10,’ and center director bids a fond farewell

by Stacey Mason

Upcoming SASC activities

At noon on Wednesday, Nov. 19, the Stockbridge Area Senior Center will be holding our free Community Thanksgiving meal (donations are always welcome). At the same time, we will be hosting a craft sale featuring items made by the members of the SASC. A few items to look for: Christmas ornaments, soup mix in a jar, dish scrubbies, bows for decorating or gifts, and more! Come out for a great meal, fellowship, and to shop for the holiday. We can’t wait to see you!

Bob Cunningham ‘Takes 10’

This month the Stockbridge Area Senior Center is featuring member Bob Cunningham, who agreed to answer 10 “What’s Your Take” questions in order for all to get to know him better.

1. Do you drink coffee, tea, or something else in the morning?
   Bob: Coffee in the morning and all day! I’ll leave here and go home and have more coffee.
2. What’s one thing you own you should throw away?
   Bob: Old clothes! I have some of my dad’s I need to get rid of.
3. Do you prefer apples or oranges?
   Bob: Apples, they taste better.
4. What’s your earliest memory?
   Bob: Playing in the yard at about 4 years old.
5. What’s the best sandwich?
   Bob: Peanut butter and jelly.
6. What’s your favorite memory?  
   Bob: Catching fish at around 7 years old and playing in a nearby creek.
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
   Bob: Ireland. The pictures look pretty.
8. What’s your favorite smell?
   Bob: Vicks VapoRub. I rub a cream on my wife’s arthritis, and it smells just like Vicks. I love it!
9. What’s the scariest animal?
   Bob: Grizzly bears. I wouldn’t want to run into one!
10. What do you love most about the Stockbridge Area Senior Center?
    Bob: The people! I enjoy all the different people.

Next time you stop in the center, you’ll find Bob and his wife, Anne, right near the coffee. Both are great center members, always sharing jokes and a smile. Take a look at the SASC Facebook page and you’ll spot a nice picture of Bob with his wife, Anne!

On a personal note

As of Oct. 31, I am done as the director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. I took this position just over a year ago. Although I knew full well it was a deep pay cut from what I was used to, it sounded both challenging and fun. At the time, my husband and I agreed to give it a year and then evaluate the impact on our finances. Unfortunately, we took more of a hit than expected.

I have loved my time at the Senior Center! The members, staff, and board of directors are all wonderful people. I discovered this town is FULL of wonderful people who are always trying to do a whole lot! Kudos to each one of you!

I want to make one last personal appeal for donations to the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. This center is vital for our older adults and their families. I’ve had multiple members tell me how grateful they are to have a place to socialize, eat a good meal, and get resources. Please find it in your heart to make a year-end donation of $25, $50, $100, or more. The center needs the community’s support to sustain operations.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed me and helped me be the best director possible!

Stacey Mason was 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. You can also find SASC at facebook.com/StockbridgeAreaSeniors.