Active Aging: April is a month for renewal—personally and at SASC

by Stacey Mason

I am, like many of you, looking forward to “real spring.” Real spring—in contrast with “fake spring” when a random 70-degree day shows up in March followed by 30 degrees, again! I want consistent sunshine, moderate temps, and flowers!

For me, spring often brings to mind a new chance. Almost more so than January 1. We see the flowers popping up, bigger buds sticking out on the tips of branches, birds nesting on outside light fixtures (even after I admonish them yearly!), and spending more time outside. It can feel to many Michiganders as if we are waking with the hibernating bears.

Thank you!

At the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), we have also experienced some renewal action this winter. We received some pretty amazing donations in the past few months. I’d like to thank Tom over at Specialty Satellite for his generous donation of a large new television, including installation! Also, a shout out to Barb, the manager at the South Side Dollar General for her donation of syrup, milk, and orange juice for our recent pancake breakfast. In addition, we want to thank Heather Armstrong and her husband for donating sausage and grilling it. I don’t want to miss anyone, so let me add the following for all they’ve done in recent weeks to keep us running: all of our committed board members (Dan, Daryl, Alexa, Gene, Richard and Mark), Betti and Ed Wetherall, Kathleen and Richard Mullins, Laura Loomis, Mary Schwark, and administrative assistant Lisa Cornish. A big thank you to Stockbridge National Honor Society students who assisted the entire day of our pancake breakfast. A super group of young people!

Upcoming activities—it takes a village

We have so many activities coming up and could use even more help. We are currently recruiting a new board member to serve as treasurer. If you feel this is a good fit for you, call us at 517-480-0353 or send an email to sasc.president@stockbridgeareaseniors.org.  On May 4, you can expect to see SASC on the Stockbridge square selling hot dog lunches to the motorcycle riders coming through town that day. We’ll have signs posted, so stop by and say “Hi!”

May is also our big membership bonanza where we renew memberships and welcome new folks to our center. Have you seen the fun our members have had in recent weeks? You can find us on Facebook and at www.stockbridgeareaseniors.org. In August we’ve scheduled our very first golf outing. We are seeking golfers as well as donations for swag bag items for 144 bags. Items such as lip balm, sunscreen, golf tees, golf balls, etc. We are also in need of fun items for a silent auction taking place during our golf tournament.  Our tournament is happening at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Pleasant Lake. You can find more information on our Facebook page and website. If you’re very interested in golfing and planning such things, we need you on our golf committee. Please contact Stacey at 989-494-8213 if you have been waiting for the perfect time to volunteer. The time is NOW!

Renewal for us at SASC means focusing first on members, then on community, and equally on sustainability. We have made many plans for this year, and we hope all of you will come along for the ride. It’s going to be a great one! Let me end with an inspirational springtime quote:

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair.” — Susan Polis Schutz

April signals renewal. At SASC, that means focusing first on members, then on community, and equally on sustainability. Photo credit: Olivllr Wang on unsplash.com