Senior Center hosted a busy—and delicious—Community Open House

by Dana Blaszkowski

Stockbridge Area Senior Center opened doors, set up a tent, and extended a warm welcome to the community on Saturday, September 23. The Center’s Engagement Committee planned and carried out a great day of fun, food and music.

SASC member Patrick Carbary brought his smoker to the center and made plenty of delicious pork for all. Volunteers prepared baked beans and coleslaw. Great Lakes Baker, LLC, and Lakehouse Bakery provided cake and cookies for dessert.

Chris Rebescher of Rose City Harmonica Group strolled the party playing Name that Tune with guests. Those who identified her songs were treated to a candy bar. Jack Falk played guitar and sang favorites enjoyed by the crowd. Kathy McClinchey led her Bluegrass Pickers group of great musicians with toe-tapping classics and guests happily sang along.

SASC held their first Silent Auction at the Community Open House. Multiple tables of donated items were set up in the Center’s Activity Room. Handmade quilts shared by members, families, and friends adorn the walls and provided a beautiful and interesting backdrop for the guests to take in. Silent Auction items came from generous local and regional businesses.

There were handmade treasures from our members and the community and delicious baked goods to auction, too. The bidding helped add fun and excitement to an afternoon of friends, family and food! All proceeds earned through the auction and donations received at the Community Open House will directly benefit older adults and our community through continued growth and enrichment provided at Stockbridge Area Senior Center.

This was the first event to introduce the Center’s new Administrative Assistant, Kenny Minger. Kenny is a Stockbridge native who has been getting to know members at SASC for months. He has provided his technical services as a volunteer at SASC’s Tech Tuesdays. He is a welcome addition to the staff and a huge asset to continued growth and development. Kenny helped assure the event ran smoothly and could be found meeting guests and taking care of needs with a smile, all day long.

Stockbridge Area Senior Center is open each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 2pm. Lunch is served at the Center at noon, by Tri County Office on Aging, for dine in or carry out. Members and guests enjoy BINGO for fun and prizes most afternoons. In addition, SASC offers a variety of movement and exercise classes, held each day they are open. Check the calendar for creative art and craft class opportunities. Educational presenters bring topics of interest to our community. Talented performers provide enrichment with live music, storytelling and more. Speakers bring important information to SASC on relevant wellness and resource topics. Trivia and Book Discussions are sponsored and provided by Stockbridge CADL.

All older adults in our community and surrounding areas are welcome and encouraged to come in and meet friends, the members, volunteers and staff at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center.

For more information, visit www.stockbridgeareaseniors.org, call 517-480-0353, or email sasc49285@gmail.com

All photos by James Clark-Swalla, Digital Crumbs Photography

Stockbridge Area Senior Center extended a warm welcome to the community at its Open House on Saturday, September 23.

The Open House featured a silent auction in the Senior Center’s Activity Room, which was decorated with handmade quilts shared by members, families, and friends.

Volunteers prepared baked beans and coleslaw for hungry Open House attendees. Great Lakes Baker, LLC, and Lakehouse Bakery provided cake and cookies for dessert.

SASC member Patrick Carbary brought his smoker to the center and prepared plenty of delicious pork for all.

Kathy McClinchey led the Bluegrass Pickers who played toe-tapping classics for the crowd.

Jack Falk played guitar and sang favorites enjoyed by the crowd.