Medina Senior Center welcomes more members to enjoy camaraderie

Rummage sale today and Saturday in fundraiser

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Playing cards is a popular activity for members of the Medina Senior Center. Playing euchre here on a Friday are, clockwise from left, Dorothy Casey of Medina, Dick Preston of Albion, Larry Morgott of Medina and Judy Fischer of Middleport. Behind Casey is Tom Fenton of Medina.

MEDINA – Senior Citizens of Western Orleans is inviting all seniors to consider the benefits of becoming a member. Whether it’s just something to occupy their time, enjoying camaraderie or volunteering at one of their fundraisers, the Medina Senior Center offers it all.

Located on West Avenue, across from the Medina Railroad Museum, the Medina Senior Center is where seniors can join in playing cards, enjoy a meal, work on a jigsaw puzzle or help with the various fundraisers planned throughout the year.

Cost of membership is $10 a year. In addition to collecting membership dues, director Kelly Shaw of Gasport plans several fundraisers to help pay the bills. This includes a money raffle, two basket raffles, two rummage sales and a chicken barbecue every year.

The last rummage sale of this year is today and Saturday, and support from the community, as usual, is unbelievable, according to Shaw. People start bringing in their rummage months before each sale and the variety of merchandise never fails. There are the usual clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, housewares, gifts and holiday items, but always an assortment of unique items. This time Kelly said they have a panini maker, portable sewing machine and a car seat, among the unusual items.

“I really appreciate that people keep us in mind when they have to clean out a loved one’s home or get rid of stuff,” Shaw said.

The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. From noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, everything will be “fill a bag for $5.”

The Senior Center is now selling tickets on its next fundraiser, a chicken barbecue on Oct. 12. Chicken will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., drive thru or eat in. The Wiedner family from Eden, who have been in the barbecue business since the 1950s, will cook the chicken.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the center during regular hours of 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. on Friday.

In addition to euchre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, pinochle on Wednesday and Thursday when there are enough interested players and exercise classes on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., there are dinner meetings the second Monday of each month. Meals alternate between potluck, catered and prepared at the center. Cost is $8. There is often a speaker or entertainment after meetings and raffles for gifts and money every meeting.

On Monday and Tuesday mornings, free day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members.

The center also has a gift shop full of unique items, including a large assortment of jigsaw puzzles, jewelry and assorted giftware.

Being a member of the Senior Center is a wonderful way for seniors to spend a few hours a week, while meeting new people or old friends, Shaw said.

And parking is always ample and convenient.