As we wrap up this very interesting and challenging year, we appreciate your continued understanding and support as we plan programs and make decisions in the best interest of public health. We acknowledge this year has proven to be very difficult for many, and our members have not been able to enjoy the usual in-person programs that we traditionally offer.
 
Although the past months presented all of us with a variety of obstacles, we want to take a moment to celebrate our successes! We discovered new ways to connect with one another utilizing technology such as Zoom and other virtual tools. We organized several outdoor activities on our patio such as health and wellness lectures and our first ever beach blanket boogie bingo. We distributed hundreds of shelf-stable meals to qualifying seniors. We introduced our new and improved bi-monthly e-newsletter with attention-grabbing videos, and we implemented a virtual bulletin board that is brimming with up-to-date community events and outreach services. We’ll continue to work hard to come up with ideas and innovations to stay connected and best serve you.
 
We encourage all members to continue to keep in touch with your Senior Center friends through technology and participate in our online and telephone activities. Senior Center staff are available by phone or email and we are always here to assist you.
 
In preparation for the holidays, please review the Ohio Department of Health Guide to celebrate safely and protect your loved ones. We wish you and your families a healthy and happy holiday season!
 
Jackie, Tiffany, Beth and Tim

Christmas Cookie Decorating

Have fun this holiday season with an easy pick-up and decorate Christmas cookie kit sponsored by O’Neill Healthcare. Call us at (440) 777-8100 before December 11 to make an appointment to pick up your cookie decorating kit on December 15 or 16 in the Senior Center lobby. The kit will consist of Christmas cookie mix and decorating accessories. Take pictures of your creations and email them to Beth at reitzb@north-olmsted.com so we may share your delicious works of art in our next newsletter.

Coping with the Holidays Virtual Program & Creative Craft

On Friday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. Holy Family Hospice, Palliative Care & Home Health Care will offer a virtual Zoom program (call in option available) along with a take home craft. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are grieving. This year, people may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the disruption of their normal festivities because of the pandemic. Join us to better understand the grieving process and learn new ways to cope this holiday season. The presentation will include an ornament kit for you to enjoy. The program will be presented by Erin Hout, M.ED, LPC and Carrie Nicholas, MSW, LSW. Please call us at (440) 777-8100 to register before December 11. Participation packets will include an ornament craft can be picked up by appointment beginning December 15.
 

Light up the Nights, North Olmsted!

Do you want to show off your decorating skills and help us spread some holiday cheer this season? The North Olmsted Arts Commission invites residents and businesses with amazing holiday displays to submit their property to be included on our holiday lights map. No photos are required, simply complete the online form by Sunday, December 6. We’ll be creating a very merry map that participants can use to self-tour the best and brightest holiday displays in town.
 

Virtual Christmas Light Tour

While you are waiting to enjoy all of the beautifully decorated houses that North Olmsted has to offer, please enjoy this amazing virtual light tour in neighboring Crown Pointe Parkway, Strongsville. This Festival of Lights has approximately 32,500 lights adorned on a single house. Also, the 30 displays of moving decorations include trains and a merry-go-round. Click here to get in the Christmas spirit!

Hot Lunch To-Go Fundraisers
This month the North Olmsted Senior Center will be offering lunches to-go on two dates. The take-out meals will be distributed to registered participants 55 years of age or older beginning at noon. We will be accepting cash or check donations. Please make checks out to: City of North Olmsted. Change for large bills will not be available. Registered participants will drive to the front of the building and a staff member will place the meal in the trunk of your car. Please make sure there is room in your trunk before you arrive. North Olmsted residents without transportation can have the meal delivered to their home.

• On December 8, Chef Linda Stallard from Emerald Village will be preparing a meal of chili, cornbread and dessert. This meal is sponsored by of Emerald Village. Meals are limited and registration is required and must be received before December 4. Call us at (440) 777-8100 to register for this meal.
• On December 15, Chef Stephanie Redman from Symphony at Olmsted Falls will be preparing a meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable blend, a dinner roll and strawberry shortcake. This meal is sponsored by Symphony at Olmsted Falls. Meals are limited and registration is required and must be received before December 11. Call us at (440) 777-8100 to register for this meal.

Food Distribution and Delivery Resources
There are a variety of meal delivery and grocery pickup options in our area. Individuals may also qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive food from our local food pantry and produce giveaway programs. Click here for information regarding food distribution and delivery programs. 

Seniors Strong Telephone Support Group: Coping with the Holidays
This telephone support group is designed to support mental health and well-being. The group meets weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Seniors Strong is facilitated by Bob Piovarchy, Licensed Professional Counselor with the Far West Center. In December the group will focus on holiday stress and coping with a COVID Christmas. Please call us at (440) 777-8100 to sign up and receive call in instructions.

TED Talk: Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid
Psychologist Guy Wench presents his compelling case for practicing emotional health. Guy believes we need to take care of our emotions and minds as diligently as we care for our bodies. Guys focuses on the effects of loneliness in this TED Talk. View the lecture here.

Winter Walkers Program
Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. beginning on December 2, join Activities Coordinator Beth Reitz in staying active and healthy on North Olmsted Park’s new walking path. Walking in the winter can be good for your health. Certain studies show that people burn 34% more calories when they hike in cold weather than they do in more mild conditions. We will meet at the Senior Center and will be walking the south side of the walking path. You may walk ½ mile or 1 mile at each session, your choice. Call us at (440) 777-8100 to register by 12:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Read our outdoor program guidelines here.

Virtual Yoga with Shari
Join Shari for Virtual Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday. Seated Chair Yoga is at 9:30 a.m. and Standing Yoga is at 10:20 a.m. Pre-registration is required, so please call Shari at (216) 252-1398 or email flexwithshari@gmail.com to sign up for the month at no cost.

Geri-Fit Exercise Class with Carol Silvay
Join Carol Silvay for Geri-Fit exercise classes every Monday and Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Classes will take place at the North Olmsted Recreation Center. You will be screened upon arrival and you must wear a mask to enter the facility but masks are optional during class. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so call us at (440) 777-8100 to sign up. Cost is $10 per 4-week session.