May is Older Americans Month
Every May the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2021 is "Communities of Strength." In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in North Olmsted as friends, neighbors and businesses have found new ways to support each other. In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. The North Olmsted Senior Center recognizes the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities and talents share experiences through action, story or service we help build strong communities. And that’s something to celebrate! To learn more about Older Americans Month visit the Ohio Department of Aging website here. The North Olmsted Senior Center will be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day. Be sure to read our next e-news edition for fun and interesting facts about Memorial Day.

Happy Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 9 is Mother’s Day and we wish a very happy and healthy celebration to all. Out of the mouths of babes – when children are asked to answer specific questions about their mothers, you know the answers will be adorable! Watch this special Mother’s Day video here. Curious about the history of Mother’s Day? Read all about the inception of the holiday that honors our mothers here.

Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. On Saturday, May 1 tune into this year’s event and see pre-race Derby traditions the week of April 24 through May 1 here.

Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is an annual Mexican celebration that commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. More popularly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. You can learn more about this commemorative battle and annual celebration here. Break out the tortilla chips and turn your home into a Mexican fiesta as you celebrate in style using this easy to follow traditional Mexican guacamole recipe.

Honoring our Older Americans
Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. We celebrate the strength of older adults with special emphasis on the power of connection through their powerful stories. At 97 years young Shelia White explains how to stay resilient, watch her video and take notes! This month we recognize our group of centenarians at the North Olmsted Senior Center. George D., our eldest senior at the North Olmsted Senior Center, is 101 this year. Click here to find out the secret to “Longevity of Life” from several of our honored members.

Mother's Day Tribute | First Ladies Spill the Tea Zoom & Take Home Lunch
Join us for a virtual Zoom program Friday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. for a Mother’s Day Tribute, as we honor and learn about the First Ladies of the Unites States. Women in History is a local non-profit group that presents stories of notable American women from the past 400 years in costume and character. Join three First Ladies who have stepped out of time to sit down together for a cup of tea. Julia Grant, Ida McKinley and Florence Harding were all married to Presidents who were born in Ohio. Listen in on their conversation about their roles as First Ladies, wives and mothers in the White House. Stay tuned in and join the First Ladies live as they host a Q&A immediately following their program. A take home boxed lunch will be available for pick up between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. for all registered participants. Sponsored by Northwestern Healthcare Center. If you would like to participate in this virtual activity, call us at (440) 777-8100 and make your reservation before May 6.

Hot Lunch To-Go Fundraiser
The Senior Center will be offering lunch to-go on Tuesday, May 11 at 12:00 p.m. This month’s meal will consist of meatloaf, baked potato, vegetable and dessert. All of the women in attendance will also receive a special gift from our sponsor, O’Neill Healthcare, for Mother’s Day. The take-out meals will be distributed to registered participants 55 years of age or older beginning at 12:00 p.m. 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. This fundraiser lunch is sponsored by O’Neill Healthcare. Meals are limited, so call us at (440) 777-8100 to register before May 7.

Outdoor Music Bingo with Kenny G
On Thursday, May 20 at 12:30 p.m., Kenny G returns to the Senior Center for a fun interactive Music Bingo hour. Sweet treats for everyone is included! Note: This program will take place at the North Olmsted Senior Center Patio. You will be screened upon arrival and you must wear a mask until Bingo begins. Masks are optional during the event. Chairs will be pre-set 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing. Please bring your own water bottle and dress accordingly for this outdoor program. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so call the Senior Center at (440) 777-8100 to sign up by May 17. Please read our outdoor program guidelines here.

Virtual Bingo
Please join us May 13 and 27 at 1:00 p.m. for Virtual Bingo sponsored by Devoted Health. Chuck Cheton will host this event played every second and fourth Thursday of the month and you may access the game by computer or by phone. Bingo cards, chips and treat bags will be provided and you may set up an appointment for pickup when you call to register. The computer link and phone number for the game will be on a flyer in your to-go bags. Prizes will be awarded! All prizes must be picked up prior to the next Bingo game session. Please call (440) 777-8100 to sign up by May 12 for the first session.

Book Club
Book Club discussion will take place on Friday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m. For May’s Book Club, we are reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Thanks to Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter. Inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere—even back home. This book will be available for scheduled pick up for participants who call and register for the May Book Club. Activities Coordinator Beth Reitz will contact you with the phone number to join the meeting the week before. O’Neill Healthcare is sponsoring this program.

On Monday, May 3 at 10 a.m., Jackie Chavez-Anderson will guide participants in a 20-minute meditation session. This program will be accessible by conference call to registered participants. Please contact the Senior Center at (440) 777-8100 to register for this relaxing activity.

Wednesdays Walkers

Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. join our ambitious group of walkers in staying active and healthy on North Olmsted Park’s new walking path. 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
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. She is now offering Strength and Stretch classes in addition to her regularly scheduled Chair Yoga classes. Classes are free for SilverSneakers members and $2.00 for non-members. Your first class is always free. Pre-registration is required, so please call Shari at (216) 252-1398 or email flexwithshari@gmail.com to sign up for the month and for more information.
 

Geri Fit: New Session May 3 through May 28

Join Carol Silvay for Geri-Fit exercise classes every Monday and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Note: classes will take place at the North Olmsted Senior Center Patio. You will be screened upon arrival and you must wear a mask until class begins. Masks are optional during class. Chairs will be pre-set 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing throughout the class. Please bring your own water bottle and dress accordingly for this outdoor program. Before class, please review the North Olmsted Senior Center COVID-19 Program Guidelines for Outdoor Activities here. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so call the Senior Center at (440) 777-8100 to sign up. Cost is $20 per 4-week session payable to the instructor.

Avon Lake Eagles

The Avon Lake Redwood Elementary School has set up 24-hour cameras in their local eagles’ nest. The locally famous eagles, Stars and Stripes recently had three baby eaglets! Watch the babies grow as their majestic parents take turns caring for and feeding them. Visit their YouTube channel here. If you would like to visit their nest in person, please remember that visitors are not permitted during school hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Find Your Path

The Cleveland Metroparks recently debuted their new mobile app. Explore trails, attractions and hidden gems! Plan your visit to Cleveland Metroparks and explore over 300 miles of trails across 18 reservations. Use the wayfinding and attractions view to find a new location to visit or the calendar to attend an event. Download the app here.

The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades! Jackie shares important Senior Center information with a personal letter to our e-news subscribers. Read her announcement here.