We will be heading over to the Regional Farmer’s Market in Syracuse for our last trip of the season on Thursday, October 8 at 1 p.m. This is your chance to get the best local produce of the season. Mike Washo will join us to provide assistance with selections and recipes. See Jane to sign up.

RUSTY RAIL DINNER THEATER

Prepare for another entertaining evening as we dine heartily on a fabulous feast at our favorite local dinner theater featuring the comedy production of “Maid to Order” on Thursday, October 29. The van will leave the Center at 6:30 p.m. The outing is free for Oneida Elders. If space permits, others may join us at their own expense. To sign-up, see Jane with your $20 deposit.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDESS

Here are some tips from the Oneida Nation Health Department staff to help you prepare for flu season:

1. Make sure to get your flu shot as soon as they become available. Also, ask your provider if you are eligible for the pneumonia vaccination as well.

2. The H1N1 vaccination is not recommended for the 65+ age group. It is believed that the elder generation has natural immunities due to past swine flu events.

3. If anyone in your family is ill, encourage them to remain in their own home in order to prevent the spread of illness.

4. Wash your hands often, get lots of rest, eat right and try to incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine. The healthier you are, the more likely you will be resistant to illness and/or to get through an illness more successfully.

5. Stocking up on non-perishable supplies is always a good emergency plan as well. Have a flashlight with new batteries, have a first aid kit handy with your regular medications available (a two week supply is good), Tylenol and other over-the-counter meds.

6. Place blankets, water and your emergency supplies is a location of easy access.

FALL FOLIAGE TRAIN TRIP

On Wednesday, October 7, plan on an adventure filled day as we board the Adirondack Railroad for a picturesque ride to Old Forge. We hope to hit the peak of the spectacular colors of autumn as we journey through the Adirondacks. Our four hour stop-over in Old Forge will include lunch at Van Auken’s Inne and ample time for shopping. The trip is free for Oneida Elders. If space permits, others may join us at their own expense. To sign up, see Jane with your $20 deposit.

FLY CREEK CIDER MILL

An autumn trip to the Fly Creek Cider Mill, a historic, water-powered cider mill on the banks of Fly Creek, is schedule for Tuesday, October 20. The mill has been pressing fresh, sweet cider for 153 years. Elders can experience the mill marketplace's daily tasting of over 40 specialty foods including fresh mill-made fudge, cave-aged cheddar cheese, salsa, apple wines and hard ciders. Tour the mill and relax on the mill pond observation deck and watch the ducks frolic in the pond. We will enjoy lunch in picturesque Cooperstown before returning to Oneida. The trip is free for Nation members. If space permits, other may join us at their own expense. To reserve your seat on the bus, which will leave the Center at 9 a.m., see Jane with your $20 deposit.

APPLE PIE CONTEST

This years’ banner apple crop has provided our seasoned bakers with delicious juicy apples to transform into tantalizing homemade pies. Our annual apple pie contest is set for Friday, October 9 at 1 p.m. All entries must have 2 homemade crusts, be made with fresh apples, baked in a 9” or 10” glass or ceramic pie plate and accompanied by the written recipe. All pies must be delivered to the Center no later than noon on contest day.

As most of you are aware by now, our Activities Specialist, Barb Armstrong has retired from the Elders Program. Throughout the past five years, Barbara has provided outstanding activities and fabulous outings for program participants. From décor to menus to venues, Barbara consistently delivered only the best for our Elders. We wish her the best in her future endeavors and heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful memories her marvelous programs and activities provided.

During this period of transition, we ask your patience while we curtail some activities due to Barb’s position being vacant. October highlights include a fall foliage train ride to Old Forge, our 8th annual apple pie contest, a dinner theater performance at the Rusty Rail and a trip to the Fly Creek Cider Mill. Call Jane to sign-up for these trips. Be sure to check the rest of this newsletter and check the calendar for more detailed information on activities or call the office at (315) 829-8133 or 1-800-685-6115 if you have any questions or suggestions.

ONEIDA NATION COUNCIL

Ray Halbritter

Keller George

Chuck Fougnier

Brian Patterson

Pete John

Clint Hill

Dale Rood

Beulah Green

Kim Jacobs, Commissioner of Nation Administration