Summer is in full swing with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for our Elders to enjoy. “On the Road Again” could be our theme song as we take to the road for blueberry picking, miniature golfing, the farmers market, a boat cruise and Christmas shopping in July. If being indoors with air conditioning is more your summer style, join us for lunch and a class in line dancing, painting, senior chair yoga or ceramics. 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.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

During certain emergencies, you may have to turn off your water, electric or gas. To be prepared for this situation, you should locate the water, electric, and gas shut off valves within your home. Keep the necessary tools near each of the shut off valves to ensure fast shut offs. If you need help in locating the shut off valves within your home, contact your landlord or your utility supply vendor. Remember that a quick response in an emergency situation can save your life.

ANNUAL RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE

Coming soon is our 4th annual rummage and bake sale! Mark your calendars for Friday, August 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for our annual sale. We are asking everyone to support the event by contributing any saleable items (no clothing, please) to the Center at least one week in advance. We also need our great bakers to donate homemade baked goods including cookies, pies, cakes and breads for the occasion. Of course, there is always a need for volunteers and we will gladly accept any help offered.

HEALTHY GRILLING WITH MIKE WASHO

Grilling with Mike Washo is another summer tradition that our Elders always look forward to. Expect a wonderful choice of nutritious and delicious entrees on the menu when Mike dons his apron and picks up the grilling utensils. Be sure to sign-up early as there are limited reservations for this class. Mike will fire up the grill on the patio on Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m.

MINIATURE GOLFING

Miniature golfing continues to be another summer favorite that is on the docket for July. We will be traveling to Cicero to enjoy Big Don’s Wild River Mini-Golf on Thursday, July 23 at 5 p.m. A quick stop at Nicky Doodles is also planned for evening supper. Be sure to dress for an evening in the great outdoors!

OUTLET SHOPPING

Christmas shopping in July is something the Elders look forward to so they can get a jump on their holiday shopping. The bus for the Waterloo Premium Outlets will be departing the Center at 8 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, July 15. Upon arrival in Waterloo, the travelers will make their traditional breakfast stop at Magee’s Diner for a hearty meal. Then it is off to do their extensive shopping at the many designer outlet stores. The trip is free for Oneida Elders. Space permitting, others may join us at their own expense.

BOAT CRUISE

A tour of Paul deLima Coffee Company and a luncheon boat cruise are scheduled for Wednesday, July 22. The bus will depart the Center at 9:30 a.m. for Cicero, where we will have several varieties of coffee to sample. After the tour, an afternoon of tranquility is planned as we board the newly reconstructed “Mystere” on Oneida Lake. The sightseeing tour will include a hot catered luncheon. A $20 refundable deposit will hold reservations for Oneida Elders. Space permitting, others may join us at their own expense.

BLUEBERRY PICKING

Blueberry picking at North Star Orchard with the kids from the Early Learning Center is on the horizon as the summer continues to heat up. The van will depart early Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. on July 24 for Westmoreland. The school-aged children will be ready, willing and able to help the Elders out with the berry picking.

FARMER'S MARKET TOUR

Join Nutritionist Mike Washo at the Regional Farmer’s Market in Syracuse on Thursday, July 2 for a lesson on picking the best fruits and vegetables this summer. Mike will even share some cooking techniques and recipes. The van will leave the Center at 1 p.m.

PROGRAM MEETINGS: Tuesday, July 7 and Monday, July 13 at 12:45 p.m.