SCC Newsletter

February 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Memrick

Meet Julie! She's a magnetic member. She's a valuable volunteer. She makes us smile. We're so glad she's here to spread laughter and love throughout our organization. Please enjoy this Q&A to learn more about her, and connect if you also enjoy writing or a good laugh or just like being in the presence of a fun and fascinating human.


 Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been volunteering with Senior Community Connections?

 

I am 66 years old, single, child-free and retired. I grew up in rural upstate New York and am happy to call myself a North Carolina semi-native since moving here 40 years ago. I joined SCC in 2021 and started volunteering in 2022. As I plan for my future, I see the benefits of joining an organization that will help me age in place. My brothers and I cared for our dad in his own home until his death 6 years ago. That experience and the plight of nursing home residents during the pandemic greatly influenced my desire to take all the steps necessary to continue to live in my home for as long as I can. I remembered reading about the Davidson Village Network throughout my career at Davidson College. I was happy when I made my first inquiry in 2021, I found then Membership Director, Beth Quinn, on the other end of the phone. Beth warmly welcomed me into the organization. I was pleased to know I could join the organization even though I lived in Mooresvile. I am now 66 years old and it’s important to me to invest in an organization that will hopefully support me through to my final days.

 

What drew you to volunteer with Senior Community Connections?

 

Volunteer Director, Ellen Giduz, was instrumental in supporting my decision to give back to the organization as a volunteer. She answered all my questions and never pressured me to do more than what felt right to me. I appreciated the due diligence the organization takes to ensure volunteers are fully screened and trained.

 

What motivates you to give back to the community?

 

My volunteer hours are my contribution to the continued success of SCC. I know there are no guarantees, but I am banking on this organization still going strong well into the year 2050 -- when I plan to turn 93!

 

What's your favorite thing about volunteering at SCC?

 

Sharing a laugh and an air hug with members who value my time and effort on their behalf.

 

Besides hanging out with our fabulous SCC Members, what do you like to do for fun?

 

I like elephant jokes, tea parties and good conversation with friends and family. Email me at juliememrick@gmail.com for the latest joke.

 

If you were on a deserted island, what three items would you take?

 

A mirror to signal my rescuers, a ton of Godiva chocolate and plenty of soap.

 

What would you say to someone who's thinking of volunteering with SCC?

 

Take a chance, the life you save may be your own.




If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we have many opportunities available. Please reach out to us via email at seniorslkn@gmail.com or visit our website HERE!

 

Upcoming Events

Save the Date for Senior Community Connections's First Annual Shamrock Stroll and Festival on March 16, 2024! This will be a family event held in Downtown Davidson!



More details coming soon! If you or someone you know may be interested in sponsoring our event, please email us at seniorslkn@gmail.com.

Partner Events


Wise Aging Meditation Circle - Connect to a supportive community that shares real talk about aging; the challenges, the joys, and finding meaning on the journey.


With guidance from an experienced educator and aging specialist, Laurie Walker, you will receive tools and practical suggestions for navigating your aging journey: through mindfulness practices, meditations, and activities that lead you to a better understanding of how to age with wellness.


The circle meets each Tuesday from 10:15 am to 11:15 am EST on Zoom. This community is free and open to all.


Contact Laurie HERE to register.



Mindfulness for the Winter Blues- Let Go of Stress and Find Warmth with Mindfulness practices. Less daylight and colder temperatures can significantly affect our moods. Join Meditation Teacher, Laurie Walker, for a three-week series of Mindfulness practices to cultivate resilience, relieve anxiety, and treat yourself with compassion when we could all use a bit more warmth and light. Come and light your inner fire - you are greater than the stress! 

Classes meet on Zoom February 8, 15 and 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Members, please contact Laurie HERE to register.

Non-members can register for Mindfulness for the Winter Blues HERE



In-Person Book Club at Davidson Library- Join us on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm for The In-Person Davidson Branch Book Club! This month we will be discussing The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer.Register HERE.


Music at St. Alban's- On Sunday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m., Music at St. Alban’s (M@SA) will present an inspiring and engaging concert by the Bechtler Ensemble as they shine a spotlight on women composers. Cellist Tanja Bechtler and her ensemble (violinist David Russell and pianist Emily Urbanek) will perform music of women composers as well as lesser-known gems from the 20th and 21st centuries.


The concert will be preceded by a young artists performance at 2:20 p.m. featuring piano students of Cynthia Lawing.


The concert will be available via live streaming. For information about that option and tickets, visit www.musicatstalbansdavidson.org. This event is made possible in part with funding from the ASC and support from WDAV. News of Davidson is our media partner. M@SA is a 501[c]3 non-profit organization.



Northern Regional Recreation Center-

Senior Fitness Exercise Classes- FREE

Flex & Stretch- Mon & Wed 10am

Balance Interval Training- Tues & Thurs 9am

High-Intensity Interval Training- Tues & Thurs 10am

Cardio Fit- Monday & Wednesday 11:15am

Chair Yogo- Tues & Thurs 11:15am

Chair Aerobics- Tues & Thurs 11:15am

Line Dancing- Wed 12:45 & Fri 11:15am

Wellness Orientations- Free- Shedule an appointment with a fitness staff member to learn about the fitness equipment. Front desk can help schedule a wellness orientation.

Arts/Crafts/Hobbies

Culture Blocks: Clayworks Workshop- Fri 2/23 10-11am #148546- FREE

Knottie Ladies Blanket Project- Com tie blankets to donate to charity. No experience required, we will teach you! Mon 2/19 10-11am- FREE

Resin Art- Come out to learn the basics of resin art. Pre registration required. Wed 2/28 3-4PM FREE

The Sketch Club- Come and sketch with us! We meet att the high-top tables in the lobby! This is a self-directed program, no instructor, and bring your own supplies. Every Tuesday 1-3pm

Social and Games

Black History Bingo- 2/k7 10-11:30am FREE

President Trivia- Mon 2/19 10-11:30am FREE

Bingo- Thursdays 1:15-2:45PM

Newbies Mah Jongg Lessons, Mondays 1-3pm

Thorowback Television- watch gameshows an sitcoms from the 50s and 60s. Free on Tues and Thurs 0-10:30am

Nature

Garden Free Time- Wed 2-3:30pm; Thurs 1-2:30pm FREE

Environmental Topics- Learn about relevant nature/environmental topics from staff and guest speakers. Thursdays 9-10am FREE

Gardening for the Piedmont- Tuesdays 2-3pm FREE

Literacy, Wellness & Self Help

Book Club- Feb 2/13 @ 1-2PM- symphony of Secrets by Brendon Slocumb (must have your own copy of the book)

Tasty Tuesdays- Open to first 30 participants to arrive. Come and learn about the nutritional value and taste of healthy food and/or drinks that you may be familiar with. We will present nutritional information and provide a sample. 2/6 and 2/20 12-12:30pm FRE

SENIOR LIVING

Raspberry Bri Bites

(from Toast of the New Year event)

Submitted by: Andrea McRorie- Volunteer Director


Athens Phyllo Shells, in the frozen section 

1 wheel of brie, rind removed

Raspberry Preserves (my favorite brand is Bonne Maman)

-----------

Cut brie into bite size pieces, big enough to fill the phyllo cups about 3/4 of the way


Add a small dollop of raspberry preserves on top


Cook at 350 until cheese is melted, which will be about 5 - 10 minutes, depending on oven cooking times



Do you have a recipe to share? A book recommendation? A life hack or tip? Please share your ideas with us. We would love to include your favorite recipe or the latest good read with our readers in an upcoming newsletter! Please email us at seniorslkn@gmail.com.


GET INVOLVED


We could not operate without the tremendous support from our volunteers, community partners and donors. Below are ways you can get involved.

Become a Volunteer

Would you be available to drive a member to an appointment or join them on a walk? No ongoing commitment necessary, just volunteer as you are able. Reach out by emailing seniorslkn@gmail.com or visit our website HERE!


Join the Leadership Team

We are looking for passionate members of the community to join us in our next season of SCC. Email us with your area of interest such as social events or memberships at seniorslkn@gmail.com

GIVE TODAY

Thank you to our generous donors!


Bill and Ellen Giduz

Hugh and Brenda Barger

Willis Family Foundation

Peninsula Community Foundation

David Barry

Beth Quinn

Ann Crockett

Molly Toll Reed

Nancy Bondurant

Albert Wilegard

Kelli Rogers

William Kelley

Luke Charde

Willis Family Foundation

The Reeb Family

Rotary Club of Davidson

Davidson Turkey Trot

Caroline and Mariano Doble

Mary Anne Hammond

Senior Community Connections
PO Box 327 Davidson, NC 28036
980-689-1843
Connect with us
Facebook  Instagram