The Communicator

Official Newsletter of the Senior Citizens of Romulus MAY 2014

Save the Date: Special Day for Seniors
The seventh annual Older Michiganians Day is Tuesday, June 3. This years theme is Healthy Aging Healthy Michigan. Seniors are invited to meet at the Romulus Senior Center at 36525 Bibbins Street, at 7 a.m. for a continental breakfast. Those interested are invited to travel by bus at 8:30 a.m. to the State Capital in Lansing to meet with elected officials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Michigans growing senior population will have a chance to urge officials to make policies and budget decisions that are senior-friendly. To reserve your seat or get more information, call The Senior Alliance by May 23 at (734) 722-2830.

Two barbecue lunches in May at the Romulus Senior Center

Two barbecue lunches will be served in May to visitors to the Romulus Senior Center. A free Mothers Day luncheon will be served at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9. Corpore Sano Home Health Care will provide the food, including barbecue chicken, fattoush and hummus. The meal will be cooked on site in the park behind the Senior Center. Romulus singer Stuart Kerr will entertain. Wayne County Commissioner Kevin McNamara will donate Detroit Tigers baseball game tickets as a prize at the luncheon. Please sign up at the front desk. A second free lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19. Judge David Parrott of the 34th District Court will host Lunch with the Judge on the Senior Center patio. The meal will feature hot dogs, macaroni salad, potato chips, fruit punch and ice cream. The event is open to all seniors. Please register at the front desk.

New in May: movie, manicures & painting

New programs and activities continue to be added to the schedule at the Romulus Senior Center. Linda Rodriguez will provide $8 manicures (including tip) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 just in time for Mothers Day. To make an appointment, call the center at (734) 955-4120. Seniors will travel to the Emagine Canton Theater on Tuesday, May 13, to see the movie Heaven is for Real. The bus will leave the center at 10 a.m. Admission is $5 for seniors, plus $1 for the round-trip bus ride. Sign up in advance at the front desk. Shanda Easterling will provide a free abstract painting class at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Senior Center. Students from the Romulus High School National Honor Society will assist. Register at the front desk.

DIA replica masterpieces in Romulus

Romulus seniors join Director Rose Swidan at a replica painting of A Day in June, by George Wesley Bellows, which has been installed outside the Romulus Senior Center, 36525 Bibbins Street. Reproductions of 10 classic paintings from the Detroit Institute of Arts have been installed in public places in Romulus. A bus will transport seniors from the Senior Center to all of the locations from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 23. Register at the front desk. Also, Romulus residents are invited to visit the DIA at no cost.

CLUB #1
May
May 6 Meeting Games Bag Lunch May 13 No Meeting Leons Rest. May 20 Meeting Games Bag Lunch May 27 Meeting Games Bag Lunch Club Birthday: May 24 Herbert Coates

BINGO!
Bingo is played at noon Mondays and Wednesdays at the Senior Center. The fee is 25 cents for two bingo cards. Thanks to our sponsors. Tendercare of Taylor will provide pizza and pop on Wednesday, May 7. Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring Bingo may contact Rose Swidan at (734) 955-4120.

Dates to Remember
Motor City Casino May 20 8:30 am Talk to the Lawyer May 22 1-2 pm Haircuts $5 May 19 10 am Commodities/ Focus Hope May 15 9:30 am Manicures May 7 10-3 Crochet Class May 12 10:30 am Ceramics Class May 19 Noon

Game Days and Exercise

Members of the Romulus Senior Center can play games and exercise throughout the week: Bingo is played at noon Mondays and Wednesdays. Bunco is played at noon Tuesdays. Pinochle and other games are played during Wednesday Fun Days. Game time is noon. Game Day is scheduled for noon Thursdays. Pokeno is played at noon Fridays. A stress-free chair exercise class begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays. To register, call the center at (734) 955-4120. Seniors who enjoy quilting and each others company gather at 6 p.m. Thursdays.

Candy Making, Ceramics & Crochet

Three free classes are offered to seniors: A Candy-Making Class is scheduled for noon Monday, May 5. A Crochet Class is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12. A Ceramics Class is scheduled for noon Monday, May 19. Classes have been scheduled due to requests by seniors. Each class will be held one day a month, depending on popularity. To register, call the Senior Center at (734) 955-4120 or visit the center.

Tigers on TV at Center
Seniors who are fans of the Detroit Tigers can gather in front of the television in the TV room near the main entrance of the Romulus Senior Center during daytime weekday games. Get into the spirit of the new baseball season during the following games: May 8 Home vs. Houston, 1:08 p.m. May 14 at Baltimore, 12:35 p.m. May 21 at Cleveland, 12:05 p.m. May 22 Home vs. Texas, 1:08 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group

Laura Rossow, caregiver support coordinator with The Information Center, provides a caregiver support class the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Romulus Senior Center, including this month on May 28. Anyone interested may attend the sessions. There is no registration fee.

MAY BIRTHDAYS
1 Darlene Hale 1 Mary Buck 4 Grace Harris 5 Darlene J Hale 5 RoseMathews Bland 7 Georgia Mclain 5 Nina Ozog 8 Mary Washington 8 Leondo Smith 9 Gerald Norman 9 Patrick Green 10 Pauline Hargis 10 Levern Hacket 10 Wyvonna Bujor 11 Geneva Hampton 12 Louise Kossel 12 Teddy Hall 12 Sanday Morales 12 Jerry Dumas 13 Susie Fuller 14 Betty Michling 14 Barb Hoth 15 Marilyn Tate 16 Jim Forth 17 Patricia Rohrbaugh 18 Jackie McClusky 18 Walley Gervis 19 Janet Epps 19 Nancy Crevier 19 Georgia Wachtel 19 Nancy Cribbs 19 Nancy Davison 20 Sylvia Dubisky 20 Yvonne Woodson 20 Leota McCraight 20 Evelyn Myers 20 Teri Hammac 22 Sybil Johnson 22 Helen Mate 22 Hannah Wilson 22 Barbara Schultz 22 Etheleen Johnson 23 Myra Jones 23 Ruby Richardson 24 Herb Coates 24 Marie Taylor 24 Maryann Ryznar 25 Carmelita Johnson 27 Etheleen Johnson 27 Jim Gibson 27 Sherly Windfeild 27 Robert Bissonnette 28 Johanna Hendrix-Quinn 29 Pat Noblett 29 Marion R Rose 29 Margarettta Grisamer 30 Evelyn Mujadin 28 Joann Hendricks 30 Marie Charles 30 W M A Lincoln 30 Peggy L. Gladyness 30 William Lincoln

Message from Mayor Burcroff

Greetings, seniors! If you visit the Romulus Senior Center on a regular basis, you may have noticed a vast increase in programming and activities for our communitys older residents. If you havent stopped by the Senior Center, I invite you to see what youve been missing. Director Rose Swidan and the Community Services Department have been working hard to carry out my goal to provide more opportunities for Romulus seniors. This month alone, the center will offer a new painting class, a new culinary class featuring a top chef, a new healthy eating class and newly organized trips to a movie theater, a restaurant of the month and all of the replica public art masterpieces placed in Romulus by the Detroit Institute of Arts. There will be two barbecue luncheons, affordable manicures and the new monthly birthday bash for all of you celebrating your special day in May. Rose has added walks for better health behind the Senior Center and at the Romulus Athletic Center. Our Recreation Department offers recreation for all ages. Julie Wojtylko coordinates yoga, Zumba and crafts at the Senior Center. All of these programs and activities are free or affordable. Have fun! Have a great spring! -- LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor

Easter Luncheon and Craft Show

The annual Easter Luncheon was held April 23 at the Romulus Senior Center. A great meal, lots of candy and plenty of friendly conversation were part of the afternoon. The day also featured an Arts and Crafts Show at the Senior Center. Here are some photos from the day. More photos can be found at the City of Romulus Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cityofromulus

Join us for the monthly Senior Center Birthday Bash

Celebrating a birthday in May? Visit the Romulus Senior Center at 11:45 a.m. Monday, May 19, for the monthly Birthday Bash. Seniors celebrated with Sandy Morales in April. Everyone enjoyed birthday cake, which was donated by Sams Club on Ford Road in Canton Township. Thanks, Sams!

Reminder: The Mothers Day Barbecue Luncheon May 9

Romulus Senior Center

36525 Bibbins, Romulus, Michigan 48174 (734) 955-4120 Mayor Senior Center Director Meals-On-Wheels LeRoy Burcroff Rose Swidan Kerry Vaughn Leota McCraight Rosalie Green Evelyn Koerber Betty Lenossi Karen Kusibab Leondo Smith Jesse Charles

Have a Question? Find an Answer Senior Resources

Prescription Assistance Information (734) 282-7177 Food Assistance/Wayne County Meals (734) 727-7357 Counseling & Substance Abuse (734) 729-9286 Department of Human Services (313) 277-4800 Care Management Family Resource (734) 282-7177

Bus Drivers Chore Services (CDBG)

City of Romulus
EMERGENCY: Dial 9-1-1 (Police)
Romulus Senior Center: (734) 955-4120 Mayors Office: (734) 942-7500 City Council: (734) 955-4506 City Clerks Office: (734) 942-7540 Treasurers Office: (734) 942-7580 Department of Public Services: (734) 955-7579

City of Romulus Website www.romulusgov.com City Cable Channels on Comcast: 12 & 18 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cityofromulus

Party Rooms for rent

The Romulus Senior Center is a great place to celebrate birthdays, baby showers, family reunions and wedding receptions. The beautiful banquet halls and facilities at the Senior Center are available for rent at very affordable rates. There are rooms that can hold up to 120 people. The rooms are available any day of the week. Bring your own caterer or make arrangements to use the Senior Center kitchen. Book early and tell your friends! For more details, please call the Senior Center at (734) 955-4120.

Healthy walk set for May 12

Join Senior Center Director Rose Swidan for a walk in the park behind the center starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 12. Rose will lead a healthy walk around the track. Romulus seniors also are invited to join in a free walking program from 11 a.m. to noon Fridays at the Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Road. Seniors meet at the RAC and walk on the upstairs track. Free bus transportation will be provided from the Senior Center at 11 a.m. each Friday, if requested. For more information on either walking program, call (734)955-4120.

Need food?
Low-income residents are eligible for free commodities each month at the Senior Center. A variety of food is provided by The Emergency Food Assistance Program of Wayne County Senior Services. This months food distribution begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 15. Romulus Senior Director Rose Swidan encourages anyone in need of food any time to contact the center at (734) 955-4120.

Chef to teach culinary class

Chef Walter Banks of Romulus High School will teach the next culinary class at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Romulus Senior Center. Those in class prepare the meal and then eat the meal for lunch. The fee depends on the menu for the day. Seniors enjoyed the April 9 class taught by Senior Center Director Rose Swidan. The class meal will be based on suggestions from seniors. Sign up at the Senior Center.

Hot meals daily

Please call the day before if you are interested in having lunch at the Romulus Senior Center: (734) 955-4120.

Closed for the day

The Romulus Senior Center and city offices will be closed for an unpaid city furlough day on Friday May 16, and for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Congratulations to the three seniors who finished 1-2-3 in the Wayne County Spelling Bee at the Romulus Senior Center. Vicky Martin took first place. Fannie Thomas was second. Marie Charles finished third. In the photo are Wayne County Executive Assistant Jakleen Ochalek (left), Marie, Vicky, Fannie and 34th District Court Judge David Parrott. Jakleens boss, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, provided lunch for the seniors. Judge Parrott served as spelling bee judge.

Free blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks will be provided at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, May 7 and 21, at the Romulus Senior Center. Thanks to Corpore Sano Home Health Care Inc. for the service.

Reserve your ticket today for the Senior Funfest

The 2014 Wayne County Senior Funfest is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Nankin Mills Picnic Area, located on Hines Drive south of Ann Arbor Trail. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The event is limited to those age 60 and older. There will be information tents, bingo and other activities, as organized by Wayne County Senior Services. A bus will transport interested Romulus seniors to the Funfest. To reserve a ticket and a spot on the bus, see Rose Swidan at the Romulus Senior Center by Friday, June 13, or call the center at (734) 955-4120.

Downriver Senior Olympics registration is under way

Registration is under way for the 29th annual Downriver Senior Olympics. Seniors representing the Romulus Senior Center can sign up to compete for medals in a baking contest, softball throw, bean bag toss, football throw, Frisbee toss, soccer kick, euchre, pickle ball, tennis, bocce ball, pinochle, horseshoes, billiards, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, car show, chili cookoff, golf, bridge, swimming, basketball shoot, dance contest, one-mile run and bowling. Registration closes June 27. The City of Taylor will host the 2014 Olympics. Events are scheduled for July 28-August 1 across the Downriver area, including swimming at the Romulus Athletic Center. See Romulus Senior Center staff for a registration form.

Household Hazardous Waste Day

The first Household Hazardous Waste Day sponsored by the Wayne County Department of Public Services is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Western Campus of Wayne County Community College District in Belleville. Residents of Romulus and other Wayne County communities are invited to participate. Only household-generated products will be accepted. For more information, call (734) 326-3936.

THANK YOU!

The Romulus Senior Center thanks City Treasurer Stacy Paige, Deputy Treasurer Tracy Leininger and Joe Ozog for all of the help that they provided to Romulus residents during tax season.

Trips for Romulus Seniors

Travel to Turkeyville, Turtle Creek, New York and Beyond
A trip to Turkeyville is scheduled for Friday, May 9. Enjoy Boogie Woogie Swing Time, a musical comedy tribute to our military forces of today and yesterday. The setting: Sgt. Davies is at the military hospital just miles from the front, where three nurses tend to his every need. The three ladies have stories to tell. Songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Star Spangled Banner, Dont Sit Under the Apple Tree, Sentimental Journey and more are included. A turkey meal is included with all the fixings, along with time for shopping at the bakery and other shops. The trip fee is $65 per person. An overnight trip to the Turtle Creek Casino Hotel is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. Spend a night at the hotel. There will be gambling stops at the Little River Casino and Soaring Eagle Casino. Travelers will receive up to $89 in casino incentives. The trip fee is $119 per person. An overnight trip to Niagara Falls is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Spend a night at the Fallsview Hilton Hotel in Canada, just a brief walk away from the Fallsview Casino. There will be gambling stops at Point Edward Casino in Canada and Seneca Casino in Niagara Falls, New York. The trip includes breakfast, luggage handling and $45 in casino incentives. A passport or enhanced license is required. The trip fee is $159 per person. A New York Shopping Spree Turnaround features 12 hours of nonstop shopping in the Garment District, China Town, Times Square, the Jersey Garden Mall (where you dont pay sales tax on clothing) and other locations. Departure date is Friday, June 27. Return date is Sunday, June 29. The trip sells out every year, so early booking is recommended. The trip fee is $119 per person. For more information, see Rose Swidan at the Senior Center.

Restaurant Club heading to Leons in Taylor

The Romulus Senior Centers Restaurant Club will enjoy lunch at Leons Restaurant in Taylor on Friday, May 30. Participating seniors will leave the Senior Center at 11 a.m. and travel by bus. There is a $2 charge for the bus ride. Each diner will be responsible for buying his or her own lunch. The Restaurant Club started in February. Buses have transported seniors to Cracker Barrel, the Romulus House and Fire Mountain. Those interested need to sign up at the center or call (734) 955-4120. Restaurant Club was suggested by seniors. If you have a suggested restaurant for the club, please tell the staff at the front desk of the center.

Seniors going to Detroit Tigers baseball games

A group from the Romulus Senior Center will attend the Detroit Tigers baseball games at Comerica Park on May 8 against the Houston Astros and on June 5 against the Toronto Blue Jays. A limited amount of tickets are available for $25 each. Each day includes round-trip bus transportation to the game from the Senior Center, starting at 11 a.m. For more information, visit the Senior Center at 36525 Bibbins or call (734) 955-4120 during business hours.

Casino Day Trips

A variety of casino day trips are offered in partnership with the Romulus Senior Center. Saturday, May 10: Fire Keepers Casino and the Wine Festival. The fee is $69. Monday, May 12: A day trip to Soaring Eagle Casino is scheduled, featuring the Peter Noone Show. The trip fee is $39 per person, but travelers receive up to $35 in casino incentives. Friday, May 30, and Thursday, July 17: Motor City Casino in the Morning. The fee is $24. Monday, June 4: Fire Keepers Casino and Bingo. The fee is $29. Mondays, June 9 and 23: Day trips to Caesars Windsor are scheduled. The trips feature five hours of gambling and $15 in casino incentives. Each trip fee is $10 per person. A passport or enhanced license is required. Wednesday, June 22: Greektown & River Day Festival. The fee is $24. Wednesday, June 22: Greektown Casino and Bingo. The fee is $24. Monday, July 14: Soaring Eagle Casino and Jimmy Sturr Polka. The fee is $39. Monday, July 19: Fire Keepers Casino and the Jackson Balloon Festival. The fee is $38.

Seniors monthly trip to the Motor City Casino is May 20

Romulus seniors are invited to visit Motor City Casino on Tuesday, May 20. A bus leaves the Senior Center at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per person. The casino provides $25 in credit upon arrival. Seats are limited.

Tickets available for shows at Detroit Fisher Theatre

Tickets will be available to the Detroit Fisher Theatre for Sister Act through May 4 and West Side Story May 13-18. For more details, see Romulus Senior Center Director Rose Swidan.

Clean Sweep Day is May 3

The City of Romulus annual Clean Sweep Day is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 3. The annual citywide spring cleaning allows volunteers to choose areas of the city to clean. Volunteers meet at the Romulus Senior Center, 36525 Bibbins, to coordinate areas to clean and receive trash bags and gloves. Bagels, donuts and coffee will be provided before we begin at the Senior Center, thanks to Waste Management. For more information, call (734) 955-4502.

Monday, July 21: The Point Edward Casino and Boat Ride. The fee is $55. Monday, August 18: Soaring Eagle and The Doo-Wop Show. The fee is $39. Wednesday, August 20: Hollywood Casino and Senior Buffet. The fee is $24. Tuesday-Thursday, August 26-28: Moutaineer Casino and Race Track. The fee is $199.
For more information, see Rose Swidan at the Senior Center.

Community gardens available

Community gardeners can sign up at the Romulus Senior Center to plant in one of 17 raised garden boxes outside the center, 36525 Bibbins. The boxes are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Planting will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. For more information, call the Senior Center at (734) 955-4120.

Zumba & Yoga at the Sr. Center

The Romulus Recreation Department presents Zumba and Yoga classes for adults and children of all ages and abilities. Classes run Wednesdays, through May 21, at the Romulus Senior Center. Registration takes place at the center prior to class. Admission is $7 per class. Pre-purchase an eight-class pass for $49 and receive a second pass free. Zumba Gold/Gentle Yoga is scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. Zumba Gold is an easy-to-follow program that lets you move to the beat at your own speed. Gentle Yoga was created for those who want to slow down. Zumba is scheduled for 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. The class is really a fitness party with participants dancing to high-energy Latin and international beats. Ashtanga/Hatha Yoga/Yin is scheduled for 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Different styles of Yoga are incorporated to help build strength, flexibility and relaxation. For more information, contact Community Services Director Julie Wojtylko at (734) 955-4501 or jwojtylko@ci.romulus.mi.us.

Citywide Yard Sale is May 22-25

The Romulus Spring Citywide Rummage Sale is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, through Sunday, May 25. Residents who want to participate must apply for a free permit in the City Clerks Office in City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road, by Friday, May 2, to be included in fliers and free advertising about the event. Permits will be available through Wednesday, May 21. If two or more of the sale dates are rained out, the sale will be rescheduled for June 12-15. For more information, call (734) 942-7540. The annual rummage sale at the Whispering Willows Cooperative senior housing is scheduled for May 22-24. Whispering Willows is located at 11100 Wayne Road in Romulus.

Senior news on cable TV

Tune in to Comcast Channel 12 periodically to view and hear highlights of news and activities for seniors as read from the monthly Communicator newsletter. Also, senior news, Romulus City Council meetings and other city programming can be viewed online on the city YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CityofRomulus. Much more general city information also can be found on the City of Romulus website, www.RomulusGov.com and on the city Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cityofromulus.

Make better eating choices

Seniors are invited to sign up for a healthyeating class hosted by Corpore Sano Home Health Care at 11 a.m. Friday, May 23, at the Romulus Senior Center. Learn which is healthier: a bowl of Chex Mix or a bowl of apple with peanut butter. Sign up at the front counter or call (734) 955-4120.

Calling all Red Hatters!

Seniors jewelry class is May 14

A jewelry-making class will debut at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Romulus Senior Center. The cost is $10. Participants will make a bracelet and wear it home. Sign up at the front counter or call (734) 955-4120.

The Romulus Senior Center is seeking women interested in restarting a chapter of the Red Hat Society. The social organization, founded in the United States in 1998, originally was open only to women age 50 and beyond, but now welcomes women of all ages. As of 2011, there were more than 40,000 chapters in our nation and 30 other countries. If you want to participate in the Romulus group, please see Rose Swidan at the center or call (734) 955-4120.