Seasoned Social Club Opening Doors for Areas Seniors

MARGARETVILLE — The Seasoned Social Club is planning a significant expansion of activities for seniors in the Middletown area. The new group is organizing seniors in Margaretville, Fleischmanns, and Arkville.

We spoke to Connie Spielman, John Gebert, Chris Criswell, and Marilyn Pitetti from the group. They are members of the group’s steering committee.

The group’s members are often members of other senior groups, including Roxbury, Andes and Bovina. Spielman said that the idea would be to bring together seniors in the town and its villages.

Pitetti said that this was an effort to bring in seniors and restart the group after years of inactivity.

Gebert said that the group falls under the aegis of the Office for the Aging and the Senior Council.

There were preliminary meetings prior to the first official meeting on June 21. There are currently almost 40 members of the organization, and it’s growing rapidly. 

The group had its first outing at the Van Winkle Putt Putt, which was well-attended.

There are currently monthly meetings with the next one slated for Sept. 24. Come at 11:30 for the senior meal and 12:30 for the regular meeting. The meeting is in the lower level of the Methodist Church in Margaretville on Church Street next to the firehouse. For those who would like the senior meal, please sign up several days ahead of time at 845-586-4764. They’re usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

At the September meeting a Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy will discuss common scams. All are invited.

The group hopes to expand senior services, with Criswell calling it an “underserved demographic.”

This is an opportunity to socialize with others and stay in touch.

Within the mission statement is to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Criswell said that this time of the year includes a number of activities and holidays, which can be an opportunity and challenge for seniors.

“It’s a way to create more community,” he said.

The group has a number of events planned, including a boat cruise near the Roundout in Kingston the first week in October, there will also be a class by Deborah Fox on Mexican Train with three craft dates in September and October. Within the next month there will be a day to start playing the game after the elements are completed. In November there will be a craft meeting to create Christmas-themed crafts presented by Linda Kelly. The group also hopes to go to the Rocky Horror Picture Show musical rendition at the Phoenicia Playhouse.

There is also the senior meal dining program in Margaretville serving from 11:30 to 12:30 Monday through Friday. The cost is $5 for those over the age of 60 and $10 for those under 60.

Also senior meal dining program in margaretville

To reserve a meal call by 10 am 845-586-4764

If ordering for a meal associated with the Seasoned Social Club, please reserve a few days ahead of time.

“We’re looking to do different themes, go to concerts, go to play, have coffee and have game days,” said Pitetti. It’s a great chance to get to know each other and pass time in the winter, she added.