talk on the lakeDecember 2021City of Avon Lake Department of Parks & Recreation

News & Events at the Old Firehouse Community Center

Avon Lake Old Firehouse Community Center | (440) 930-4135Mike Kral, Recreation Facilities Manager | mkral@avonlake.org

Patty Knip, Part-time Program Coordinator | pknip@avonlake.org

City of Avon Lake Department of Parks & Recreation150 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012(440) 930-4130

1. Reminisce in a Positive WayMemories of holidays past can drum up bad feelings during the holiday season for many seniors. But memories are often some of the best things in our life. Instead of dwelling on things that are now different, focus on all the good that has happened. Use the past to reminisce about your favorite things and people. Take out old pictures, sing old songs, and remind yourself what the holidays are all about.The holidays are the ideal time to remember traditions and friends that have come through your life, reflect on things that have changed, and appreciate things that haven’t. Try using the holiday season to create a new photo album or scrapbook full of your favorite memories.2. Take Control of FinancesWhile it is common to feel like you need to spend a lot of money during the holiday season, that is a feeling that must be forgotten. The true meaning of the holidays is love and togetherness, and those who truly love you would expect nothing more. Before you become over-stressed about the financial burden of the holidays, get ahead of the game by creating a budget and plan before the season hits.Give yourself a realistic budget and stick to it. Create lists and stay organized when it comes to shopping and purchasing presents for the holidays. Working through the holidays with a budget in mind will help you not only stress less about money, but also refrain from overspending what you don’t have.3. Get in the Spirit with Holiday TraditionsSometimes all you need is a little cheer to get in the spirit of the holidays. If you’re feeling the blues, try reminding yourself about the greater parts of the holiday season, like the food, decorations, and entertainment. Bake cookies and pies, watch your favorite holiday movies, make crafts, and hum along to your favorite holiday tunes. All of these things help remind us of our favorite holiday memories and traditions, putting us in the right frame of mind to celebrate and enjoy the coming holiday.Try enlisting the help of family members or friends to help you decorate, make homemade presents, or take you to go see lights in the neighborhood. Sometimes, participating in holiday activities can help

not only get you in the spirit, but also become a time to connect with the people you love and make memories.4. Be Honest and Talk It OutIt can be hard to admit when you have feelings of loneliness, depression, or are simply not feeling celebratory this holiday season. This can be especially true when seniors may see the people they love enjoying the holiday season them-selves. But the people around you care about you and are there to support you.That being said, it is important to seek help and be honest when you need it. Seniors are more likely to suffer from depression, but less likely to seek help for it. Talk about your feelings of isolation or loneliness with family, friends, caregivers, or even a licensed professional. All of these people not only provide emotional support but also help you find solutions to the issues you are currently facing. The holiday season is no time to feel alone.5. Connect with Those Who Matter MostDuring the holidays, family, friends, and the people we love are typically the top-priority. It is a time to appreciate the people in our lives. For seniors having a difficult time, connecting with the people you love can be of tremendous help. Providing love and support, your friends and family can help get you through dif-ficult holidays. Call the people you love often or ask them to call you. Technology is a great way to stay connected with loved ones who don’t live nearby.For those who are not able to see in person, set up a day and time of the week that works for both parties to speak on the phone. Visit family often and let the people in your life know how important those visitations are to you. Find social activities around you to participate in with friends or other seniors. There may be other people having a difficult time as well during this season and will be seeking solace in each other.This season, take care and fight the holiday blues by heeding

the advice given. By taking care of our senior loved ones, the holidays can be a time of

celebration, love, and hope for everyone. Contact our trusted professionals today

to find out more about caring for seniors during the holiday season.

Article by Michelle Cemental reprinted from CaringSeniorService.com

Ideas for Staying Positive During the Holidays

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 2TALK ON THE L AKE

SilverSneakers® Boom Muscle Formerly Total Body Strength Mon. 8:00am & 4:00pm | Tues. 9:00am | Thur. 9:00am Muscle-conditioning blocks and activity specific intervals to improve cardiovascular health and functional skill. This class is designed to work all major muscles with a va-riety of strength and conditioning exercises. This sculpting class will tone upper and lower body using various equipment like hand weights, body bars, TRX, and your own body weight. This class is for all levels.If you do not have SilverSneakers, there is an $8.00 drop-in fee per class or you can purchase a 12 visit punch pass membership for $60.00. This punch pass can be used for any of our regular group fitness classes.

SilverSneakers® Circuit Formerly Strength and Balance Mondays and Thursdays 10:30am-11:15amStanding upper-body strength work alternated with low impact cardio using a chair for standing support. A perfect 50+ class that incorporates stretching, balance, agil-ity and strength, along with fun music. This class utilizes various equipment, such as weights, exercise balls, drumming sticks, and much more. A portion of the class is seated in chairs, no floor work.If you do not have SilverSneakers, there is an $8.00 drop-in fee per class or you can purchase a 12-visit punch pass membership for $60.00. This punch pass can be used for any of our regular group fitness classes.

SilverSneakers® Classic New to the Old Firehouse Wednesdays 10:30-11:15amSeated and Standing exercises to increase muscular strength, range of motion and activities for daily living.If you do not have SilverSneakers, there is an $8.00 drop-in fee per class or you can purchase a 12-visit punch pass membership for $60.00. This punch pass can be used for any of our regular group fitness classes.

SilverSneakers® Stability For Motion & Flexibility - Parkinson's/MS Fitness Mondays & Wednesdays 09:30am-10:15amStanding class designed to decrease the risk of falls with focus on improving balance and lower body strength. This class is designed to increase Mobility and Flexibility for all who are interested in increasing and maintaining daily functionality regard-less of their range of motion. The program is especially helpful to those suffering the effects of Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Exercises will focus on the four components of fitness: cardio, strength, flexibility and balance and are specifically designed to gradually improve overall fitness and to combat symptoms of disease. If you do not have SilverSneakers, there is an $8.00 drop-in fee per class or you can purchase a 12-visit punch pass membership for $60.00. This punch pass can be used for any of our regular group fitness classes.

SilverSneakers® YogaMondays 11:30am-12:15pm (Chair Yoga) In this class you will move through traditional yoga postures with the addition of a chair as a prop. Poses will only be done standing and/or seated in a chair. Students will never need to get down on the floor, making this class suitable for all experi-ence levels and ages; for those who may be experiencing physical complaints or for anyone looking for an extremely gentle movement and breathing practice.Wednesdays 11:30am-12:15am Standing & seated yoga poses to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. Modifications for poses will be offered, but students must be able to get down to the floor and up again unassisted.Fridays 9:00am-10:00am This class is for all levels. Modifications for poses will be offered, but students must be able to get down to the floor and up again unassisted.If you do not have SilverSneakers, there is an $8.00 drop-in fee per class or you can purchase a 12-visit punch pass membership for $60.00. This punch pass can be used for any of our regular group fitness classes.

SilverSneakers® at the Old Firehouse

A program offered through your United Healthcare Medicare suppliment

that is very similar to SilverSneakers allowing you to participate in all of our

fitness classes for no charge.

COMING SOON...

Blood Pressure CheckTuesday, December 21 | 12:30-2:30Old Firehouse Community Center

University HospitalsSt. John Medical CenterA CATHOLIC HOSPITAL

LOW HIGH

REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 17$5.00 | $3.00 for Members | Free for 90+

If you have paid for your lunch and you are unable to attend, you may find someone to fill your spot. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. You may drop your payment off in our office,

mail it or register online at www.AvonLakeRec.com

M E N UGlazed Ham, Whole Green Beans w/Bacon, Au Gratin Potatoes, Rolls & Butter,

and Dessert.

DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 16 AT 2:00PMCall (440) 930-4135 to sign up.

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 3TALK ON THE L AKE

Dear Santa Claus,Dear Santa Claus,I though I would write and tell you I though I would write and tell you what I wanted for Christmas, gun, story what I wanted for Christmas, gun, story book, sward, stocking full of candy, pair book, sward, stocking full of candy, pair shoes, toy watch and a knife. shoes, toy watch and a knife. Don't Fool me. Conrad A.Don't Fool me. Conrad A.

Dear Santa,Dear Santa,As it is very near Christmas I thought I As it is very near Christmas I thought I would tell you what I would like to have would tell you what I would like to have for my Christmas presents. I would like for my Christmas presents. I would like to have the world and a fence around to have the world and a fence around it but as I can not have it I will not it but as I can not have it I will not ask for it. I would like a nice new dress, ask for it. I would like a nice new dress, as it does me more good than plenty of as it does me more good than plenty of things. A doll and a set of dishes. That is things. A doll and a set of dishes. That is all. Good-bye, Santa Claus. Marie M.all. Good-bye, Santa Claus. Marie M.

Dearest Santa Claus,Dearest Santa Claus,I thought you might forget me, so I I thought you might forget me, so I thought I would write you a reminder. thought I would write you a reminder. I smashed everything you sent me last I smashed everything you sent me last year. Lynwood K.year. Lynwood K.

Dear Santa,Dear Santa,I went up to Cohen's store and told I went up to Cohen's store and told you what I wanted. Now don't forget you what I wanted. Now don't forget to bring me tools for my tool Ches to bring me tools for my tool Ches papa made for me, and some candy and papa made for me, and some candy and fireworks and nuts and oranges, Oh, fireworks and nuts and oranges, Oh, Sant, I forgot to tell you about my Sant, I forgot to tell you about my little brother, he is name Graham, I wish little brother, he is name Graham, I wish you would bring him a rattler, and please you would bring him a rattler, and please see if you can't bring him some teeth. see if you can't bring him some teeth. I have asked the doctor, and he can't I have asked the doctor, and he can't get him any, but I hope you can. He is get him any, but I hope you can. He is three months old and I am four years three months old and I am four years old. Please put my letter in the paper. old. Please put my letter in the paper. Your little boy, Paul K.Your little boy, Paul K.

Dear Santa Claus,Dear Santa Claus,I will try and write you a few lines. I I will try and write you a few lines. I am a little boy past 3 years old. I want am a little boy past 3 years old. I want you to bring me a wagon and you had you to bring me a wagon and you had better bring Clarence one so he won't better bring Clarence one so he won't tear mine up, and bring me a gum ball tear mine up, and bring me a gum ball and a horn and some candy and nuts and a horn and some candy and nuts

and don't forget little Mary and papa and don't forget little Mary and papa and mama. So good-bye. Raymond V.and mama. So good-bye. Raymond V.

Dear Santa Claus,Dear Santa Claus,I thought I would write and tell you I thought I would write and tell you what I want for Xmas. I would like to what I want for Xmas. I would like to have a pair of high-top shoes, No. 10, a have a pair of high-top shoes, No. 10, a pair of skates and a sled, some candy pair of skates and a sled, some candy and some nuts, and if you have any and some nuts, and if you have any little trains left I would like to have little trains left I would like to have one. Also, if you bring me these I will one. Also, if you bring me these I will always think lots of you and will write always think lots of you and will write to you every one in a while. Please don't to you every one in a while. Please don't forget my little sisters, Opal and Mildred. forget my little sisters, Opal and Mildred. I guess they want something but just I guess they want something but just any old thing will do for them, it don't any old thing will do for them, it don't make much difference what girls get make much difference what girls get and then there is little cousin Jean, she and then there is little cousin Jean, she lives at Union Heights. Please take her lives at Union Heights. Please take her something. My name is Percy W.something. My name is Percy W.

Santa,Santa,It won't be long until you will be It won't be long until you will be coming to visit us so I will write you a coming to visit us so I will write you a short letter, this being my first. I am short letter, this being my first. I am four years old how old are you? I have four years old how old are you? I have blue eyes and flaxen curls. I am going blue eyes and flaxen curls. I am going to spend Christmas with grandma and to spend Christmas with grandma and grandpa Burnett at Waverly, I guess you grandpa Burnett at Waverly, I guess you know where that is, and you may find know where that is, and you may find my stocking in grandma's room. I have my stocking in grandma's room. I have a little baby brother 5 weeks old his a little baby brother 5 weeks old his name is B. G. Jr. come to live with us name is B. G. Jr. come to live with us since you were here last time, he has since you were here last time, he has no stockings but mamma will loan him no stockings but mamma will loan him one of hers (house I think it will take one of hers (house I think it will take a big one) I wish you would bring him a a big one) I wish you would bring him a nice little high chair all painted red and nice little high chair all painted red and I guess a pair of stockings, rubber ring, I guess a pair of stockings, rubber ring, and rattler. And please bring me, cause I and rattler. And please bring me, cause I am a good little girl, a trunk and key, am a good little girl, a trunk and key, blue eyed doll that will go to sleep, a blue eyed doll that will go to sleep, a doll buggy and some real nice nuts and doll buggy and some real nice nuts and grapes. Kindly remember all little girls grapes. Kindly remember all little girls and b boys especially the ones who have and b boys especially the ones who have no mamma and papa. Your little girl, no mamma and papa. Your little girl, Virginia O.Virginia O.

Some very cute letters to Santa from years gone by...

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 4TALK ON THE L AKE

Community TransportationAvailable to all Avon Lake residents on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The transport van has a wheelchair lift available. Ap-pointments are scheduled 24 hours to 3 weeks in advance. 24-hour notice is required for scheduling transportation. There is no fee for this service. Appointments are taken on a first-come basis.All passengers must return a completed 2021 Passenger Transportation Information Form prior to their first trip. Forms are located at City Hall, at the Old Firehouse Community Center and online at www.avonlake.org.MONDAY: Medical AppointmentsTUESDAY : Avon Lake Public Library, Drug Mart Plaza, Giant Eagle, Learwood SquareWEDNESDAY: Avon Commons , Wal-MartCall (440) 930-4126 for scheduling.

I would like a yearly subscription to the “Talk On The Lake” Senior Newsletter for a cost of $12.00/year Single newsletters will continue to be sold at a cost of $1.00 each.

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Please submit this form along with your payment in person at the Old Firehouse or mail to:The Old Firehouse, 100 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012 | Checks payable to "The City of Avon Lake"

Newsletter Subscription Form

Holiday BluesDecember 2 at 1:00pmO'Neill Bay Village chaplain discusses holiday depression and what we can do.Call (440) 930-4135 for a reservation.Lunch provided by:

Community Resource Services provides basic needs assistance and individualized resource and referral services in a compassionate and confidential manner.33479 Lake Rd, Suite C, Avon Lake, OH 44012

(440) 933-5639Monday through Friday 10:00am to 2:00pmClosed Fridays Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Avon LakeWomen'sChoruswelcomes women of all ages and com-munities (not limited to Avon Lake residents).We prepare winter and spring programs to entertain residents of independent/assisted-living facilities and clubs/groups in Lorain & Western Cuyahoga Counties. Under directrion of a professional choral director and an accom-plished pianist, our upbeat programs feature a wide variety of music that is sure to get faces smiling and toes tapping!No auditions! All voice ranges welcome! Abil-ity to read music and choral experience helpful in learning 4-part harmonies.Practices September through May at10am-11:30am at Avon Lake Senior CenterInterested? Call Irene at (440) 937-8827

Christmas BrunchJoin us at the Old Firehouse on Tuesday, December 14th at 10:00am

for a holiday brunch compliments of:

IndependenceVillage

NO RESERVATIONS ARE AVAILABLE!

Resilience in an Everchanging WorldJanuary 11, 2022 at 1pmCall 440-930-4135 to reserve your place by January 5th.Limited to the first 36 reservations.

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 5TALK ON THE L AKE

December MoviesTHURSDAY MORNING MOVIESFEATURE STARTS AT 10:15AM

Crossword Solution

December 16GreaterPG | 2h 10m | Based on real lifeCast: Neal McDonough, Leslie Esterbrook, Cristopher ServirioFaith and determination transform a talentless football player at the University of Arkansas into an All-American in this inspiring true story.

December 23The Christmas ChroniclesTV-PG | 1h 45m | Feel-goodCast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah LewisAfter accidentally crashing Sant's sleigh, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save Christmas with a savvy, straight-talking St. Nick.

December 30The Christmas Chronicles 2PG | 1h 55m | Feel-goodCast: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby CampUnhappy over her mom's new relationship, a now-teen-age Kate runs away and lands at the North Pole, where a naughty elf is plotting to cancel Christmas.

December 9Above Us Only SkyTV-MA | 1h 29m | DocumentaryCast: John Lennon, Yoko OnoFeaturing interviews and never-before-seen footage, this film tells the story behind John Lennon and Yoko Ono's seminal 1971 album, "Imagine".

December 2Same Kind of Different As MeCast: Greg Kinnear, Renee Zellweger, Djimon HounsouPG-13 | 2h | Based on real lifeA wealthy couple whose marriage is on the rocks be-friends a local homeless man who changes their perspec-tives in this inspiring true story.

Avon Lake Fire Dept. Lock Box Program Visit www.roperlock.comClick “Lock Boxes” | Click “City Programs”Click “Crest Guardian Lock Box-Wall Mount”Click on Key Code: Avon Lake orCall 1-800-466-9312Crest Guardian lock Box-Wall MountKey Code: Avon LakeWhen your Lock Box arrives call 440-933-8305 to schedule installation.Questions? Call 440-933-8305

Meals On Wheels The Lorain County Office On Aging has open-ings for it’s Meals On Wheels program. If you are 60 or over, live alone, cannot drive and cannot cook for yourself, you are eligible for this free program.To receive a hot, nutritional lunch Monday through Friday, call: Lorain County Office On Aging(440) 949-8146

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 6TALK ON THE L AKE

1 Heavenly body visible from earth as point of light 5 Distinctive period of cultural or geologic time 9 Indonesian island 13 Evergreen tree 14 Oak 15 Not drunk 16 Volcano 17 Soft mineral used in making baby powder 18 Pieces of stiff paper used to send greetings 19 Hollow brick structure for passing smoke from a fire into the open air 21 Used in play by children

23 Visit 24 Ship initials 25 Speaks 29 Sandwich 30 All 32 Water closet 33 Roll with a hole 36 Scrimmage 37 Animal’s coat 38 Canal 39 Whiter 40 Ticket 41 Sport’s official 42 Salutation 43 Flexes 44 Rodent 45 Evils

46 Watch chain 47 Evaluate for taxation 49 ___ Lanka 50 Unwell 53 Consumer 55 Day on which ordinary business activity is suspended 57 White poplar 60 Garner 62 World organization 63 Birds of peace 64 Eat sparingly 65 Tibia 66 Colorer 67 Chances of winning 68 Weight measurement

1 Eyeglasses 2 Offering 3 Red headed orphan 4 Stack of paper 5 Affirm 6 Shades of black 7 Snake like fish 8 Religious division 9 Brag 10 Abridged (abbr.) 11 Headed 12 Internal Revenue Service 15 Grass cutting tool 20 Invalidated

22 Outside layer 26 Mischievous 27 Circular 28 Wounds 29 Honey maker 30 Metal objects that make pleasant sounds when hit 31 Tub spread 33 Baseball player Yogi 34 Regions 35 Presents 36 Shopping center 39 Heartbeat 40 February (abbr.)

42 Snake sounds 43 Cook 46 Faces 48 Swiss mathematician 49 Tear up 50 Western state 51 Deadlanguage 52 French city 54 Make over 56 Institution (abbr.) 57 Sum 58 Male child 59 New Year’s ___ 61 Assist

HAPPY HOLIDAYS by Evelyn Johnson

WINTER by Evelyn JohnsonFind the words in the grid. When you are done, the unused letters in the grid will spell out a hidden message. Pick them out from left to right, top line to bottom line. Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight directions.

BLIZZARDBLUE

BOOTSDECEMBER

FEBRUARYFIREPLACE

FROZENGRAY

HIBERNATEICICLE

JANUARYSHOVEL

SILVERYSKATES

SKISSLED

SNOWSNOWSTORM

SWEATERWHITE

WINTER

ACROSS

DOWN

Solution on page 5.

What do you call a bankrupt Santa?Saint Nickle-less.How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?Nothing. It was on the house.

D E C E M B E R 2021 PAGE 7TALK ON THE L AKE

*SilverSneakers® approved fitness class. See description and details on page 2.

DECEMBERMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

18:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Classic*11:30a Yoga*12:30p Bridge

28:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*10:15a Movie 10:30a Circuit*12:30p Hand & Foot1:00p Lunch & Learn

38:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Yoga*10:00a Creative Needles12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Pinochle

68:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Circuit*11:30a Chair Yoga*12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Mahjong4:00p Boom Muscle*

78:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*1:00p Dominoes1:00p Mahjong

88:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Classic*11:30a Yoga*11:30a Veteran Pinnings12:30p Bridge

98:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*10:15a Movie 10:30a Circuit*12:30p Hand & Foot

108:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Yoga*10:00a Creative Needles12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Pinochle

138:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Garden Club 9:30a Stability*10:30a Circuit*11:30a Chair Yoga*12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Mahjong4:00p Boom Muscle*

148:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*1:00p Dominoes1:00p Mahjong

158:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Classic*11:30a Yoga*12:30p Bridge

168:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*10:15a Movie 10:30a Circuit*12:30p Hand & Foot2:00p Bingo

178:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Yoga*10:00a Creative Needles12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Pinochle

208:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Circuit*11:30a Chair Yoga*12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Mahjong4:00p Boom Muscle*

218:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*12:00 HOT LUNCH12:30 Blood Pressure Check1:00p Dominoes1:00p Mahjong

228:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Classic*11:30a Yoga*12:30p Bridge

238:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*10:15a Movie 10:30a Circuit*12:30p Hand & Foot

24 CLOSED

278:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Circuit*11:30a Chair Yoga*12:30p Bridge12:30p Hand & Foot12:30p Mahjong

288:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*1:00p Dominoes1:00p Mahjong

298:00a Indoor Walking9:30a Stability*10:30a Classic*11:30a Yoga*12:30p Bridge

308:00a Indoor Walking9:00a Boom Muscle*10:15a Movie 10:30a Circuit*12:30p Hand & Foot

31 CLOSED

To Our Friend:

City of Avon LakeTALK ON THE LAKE150 Avon Belden RoadAvon Lake, OH 44012(440) 930-4135

talk on the lakeDecember 2021City of Avon Lake Department of Parks & Recreation

The Old Firehouse Community/Senior Center | 100 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012 | (440) 930-4135 | www.AvonLakeRec.com

Senior Hot Lunch Sponsor 90+ Senior Hot Lunch Contributor

Amy MargiottiResidential Relocation Specialist and Senior Real Estate Specialist