Limousine trips to big city casinos.
Private outings to the beautiful Lorain County Metro Parks and area academic establishments.
Performances by fine musicians and readings by noted authors.
Access to all the movers and shakers and leaders throughout Lorain County, and of course, parties galore.
Some private club with secret handshakes and sacred rituals?
Nope.
It’s the Monday Morning Senior Coffee group in Sheffield Lake, where the only requirement is a bit more life experience than most and the desire to enjoy fellowship, friends and fun with fellow seniors.
The group meets at 9 a.m. Mondays. at the Joyce E. Hanks Community Center, 4575 E. Lake Road in Sheffield Lake.
The men and women began meeting in August 2018 with a mere 12 seniors, and has ballooned into more than 50 seniors who attend a variety of events, hear guest speakers and play the very popular Bingo.
The group came about as a result of local politicians doing something many may find truly astounding — actually listening to their local constituents.
Sheffield Lake Mayor Dennis Bring, Service Director Pat Hastings and Council Member Rosa Gee held a round table discussion to get public input on how best to use the Joyce Hanks Community Center.
“The center was just not really being used as a community center,” Gee said. “It had ceased being part of the community, and we wanted to hear from everyone as to what they would like it to be.
“We invited all the folks to attend a public meeting just to get as much input as we could about what our constituents wanted to see. And, frankly, there just were not many young people that bothered to show up.”
But the older folks did, Gee said.
“And they shared loudly with us what they want,” she said with a smile. “They wanted events.
“They wanted to get together for coffee and play bingo. They cared enough to come and voice to us what they wanted and we all stepped up to make that a reality.”
Gee explained that the group enjoys a variety of events and activities.
Recently, the members made holiday decorations for outdoor displays, put together Christmas cards and held a holiday celebration with gifts, goodies and glee.
Often, the group hosts area guest speakers including local and state politicians, public servants such as police, fire and emergency management technicians, and area business leaders.
“But we had a rule; there was to be no campaigning,” Gee laughed. “We certainly didn’t want to subject them to that type of abuse.
“We enjoyed hosting these folks because everyone had an opportunity to learn about what was going on in the community and how they could be affected by certain legislation.
They could voice concerns and share ideas or things they needed help with.
“What it did was break down barriers, because so many are afraid to ask questions, particularly from some politicians,” Gee said. “But now, they realize how many of them are just nice people who are there to help and explain things.
“Now, they’re on a first name basis with so many of these folks. They’re happy when a police officer comes in or a commissioner is there to speak. They especially love (state representative) Joe Miller who calls Bingo games regularly, and (Lorain County Prosecutor J.D.) Tomlinson who brings in doughnuts.”
The group also has a team that competes in the Northern Ohio Mind Challenge, a trivia competition.
Members had a recent visit from the Brookside High School choir, the band and even a class that was learning about robotics.
The group beamed when talking about their bocci ball league and the tour of the Lorain County Community College culinary school, complete with gourmet lunch.
“It’s a blast,” Gee said as she smiled. “It’s just so fun.
“We have some folks that are widows or widowers, and maybe have family out of town, so this this offers a wonderful opportunity to get together and spend time with friends and make new friends. They need this.
“Our seniors need this and it’s so important for them and important that we keep this going for our senior community.”
Group members
Jane Ambers, 78, of Sheffield Lake, says she’s been coming to the Monday coffee club for three years.
“Rosa is just so wonderful; everyone is just so wonderful,” Ambers said as she smiled. “The speakers are great, and boy, do we get to eat some great food.
“You can see all the smiles and hear the laughter. Folks really enjoy this.”
Diane Wuhesz, 67, of Sheffield Lake, agreed that the fellowship and friendship means a lot to her and the regulars in the group.
What she said she particularly enjoys are the speakers discussing some scams seniors should be aware of.
And, Wuhesz said she’s been excited to hear about the April 8 solar eclipse.
Fred Markoski, 82, of Sheffield Lake, is a Vietnam veteran.
“It’s wonderful to get together with peers from your age group,” Markoski said. “The camaraderie is wonderful and it’s something fun to do, get out of the house and learn about things around town to go see and go do.”
Gee said there is no cost to join or to attend the Monday gatherings.
Even many of the outings are at no cost to the seniors, although folks do donate money, food, time and services.
Gee said if anyone is interested in coming, to just show up at the community center at 9 a.m. Mondays or call 440-949-4883.
