2025 Solon Senior Advocate trips
Thursday, August 14 – Villages of Van Buren County
Cost – $60
1) Light breakfast in Birmingham, 2) Bentonsport Historic District shops with Greef General Store, antiques, woodcarving, and She Shed handmade gifts, 3) Bloom and Bark glass blowing demonstration, 4) Amish lunch, and 5) Dutchman’s Store.
In honor of the many contributions Larry Meister gave the Senior Advocates, the “Friends of Larry Meister” are funding the Villages of Van Buren tour bus cost on August 14. In addition to his many years as a Solon School Administrator, Solon Community Foundation President and member, founded and worked with Our Lord’s Church, plus various volunteer positions, his work with the Senior Advocates was significant, a Board Member for over 20 years, many as Vice-President. The Senior Advocates were formed in 2000 to support the Senior Dining Program and our mission to benefit seniors. In 2012 the Heritage Agency on Aging made significant changes to the program, Larry used his professional contacts to organize funding for a Senior Dining Site Manager and for locally sourced meals. The Program is now totally community funded. Larry helped shepherd the monthly trip program utilizing the Advocate van, later employing larger coaches for trips farther afield. He helped instigate the Meal and a Movie program at the Library the last Friday of each month, setting up and serving the meals. He was primary in establishing the Senior of the Year nominations and recognitions in 2006 in honor of the National May Older American Month. He gave so much to our programs. Larry provided the Board with wise counsel, sharp wit and was a true Senior Advocate!
Restaurant Runs
Friday, August 22 – Bluff Lake
Leave SRNA (‘Rec Park’) at 2:00 p.m., personal cars. Sign-up sheet Wednesdays at Senior Dining or call 319-430-8655.
Solon Senior Transport – Provides volunteer transportation for seniors to medical appointments. For information and to enroll please call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279.
Solon Senior Support
We conducted a survey in 2022 on which activities/services for older adults you would like to see started in Solon. The information you provided led to new programs.
We are now working with the Solon Community Center to find out what is important to you! Look for the short survey in the mail (with a stamped return envelope) this month. Please return the survey by August 31st. Your opinion matters! If you don’t receive a survey in the mail, please contact Jill Weetman at 319-624-2773 and she will send one to you. For those receiving the Solon Senior Newsletter by e-mail, the survey will be sent to you online.
Senior Advocates Board
Art Tellin 319-626-2816, Barry Byrne 319-354-8757, Larry Brecht 319-624-2925, Mark Hollinrake 319-551-2811, Cindy Jensen 319-360-3279, Phyllis Fiala 319-331-7447, Joyce Cook, 319-541-6527, Sandy Hanson 319-430-8655, and Penny Tompkins 319-471-3662