September senior programming

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

Welcome to September, when thoughts turn to everything special about the High Holidays. From brisket recipes to holiday services, the apple and honey give us pause as we pray for a sweet year ahead.

Summer has been a busy one here at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN). We have welcomed over 1,200 new members for a total of 1,800 and have added four new respite groups for a total of nine — and we continue to grow!

Twenty-two Holocaust survivors joined us for our second Café Europa. The theme was “afternoon tea,” which was celebrated with traditional tea sandwiches and tiered plates of sweets. Tea was served in beautiful teacups and saucers, each with a different design, given to our guests as party favors to take home. We look forward to continuing our Café Europa program into next year.

September is National Senior Center Month and BSCN is celebrating by featuring special programs that highlight the creativity and the resilience of our members. Our flourishing garden, writers’ workshop and programs for veterans are among those being featured.

September is also National Fall Prevention Month and BSCN has partnered with Step Smart Collier to offer an educational “hands-on” program as another example of Senior Center Month programming. The event is taking place Sept. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. and is open to the public. Please call 239-325-4444 to register.

Plans are being finalized for our Jan. 13th gala, An Evening for Better Tomorrows. This year’s theme is “These Magic Moments” and I can promise you the event will truly be magical! Tickets are $650 each for an evening of dining, dancing and excitement. Patron tables are available for $10,000.

Over the summer, BSCN welcomed several new staff members. Tim Morrison joined us as chief development officer; I am sure many of you know Tim from his time at the Holocaust Museum. Pam Osborne joined the team as chief clinical officer.

All of us at Baker Senior Center Naples wish you a healthy, happy and peaceful new year.

L’Shana Tova.