Senior Nutrition Program Celebrates Dedicated Staff and Volunteers

Senior Nutrition Program Celebrates Dedicated Staff and Volunteers

The PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program recently recognized several outstanding staff members and volunteers whose dedication helps create welcoming, supportive environments for older adults throughout Onondaga County. Their commitment ensures that meal sites are not only places to enjoy nutritious food, but also spaces where seniors can build friendships, stay connected, and feel a sense of belonging.

At the John Carno Center, PEACE, Inc. recognized volunteers Jeanette Weber and Patty Geremia for one year of service, along with Annette Cregan, Senior Recreation Leader and volunteer, who has supported the program since its beginning three years ago. Providence House Site Manager Daphne Davis was also recognized for her year and a half of service and for helping provide participants with both nutritious meals and a warm, welcoming experience.

Additional recognition was given to staff and volunteers at the Bob Cecile Center and Brighton Towers Center. Honorees included Cassandra Schaeffer, an eight-year volunteer, and Pat Lopes, who has served as Site Manager for two years. At Brighton Towers, volunteers Christina Zack, Lisa Breland, Frida Abou, Sandy Kelim, and Tysha Turner were recognized alongside Site Manager Colline Mackey. Together, they help create a positive environment where seniors can gather, enjoy meals, and connect with one another.

Special recognition was also given to Becky, Site Supervisor at the Meadows Senior Lunch Center. Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication, Becky helps foster a welcoming atmosphere where participants feel valued and supported. Her efforts play an important role in ensuring seniors have access to nutritious meals, meaningful social connections, and a strong sense of community.

The success of the Senior Nutrition Program is made possible by individuals like these who generously give their time, energy, and care to others. Their dedication strengthens the community each day and helps ensure older adults throughout the region have opportunities to remain engaged, connected, and supported.

A Memorable Father’s Day for Camillus Senior Center

A Memorable Father’s Day for Camillus Senior Center

PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition and the Camillus Senior Center hosted a special Father’s Day Lunch celebration for local seniors.

Attendees enjoyed a nutritious meal while spending time with friends and neighbors in a welcoming community setting. The celebration also featured live music from singer Jalissa Vellake, whose performance encouraged many participants to get up, dance, and enjoy the afternoon together.

Events like the Father’s Day Lunch help foster social connection and community engagement while providing seniors with opportunities to gather, stay active, and build meaningful relationships. PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition is grateful to everyone who helped make the celebration a memorable occasion for all who attended.

Expanding Access to Senior Nutrition Services

Expanding Access to Senior Nutrition Services

PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition proudly celebrated the opening of its newest senior lunch location at Southern Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse. This new site expands opportunities for older adults to enjoy nutritious meals while connecting with friends, neighbors, and community resources.

Lunches are now available on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, creating a welcoming space where community members can gather, share a meal, and build meaningful relationships. The new location reflects PEACE, Inc.’s ongoing commitment to supporting older adults and reducing social isolation through programs that encourage connection and engagement.

By expanding access to senior meals and community support, the Senior Nutrition Program continues to help older adults stay active, connected, and engaged. We look forward to welcoming participants to this new location and strengthening the sense of community that makes these gatherings so meaningful.

To find a PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition lunch location near you visit: peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Honoring Mothers Through Community and Connection

Honoring Mothers Through Community and Connection

The Camillus Senior Center welcomed community members for a special PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Mother’s Day Lunch celebrating the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who play an important role in supporting families and strengthening the community.

Guests enjoyed a warm meal, meaningful conversations, and time together in a welcoming and festive environment. The gathering gave seniors and community members an opportunity to connect, share stories, and recognize the care and support that mothers and caregivers provide every day.

Events like the Mother’s Day Lunch help build community connections and reduce social isolation for older adults. Through the Senior Nutrition Program, PEACE, Inc. continues to create opportunities for seniors to come together, enjoy nutritious meals, and strengthen relationships within the community.

Seniors Gather for Festive Lunch in Skaneateles

Seniors Gather for Festive Lunch in Skaneateles

The Skaneateles PEACE, Inc. Senior Lunch recently brought community members together for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. Seniors gathered to enjoy a themed lunch filled with delicious food, conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged connection and fellowship.

Throughout the event, participants spent time socializing, sharing stories, and celebrating together. Activities like these provide meaningful opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, build friendships, and enjoy time within the community.

Events hosted through the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program help reduce social isolation while creating joyful experiences for seniors. By bringing people together through shared meals and celebrations, the program continues to strengthen community connections and support the well-being of older adults.

Celebrating Camillus Senior Center Volunteers

Celebrating Camillus Senior Center Volunteers

The PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program recently visited the Camillus Senior Center to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who help keep the center running smoothly and support daily operations for older adults in the community.

Guests gathered for a Tuscany-themed lunch featuring spaghetti and meatballs, with sparkling juice served at each table. The event created a welcoming space for connection, conversation, and shared appreciation among participants. We were also joined by County Legislator Ken Bush Jr. and Councilor Chris Cesta, who both expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ ongoing commitment. Councilor Chris Cesta also led an engaging session focused on the importance of using and caring for the right tools in the kitchen, adding a practical learning component to the day.

We are grateful for the time, care, and dedication our volunteers bring to PEACE, Inc. each day. Their support strengthens our programs and helps create meaningful moments like this, where community connection, learning, and appreciation come together.

To learn about the Senior Nutrition Program, or to find locations, visit: peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Seniors Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Festive Lunch

Seniors Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Festive Lunch

Seniors gathered at the Camillus Senior Center for a festive and welcoming St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, hosted by the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program. The event brought community members together to enjoy a warm meal, good company, and a celebration of the holiday.

Guests were treated to a delicious Irish-inspired menu featuring Beef and Guinness stew, smashed potatoes with chives, steamed cabbage and baby carrots, rye bread, and a sweet serving of coffee cake. The meal provided not only nourishment but also an opportunity for seniors to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together in a friendly and supportive environment.

Events like this highlight the importance of the Senior Nutrition Program in promoting both health and social connection. With great food, laughter, and meaningful conversation, the luncheon was a wonderful reminder of how community gatherings can bring people together and brighten the day.

To learn more about the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program, visit: https://peace-caa.org/senior-nutrition

Seniors Welcome New Lunch Spot at Syracuse Community Connections

Seniors Welcome New Lunch Spot at Syracuse Community Connections

The PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program now serves lunches at The Syracuse Community Connections! On October 21st, County Executive Ryan McMahon, the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, and PEACE, Inc. staff joined together to celebrate the opening of this new senior dining site.

The Senior Nutrition Program plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults in our community. By providing nutritious meals in a welcoming environment, the program helps seniors maintain a balanced diet, socialize with peers, and stay engaged in community activities. These meals are designed to meet the dietary needs of older adults, helping them stay strong, healthy, and independent.

The new Syracuse Community Connections site offers a convenient location for seniors to enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch and connect with others. This expansion reflects PEACE, Inc.’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of older adults and fostering a sense of community.

For more information about the Senior Nutrition Program and other PEACE, Inc. services, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition

Midweek Fun and Lunch at Bob Cecile Senior Center

Midweek Fun and Lunch at Bob Cecile Senior Center

Each Wednesday, the Bob Cecile Senior Center hosts a lively morning of BINGO followed by lunch, bringing local seniors together for a fun and social midweek tradition. The weekly gathering is part of PEACE, Inc.’s Senior Nutrition Program, which offers healthy, affordable meals and opportunities for community connection.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon for adults ages 60 and older. Seniors are invited to stop by the Bob Cecile Senior Center, 174 W. Seneca Turnpike in Syracuse. The suggested contribution is $3.50 for seniors ($7.00 for guests). To explore menus and find other Senior Nutrition locations, visit the senior nutrition information page.

PEACE, Inc. Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Senior Nutrition Site in Skaneateles

PEACE, Inc. Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Senior Nutrition Site in Skaneateles

PEACE, Inc. is proud to announce the official grand opening of its 29th Senior Congregate Dining Site, located at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. The ribbon cutting celebration, held yesterday, marked a significant milestone in expanding access to nutritious meals and community support for seniors in Onondaga County. The event brought together local leaders, community partners, and residents to celebrate the launch of this important new site.

Distinguished guests included:

  • Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon
  • District 6 Legislator Julie Abbott
  • Mayor Mary Sennett
  • Commissioner JoAnne Spoto Decker
  • Deputy Commissioner Sarah Merrick
  • Town Councilwoman Sue Dove
  • PEACE, Inc. Executive Director Carolyn D. Brown
  • Food Services Director Karl Dawkins
  • Jean Clayborn
  • Representatives from the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services
  • PEACE, Inc. staff, volunteers, and community members

The celebration was marked by joy and gratitude as 78 seniors gathered to enjoy a nutritious lunch, underscoring the importance of these congregate dining sites in promoting wellness, social engagement, and community connection.

“This site represents more than just a meal,” said Carolyn D. Brown, Executive Director of PEACE, Inc. “It’s a place where seniors can come together, share stories, and stay connected.”

PEACE, Inc.’s Senior Nutrition Program plays a vital role in combating food insecurity and isolation among older adults by offering balanced meals in welcoming, communal settings throughout the county.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to bringing this new site to life—your efforts ensure that our seniors continue to be supported, nourished, and valued.

To learn more about the Senior Nutrition Program and to find a site near you, visit:

https://peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

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