St. Mary’s Fellowship of Seniors

Quote of the month…

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” – Spock

Welcome!

We welcome new members to join this wonderful Fellowship of Seniors. The St. Mary’s Seniors Club is open to all age 55+ members of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church.

  • Meetings are scheduled at St. Mary’s at Noon, every 2nd Tuesday (or sometimes on a 3rd Tuesday) of each month from April through December. Our meetings include birthday/anniversary recognitions, a delicious lunch hosted by various members each month, short meeting announcements, and a variety of informative programs and fun entertainment .
  • We also organize several offsite events like theatre outings, boat trips, etc. which are partially subsidized by our Seniors’ treasury.
  • Our year culminates with a festive Christmas party in December.
  • Current membership cost is $15 per year.

For further information, please contact the church office and/or current officers:

  • Tessie Bourdamis, President
  • Erline Holman, Vice President
  • Linda Stanton, Secretary
  • Don Vanover, Treasurer

NOTE: If you are a member, and you haven’t received our email announcements, please send an email to TBourdamis{at}comcast.net

Announcements and News

Next Potluck Event, Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025, Noon – 3:00 PM, Terrace Rm

Saint Mary’s Senior Citizens

Happy New Year, Seniors!

Hope you had blessed holidays!  And now onto a New Year!

Several of our Seniors members have requested that we have a Valentine’s Social/Potluck, so I wanted to confirm that I booked the Terrace Room for Tuesday, Feb. 11, Noon to 3:00 PM. Please note that there will be no meeting and no planned entertainment (unless maybe impromptu), just a casual gathering to celebrate Valentine’s day in advance. Please bring a potluck item to share if possible, and please RSVP to Tessie by Feb 7 if you plan to attend so we know how many tables to set up, etc. If there is a snowstorm predicted that day, we will cancel and re-book if possible. NOTE: Our official Seniors meetings/socials will start on April 8 thru Dec. Please check for updates/ads in the Messengers, church bulletins, and my emails. Also, please pass the word to those not on email – Arlene Theros, Peter Beniares, George Griller, and any others.

FYI- I will be out of town from Jan 30 to Feb 4, singing in the choir at the St.Photios Shrine Anniversary Event in St. Augustine, FL.

Stay well and hope to see you all soon,
Tessie

National Senior Citizens Day, Thursday, August 21, 2025

On August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. According to the 2017 census, 47 million seniors live in the United States. By 2060, that number will nearly double. Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much to the next generation. As technologies advance, these are the people who’ve experienced each step of change. Not only have they contributed to it, but they understand first hand the benefits and the drawbacks. They know life without the advancements that exist today.

Links:

September is National Senior Center Month

September is National Senior Center Month—your opportunity to promote a positive image of aging, highlight how your center improves the lives of older adults, show your center’s importance in the community, and create interest in prospective new participants and collaborative partners.

Links:

Resources

“Ministering to our Elderly” Video, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Ministering to our Elderly video. An interview with then-V. Rev. Dr. Nathanael Symeonides (now Metropolitan Nathanael).

Seniors – Orthodox Church in America

Seniors – Issues, Ministry, Community Services. Twenty-plus articles on a variety of Orthodox topics regarding Seniors.

Greek Orthodox Senior Residences

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Directory of Senior Residences throughout the US.

AHEPA Senior Living

AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) – a nearly 500-employee nonprofit company still inspired by a Hellenic spirit and ethos that is helping approximately 5,000 older adults in 91 ASL communities nationwide live vibrant and full lives in beautiful and safe surroundings.

Fitness and Sports

Born Again Jocks … a sports organization for men 55 years & over. Based in Bloomington. The focus is on improving lives of senior men through the balance of friendship, sports and exercise.

Silver Sneakers – Live and On-Demand workouts and classes. Free membership to national gyms and local community fitness centers. Available at no cost for adults 65+ through select Medicare plans.

Local Area Senior Centers

Hennepin County Home Care

Home Care Brochure for Seniors and others. View & Download HERE. A comprehensive program that provides services and products to help Seniors (& others) continue to live at home in Hennepin County.

MN Information for Seniors

MN Seniors Online. A large variety of topics including employment & volunteer opportunities for Seniors.

General Information

Congratulations to Senior President Tessie Bourdamis who was named Penelope of the Year at the AHEPA Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida, in July 2022.