Senior Center News

CSC Members Turn Pennies Green in ‘Science for Seniors’

CSC members had fun turning pennies green and nails copper-colored in an experiment they conducted on May 10.

What at first seemed doomed to failure for the impatient scientists turned into a successful demonstration of chemical reactions through the use of salt, white vinegar, old pennies, and new nails and screws.

Pennies soaked in a salt/vinegar solution gradually became clean and shiny, looking almost new again.  Some of the pennies were put out to dry without being rinsed; the others were rinsed and then put out to dry.  The residue on the unrinsed pennies caused a blue-green coating to develop, the result of a chemical reaction between copper and oxygen; the rinsed pennies remained shiny.

After removing the pennies, our amateur scientists placed a new nail and a new screw in the solution to observe different chemical reactions.  The nail eventually acquired a copper coating, and the new, shiny screw turned black.  Tiny amounts of hydrogen gas were produced during this process, which visibly bubbled up from the metal surfaces.

Although the nail and the screw were relegated to the science experiment graveyard, members kept the pennies, which, even though green, are still spendable!


May 10, 2012 | Leave a Comment


CSC Operation Shipshape Revealed Yet Another Treasure

While sorting and organizing the CSC “ship” on May 2, members discovered a wonderful 43″ x 58″ wall hanging consisting of 24 seven-inch fabric squares, each with a nursery rhyme theme, set into a pale yellow background.  The squares were individually embroidered, and most include the name or initials of the needleworker.  The piece is dated 1995.

Brenda Bruce, fabric arts specialist at the Staunton Senior Center, commented that it is “very sweet” and in good condition.

This is the second example of the fine needlework done by past CSC members.  It will be cleaned and hung at the center for permanent display.


May 8, 2012 | Leave a Comment


CSC Members Undeterred by 4/26 Weather

Despite rain and fog, members of the Churchville Senior Center were determined to visit the Highland Senior Center on April 26, as planned.  As a reward for their optimism, the clouds eventually cleared to reveal the beautiful mountain scenery between Churchville and Monterey.

The Highland Senior Center proved very interesting, especially the jigsaw puzzle artwork.  In addition, members of both centers enjoyed catching up on the latest news about mutual acquaintances.

Regional Director Kathryn Coit joined us for lunch at High’s Restaurant, always a favorite.  Following a bit of shopping, members returned home having enjoyed a great day despite the “iffy” start!


May 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment


CSC Announces Winner of Spring Garden Raffle

Churchville Senior Center conducted the drawing for its Spring Garden Raffle April 18. Singer Patsy Allison did the honors, and the lucky winner was James Byne of Churchville.

Mr. Byne purchased his ticket from CSC member Lee Green, who will deliver his prizes over the weekend. They include a new wheelbarrow, a new rake, hoe, and shovel, a new pair of gardening gloves, landscaping cloth, and miscellaneous seed packets.

Members sold 102 tickets, raising $171 for the Center Fund! Part of the proceeds will be used to help members pay for a luncheon cruise with the Staunton and Waynesboro Senior Centers on June 22. This was the first fundraising effort since last year’s Annual Yard Sale, and members were very pleased at its success.

Congratulations, CSC Team!


April 18, 2012 | Leave a Comment



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