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

Beloved PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon Returns to Skaneateles

Beloved PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon Returns to Skaneateles

After a nearly six-year pause due to the pandemic, the cherished PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon is officially making its return to Skaneateles. Formerly held at the YMCA, the luncheon was a much-loved gathering where older adults came together to connect, share stories, and enjoy a healthy meal. Now, thanks to months of dedicated work and collaboration among local leaders and community partners, the Senior Congregate Dining Program is back—bringing warmth, conversation, and community to the area once again.

Spearheaded by Jean Clayborn, with vital support from Mayor Mary Sennett, Commissioner JoAnne Spoto Decker, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Merrick, County Legislator Julie Abbott, and County Executive Ryan McMahon, the program has found a new home at Dobson Fellowship Hall in the First Presbyterian Church. Special thanks also go to the church for generously offering space and support, and to Laker Limo for providing dependable transportation for seniors. Starting Wednesday, September 3rd, lunch will be served at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. Open to everyone aged 60 and older (and their spouses, regardless of age), the luncheon revives a treasured tradition and continues its mission of building connection through shared meals.

Senior Nutrition Days at the Market

Senior Nutrition Days at the Market

From July 10 through August 14, PEACE, Inc., Food Services, in partnership with the CNY Regional Market and the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, hosted a six-week Senior Nutrition Luncheon series at the CNY Regional Market. Held every Thursday, the program served 456 fresh, healthy meals and offered local seniors an opportunity to gather, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.

Staff and volunteers from PEACE, Inc. played a key role, preparing and serving each meal while creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees. Midway through the series, Skippy’s Ice Cream joined in, donating sweet treats that were especially popular during the July 31 gathering.

Following the success of the summer luncheons, PEACE, Inc. has launched a new monthly Senior Lunch in Skaneateles at the First Presbyterian Church. Held on the first Wednesday of each month, this location marks the 29th PEACE, Inc. Senior Congregate Dining Site — joining 28 others in Onondaga County and one in Madison County.

These programs continue to bring more than just a meal — they foster connection, conversation, and community across Central New York.

Celebrating the Community by Providing Harvest Meals for Seniors

Celebrating the Community by Providing Harvest Meals for Seniors

Last week, our Senior Nutrition Program hosted its annual “Harvest Meals” at 28 senior centers across Onondaga County! Every year, we’re proud to provide delicious Thanksgiving meals to seniors in our community, spreading joy and gratitude during this special season. The images below showcase the meals served at the Westcott Community Center, Salina Town Hall, and PEACE, Inc.’s Eastwood Community Center.

It’s Harvest time!

It’s Harvest time!

Our seniors at the Bob Cecile Center enjoyed their annual feast together last week! We celebrate our community and seniors, sharing a hearty meal and wonderful company. What a special way to give thanks this season!

Our Senior Nutrition Staff prepares healthy meals for seniors

Our Senior Nutrition Staff prepares healthy meals for seniors

Our Senior Nutrition Staff prepares healthy meals for seniors using nutritious, local, and fresh ingredients.

PEACE, Inc. – The Senior Nutrition Program offers healthy meals in-group settings such as community centers, faith-based locations, and senior centers. In addition, each center has several activities planned daily, including card games, arts and crafts, dancing, picnics, outings, and information on programs for health, nutrition, and senior services.
All programs target adults aged 60 and older who have the greatest social and economic needs.

The Senior Congregate Dining Program is funded by Administration on Aging, New York State Office for Aging and Onondaga County Office for Aging.

For more information, locations and menu, visit: www.peace-caa.org/senior-nutrition

FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Randy LaManche

FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Randy LaManche

Randy LaManche is the Director of PEACE, Inc.’s Food Service department. For more than 20 years, Randy has managed staff, created lunch menus, and overseen all aspects of food production, including the distribution of meals for our Head Start program as well as the Senior Nutrition Program and contracted agencies.

For Randy, PEACE Inc. provides a quality “work-life balance,” which is one of the main reasons why he enjoys working for the agency. Randy shares how, in other food service positions, such balance can be lacking, and it’s something prioritized by him.

He also finds the culture of PEACE, Inc. and its work in the community both rewarding and fulling. For Randy, “PEACE Inc. has quality personnel that is always striving to improve the impact that we have on the community. It feels great to be a part of the PEACE, Inc. team.” It’s the clients that drive Randy, sharing how “Across the board, the agency programs are effective and much needed.” As Randy shared, a few months ago, seniors from the Eastwood Community Center had an opportunity to visit the food service facility. It was a nice outing for the seniors to see where their meals are prepared. As the food production team rarely has the opportunity to meet clients directly, having seniors come to the Nutrition kitchen and share their appreciation for the meals left a huge impression on the staff.

In speaking about his program and the need to provide healthy nutrition for the community, Randy states, “Our clients are counting on us. We have to pull it off every day regardless if we are shorthanded or facing an unexpected emergency. We have to get quality meals prepared and out the door no matter what.” He wakes up in the morning both inspired and motivated, knowing the number of residents who rely on his program for healthy meals.

To learn more about the senior nutrition program, please visit our website: www.peace-caa.org/senior-nutrition/