Bennington Senior & Community News, May-June 2024

BenningtonSenior & Community News

May – June 2024

Bennington Senior Center Hours of Operation

Our regular hours of operation are Mon – Fri from 8am – 4pm.

To our Senior Community…

It is the mission of the Bennington Senior Center to engage persons 50+ in the lifelong learning process; promoting their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being by providing social, recreational, creative and cultural programs and enabling active participation in the center and community. Program costs are founded on a not-for-profit basis.

From the Director’s Desk:

Sponsored by:

Amazingly, summer begins before the next newsletter comes out. How does time go so quickly? Did you know that the first Vermont Green Up Day was in 1970? This year, Vermont Green Up Day is on May 4th. Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways, and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day while raising public awareness about the health, economic, and visual benefits of a litter-free environment year-round.

If you are 50+ and make things that you would like to display and/or sell at our Senior Art & Craft Show & Sale in June, please contact me. Just like the flowers that show off their colors, it’s time to show you off to the world!

Cheers, Carrie Fabricius - Program Director

CONTACT INFO:

Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3 Bennington, VT 05201 Phone 442-1052 or 802-447-9714

cfabricius@benningtonvt.org

MONDAYS

Painting Group: This informal group meets on Mondays & Fridays, but painters are welcome to work on their own at any time. The group works from photographs, calendar art, and old masters. Bring your own painting materials; group size limited to 8-10 participants. Come when you can, receive hints from each other, and enjoy some good conversation! 9am – Noon No Fee

Leslie Sansone Walking: These walking exercises are fun and easy! 1 - 3 mile aerobic walking video. The class is great for those in need of light to moderate movement and great fun with friends. The class is tailored to the needs/ wants of the group each day. 9:00 am. No Fee

Beginner Ukulele: Learn the basics! Call the instructor for more information. 10:15 am Instructor: Henry Simpatico (802)379-6043 No Fee

Ukulele: Strum along with others at this gathering of musically minded folks. Beginners to seasoned players, this group also plays at community functions. Call the instructor for more information. 11:00 am Instructor: Henry Simpatico (802) 379-6043 No Fee

Cards & Games Group decides the game, or multiple groups can play different games. Games available here include the following:

Board games: Parcheesi, Trivial Pursuit, Backgammon, Mancala, Clue, Payday, Ticket to Ride, Go, Chess, Checkers, Battleship

Word games: Balderdash, Pictionary, Taboo, Scattergo-

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

ries, Scrabble, Smart Mouth, Upwords, Whatchamacallit Card, Dice, and Tile games: Yahtzee, Farkle, Cribbage, Mille Bornes, Dominos, Mahjong, Rummikub, Uno, Bohnanza, all manner of traditional card games… or bring your own game to share. The possibilities are nearly endless! 1:00 pm No Fee

TUESDAYS

Bone Builders: This low impact exercise, run through RSVP, promotes strength through weight training, plus helps with both balance and bone density. Class may include open discussion about nutrition, disease prevention, and alternate exercises. Class leader varies. 8:30 am OR 10:00 am No Fee

Fall Prevention Tai Chi –

LEVEL 1: Falls become an increasing concern as we age. In this class we strive to fend off the stresses of modern life; maintain our agility, balance, and overall health; practice mindfulness; and enjoy the mood-lifting experience of practicing these engaging movement forms with others. This level one class is for new participants, or those feeling the need for more instruction before moving on to level two. 16 weeks; begins May 7.

Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 1:00 pm No Fee

WEDNESDAYS

Fall Prevention Tai Chi –

LEVEL 2

Just what it says! A continuation from Level 1, this class is for people who have learned and feel comfortable and confident with the first 6 forms. Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 10:00am (9:00am on Pot

luck Wednesday) No Fee

Wednesday Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee

May 8 Interstellar Matthew McConaughey / Anne Hathaway June 5 Little Women Susan Sarandon / Winona Ryder July 10 Must Love Dogs Diane Lane / John Cusack Trivia!: Enjoy some good-hearted competition as you (or your team) vie for the title of Trivia Champion! We will have a few laughs as we learn new facts. Come join the fun! 1:00 pm, May 22, June 26, July 24. No Fee

THURSDAYS

Bone Builders: See class description on Tuesday list.

WORK OUT ANYWHERE ANYTIME

Craft Corner: Bring whatever craft project you are working on. Quilting, crocheting, knitting, weaving, decoupage, coloring, the options abound! We have sewing machines available to use. You bring the materials, we supply the space, coffee, tea, and socialization. 1:00 pm No Fee

FRIDAYS

Painting Group: See group description on Monday list. BINGO: Come play low stakes, high energy BINGO! 2 cards for $2, additional cards 50 cents each, 6 card maximum. Beverages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 - 3 pm

At the Berkshire Family Y, we understand life gets busy. That's why we're partnering with LES MILLS to bring you LES MILLS+, a premium fitness app offering workouts you can do anytime, anywhere.

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Free 30-Day Trial

Exclusive Monthly Rate: Just $9.99/month after your trial, a 23% savings for Bennington Rec Center members.

Cancel Anytime: Enjoy flexibility with no long-term commitment.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

INDOOR WALKING

Sponsored by the Bennington Senior Center at the Bennington Firehouse, 3rd Floor

MON/WED/FRI 8:15—9:15 AM

Sponsored by Saint Francis Parish Hall on West Main Street.

MON-FRI 8:30—11:30 AM & 1—4 PM. Call 442-3141 first to check availability.

**Please note: the parish hall is NOT air conditioned**

To keep floors/rugs clean, please bring a change of shoes.

FOOT CARE and BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC

Sponsored by VNA & HOSPICE of the Southwest Region.

1:00 pm, Tuesdays, May 7, June 4, July 9 upstairs at the Bennington Senior Center

You must schedule an appointment by calling 802-442-5502.

Please bring a towel. If you can soak your feet beforehand, it is helpful.

Suggested donation fees: $10.00 for foot care and $3.00 for blood pressure clinic.

PARTICIPANT POLICIES

PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY

Checks are payable to the Bennington Senior Center, unless otherwise specified. If we have not received your payment by the due date, we must cancel your reservation. As a courtesy, we will remind you when payment is due. However, we cannot assume responsibility if we are unable to reach you.

WE CANNOT REFUND AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED.

If you have purchased a ticket and must cancel, we will try to sell your ticket to a party on the waiting list. If you miss the bus, we cannot refund. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

TRIP POLICY

Trips are open to all adults, regardless of place of residence. Intergenerational trips for younger children are available where indicated. In the interest of passenger safety, we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to inclement weather. We are not able to refund for weather related cancellations.

OUT TO EAT!

Mon., May 20th Cup & Saucer Wilmington, VT

Thu., June 27th Burger Den Cambridge, NY

All Green Mountain Express trips depart from the senior center at 124 Pleasant Street. Please pay your van transportation in correct cash to senior center staff on the day of the trip as we are not able to refund if you pay ahead and the trip is cancelled.

Coach trips depart from the Bennington Station parking lot at the corner of Depot & River Street. We do not assign seating unless you have medical

documentation that special seating is required.

We reserve the right to cancel trips with less than 10 passengers and coach trips with less than 30, as they are not cost effective. Transportation to airports is not always provided by the center. NOTE: Tipping for the coach driver is not included in the cost of trips. We recommend $2 per day unless otherwise stated in trip itinerary.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY

An escort companion and/or personal assistant is required for all travelers having a disability (a physical or mental impairment which limits one or more of the major life abilities). The companion travels at full fare cost and is responsible for all special needs of the individual. To the extent possible, we will accommodate with proper transportation, lodging and access to facilities. To assist us in meeting any special needs, please notify us at the time of reservation. Medical documentation, including permission to travel from your physician, may be required and is strictly confidential. We reserve the right to refuse passage to any person who does not adhere to this policy.

CHANGE IN TRIP POLICY

Due to ongoing confusion with current reservation policies, anyone who wants a reservation must sign up themselves and must provide their own phone number.

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– COMMUNITY RESOURCES –

Bennington Town Clerk/ Town Offices (802) 442-1037

Bennington Recreation Center/YMCA (802) 442-1053

Meals on Wheels of Bennington County (802) 442-8012

VNA & Hospice (Bennington Home Health) (802) 442-5502

Bennington Project Independence (802) 442-8136

Bennington Rutland Opportunity Council (BROC)

(802) 447-7515

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (802) 442-5436

Retired Senior Volunteer Project (RSVP) (802) 447-1546

Social Security Administration (Rutland office) (866) 690-1944

Green Mountain Community Network (802) 447-0477

Support And Services at Home (SASH) (802) 442-9920

– HOUSING –

Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000

Shires Housing (802) 442-8139

THM (office in Manchester) (802) 362-4663

Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc. serves

people through:

Kitchen Cupboard - The Kitchen Cupboard provides free food to individuals and families in need and teaches them how to eat better on a budget.

Emergency Needs Fund - The Emergency Needs Fund helps families pay for shelter, utilities and other basic needs to low-income families experiencing a financial crisis due to unexpected events like layoffs and injuries.

You First - The You First Bennington program provides eligible individuals in Bennington County personalized support to pay for breast, cervical and heart screenings, diagnostic tests and heart healthy lifestyle programs.

The Dr. G. Richard Dundas Free Clinic - Primary medical care, care coordination, and referrals for uninsured or underinsured adults living in the Bennington County area. More information can be obtained by calling (802) 447-3700.

More information can be obtained by calling (802) 447-3700.

SENIOR CENTER POT LUCKS

Wednesday, May 15th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

Wednesday, June 12th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon.

POTLUCK TIP: If you don’t know what to bring, ask us!

There is always something you can bring, even if you don’t cook or are low on funds.

Please sign up no later than Friday prior for any or all these events - 802-442-1052

SENIOR CENTER ANNUAL PICNIC

Wednesday, July 17th 11am - ??? Willow Park Upper Pavilion

The picnic will be at the East Road (upper) pavilion. Once again, Meals On Wheels will be providing the food. There will be games, too, weather permitting. Please sign up by Friday, July 5th by calling the Senior Center @ (802) 442-1052.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

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IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

COFFEE With…

These meetings give you the opportunity to learn about different local places, programs, activities, and businesses you may not know about, and give you the opportunity to ask questions and give direct input.

Friday, May 3rd 10-11am

Jeanne Mintrone, Executive Director

Better Bennington Corporation (BBC)

Ever wonder what the BBC is or what it does? The mission of the Better Bennington Corporation is to lead and support public and private efforts that enhance downtown as the vital commercial and cultural heart of the community. Come and voice your ideas on ways to make it happen!

Friday, June 7th 10-11am - Mystery Guest!

UNTIL HELP ARRIVES – Part 2!

Friday, May 10th 9:30 - 11 am

Have you ever been with someone when they have a sudden health emergency? Stroke, heart attack, hypothermia… Wouldn’t it be great to know what to do until first responders get there? There were so many things to learn last time that we needed a second day. Join Ron Sampath, former Red Cross instructor, to learn how to react and what to do for different emergencies. Increase the probability of a positive outcome!

“Slide Into Summer”

Senior Art & Craft Show & Sale

Saturday, June 22 10am-3pm

We have so many gifted, talented seniors! Painting, quilting, knitting and crocheting, jewelry making… SO MANY THINGS!! If you are interested in renting a table ($5 or $10) to sell your items, please contact Carrie (contact info on the cover). If you have items to donate, that’s another option. Money raised will go to our activities fund. We hope to make this an annual event!

SHOPPING

These shopping trips are sponsored by the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, which provides funding to cover 80% of the transportation cost.

Transportation by Green Mountain Express. 9:30am - 4:00pm.

Cost $4

Sign up at the Senior Center for these shopping trips and pay the fee at the Senior Center front desk on the day of the trip.

Tuesday, May 7th Colonie Center, Albany, NY

Wednesday, May 29th Wilton Mall & Kohl’s, Pittsfield, MA

Thursday, June 6th Colonie Center, Albany, NY

Wednesday, June 26th Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY

Wednesday, July 3rd Colonie Center, Albany, NY

COACH TRIPS

Green Mountain Lines Presents

BETHLEHEM & LANCASTER, PA

December 3 - 5, 2024

Trip Includes:

• 2 night stay at Country Inn of Lancaster with 2 full breakfast buffets

• Visit to Koziar’s Christmas Village

• 2 dinners at area restaurants

• Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster to see “Daniel”

• American Music Theatre to see “Joy To The World”

• Stop at the casino in Bethlehem, PA on the way home SINGLE $685/pp DOUBLE $550/pp TRIPLE $505/pp

$50 non-refundable deposit due upon sign up.

Full payment due by October 25th.

***Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison***

For more information, call Eleanor @ (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052

PICKUP TIMES:

7:00am Bennington Station

• 8:00am Latham Farms

MONTRÉAL & QUÉBEC CITY

September 3 - 7, 2024

Trip Includes:

• 4 nights lodging

- 1 night Plaza Universal Montréal

- 3 nights Delta-Marriott Québec City

• 4 full breakfast buffets, 1 dinner

• Guided tour of Montréal with visits to Place Ville -Marie (where the underground city began), Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montréal, L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, and more!

• Guided Tour of Old Québec with visits to Le Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham, Citadelle de Québec, Montmorency Falls, Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de- Beaupré, and more!

• A day on your own in Québec City

DOUBLE $1305/pp TRIPLE $1175/pp SINGLE $1814/pp

Sign up and $100 non-refundable deposit due upon sign-up. THIS TRIP REQUIRES A PASSPORT OR ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE

Full payment due by June 20th.

Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison

For more information, call Eleanor @ (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052

PICKUP TIMES:

Bennington Station 7:00am

• Latham Farms 8:00am

**We do not offer travel insurance, but it is suggested you check out various options.

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Saturday, April 27, 2024

TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS

Thursday, May 30th 9am – 3pm

SHOWS, TRIPS, AND TRAVEL

$17

The Tri-City ValleyCats (colloquially known as the ‘Cats) are a professional baseball team based in Troy, New York. The ValleyCats compete in the Frontier League (FL) as a member of the East Division, and play their home games at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. $17 includes transportation, ticket, AND LUNCH (hot dog, chips, and bottled water)! Spend a day enjoying “America’s favorite pastime”.

LAKE GEORGE LUNCHEON CRUISE ON THE LAC DU SAINT SACREMENT

JUNE 11TH 9:30 AM

FOR SIGN UP OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL ELEANOR

$79

about herself, her higher purpose, and forms meaningful connections with the other nuns – which is especially useful when her cover is blown and it is up to their sisterhood to protect her. Lunch before the show is on your own at the Whitestone Café.

LAKE GEORGE DINNER THEATRE

Thurs, July 25th 10am $99

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the second longest running musical in off-Broadway history. Through songs and sketches, this hilarious musical revue affirms the truths and myths behind love, dating, marriage, kids and everything in between. This show pays tribute to those who have loved and lost and reveals the agonizing triumphs and uproarious tribulations of dating and love in the modern world.

MATTISON AT (802) 379-7216 OR (802) 442-1052

Make checks to ELEANOR MATTISON

Payment due by May 24th

WEST SIDE STORY at Mac-Haydn Theatre

Wed, June 19th 10:30am – 6pm $72

Often regarded as the greatest love story of all time. With a powerful, poignant book, and unforgettable music and lyrics by iconic team Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed musical theatre forever.

Shakespeare’s most beloved Romeo and Juliet takes a new life in 20th Century New York City. Tony and Maria, two young, idealistic lovers, find themselves caught between warring street gangs, and the prejudice, hate and grudges between their two communities. We follow their star-crossed struggle through a groundbreaking message that still rings true, 67 years after its creation. Lunch before the show is on your own at the Whitestone Café.

SARATOGA CASINO & HARNESS TRACK

Monday, June 24th 9:30am - 4:30pm

Enjoy some time at the casino, watch some harness racing, or both! Lunch is on your own. Transportation is $4.

SISTER ACT at Mac-Haydn Theatre

Wed, July 10th 10:30am – 6pm $72

Based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this highenergy, uplifting tale is a story of unity and faith. Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier finds herself in protective custody after witnessing a murder, only to end up in perhaps the most effective hideout of all – a convent, disguised as a nun. After struggling to adapt to her new lifestyle, Deloris inspires a new rhythm in the convent choir and bonds with her community. Deloris learns

VT STATE FAIR

Thursday, August 15th 9:30AM - 4PM $20/person Vendors, ox-pulls, draft horses, carnival rides, crafts, food, entertainment, piglets… The VT State Fair has it all, and then some!

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MAY 2024

JUNE 2024

Please note that the pool schedule is subject to change and should be checked before arriving. Check online schedules for accurate pool schedule, group exercise, and more: www.bfymca.org/schedules

Sign up for classes, learn about special events, and more on our website!

Below are general schedules for each day of the week.

PLEASE LOOK ONLINE FOR ACCURATE SCHEDULE WITH HOLIDAY CLOSURES & EVENTS!

Thursday

Lap/Open Swim

am: Water Exercise

pm: Lap/Open Swim

pm: VPI Group

pm: Swim Lessons

Marauders 7-8 pm: Masters

Friday 6-9am Lap/Open

am: Lap/Open Swim 11-12 pm: DanceFit Class

pm: Lap Swim 12:30-1:30: SVSU School Group 1:30-4:30 pm: Lap/Open Swim

4-5:30 pm: Family Swim

5:30-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Family or Kids Night Out

Saturday

8-10:30 am: Lap/Open Swim

10:30-12 pm: Masters

12-1 pm: Swim Lessons

1-3 pm: Family Swim

3-4 pm: Lap Swim

4-5 pm: Pool Rentals