Bennington
Senior & Community News January – February 2024 From the Director’s Desk:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! What does a new year mean to you? Opportunities for travel? Fun time with grandkids? Finally getting to that home project you’ve been putting off ? Every year I tell myself that I’m going to make one Christmas present per month. And every year, I’m scrambling to get gifts at the last minute. But that’s the beauty of a new year, isn’t it? The possibilities and prospects of a fresh start. If I make just one, it’s still an improvement over the previous year. Maybe one done in January, I can add a picture of it to Bennington Senior Center - Hours of Operation iftheI get next newsletter. Our regular hours of operation are Mon – Fri from 8am – 4pm. We are hoping to hold a Senior Art & Craft Show We will be closed on the following dates: and Sale in March. If you are 50+ and make things January 15 Monday CLOSED in observance of MLK DAY that you would like to display and/or sell, please conFebruary 19 Monday CLOSED in observance of PRESIDENTS DAY tact me. There are so many talented seniors in our community. It’s time to show you off to the world! Cheers, Carrie Fabricius - Program Director It is the mission of the Bennington Senior Center to engage persons 50+ in CONTACT INFO: the lifelong learning process; promoting their physical, emotional and spiritual Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3 well-being by providing social, recreational, creative and cultural programs Bennington, VT 05201 and enabling active participation in the center and community. Program costs Phone 442-1052 or 802-447-9714 are founded on a not-for-profit basis. cfabricius@benningtonvt.org
To our Senior Community…
Sponsored by:
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News Bennington Banner 2
WEEKLY PROGRAMS 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 I ns t ructor: 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, Scattergories, 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 Jan. 2 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. 16 weeks; begins Jan.3 Ins t ructor: Carrie Fabricius 10:00am No Fee Wednesday Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee January 17 Donovan’s Reef John Wayne / Jack Warden / Lee Marvin February 7 RED Bruce Willis / Mary Louise Parker
March 6 Calendar Girls Helen Mirren / Julie Waltersr Trivia!: Enjoy some goodhearted 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 January 31, February 21, March 20. No Fee
THURSDAYS
Bone Builders: See class description on Tuesday list. 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 Crochet with Deb: Twice a month, come and learn basics of crochet, and try your hand at an easy project. 1:00pm January 11 & 25, February 8 & 22. Instructor: Deb Matte
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
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, Jan. 2nd, Feb. 6th, Mar. 5th 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.
OUT TO EAT!
Tue., Feb. 20th Guiseppe’s in Hoosick Falls/ Pittstown, NY 11:30am – 2:00pm
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. 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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Tue., Jan.23rd Bob’s Diner in Manchester, VT 10:30am – 1:30pm
PARTICIPANT POLICIES
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, December 23, 2023
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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Saturday, December 23, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
SENIOR CENTER POT LUCKS
Wed., Jan. 10th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center Wed., Feb. 14th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center Wed., Mar. 13th 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
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.
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More information can be obtained by calling (802) 447-3700.
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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 Housing Authority (802) 442-8000
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. Wednesday January 3rd Colonie Center Albany, NY Thursday January 18th Aviation Mall Queensbury, NY Tuesday February 6th Colonie Center Albany, NY Wednesday February 28th Crossgates Mall Albany, NY Thursday March 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY
– COMMUNITY RESOURCES – 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
Shires Housing (802) 442-8139
THM (office in Manchester) (802) 362-4663
– HOUSING –
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, December 23, 2023
Don Miller recently spoke to a full house about the history of the Walloomsac Inn.
IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS
QUILTING with ANNETTE
Join Annette Dixon for an easy project, learn some sewing and quilting basics, and have some fun! Please sign up one week prior to get supplies list - we may have some supplies available here. Dates TBA Keep an eye on the town facebook page and at the Senior Center.
COFFEE With…
Back by popular demand! 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, Jan. 5th, 10-11am Cathi Comar, Executive Director Second Chance Animal Center Second Chance Animal Center, established in 1959 as the Bennington County Humane Society, serves the needs of homeless animals as well as the needs of pet owners in our community. They are dedicated to providing compassionate shelter and adoption services for the animals in their care and Clark Art Institute $4 + lunch improving the lives of companion animals in the communities Wed, Jan 24th, 10:45am-4pm Bus picks up at the Bennington Senior Center that they serve via spay/neuter assistance, humane education, In 1950, Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and and advocacy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art Friday, Feb. 9th, 10-11am collection. Opened to the public in 1955, the Clark built upon Samantha Page and Callie Fishburn this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most Benn. Co. Regional Commission beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for Samantha and Callie are regional planners with the Benning- its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment ton County Regional Commission. The BCRC was created by the towns and villages it serves to build strong, resilient, and COACH TRIP sustainable communities, to foster economic prosperity, and Be on the lookout for trip informato promote a high quality of life for residents of the region. tion! We are planning a trip to Myrtle The commission has been hired by the Town of Bennington to Beach, Charleston, Savannah, and help update and redesign the town plan based on community possibly Virginia Beach on the way home. This trip would be values and input. around mid-April.
TRIPS & TRAVEL
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Saturday, December 23, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
JANUARY 2024 Sun
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BENNINGTON SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR
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Painting 9 Coffee with Samantha & Callie of the BCRC 10 - 11am BINGO 1
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Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, December 23, 2023
FEBRUARY 2024
BENNINGTON SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR
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Saturday, December 23, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
POOL SCHEDULE
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER www.bfymca.org 655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053
Typical Jan-Feb Pool Schedule
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. Sunday Closed through the summer until November
Bennington Banner
Monday 6-9am 9-10am 10-11am 11-12pm 12-1pm 1-2pm 2-5:30pm 5:30-7pm 7-8pm
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Tuesday 8-10am 10-11am 11-11:30am 11:30-12:30pm 12:30-4pm 4-6pm 6-7pm 7-8pm
Lap/Open Swim SVSU School Group Lap/Open Swim DanceFit Class Lap/Open Swim SVSU School Group Lap/Open Swim Marauders Lap/Open Swim Lap/Open Swim Class/Open Lap Swim BRSU Swim/Lap/Open Lap/Open Swim Swim Lessons Marauders Masters
Wednesday 6-8am 8-9am 9-10am 10-10:30am 10:30-11:30am 11:30am-5:15pm 5:15-6pm 6-7:30pm 7:30-8pm
Lap Swim Deep Water Class/Lap Lap/Open Head Start Group Playgroup/Lap Lap/Open Swim Water Aerobics Class Marauders Lap/Open
Thursday 8-10am 10-11am 11-1pm 1-2pm 2-4pm 4-6pm 6-7pm 7-8pm
Lap/Open Swim Class/Open Lap/Open Swim VPI Group Lap/Open Swim Swim Lessons Marauders Masters
Kayla Becker – Branch Director kbecker@bfymca.org
Friday 6-9am 9-10am 10-11am 11-12pm 12-12:30pm 12:30-1:30 1:30-4pm 4-5:30pm 5:30-7pm 7-8pm
Lap/Open Swim SVSU School Group Lap/Open Swim DanceFit Class Lap Swim SVSU School Group Lap/Open Swim Family Swim Marauders Family or Kids Night Out
Saturday 8-10:30am 10:30-12pm 12-1pm 1-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm
Lap/Open Swim Masters Swim Lessons Family Swim Lap Swim Pool Rentals
Taylor McGuire – Assistant Branch Director – tmcguire@bfymca.org