Bennington
Senior & Community News November – December 2023 From the Director’s Desk:
How has another year gone by? It’s the start of the hustle and bustle holiday season. Don’t lose yourself in the material. Take time for yourself to recharge. If it’s sunny, take advantage of it and spend time outside. Our bodies need the sunlight to manufacture Vitamin D and to boost neuBennington Senior Center - Hours of Operation rotransmitters, both of which help keep seasonal Our regular hours of operation are Mon – Fri from 8am – 4pm. depression (a.k.a. the winter blues) at bay. Each day, do something that brings you joy. Move We will be closed on the following dates: for five minutes, listen to some music, work on a November 23-24 Thurs/Fri CLOSED in observance of THANKSGIVING craft or hobby, read a few chapters of your current December 22 Friday CLOSING at 12:00 noon book, write a letter (or call!) to reconnect with an old December 25 Monday CLOSED in observance of CHRISTMAS January 1 Monday CLOSED in observance of NEW YEAR’S DAY friend… It doesn’t have to be an hours long project, but something that has meaning to you. Have a peaceful and wonderous season. Carrie Fabricius - Program Director
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.
Sponsored by:
CONTACT INFO: Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3 Bennington, VT 05201 Phone 442-1052 or 802-447-9714 cfabricius@benningtonvt.org
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
WEEKLY PROGRAMS MONDAYS
ers, this group also
practice mindfulness; and
will have a few laughs as we
plays at community
enjoy the mood-lifting ex-
learn new facts. Come join
informal group meets
functions. Call the in-
perience of practic-
the fun! 1:00 pm Novem-
structor for more in-
ing these engaging
ber 8 & 29, December
formation. 11:00 am
movement forms with
Instructor: Henry Sim-
others. This level one
patico (802)379-6043
class is for new par-
No Fee
ticipants, or those feeling the
Painting Group: This Mondays & Fridays, but painters are welcome to work on their own at any time. The group works from pho-
Cards
tographs, 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,
before moving on to
cides the game. It may
level two.
be
board
tor: Carrie Fabricius
Yahtzee….
1:00 pm No Fee NOTE:
the possibilities are nearly
No class December 12th
cards,
games,
TUESDAYS
Walking:
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
i n -
structor for more information. 10:15 am Instructor: Henry SimBennington Banner
Games: Group de-
sation! 9am – Noon No Fee These walking exercises are
2
need for more instruction
endless! 1:00 pm No Fee
Sansone
patico (802)379-6043 No Fee Ukulele: Strum along with others at this gathering of musically minded folks. Beginners to seasoned play-
THURSDAYS
&
and enjoy some good converLeslie
27. No Fee
Instruc-
WEDNESDAYS
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
Fall Prevention Tai Chi –
the materials, we supply the
Bone Builders: This low im-
LEVEL 2 Just what it says! A
space, coffee, tea, and social-
pact exercise, run through
continuation from Level 1, this
ization. 1:00 pm No Fee
RSVP,
promotes
strength
class is for people who have
through
weight
training,
learned and feel comfort-
plus helps with both
able and confident with
bone
the first 6 forms. In-
density. Class may
structor: Carrie Fabri-
include open discus-
cius 9:00am No Fee
sion about nutrition,
Note: No class Nov.
balance
and
disease prevention, and alter-
15th or Dec. 13th
nate exercises. Class leader
Wednesday
varies. 8:30 am OR 10:00 am
a month, come in
Movie:
No Fee
and enjoy a movie.
Fall Prevention Tai Chi –
1:00 pm No Fee
Twice
LEVEL 1: Falls become
November 1 & 22,
an increasing concern
December 6 & 20.
as we age. In this class
Call ahead for title.
we strive to fend off the
Trivia!:
stresses of modern life;
good-hearted competition as
maintain our agility, bal-
you and your team vie for the
ance, and overall health;
title of Trivia Champions! We
Enjoy
some
FRIDAYS
Painting Group: See group description on Monday list. Crochet with Deb: Come learn the basics of crochet and try your hand at an easy project. 9:30am November 10, December 8 & 22. Instructor: Deb Matte 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 Nov. 7th, Dec. 5th, Jan. 2nd upstairs at the Bennington Senior Center You must schedule an appointment by calling VNA at 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! Plum Blossom in Troy, NY 10:45am – 2:00pm
Mon. Dec. 11th
The Angry Egg 2 in Bennington 11:00am - 1:00pm
We will walk over from the Senior Center.
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.
Bennington Banner
Thu., Nov. 16th
PARTICIPANT POLICIES
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, October 28, 2023
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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Saturday, October 28, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
SHOPPING
Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc. serves people through:
Kitchen Cupboard - Free food and nutrition education for those in need. Greater Bennington Food and Fuel Fund - Discretionary funding for people who need help with shelter, utilities, food, and other basic needs. You First - Free screenings for cervical and breast cancers and cardiovascular disease, as well as education and encouragement of healthy lifestyles for women. Bennington Oral Health Coalition - Education and outreach about improving oral health outcomes using a grassroots organizing model. Food Fit Bennington - Food, nutrition, cooking and exercise programming in a group setting that allows participants to take leadership roles. The Dr. G. Richard Dundas Free Clinic - Access to primary medical care and health insurance for uninsured adults.
Bennington Banner
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
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 Nov. 7th Monday Nov. 20th Thursday Dec. 7th Tuesday Dec. 19th Wednesday Jan. 3rd
Colonie Center Rutland Shopping Colonie Center Crossgates Mall Colonie Center
Albany, NY Rutland VT Albany, NY Albany, NY Albany, NY
SENIOR CENTER POT LUCKS Thanksgiving
Wed., Nov. 15th
11:30am - ???
Benn. Firehouse, 3rd floor
Christmas
Wed., Dec. 13th 11:30am - ??? Benn. Firehouse, 3rd floor We will be joined by Chief Paul Doucette and Lt. Camillo Grande of the Bennington Police Department! 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 potluck
– 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 –
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 a supply list - we may have some supplies available here. Dates TBA
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, Nov. 3rd, 10-11am Natasha Garder Littrell, Manager of the Bennington Community Market Natasha, former owner of Crazy Russian Girls Bakery, has brought her talent and knowledge to the Community Market. Learn how the business was set up to operate, ask any questions you have, and find out what it means to become a member. Friday, Dec. 1st, 9:45-10:45am Jennie Rozycki, Director @ John G. McCullough Free Library Jennie will share all that the McCullough Free Library has to offer. It’s not just about books anymore! Kids’ events, meeting space, access to online classes; there’s something for everyone.
SHOWTIME
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Thursday, Nov. 30th, 7am-11pm Bus picks up at the Bennington Station Parking Lot
CAPITAL REP
WEDNESDAY, December 6th, 12:15pm-6pm $45 per person - Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison Bus picks up at the Bennington Senior Center
LES MISERABLES at Proctors Theatre
THURSDAY, March 21st, 11:30am-7pm $64 per person - Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, October 28, 2023
Don Miller recently spoke to a full house about the history of the Walloomsac Inn.
SQUARE DANCING
Wednesdays, Nov. 8, 22 & 29, Dec.6, 20 & , 1-3 pm Fun, easy beginner square dance with live music! Caller Robbie Steele walks folks through the moves as he teaches square dance basics. Dancing is paced at a walk. For more information, call Robbie at (802)823-5654 between 9am and 7pm, or email at robsteele100@icloud.com. A minimum of 8 people is needed to hold this class – please sign up at the Senior Center (802) 442-1052. Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 2:30pm George Lerrigo will join us for a discussion on the “Corkscrew” Railroad. Incorporated are some less commonly known facts about the Corkscrew Line, in particular the events in the North Bennington rail yards known as the “Wellington Raid” and how it impacted on the building of the Corkscrew. Please call to pre-register.
TRIPS & TRAVEL
Berkshire Museum
Tues, Nov 28th, 10:30am-5pm $16+lunch Bus picks up at the Bennington Senior Center It’s time for the Festival of Trees! Walk through three rooms of trees beautifully decorated for the holidays
Bennington Banner
CORKSCREW RAILROAD
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Saturday, October 28, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
NOVEMBER 2023 Sun
Wednesday
Thursday
Bone Builders Bone Builders Craft Corner
Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Movie 1
5
6 Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1
12
7
Friday
20
14 Bone Builders Bone Builders Tai Chi Level 1
8:30 10 1
21
Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1 Rutland Shopping 9:30-4 Lunch at Panera
Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi - Level 1 1
Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1
Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 1 1 Berkshire Museum 10:30-5
27
Bone Builders Bone Builders Craft Corner
15 Thanksgiving Pot Luck 11:30am-?? at River Street Firehouse Senior Center closed
3
8:30 10 1
Painting 9 Coffee with Natasha Garder Littrell 10 - 11am BINGO 1
9
10
8:30 10 1
Bone Builders 8:30 Painting Bone Builders 10 Bingo Craft Corner 1 Plum Blossom 10:45-2
22
23
29
30
Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Trivia 1 Square Dance 2
Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 Radio City Music Hall 7am-11pm
4
11
Painting 9 Crochet with Deb 9:30 BINGO 1
16
Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Movie 1 Square Dance 2
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Sat
2
8
Bone Builders 8:30 Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Trivia 1 Bone Builders 10 Square Dance 2 VNA Foot Clinic 1 Tai Chi Level 1 1 Colonie Center 9:30 - 4
13 Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1
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Bennington Banner
Tuesday
1
19
6
Monday
BENNINGTON SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR
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18
24
25
9 1
Sun
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sat
Friday
1
2
8
9
15
16
22
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Painting 9 Coffee with... Jennie Rozycki of the McCullough Library 9:45 10:45am BINGO 1
3
4 Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1
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Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi - Level 1 1 VNA Foot Clinic 1
11
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Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1 The Angry Egg 2 11-1
Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 George Lerrigo talks about the Corkscrew Railroad 2:30
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Painting Group 9 Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1
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5
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Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Bone Builders 8:30 Movie 1 Bone Builders 10 Square Dance 2 Craft Corner 1 Capital Rep 12:15-6 Colonie Center 9:30-4
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20 Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Movie 1 Square Dance 2
8:30 10 1
Painting BINGO
9 1
21 Bone Builders Bone Builders Craft Corner
27 Tai Chi - Level 2 9 Trivia 1 Square Dance 2
Painting 9 Crochet with Deb 9:30 BINGO 1
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Bone Builders Christmas Bone Builders Pot Luck Craft Corner 11:30am-?? at River Street Firehouse Senior Center closed
26 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi - Level 1 1
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8:30 10 1
Painting 9 Crochet with Deb 9:30 Closing at Noon
28 Bone Builders Bone Builders Craft Corner
8:30 10 1
29 Painting BINGO
9 1
30 Bennington Banner
CLOSED
Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi - Level 1 1 Crossgates Mall 9:30 - 4
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Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, October 28, 2023
DECEMBER 2023
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Saturday, October 28, 2023 | Bennington Senior & Community News
POOL SCHEDULE
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER www.bfymca.org 655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053
Typical Oct-Nov 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. ANNUAL FACILITY CLOSURE 8/26-9/10. SEE SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE ONLINE PLEASE. Sunday Wednesday Friday Closed through the summer until November 6-8am Lap Swim 6-9am Lap/Open Swim 8-9am Deep Water Class/Lap 9-10am SVSU School Group Monday 9-10am Lap/Open 10-11am Lap/Open Swim 6-9am Lap/Open Swim 10-10:30am Head Start Group 11-12pm DanceFit Class 9-10am SVSU School Group 10:30-11:30am Playgroup/Lap 12-12:30pm Lap Swim 10-11am Lap/Open Swim 11:30am-5:15pm Lap/Open Swim 12:30-1:30 SVSU School Group 11-12pm DanceFit Class 5:15-6pm Water Aerobics Class 1:30-4pm Lap/Open Swim 12-1pm Lap/Open Swim 6-7:30pm Marauders 4-5:30pm Family Swim 1-2pm SVSU School Group 7:30-8pm Lap/Open 5:30-7pm Marauders 2-5:30pm Lap/Open Swim 7-8pm Family or Kids Night Out 5:30-7pm Marauders
Bennington Banner
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
Lap/Open Swim Class/Open Lap Swim BRSU Swim/Lap/Open Lap/Open Swim Swim Lessons Marauders Masters
Thursday 8-10am 10-11am 11-1pm 1-2pm 2-4pm 4-6pm 6-7pm 7-8pm
Kayla Becker – Branch Director kbecker@bfymca.org
Lap/Open Swim Class/Open Lap/Open Swim VPI Group Lap/Open Swim Swim Lessons Marauders Masters
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