Bennington Senior and Community News, November - December, 2022

BenningtonSenior & Community News

From the Director’s Desk:

This is my yearly reminder to be kind to yourself over the holidays. Remember to take a daily break. Breathe deeply and try to think of …. NOTHING. Not the cleaning, not work, not the argument you had with your friend/spouse/child. Just breathe. It takes practice to quiet your mind and think of nothing.

Now think about you. Do you like yourself? Do you get frustrated with your perceived shortcomings? Do you ever wish you could feel less ordinary? Well, hold on to your hat when I tell you this:

Bennington Senior Center - Hours of Operation

You are the only you in existence. EVER. Do you realize how unique that makes you? In this entire, everexpanding universe, there is not one single thing like you. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. “Shortcomings” aren’t a negative. They are judgments of you made by others. Don’t believe them. Some of those traits allow you to think outside the box, or be a great listener, or understand a subject on a deeper level than others, or…. you get the idea. Figure out what your “shortcomings” allow you to do, and you will never feel ordinary again. It’s all in the perspective.

Happy and peaceful holidays to you and your family.

Carrie Fabricius - Program Director

To our Senior Community…

It

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 Mondays & Fridays, but painters are welcome to work on their own at any time. The group works from photo graphs, calendar art, and old masters. Bring your own painting ma terials; 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 aero bic 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. 8:45 am. No Fee

Create & Play: Create & Play is a playgroup for grandparents and children ages 0-6 years. Games, mu sic, reading, crafts… so many things to do! 10-11 am To reg ister or for more informa tion: call the Bennington Rec Center @ 802-442-1053 or email to tmcguire@bfymca. org.

Ukulele: Strum along with others at this gathering of

Weekly Programs

musically minded folks. Be ginners to seasoned play ers, group also plays at community functions. Call instructor for more information. 11:00 am Instructor: Henry Simpatico (802) 3796043 No Fee

Cards & Games: Group decides the game. It may be cards, board games, Yahtzee…. the possibilities are nearly endless! 1:00 pm No Fee

TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS

Coffee Talk: Just what it says! A time to come in and enjoy some con versation in the com pany of others. Beverages provided. 8:30 - 9:30 No Fee Games & Gab: It’s back! Play a game of pool, ping-pong,

or foosball while enjoying coffee and the company of friends. 10am - noon at the Bennington Sports Center (former Catamount School). To register or for more information: call the Bennington Rec Center @ 802-442-1053 or email to tmcguire@bfym ca.org

Wednesday Movie:

Twice a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee Nov. 2 - “The Shootist”, John Wayne/Lauren Bacall Nov. 23 - “The Marc Pease Ex perience”, Jason Schwartz man/Ben Stiller Dec. 7 - “Elf”, Will FerrellJames Caan Dec. 28 - “Places in the Heart”, Sally Field/ Ed Harris Jan. 11 - “The First Wives Club”, Bette Midler/Goldie Hawn

Jan. 25 - “Admissions”, Lau ren Ambrose/Christopher Lloyd

Trivia: Enjoy some good-hearted competition as you and your team vie for the title of Trivia Champions! We will have a few laughs as we learn new facts. Come join the fun! 1:00 pm Nov. 9 & 30, Dec. 21, Jan. 4

& 18. No Fee

THURSDAYS

Bone Builders: See class description on Tuesday list.

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

Monthly Special Project:

November 10th - Snowflake Ornaments

December 8th - COOKIE SWAP!!

January 12th - Macrame

NOTE: There is a $3 mate rials fee for November and January special projects, due one week prior to class. Please call 802-442-1052 to register.

FRIDAYS

Painting Group: See group description on Monday list.

BINGO: Come play low stakes, high energy BIN GO! 2 cards for $2, additional cards 50 cents each, 6 card maximum. Beverages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 - 3 pm

HEALTH & WELLNESS

INDOOR WALKING - Sponsored by the Bennington Senior Center at the River Street Firehouse 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 Tuesday, Nov 1st, Dec 6th, Jan 3rd upstairs at the Bennington Senior Cen ter

You must schedule appointment at least one day in advance by calling 802-442-5502. Please bring a towel. If you can soak your feet before hand, 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 pay ment 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 par ty on the waiting list. If you miss the bus, we cannot refund. Please plan to arrive 10 min utes 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 in dicated. In the interest of passenger safety, we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to inclement weather. We are not able to re fund for weather related cancellations.

All Green Mountain Express trips de part 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 un

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

less you have medical documentation that special seating is required.

We reserve the right to cancel trips with less than 8 passengers and coach trips with less than 30, as they are not cost effective. Transportation to airports is not always pro vided 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 as sistant 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 transporta tion, lodging and access to facilities. To as sist us in meeting any special needs, please notify us at the time of reservation. Medi cal 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 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

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

HOUSING

Shires Housing (802) 442-8139

(RSVP) (802) 447-1545

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

Green Mountain Community Network (802) 447-0477

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

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

OUT TO EAT!

Tues., Nov. 8th Bob’s Diner in Manchester, VT 10:30am - 1:15pm

Fri., Dec. 16th The Angry Egg 2 in Bennington 8:15am

We will meet in our lobby, and walk together to breakfast 1 block over.

Thurs., Jan. 5th Cozy Corner in Williamstown, MA 11:45am – 1:30pm

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

COFFEE WITH…

Our “Coffee With…” series gives seniors direct access to local executives and town officials who work in areas that can directly affect them. It gives an opportunity to learn what those officials (and their organizations) do and to ask questions/ voice concerns they may have. Coffee/tea and light refreshments are available.

The series is held the first Wednesday of each month at 10am, and continues with the following guests:

Nov 2nd - Jenny Dewar, Executive Director of the Better Bennington Corporation

Dec 7th – Stuart Hurd, Bennington Town Manager

Jan 4th – TBA

Please register for any or all by calling the Bennington Senior Center at (802) 442-1052.

A virtual Book Club for adults 60+ years young! Meetings are held monthly, every Third Thursday at 10am on Zoom. You can join using your tablet, computer, or phone, including dialing in on your phone! If you are not sure how to join just ask.

For more information, please contact Lenora Volkmer, GMRSVP Volunteer coordinator, at (802) 447-1546 or lvolkmer@svcoa.net, or Karson Kiesinger, Reference Adult Services Librarian, (802) 442-9051 or reference@bfli.org.

Updates may also be found at www.benningtonfreelibrary.org.

COOKIE SWAP!!

HOLIDAY POT LUCKS

Wed., Nov. 16th 11:30am - ??? Firehouse 3rd floor

We aim to serve between 12 noon and 12:30pm. Those turkeys take a while to cook! Please sign up no later than Wednesday, November 9th Wed., Dec. 14th 11:30am - ??? Firehouse 3rd floor

We aim to start serving at noon. Ho Ho Ho! Please sign up no later than Friday, December 2nd

SENIOR CENTER

POT LUCK

Wed., Jan. 18th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon. Please sign up no later than Friday, January 13th

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.

If you have never participated in a cookie swap, it works like this: Each participant makes a certain number of ONE kind of cookie. Number of cookies depends on number of participants. All cookies are brought to the senior center. Each participant takes a number of each person’s cookies, to end up with a holiday cookie assortment to take home. It’s a great way to try something new. PLEASE BRING A COPY OF YOUR RECIPE! I think it would be great to make a Senior Center Cook(ie) Book. Thursday, December 8th, 1:00pm

Sign-up deadline is Friday, December 2nd so we can know how many cookies each person needs to bring.

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

Feel like you miss things in conversations? Wish you could hear better? Have questions about treatment, devices, and such?

True North Hearing will be here on Friday, November 18th from 10:30 – 11:30am. Join their Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Specialist as they talk about common hearing problems associated with aging, different types of hearing aids on the market, and what can be done to help you hear better. Sign up by calling the senior center at (802) 442-1052

K-9 AND A COP Friday, November 4th 10-11

Bennington Police Officer Rob Murawski will be here with K-9 Gracie to talk about training, living, and working with his partner. Gracie will show off her skills and her smarts. Come ask questions you have about how dogs are used in law enforcement, the training involved, how a dog is chosen for training…. So many questions!

JEWELRY DOCTOR

Do you have jewelry you can’t wear due to a broken clasp, missing ear wire, bent chain link, or the like? Bring in your broken pieces and find out if the Jewelry Doctor (a.k.a. Kelly Kimball) can fix it! Thursday, January 12th from 1-3pm. No Fee

Group Fitness November 2022

BFYMCA -Bennington Rec

For more information and to register: Call/visit the Welcome Center or Online at bfymca.org/programs. Taylor McGuire-Assistant Branch Director-tmcguire@bfymca.org Branch Director-kbecker@bfymca.org

DATE/TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION

Mondays & Fridays 9-9:50am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St.

Mondays & Fridays 11-11:50am

Location: Rec Center Pool, 655 Gage St.

Tuesdays & Thursday 10-10:50am

Silver Sneakers Led by Wendy Scott at Ben-Hi. Join Wendy for a fun and active class that involves weights, cardio and balance.

DanceFit

Led by Wendy in the Bennington Rec Center Pool Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Get moving to music with movements choreographed by the instructor. This class makes fitness FUN!

Location: Rec Center Pool, 655 Gage St Water Exercise Taught by Renette. Gentle, healing program that helps build strength and balance while in the water.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-9:45am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-10:45am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St.

ADVANCED: Strength & Balance

Advanced Strength & Balance: Once you have mastered the techniques from the beginner’s class you will be ready for the advanced curriculum. In this class you will utilize strength, balance and floor work to further strengthen and increase flexibility within the body.

BEGINNERS: Strength & Balance Beginners Strength & Balance: Taught by Tracy, utilizing standing and seated positions with weights and movements to enhance balance, strength and flexibility.

Wednesdays 10-11am Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Floor Work Taught by Tracy, a class that involves stretching, core and breathing techniques to energize, strengthen and improve overall fitness and wellness.

Wednesdays 11am-12pm

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Qigong

Wednesdays 9-10am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Active Walk

Taught by Tracy, a class that combines movement, mediation and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of energy within the body.

Led by Tracy. Get motivated and moving exercising and interacting with others. Indoor Active walk uses weights, balance and brain exercises with music. Will be outdoors weather permitting. Will primarily use the indoor turf field during class time.

DATES TO NOTE:

There will be no classes Thursday, November 24 or Friday, November 25.

BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA: www.bfymca.org

Pittsfield (Corporate Office): 292 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 P: 413-499-7650 F (All Locations): 888-965-0663

Northern Berkshire: 22 Brickyard Court, North Adams, MA 01247 P: 413-663-6529

Bennington Recreation Center: 655 Gage Street, Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053

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.

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

TRIPS & TRAVEL

BETHLEHEM, PA

November 30 - December 2

Reminder: This trip leaves from the Bennington Station Restaurant parking lot, located on the corner of Depot and River Streets. Departure time is 8:00am. Please plan to be there about 10 minutes prior. Questions? Call Eleanor at 802-379-7216.

Memphis / Nashville

For those of you who like to look ahead, this trip is being planned for mid-May 2023. Be on the lookout for more information.

HAMILTON at Proctor’s March 23, 2023

Because we do not have a final price for this trip, we will not begin signing people up until December 1st. We will post as soon as we have the info. Per usual, this is a matinee performance.

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 $3 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.

Thursday Nov 3rd Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday Nov 22nd Crossgates Mall Albany, NY Tuesday Dec 6th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Monday Dec 19th Wilton Mall/Kohl’s Saratoga, NY

Wednesday Jan 11th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday Jan 31st Crossgates Mall Albany, NY

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 VNA Foot Clinic 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9

Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11

Cards & Games 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9

Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9 Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9 Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 VNA Foot Clinic 1 Bob’s Diner 10:30 - 1:15

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Co ee with Jenny Dewar Exec. Director of BBC 10-11am Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr. 10:00 Movie “The Shootist” 1

Co ee Talk 8:30

Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr 10 Trivia 1

Games & Gab at Benn. Sports Ctr 10

THANKSGIVING

POT LUCK 11:30-??

@ the firehouse

Co ee Talk 8:30

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Crossgates 9:30-4

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr 10 Movie “The Mark Pease Experience” 1

BENNINGTON SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1 Colonie Center 9:30 - 4

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1

Snowflake Ornaments

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1

Happy Thanksgiving

Painting 9 Training Demonstration with K-9 Gracie & O cer Rob Murawski 10 - 11 Bingo 1

Painting 9 Bingo 1

Painting 9 True North Hearing 10:30 - 11:30 Bingo 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9 Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9 Create & Play 10 Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1

Sansone Walking 8:45 Painting Group 9

Create & Play 10

Ukelele 11 Cards & Games 1 Wilton Mall & Kohls 9:30 - 4

CLOSED in observance of Christmas

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 VNA Foot Clinic 1 Colonie Center 9:30-4

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Co ee Talk 8:30

Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr 10

BENNINGTON SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Co ee with Town Manager Stuart Hurd 10-11am Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr. 10:00 Movie “Elf” 1

Games & Gab at Benn. Sports Ctr 10 CHRISTMAS

POT LUCK 11:30-??

@ the firehouse

Co ee Talk 8:30 Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr 10 Trivia 1

Co ee Talk 8:30

Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr 10 Movie “Places In The Heart” 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1 COOKIE SWAP!!

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Crafts Corner 1

Painting 9 Bingo 1 Painting 9 Bingo 1

The Angry Egg 2 8:15 Painting 9 Bingo 1

Painting 9 CLOSING AT 12 NOON

November 2022 AM Pool Schedule Updated 10/17/22

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 31 1

6-9: Lap 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap/Open 11 12: DanceFit*

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 1130: Lap 11:30 12: School Group/Lap Swim

6-1030: Lap 1030 1130: Lap/Play Group* 1130 12: Lap Swim

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-9: Lap Swim 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap 11 12: DanceFit*

8-9: Lap 9-10:30: Marauders 10:30 12: Masters

8-9: Lap 9-11: Family 11 12: Lap

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-1030: Lap 1030 1130: Lap/Play Group* 1130 12: Lap Swim

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-9: Lap Swim 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap 11 12: DanceFit*

8-9: Lap 9-10:30: Marauders 10:30 12: Masters

8-9: Lap 9-11: Family 11 12: Lap

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6-9: Lap 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap/Open 11 12: DanceFit*

17 18 19 20 6-9: Lap 9-10: School Group

11: Lap/Open

12: DanceFit*

14 15 16

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 1130: Lap 11:30-12: School Group/Lap Swim

6-1030: Lap 1030 1130: Lap/Play Group* 1130 12: Lap Swim

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-9: Lap Swim 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap 11 12: DanceFit*

8-9: Lap 9-10:30: Marauders 10:30 12: Masters

8-9: Lap 9-11: Family 11 12: Lap

8-9: Lap 9-10: Pool Closed 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-1030: Lap 1030 1130: Lap/Play Group* 1130 12: Lap Swim

28 29 30

6-9: Lap 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap/Open 11 12: DanceFit*

8-10: Lap 10 11: Water Ex.* 11 12: Lap

6-1030: Lap 1030 1130: Lap/Play Group* 1130 12: Lap Swim

CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

6-11: Lap 11 12: DanceFit* 8-9: Lap 9-10:30: Marauders 10:30 12: Masters

8-9: Lap 9-11: Family 11 12: Lap

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6-9: Lap 9-10: School Group 10 11: Lap/Open 11 12: DanceFit*