Bennington Senior Community News, January 2025

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BenningtonSenior & Community News

January – February 2025

Bennington Senior Center - Hours of Operation

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

We will be closed on the following dates:

January 1 Wednesday In observance of New Year’s Day

January 20 Monday In observance of MLK Day of Service

February 17 Monday In observance of Presidents’ Day

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:

It’s a new year! Throw away old hurts and grudges so you can start fresh and feel light of heart. Get outside in the sun when you can (but bundle up). Make yourself a cup of tea, or better yet make two and share! Make the choice to be happy, and your happiness won’t depend on others. It may, however, be enhanced by others, which is how it should be. And if you’re feeling blue or need company, stop by the Senior Center!

Sponsored by:

Happy New Year, Carrie Fabricius - Program Director

CONTACT INFO:

Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3

Bennington, VT 05201

Phone 802-4442-1052

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, get ideas 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

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Instructor: Henry Simpatico (802)379-6043 No Fee

Cards & Games: Group decides the game, or multiple groups can play di erent 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 – LEV-

EL 1: Falls become an increasing concern as we age. In this class we strive to fend o 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. 13 weeks; begins February 4th.

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. 13 weeks; begins February 5th Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 9:00 am No Fee

Fall Prevention Tai Chi – LEVEL 3! The longawaited level 3 is finally here! If you feel ready to move on from Level 2, NOW YOU CAN! 13 weeks; begins February 5th

Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 9:00 am No Fee

Wednesday Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee Jan. 8 The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith / Thandie Newton Feb. 5 The Producers

Nathan Lane / Matthew Broderick` Mar. 5 McFarland USA

Kevin Costner / Maria Bello

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 (or peruse what has been donated here), we supply the space, co ee, 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

OUT TO EAT!

Tue., Jan 28th Chili’s Bennington, VT 11am - 1pm

Thu., Feb 27th Kevin’s

N. Bennington, VT 11am – 1pm

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 Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4 upstairs at the Bennington Senior Center

You must schedule an appointment by calling 802442-5502. 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.

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 sta 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 e ective. 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

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.

Thursday, Jan 9th, Pittsfield Stores, Pittsfield, MA

Wednesday, Jan 22nd, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY

Thursday, Feb 6th, Colonie Center, Albany, NY

Wednesday, Feb 19th, Aviation Mall, Queensbury, NY 9:30 - 4:30

Tue, March 4th, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY

POTLUCKS at the Senior Center

Wed., Jan. 15th11:30am - ???

Wed., Feb. 12th11:30am - ??

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.

– COMMUNITY RESOURCES –

Bennington Town Clerk/ Town O ces (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 o ce) (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 (o ce in Manchester) (802) 362-4663

Original Painting by Patty Smith

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, January 10th, 10 - 11am

Senior Medicare Patrol

Outreach Specialist Jean McDermott will be here to talk about Medicare fraud in its many forms, what you should keep an eye out for, and ways to keep yourself and your information safe.

Friday, February 7th, 10 - 11am

E ciency Vermont

Bekah Kuster, a Community Engagement Manager at E ciency Vermont, will share information about how you can save

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 layo s 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) 4473700.

money and energy and be more comfortable in your home. During this presentation, you’ll learn about the most Friday, March 7th, 10 - 11am

Navigating Financial Hardships with Greenhill Financial Planners

Practical guidance for managing financial challenges, such as job loss or unexpected expenses, while maintaining financial stability. Join Dom Stilwell for this informative and educational discussion.

Quilting with Annette

Friday, Jan 24th & Feb 21st, 9 - noon

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.

Crafting for Veterans

Wednesday, Jan 22nd & 29th, 9 - 2

We will be making Valentines, lap quilts/blankets, games, and decorations for the Vermont Veterans Home and VFW. Let’s show our veterans just how much they are appreciated and remembered!

We are more then just a gym, we are a community. Check out our youth and familes coming out this year.

Not a member? Not a problem!

We have rates for nonmembers too! We want everyone involved. Come give us a try. Come give us a try.

FEBRUARY

2/14 Message in a Bottle Swim 3/14 Sham-RockN-SWIM 4/11 Egg Hunt 4/30 Healthy Kids Day

MARCH

TRIPS & PERFORMANCES

“ROSIE IS RED AND EVERYBODY IS BLUE” at Capital Rep

Wednesday, May 7th

12:15 - 5:30pm

Rosie seems to be living the proverb “when it rains, it pours.” Her brother-in-law is living in her small house, driving her up one wall and down the other. To make matters worse, her downand-out adult son has moved in too. All this while Rosie secretly battles her own problems and emotions, just trying to make it through each day.

Family is everything. However, when everybody needs something and nobody wants to listen, something has to give! Rosie is about to give it to all of them, with no holds barred. Filled with sharp, witty banter, this fast-paced and heartfelt comedy about family will have you in tears…both happy and heartwarming.

$55 includes ticket and transportation

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” at Proctors Theatre

Thursday, July 3rd

11:30am – 6:30pm

Be Our Guest at Disney’s newly reimagined 30th Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love.

This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes.

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.

Final price to be announced.

Original Paintings by Ron Van Orden

Ron captured Len Robinson at the piano with himself and George Sponauer looking on.

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9

Beginner Ukelele 10:15

Ukelele 11

Games 1

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9

Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 VNA Foot Clinic 1 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

MovieThe Pursuit of Happyness1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 Pittsfield Stores 9:30-4

Painting 9 BINGO

ee With Jean McDermott of Senior Medicare Patrol 10-11 am BINGO 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9

Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9

Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1

Painting Group 9

Sansone Walking 9

Beginner Ukelele 10:15

Ukelele 11 Games 1

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Crafting for Veterans 9am-2pm Crossgates Mall 9:30-4

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Chili’s 11am - 1pm

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 11 VNA Foot Clinic 1 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 11 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 11 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 11

Tai Chi Level 29

Tai Chi Level 3 10 MovieThe Producers 1

Tai Chi Level 29

Tai Chi Level 3 10 Pot Luck 11:30-? Pot Luck 11:30-?

for Veterans 9am-2pm

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Tai Chi Level 29

Tai Chi Level 3 10 Aviation Mall 9:30-4:30

Tai Chi Level 29

Tai Chi Level 3 10

Bone Builders 8:30

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

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 Kevin’s 11am-1pm

Painting 9

Co ee With Bekah of E ciency Vermont Patrol 10-11 am BINGO 1

Need swim testing?

Contact Damon at damonyoung@bfymca.org

POOL SCHEDULE

BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER

Typical Dec. - 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.

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

Monday

6-9 am: Lap/Open Swim

9-10 am: School Group

10-11 am: Lap/Open Swim

11-12 pm: DanceFit Class

12-12:30 pm: Lap/Open Swim

12:30-1:30pm: School Group

1:30-3:00pm: Lap/Open

3:00-4:00pm: MAU Swim Team

4:00-4:30pm: MAU Swim Team/2 Lanes lap swim

4:30-5:30pm: Lap/Open Swim

5:30-7 pm: Marauders

7-730: Marauders/Lap/Open

730-8 pm: Lap/Open Swim

Tuesday

8-10 am: Lap/Group Fitness

10am-2:30pm: Lap/Open

2:30pm-3:00pm: MAU Swim team/2 lanes lap

3:00pm-4:00pm: MAU Swim Team

4-6 pm: Swim Lessons

6-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Masters

Wednesday

6-8 am: Lap Swim

8-9 am: Deep Water Class/Lap

9-9:30am: Lap/Open

9:30am-10:30am: UCS 3 lanes/3 lanes Lap

10:30-1130 am: Playgroup/lap swim

11:30-1:30pm pm: Lap/Open Swim

1:30-2:30pm: UCS 3 lanes/3 lanes Lap swim

3:00-4:00pm: MAU Swim Team

4:00-4:30pm: MAU swim Team/ 2 lanes Lap

4:30-5:15pm: Lap/Open Swim

5:15-6 pm: Water Aerobics Class

6-8 pm: Marauders

Thursday

8-11 am: Lap/Open Swim

11-12 pm: Move & Groove with Wendy

12-1pm: Lap/Open swim

1-2 pm: VPI Group

2:00-2:30 pm: Lap/Open Swim

2:30-3:00pm: MAU Swim team/2 lanes Lap

3:00-4:00pm: MAU Swim Team

4-6 pm: Swim Lessons

6-7pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Masters

Friday

6-9 am: Lap/Open Swim

9-1030 am: School Group

1030-11 am: Lap/Open Swim

11-12 pm: DanceFit Class

12-1 pm: Lap/Open Swim

1-2 pm: School Group

3:00 pm: Lap/Open Swim

3:00-4:00pm: MAU Swim Team

4:00-4:30pm: MAU Swim Team/2 lanes Lap Swim

5:30-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Family or Kids Night Out

Saturday

8-10:30 am: Lap

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

SUNDAYS: 8am-12pm: Lap/Open Swim 12-1pm: Pool Rental

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