Bennington Senior and Community News, January-February 2023

BenningtonSenior & Community News

From the Director’s Desk:

The Bennington Senior Center is a place that brings together older adults who want to be engaged in their communities and with their peers. Nationally, more than 10 million Americans take part in activities through the 15,000 centers around the country. Senior centers provide services and activities older adults need to be healthy, happy and as independent as they can be. At most senior centers, you can have a meal, make friends, take a class, be creative, get help, have fun, volunteer and more.

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 2 Monday CLOSED for New Year’s Day

January16 Monday CLOSED for MLK Day

February 20 Monday CLOSED for 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 enabling active participation in the center and community. Program costs are founded on a not-for-profit basis.

It is the mission of the Bennington Senior Center to engage persons 50+ in the lifelong learning process. We strive to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being by providing social, recreational, creative and cultural programs, and enabling active participation in the center and community.

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

Sponsored by:

MONDAYS

Painting Group: This group meets 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

Ukulele: Strum along with others at this gathering of musically minded folks. Beginners to seasoned players, group also plays at community functions. Call instructor for more information. 11:00 am

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

Cards & Games: Group decides the game. It may be cards, board games, Yahtzee…. the possibilities

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

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

WEDNESDAYS

Coffee Talk: Just what it says! A time to come in and enjoy some conversation in the company of others. Beverages provided. Jan 11 & 25, Feb 8 & 22 8:30 - 9:30 No Fee

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention: Falls become an increasing concern as we get older. 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. Begins Jan. 11th 910am No Fee.

Instructor: Christine Kelleher Games & Gab: It’s back! Whether playing table games or board games, play while enjoying coffee and the company of friends. 9-11am at the Bennington Sports Center (former Catamount School). To register or for more information: call the Bennington Rec Center @ 802442-1053 or email to tmcguire@bfymca.org .

Wednesday Movie: Twice a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee Jan. 11 - “The First Wives Club”, Bette Midler/ Goldie Hawn Jan. 25 - “Admissions”, Lauren Ambrose/ Christopher Lloyd Feb. 1 Feb. 15 Mar. 1

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 Jan. 4 & 18,

Feb. 8 & 22. 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 fellowship. 1:00 pm No Fee

Monthly Special Project: January 12th – Macrame February 9th – Valentine crafts March 9th – Garden Markers

NOTE: There is a $3 materials fee for special projects, due one week prior to class. Please call 802-4421052 to register.

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

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**

IT’S SALT SEASON! To keep floors/ rugs clean, please bring a change of shoes.

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

TUESDAY TOWN TREKKERS

Join Suzanne of the YMCA on Tuesdays for lunch at the Meals on Wheels Café followed by a walk around the neighborhood. Walking starts at 12:30pm and is geared for easy walking. As this is winter in Vermont, this program will be held as weather permits.

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

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 un-

– 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) 447-1545

– HOUSING –

Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000 Shires Housing (802) 442-8139

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 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 Senior & Community News

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

Bennington

OUT TO EAT!

Thu., Jan. 5th Cozy Corner in Williamstown, MA

11:45am – 1:30pm

Mon., Feb. 13th Sunnyside Diner in Bennington 11:00am - 12:30pm

Wed., Mar. 22nd Blue Benn Diner in Bennington 11:00am - 12:30pm

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 will take a hiatus in February, and will return in March on a different day of the week.

Wednesday, Jan 4th – Wendy Scott, Activities leader with the YMCA Please register by calling the Bennington Senior Center at (802) 4421052.

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.

JEWELRY DOCTOR Thursday, January 12th, 1:00pm

POT LUCKS

Wed., Jan. 18th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

Wed., Feb. 15th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

Wed., Mar. 15th 11:30am- ??? Senior Center

Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon. Please call 802-442-1052 to sign up

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.

Do you have a knotted necklace, broken bracelet, or errant earrings? Kelly Kimball will be here to help fix simple jewelry ailments. Bring in your pieces and see if the remedy is something simple or much more complex.

WHAT DID YOU SAY? Friday, January 20th, 9:15 - 11am Feel like you miss things in conversations? Wish you could hear better? Pam O’Bert of True North Hearing will return to conduct FREE hearing screenings. These screenings are not meant to replace a full hearing test, but rather to gauge whether a full hearing test is warranted. There are a limited number of appointments available; if needed, we will set up another date for more. Sign up by calling the senior center at (802) 442-1052

K-9 AND A COP Friday, January 27th, 10-11am 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!

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.

Wednesday Jan 11th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday Jan 31st Crossgates Mall Albany, NY

Thursday Feb 9th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Wednesday Feb 22nd Wilton Mall/Target Saratoga, NY Tuesday Mar 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY

TRIPS & TRAVEL

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.

HAMILTON at Proctor’s March 23, 2023

11:30am-7pm, $75 per person

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Per usual, this is a matinee performance. We will stop for dinner at the 76 Diner in Latham after the show. Dinner is not included in the price.

Memphis / Nashville

This promises to be a fun-filled trip! We will have complete information available beginning January 3rd. Please call Eleanor at 802-379-7216 or 802-442-1052, or stop by the senior center then for information.

Bennington

Group Fitness January - February 2023

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

DATE/TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

9-10am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Active Walk

Mondays & Fridays 9-10am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Silver Sneakers

Mondays 10:30-11:15am

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Chair Yoga

Mondays & Fridays 11-12am

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.

Led by Wendy Scott at Ben-Hi. JJoin Wendy at Bennington Sports Center (230 School St) for this fun and active class. Registration is required.

Join Mia at the Bennington Sports Center for a gentle chair yoga class! In this class you will recognize standard yoga moves and breathing techniques all from the comfort and security of a chair. A great beginner or therapeutic option in place of a standard floor based class.

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. DanceFit Join Wendy at the Bennington Rec Center for this upbeat class! Registration required.

Tuesdays & Thursday 10-11am

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 9-10am, 11am-12pm

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.

Tuesday 12-1pm 230 School St, Bennington Boot Camp

Wednesdays 10-11am Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Floor Work

Wednesdays 11am-12pm

Location: Bennington Sports Center 230 School St. Qigong

Tuesday & Thursday 4:15-5:15pm

Location: 230 School St, Bennington

Tuesday & Thurday 5:30-6:30pm

Location: 230 School St, Bennington

Thursday 5:15-6pm

Location: 230 School St, Bennington

Restorative Yoga

Join Taylor at the Bennington Sports Center to get a mid day workout in! Each class will be di erent to keep it fun and exciting! Utilizing the basketball gym we will get are hearts pumping with cardio and body weight strength training!Want to come but need childcare? No problem! We will have on site child watch in our Kid Zone (free with family membership!!!).

Meet Tracy at Bennington Sports Center (230 School St) for stretching, core and breathe work. A great way to re-center and engage the body.

Join Tracy at the Bennington Sports Center space for a class that combines movement, meditation and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of energy within the body.

This gentle Hatha style class is all about treating yourself. Stretch, breath, and simply take a moment just for you. Gain flexibility, expand lung capacity, and let go of stress.

Cardio Flow

Get in a workout! In this class you build full body strength and flexibility while working up a sweat. Set to throwback pop music from the 90s and 00s to keep it fun while you rise to the challenge. It will feel more like a party then a workout!

Conditioning with Jaylyn Join Jaylyn at the Bennington Sports Center for a conditioning class that will hit all of your cardio needs. Focusing on increasing stamina and cardiovascular endurance, this class will get you moving.

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

POOL SCHEDULE

BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER

www.bfymca.org 655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053

January 2023

Sunday

6:00am-2:00pm Walk-In Swim 7:00-8:30am Masters Swim Team LN 2-6 9:00am-12:00pm Family Swim LN 1&2

Monday

6:00a-8:00pm Walk-in Swim 9:00-10:00am Deep Water Workout w/Vicki LN 1&2 11:10am-12:00pm Water Aerobics w/Mary Ellen LN 1&2 5:00p-8:00p Swim Team LN 2-6

Tuesday

6:00am-8:00pm Walk-in Swim 7:00-8:00am Masters Swim Team LN 2-6 9:00-10:00am Deep Water Workout w/Je LN 1&2

10:00am Preschool Swim LN 1&2 2:10pm Shallow Water Aerobics w/ Kas

6:00-8:00 Swim Team LN 2-6 7:30pm Taconic Swim Team LN 2-6

Wednesday

6:00am-8:00pm Walk-in Swim 9:00-10:00a Deep Water Workout w/Vicki LN 1&2 11:10am-12:00pm Water Aerobics w/Mary Ellen LN 1&2 5:00-8:00pm Swim Team LN 2-6 7:30pm Taconic Swim Team LN 2-6

Thursday

6:00am-8pm Walk-in Swim 7:00-8:00am Masters Swim Team LN 2-6 9:00-11:00am Navy Warrior LANES 5-6 9:00-10:00am Deep Water Workout w/Je LN 1&2

10:00am Preschool Swim LN 1&2 2:10pm Shallow Water Aerobics w/Kas

Dates to note:

Sunday, January 1: Facility closed

Family Swim: We reserve “Family Swim” in our pools so that families may enjoy the pool together. This is a family only time and requires that a supervising adult accompany all children in the water. Supervising adult does not need to pay daily fee/have a membership if their child has an active membership.

Lap/Open Swim: This time is open for all to use the pool. Part of the pool is reserved for lap swimming only. The first two lanes are designated for those doing their own exercise or families and youth wanting to swim. All children 12 and under must have an accompanying adult with them at all times in the poolroom. All children

6:00-8:00 Swim Team LN 2-6

7:30pm Taconic Swim Team LN 2-6

Friday

6:00am-8:00pm Walk-in Swim 9:00-10:00am Deep Water Workout w/ Vicki LN 1&2 11:10am-12:00pm Water Aerobics w/Mary Ellen LN 1&2 3:30-5:30 Swim Meet 5:00-8:00pm Swim Team LN 2-6

Saturday

6:00am-4:00pm Walk-In Swim 7:00-8:30am Masters Swim Team LN 2-6 12:00-4:00pm Family Swim LN 1&2 12:00-4:00pm Scuba (Booking) LN 5&6

Please note that schedule is subject to change. Call the Rec Center for more information (802) 442-1053.

Classes * require pre-registration and may have fee. Updated 02/15/2022

6 years old and under MUST have an adult in the water with them at all times. Supervising adult must have a membership or pay the daily pass fee.

Lap Swim: Our Y has dedicated lap-swimming times throughout the day. Lap swim time is designated for swimmers 13 and up. You can always find Lap Swimming information posted on our branch’s daily pool schedules.

As a courtesy, please use the “circle swim” technique when more than three swimmers are in your lane. If you are unsure of etiquette or have questions feel free to ask the guard on duty.

Kayla Becker – Branch Director kbecker@bfymca.org

Taylor McGuire – Assistant Branch Director – tmcguire@bfymca.org