July – August 2024
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:
July 4th, Thursday In observance of Independence Day
Aug. 16th, Friday In observance of Bennington Battle Day
Sept. 2nd, Monday In observance of Labor 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:
How quickly time flies. Didn’t 2024 just start last month?
As summer speeds along, be prepared if you are going outdoors. Drink extra water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid being outside on sunny days between 10am and 2pm when the sun is strongest, and use sunscreen. Ask your doctor if any of your medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight. We do need the sun in order for our skin to manufacture vitamin D, but we DON’T want to be burned and miserable!
Summer is also a great time to try out new vegetables, when they are at their freshest. The flavor is always better (think grocery store tomatoes in winter, blech), and you may discover that some things you thought you didn’t like are actually quite delicious. If you have grandchildren, trying new things together is a great way to connect, create lasting memories, and may make them more willing to try something new. Time spent with family and friends is irreplaceable. Make time for them while you can; you never know how long the opportunity will last.
Cheers,
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 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. Begin -
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
ners to seasoned players, this group also plays at community functions. Call the instructor for more information. 11:00
am Instructor: 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 May 7.
Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 1:00 pm No Fee
NOTE: New session starts in September
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. Instruc- tor: Carrie Fabricius 10:00am (9:00am on Pot luck Wednesday) No Fee
Note: New Session starts in September Wednesday Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee
July 10 Must Love Dogs
Diane Lane / John Cusack Aug. 7 The African Queen Humphrey Bogart / Katharine Hepburn Sept. 4 Quartet
Maggie Smith / Billy Connolly 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 , July 24, August 28, Sept. 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, 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
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. Bev- erages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 - 3 pm
OUT TO EAT!
Fri., Jul 19th Blue Benn Diner
Bennington, VT 10:45 - 12:15
Tue., Aug 27th Island Flavor
Bennington, VT 11 - 12:30
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, July 9, August 6, and Sept 3
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.
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 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.
– COMMUNITY RESOURCES –
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 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
– HOUSING –
Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000
Shires Housing (802) 442-8139
THM (office in Manchester) (802) 362-4663
SENIOR CENTER POT LUCK
Wed., Sept. 18th 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
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. 9:30am4:00pm. 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, July 3rd Colonie Center, Albany, NY
Monday, July 29th Pittsfield Stores, Pittsfield, MA
Thursday, August 8th Colonie Center, Albany, NY
Tuesday, August 20th Crossgates Mall,Albany, NY
Wednesday, Sept 4th Colonie Center, Albany, NY
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. More information can be obtained by calling (802) 447-3700.
IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS
Jewelry Doctor
Tuesday, July 23rd 1pm - ?
Today is the day to bring in your broken jewelry. Knotted chains, broken clasps, earrings with missing hooks… Kelly Kimball will be here to fix your broken items.
Tuesday, July 30th 1pm - ?
Cleaning day! If your jewelry is looking a bit dusty, dingy, or tarnished, Kelly will make it shine like new!
It’s National Zucchini Day!
Thursday, August 8th 1pm - ?
If you garden in New England, you always have more zucchini than you know what to do with. Bored with the same recipes? Bring your favorite zucchini dish and recipe, and get some new healthy and delicious ideas!
SHOWS, TRIPS, AND TRAVEL
SISTER ACT
at Mac-Haydn Theatre
THERE ARE STILL A FEW SEATS AVAILABLE!
Wed, July 10th 10:30am – 6pm
ANNUAL SENIOR PICNIC
Wednesday, July 17
11:30am - ??? Willow Park Pavilion
The picnic will be at the East Road (upper) pavilion. Once again, Meals On Wheels will be providing the food. There will be games, too, weather permitting.
Please sign up by Friday, July 5th by calling the Senior Center @ (802) 442-1052.
ANNUAL
ICE CREAM
SOCIAL
Wednesday, Aug. 21st 1:00pm - ??? Senior Center
Ice cream with all the fixings, or just plain if you prefer. Please sign up by August 15th.
$72
Based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this highenergy, uplifting tale is a story of unity and faith. Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier finds herself in protective custody after witnessing a murder, only to end up in perhaps the most effective hideout of all – a convent, disguised as a nun.
After struggling to adapt to her new lifestyle, Deloris inspires a new rhythm in the convent choir and bonds with her community. Deloris learns about herself, her higher purpose, and forms meaningful connections with the other nuns – which is especially useful when her cover is blown and it is up to their sisterhood to protect her.
Lunch before the show is on your own at the Whitestone Café.
LAKE
GEORGE DINNER THEATRE
Thurs, July 25th – 10am
$99
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is the second longest running musical in off-Broadway history. Through songs and sketches, this hilarious musical revue affirms the truths and myths behind love, dating, marriage, kids and everything in between. This show pays tribute to those who have loved and lost and reveals the agonizing triumphs and uproarious tribulations of dating and love in the modern world.
THERE ARE STILL 3 SEATS AVAILABLE!
VT STATE FAIR
Wednesday, August 14th – 9:30AM - 8:30PM $20/person Vendors, ox-pulls, draft horses, carnival rides, crafts, food, entertainment, piglets…. The State Fair has it all, and then some!
Green Mountain Lines
Presents
The Finger Lakes / Turning Stone
August 15th - 16th
Trip Includes:
· Corning Glass Museum
· Overnight Stay at 41 Lakefront Hotel (breakfast included)
· Time in Seneca Falls
Visit the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry, or just enjoy time in town!
· Stop at Turning Stone Casino for lunch and a little gambling on the way home
DOUBLE $264/pp
SINGLE $371/pp
$50 non-refundable deposit due upon sign up.
Full payment due by July 25th. Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison
For more information, call Eleanor @ (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052
Pickup times/locations to be announced.
Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
by Jimmy Roberts
by Doug Katsaros Directed by Jarel Davidow Musical Direction by John Benware
at Lake George Dinner Theatre
This ingeniously funny musical exposes everything you’ve secretly thought about dating, mating & marriage. A crowd-pleasing comedy that takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as ‘the relationship.’
Thursday, July 25th
$99 per person due at sign up Departs 10:00am from Bennington Station parking lot Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison 3 seats still available!
Green Mountain Lines presents Montréal & Québec City
LOBSTER FEAST 2024
at the LOG CABIN restaurant August 22 9:30 am- 6pm $110
Take a nostalgic trip back in time with this highly entertaining show featuring songs from the early years of Rock ‘n’ Roll, including special tributes to the legendary Everly Brothers and the fabulous Righteous Brothers. Other artists will include Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Ronettes, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis & more. The songs will be performed by talented vocalist and entertainer Dave Colucci and the fabulous female vocalist Donna-Lee DePrille. You’ll hear timeless songs such as “Wake up Little Susie”, “Cathy’s Clown”, “Unchained Melody”, and so many more!
For more info or sign up, call Eleanor at (802) 442-1052 or (802) 379-7216
Payment due upon sign up - Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison
Departures: Bennington 9:30am • Williamstown 9:50am
Trip Includes:
• 4 nights lodging
September 3 - 7, 2024
- 1 night Plaza Universal Montréal
- 3 nights Delta-Marriott Québec City
• 4 full breakfast buffets, 1 dinner
• Guided tour of Montréal with visits to:
* Place Ville-Marie (where the underground city began)
* Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montréal
* L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, and more!
• Guided Tour of Old Québec with visits to:
* Le Château Frontenac * Plains of Abraham * Citadelle de Québec
* Montmorency Falls * Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and more!
• A day on your own in Québec City
DOUBLE $1305/pp TRIPLE $1175/pp SINGLE $1814/pp
Sign up and $100 non-refundable deposit due upon sign-up.
THIS TRIP REQUIRES A PASSPORT OR ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE
Full payment due by June 20th.
Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison
For more information, call Eleanor @ (802)379-7216 or (802)442-1052
PICKUP TIMES: Bennington Station 7:00am Latham Farms 8:00am
**We do not offer travel insurance, but it is suggested you check out various options.
Music
Orchestrations
JULY 2024
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
Painting Group 9
Sansone Walking 9 Beginner Ukelele 10:15 Ukelele 11 Games 1 Pittsfield Stores 9:30-4
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
VNA Foot Clinic 1
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10 Tai Chi Level 1 1 Painting 9 BINGO 1
Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
Jewelry Doctor Repair 1
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
Jewelry Doctor Cleaning 1
AUGUST 2024
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
Tai Chi Level 1 1 VNA Foot Clinic 1
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
Primary Elections Today
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1
Crossgates Mall 9:30-4
Bone Builders 8:30
Bone Builders 10
Tai Chi Level 1 1 Island Flavor 11:00
9
1 Painting 9 BINGO 1 Blue Benn Diner 10:45 Painting 9 BINGO 1 Painting 9
1 Painting 9
1 Painting 9
1 Painting 9
1
POOL SCHEDULE
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
www.bfymca.org 655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053
Typical July-August 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: SVSU School Group
10-11 am: Lap/Open Swim
11-12 pm: DanceFit Class
12-1 pm: Lap/Open Swim
1-2 pm: SVSU School Group
2-4:30pm: Lap/Open Swim
5:30-7 pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Lap/Open Swim
Tuesday
8-10am Lap/Open Swim
10-11 am: Water Exercise
11-11:30 am: Lap Swim
11:30-1:30 pm: BRSU Swim/Lap/Open
1:30-4 pm: Lap/Open Swim
4-6 pm: Swim Lessons
6-7 pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Masters
Wednesday
6-8am Lap Swim
8-9 am: Deep Water Class/Lap
9-10 am: Lap/Open
10-10:30 am: Head Start Group
10:30-11:30 am: Playgroup/Lap
11:30am-5:15 pm: Lap/Open Swim
5:15-6 pm: Water Aerobics Class
6-7:30 pm: Marauders
7:30-8 pm: Lap/Open
Thursday
8-10am Lap/Open Swim
10-11 am: Water Exercise
11-1 pm: Lap/Open Swim
1-2 pm: VPI Group
2-6 pm: Swim Lessons
6-7pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Masters
Friday
6-9am Lap/Open Swim
9-10 am: SVSU School Group
10-11 am: Lap/Open Swim
11-12 pm: DanceFit Class
12-2:30 pm: Lap Swim
12:30-1:30: SVSU School Group
1:30-4:30 pm: Lap/Open Swim
4-5:30 pm: Family Swim
5:30-7 pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Family or Kids Night Out
Saturday
8-10:30 am: Lap/Open Swim
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