Bennington Senior and Community News, March-April 2023

BenningtonSenior & Community News

March – April 2023

From the Director’s Desk:

Spring is coming. My head is in the garden. I need to start the leeks and the cabbage family plants indoors. Peas get planted outdoors as soon as the ground is workable.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, both physically and mentally. We itch to get outdoors (more sunlight, hooray!) and projects get planned. Just remember to allow yourself time to finish, and to allow yourself grace if you miss your timeline. Small steps can reap big rewards.

Bennington Senior Center - Hours of Operation

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

To our Senior Community…

It is the mission of the Bennington Senior Center to engage persons 50+ in the lifelong learning process; promote their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being by providing social, recreational, creative and cultural programs that enable active participation in the center and community. Program costs are founded on a not-for-profit basis.

Sponsored by:

On that note, I challenge all of you to make a small change before the next newsletter comes out, something that will benefit your physical and/or mental health. Feel free to share your change with another person, or with me via email. As for me, I am going to work on taking psyllium fiber every day to help lower my cholesterol. I have been very sporadic in my attempts in the past, so now I have you all to report to in the next newsletter. Speaking of sharing, I would love for people to come on Friday, March 3rd at 8:30am for Tea Talk. We will be discussing what sort of programming you want to see here. Historical talks? Foreign cultures? How to’s? Or conversely, do you have a topic or area of expertise that you would like to share with others?

Don’t worry, there will be coffee and hot cocoa available as well as tea. I really hope to see you.

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

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. More than

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

one game can run at the same time. 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, 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

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. Continues through March. 9 - 10am 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 @ 802-442-1053 or email to tmcguire@ bfymca.org .

Wednesday Movie: Twice a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee

Mar. 1 - “U.S. Marshalls”, Tommy Lee Jones / Wesley Snipes

Mar. 15 - “Unforgiven”, Clint Eastwood / Gene Hackman

Apr. 5 - “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, Nia Vardalos / John Corbett

Apr. 19 - “Donovan’s Reef”John Wayne / Elizabeth Allen

May 3 - “Saint Ralph”, Adam

Butcher / Jennifer Tilly

May 23 - “Sabrina”, Audrey

Hepburn / Humphrey Bogart

Trivia: Enjoy some goodhearted 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 March 8 & 22, April 12

& 26. 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: March 9th – Garden Markers

NOTE: There is a $3 materials fee for 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 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.

**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 Tue., Mar. 7th, Apr. 4th, May 2nd upstairs at the Bennington Senior Center. You must schedule appointment at least one day in advance by calling 802-4425502. 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.

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 the weather warms, this is a great way to get back in the swing! 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

Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000

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 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

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.

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!

Wed., Mar. 22nd Blue Benn Diner in Bennington

11:00am - 12:30pm

Tue., Apr. 11th Bubble’s in Mechanicville, NY

10:30am – 2:00pm

POT LUCKS

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

Senior Center

Wed., Apr. 19th 11:30am - ???

Senior Center

Wed., May 17th 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.

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

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

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.

Friday, March 10th – Taylor McGuire and Kayla Becker of the YMCA will come to discuss different programs that can help pay for a YMCA membership, as well as how to apply for financial aid. 9-10am

Friday, April 7th - Meet Margae Diamond, Executive Director of Turning Point Center in Bennington. Learn about the newest science regarding addiction and recovery, and services offered through TPC.

TEA TALK

Just what it says! A time to come in and enjoy some conversation in the company of others. Beverages provided. March 3 & 17, April 14 & 28 8:30 - 9:30 No Fee

March 3rd special topic - future programs! What would you like to see?

SPRING EQUINOX SPRING AHEAD PARTY

Join Wendy Scott of the YMCA for music, springy crafts, and fun! Tuesday, March 21st 11:30 - 1(ish). No Fee

EASTER CARDS

Wendy Scott and Carrie invite you to make Easter cards, which will be delivered to Bennington Health and Rehab. We’ve had great turnouts for Christmas and Valentine cards; let’s keep the momentum going! Wednesday, April 5th 11:30 - 1. No Fee

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.

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.

Tuesday Mar 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Monday Mar 27th Crossgates Albany, NY

Thursday Apr 6th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday Apr 25th Stuyvesant Plaza Albany, NY

Tuesday May 9th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Wednesday May 24th Clifton Park Center Clifton Park, NY

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

HAMILTON at Proctor’s

March 23, 2023

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

Reminder: The bus leaves from the Bennington Station parking lot (corner of River and Depot Streets) at 11:30. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can depart on time. Thank you!

Valley Park Lanes

Tuesday, March 14

11am - 3:30pm, $14

We will be going candlepin bowling at Valley Park Lanes in North Adams! $14 includes 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, and transportation. Lunch at the lanes is on your own. Limited to 14 people. Please call Senior Center to register.

Southern Vermont Arts Center

Wed, April 12

10:30am-3pm, $8

Off we go to Manchester, where we will start with lunch at Zoey’s Double Hex. After lunch, we will head to the Arts Center and enjoy works of art in a variety of media. $8 includes admission to SVAC and transportation. Lunch at the Double Hex is on your own. Limited to 14 people. Please call Senior Center to register.

Nashville & Memphis

April 29 - May 7

Please remember that full payment is due by March 24th . Checks should be made out to Eleanor Mattison. For more information, Call Eleanor at (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052.

Bennington Senior & Community News

Bennington Banner

Madelyn Gardner Assistant Community Service Director

SVCOA Joins in Month-Long March for Meals Celebration with Communities Nationwide Support Will Help To Fight Senior Hunger And Isolation I Rutland And Bennington Counties

SVCOA announced today that it will be participating in the 21st annual March for Meals – a monthlong, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and our senior neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid a lingering pandemic and high inflation.

Please see below a power statement from one of our Board of Directors of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA).

“As you may know, there is a growing number of older Vermonters and the state’s population. Of those 60 years of age or older now stands at twenty-eight percent (VDOH 2021). Worth repeating - 28%!

I am a volunteer driver for the Meals-on-Wheels Program based in Bennington. My delivery route takes me to clients in South Shaftsbury and North Bennington. When delivering to one of my clients recently, she asked me to put the food in her refrigerator. Other than what I put in there, there was little else. Think of it as a large, empty, white box. You may have noticed the same thing as you visit with your homebound.

The Meals-on-Wheels Program is growing, underfunded and has taken a serious blow with the current wave of inflation a ecting food costs. State financial and other types of state resources that can be directed to help alleviate these adverse e ects and boost

the number of clients the Program can serve - those in a similar situation as my client noted abovewould be greatly appreciated.”

During 2021, SVCOA provided over 189,000 meals to older Vermonters through both homedelivered and congregate meals. In 2022, SVCOA provided over 200,000 meals. In 2023, the demand for these services have already exceeded our funding allotment. We have been in awe of the outpouring of support so far, however, there is still so much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This critical support and federal funding has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years.

During the month, communitybased Meals on Wheels programs from across the country will join forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check.

“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “The demand for services is already great and approximately 12,000 Americans are turning 60 every day. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this

unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Rutland and Bennington counties this March, visit SVCOA.org

Your friends and neighbors, SVCOA

Tai Chi 9:00 Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr. 9:00 VT Blue Advantage Mtg 10-11am & 2-3pm Movie “US Marshallls” 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Corner 1

Corner 1 Bone Builders 8:30

10

Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Corner 1

@ Proctors 11:30-7

Bone Builders

10

8:30

9:30-4 Bone Builders 8:30

Bone

Builders 10

Can Crafts Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Corner 1 Bone Builders 8:30 Bone Builders 10

Corner 1

POOL SCHEDULE BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER

www.bfymca.org

March 2023

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.

Group Fitness March - April 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

Kayla Becker – Branch Director kbecker@bfymca.org Taylor McGuire – Assistant Branch Director – tmcguire@bfymca.org