Bennington Senior and Community News, May-June 2023

BenningtonSenior & Community News

May – June 2023

From the Director’s Desk:

Well, in the last newsletter I shared my health goal with you all. The jury is in, AND…

I haven’t exactly been great about taking my fiber supplement, but I have taken it more often than I was. Remember: progress, not perfection! Has anybody else had success or progress with their health goal? Feel free to drop me a line and let me know.

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:

May 29 Monday CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day

June 19 Monday CLOSED in observance of Juneteenth

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.

Can you believe we’re looking at summer things already? We have several day trips coming up, theatre shows, our summer picnic, and more. What is stopping you from joining us? We would love 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

Sponsored by:

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 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

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

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, 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. It may be cards, board games,

Group Fitness Offerings

May-August 2023

Berkshire Family YMCA - Benn Rec Center

A fun filled class with cardio, weights and chair exercises. All set to music you will love!

Get motivated by exercising and with others. Indoor walk uses weights, balance and brain exercises with music

This class you will recognize standard yoga moves and breathing techniques all from the comfort and security of a chair.

Qigong

This class combines movement, meditation and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of energy within the body.

Zumba

A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class.

Water Exercise

This low impact aerobics class is designed to help build endurance, flexibility and mobility.

802-442-1053

tmcguire@bfymca.org

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

Sports Center (former Catamount School). To register or for more information: call the Bennington Rec Center @ 802-442-1053 or email to kbecker@bfymca.org

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

May 3 & 24, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 26. Call ahead for title.

A water-based class is set to upbeat music to get you moving and grooving. A great low impact cardio option

Advance and beginner's options available for this class. A focus on strengthening and increasing flexebility.

This floor-based class focuses on core strength and building flexibility to increase functionality within the body.

Two evening offerings taught by Jasmine. Restorative Yoga designed to relax and recenter AND Cardio-Flow that increases your heart rate and flexibility.

This deep-water class improves joint stability, coordination, heart health, and strength. The class will incorporate cardio and strength, using water dumbbells and flotation belts.

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention –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.

Instructor: Carrie Fabricius

1:00 pm No Fee Class begins on May 16th

WEDNESDAYS

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention –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. Instructor: Christine Kelleher 9:00am No Fee

updates!

Note: No class May 10th Games & Gab: Play a game of pool, ping-pong, or foosball while enjoying coffee and the company of friends. 10am

- noon at the Bennington

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 May 10 & 31, June 14, July 12. 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

FRIDAYS

Painting Group: See group description on Monday list.

Crochet with Deb: Twice a month, come and learn basics of crochet, and try your hand at an easy project. 9:30 – 11:00 May 12 & 26, June 9 & 30 Instructor: Deb Matte

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**

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, May 2nd, June 6th, July 11th 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 for lunch at the Meals on Wheels cafe followed by a walk around the neighborhood. Walking starts at 12:30 and is geared for beginners.

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 ExpressPublic Transportation Services (802) 447-0477

Support And Services at Home (SASH)

(802) 442-9920

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

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.

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

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.

SALAD SWAP!!

It’s like a cookie swap, but with salad! Each participant makes a salad to share. All salads are brought to the senior center, along with the recipe. So many possibilities; fruit, vegetable, pasta, bean, ambrosia, jello… 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 Cookbook. Wednesday, June 28th 1:00pm

QUILTING WITH ANNETTE

Join Annette Dixon for an easy project, learn some sewing and quilting basics, and have some fun! Please sign up by one week prior to get supplies list - we may have some supplies available here.

Friday, May 19th 9:30 - 11 Table Runner/Wall Hanging

Friday, June 23rd 9:30 - 11 project TBA

JEWELRY DOCTOR

Thursday, May 18 1-3pm

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. The doctor will also be here on Thursday, June 1st from 1-3pm for jewelry cleaning.

2023 BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA BENNINGTON BRANCH CAMP GREEN MOUNTAIN

Bennington, VT Questions?

Kayla Becker, Director 413.499.7650 ext348

To register, visit bfymca.org/ benningtonsummer or call the Welcome Center at 802-442-1053 for more information.

AGES: Entering grades 1-8 Early Summer Camp June 19-23

THEME WEEKS:

• The Great Adventure (lune 26-30): Bask in the sun and breathe in that fresh air in a nature themed week!

• Community Heroes (July 3-7) *no camp on July 4: Enjoy visits from local PD, Fire, and other community helpers.

• Enrichment (July 10-14): Spend the week creating and learning about your artistic side. A talent show, too!

Sports & Play (July 27-21): Try out different sports and games each day!

• STEAM (July 24-28): Get your brain working with fun experiments and building activities.

• Fun & Fitness (July 31-August 4): Try out different forms of physical exercise. Dance, obstacle courses, sports, and overall wellness.

• Hometown History (August 7-11): Learn about all the different historical components of our community with trips and visitors.

• Color Wars (August 14-18): A field day style week with

physical, mental, and creative competitions.

• End of Summer Celebration (August 21-25): End the summer with fun, games, activities, trips, and free play!

PARENT PROVIDED DAILY SUPPLIES: These are required. Contact us with any issues or concerns.

• Water bottle - no glass

• Swimsuit and towel

• Sunscreen

• Sneakers must be worn

• Snack x2 Bagged cold lunch if child does not want our optlon

• Flip flops are permitted for swim time only

• Bug spray Camp is a technology-free zone!! Please do not send your child with a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or other electronic device.

Cost: Bennington (including North Benn) Residents $140/ week. Non Residents $169/ week. ($25/week non-refund -

for your child. However, If you or one of the three listed cannot be reached, per your registration form, you will authorize the program to transport your child to the nearest medical care facility to secure necessary medical treatment for your child.

able deposit is due at time of registration).

Camp Hours: Regular day 8:00am- 4:00 pm. Extended day option additional $35/ week for 7:00-8:00 am and 4:00-5:30pm coverage. Must register ahead.

Camp Locations: Bennington Sports Center (230 School St) and Bennington Rec Center (655 Gage St). Split based on age groups. OUTSIDEbased camp!

Camper Transportation: There is no bus transportation to/from camp. Parent/ guardian drop off and pick up required. Campers are transported by DuFour busing on field trips during the camp day, as needed.

Emergency Contacts: Emergency contacts are required with registration. Every effort will be made to contact a parent/guardian in the event of an emergency requiring medical attention

Provide Child Health Information: Children with allergies must include individual care plan. Provide details of sensitivities, chronic health conditions, and behavior considerations. YMCA must be authorized, in registration form, to assist in applying sunscreen.

Financial Assistance: Financial assistance application form available on our website. MUST allow two weeks for processing and is given on a first come, first served basis for those who qualify.

Payment Information: Camp fees must be paid in full the Thursday before the week of camp. $1 per minute fee for children dropped off earlier than registered, or picked up after registered end-time. Payments accepted at YMCA Bennington Rec Center location only, not at Camp.

Families receive confirmation email upon registration and weekly informational emails with any field trips, special activities, and reminders!

Bennington Banner

OUT TO EAT!

Mon., May 22nd The Burger Den in Cambridge, NY 11:00am – 2:30pm

Tue., June 13th Bubbles Restaurant in Mechanicville, NY

10:30am – 2:30pm

Thu., July 6th Arlington Dairy Bar in Arlington, VT 11:00am – 1:30pm

POT LUCKS

Wed., May 17th 11:30am - ???

Senior Center

Wed., , June 21st 11:30am - ???

Senior Center

Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon. Please sign up no later than Friday prior

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.

ANNUAL SENIOR PICNIC

Wednesday, July 19

11:30am - ??? Willow Park Pavilion $5

Come enjoy delicious food made by Meals on Wheels, great music, and fun conversation with friends.

TRIPS & TRAVEL

Seneca Lake, NY

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

Hancock Shaker Village

Mon, May 15, 10:30 – 4:30 $23 ea.

Come on a guided tour of the village and learn about the Shakers, how they lived, and how inventive they were! You may either bring a lunch with you or purchase lunch at the café.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Thurs, May 25, 8:45 - 3 $38 ea.

Lunch on your own at Country Side Diner in Brunswick

Step into a 20,000 sq. ft. light and sound spectacular exhibit featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works. You may also choose to add the Virtual Reality Experience ($5 added fee); walk alongside Van Gogh during a visually rich journey into the inspiration behind 8 of his iconic works.

Hildene

Thurs, June 8, 10:00 - 3:30 $33 ea.

Take a tour through the home of Robert Todd Lincoln - and we should be just in time to enjoy the peony gardens! Includes a cold picnic lunch, and time to visit other parts of the property such as the goat dairy and the farm.

Dr. Seuss Museum

Wed, July 12, 8:30 - 6 $57 ea.

Bus leaves from Bennington Station Parking Lot on Depot St. Did you know it was this close to us? This Museum is just one of six included within the Springfield (MA) Museums; you will have access to all of them! There is a café where you can purchase lunch.

SHOWTIME

42nd Street at Mac-Haydn Theatre June 29

The Sound of Music at Mac-Haydn Theatre July 27

Jersey Boys at Mac-Haydn Theatre August 24

10:45 – 6:00 $72 per person

Lunch on your own @ Whitestone Grill

Bus leaves from Bennington Station Parking Lot on Depot St. NOTE: Payment due 30 days prior to show date.

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 May 9th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Wednesday May 24th Crossgates Mall Albany, NY

Thursday June 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday June 20th Yankee Surplus, JoAnn, Michael’s Rutland, VT

Wednesday July 5th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday July 31st Crossgates Mall Albany, NY

1

11

Tai Chi - Level 2 9:00

Games & Gab at Bennington Sports Ctr. 10:00

Movie 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Crafts Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Craft Corner 1

Jewelry Doctor 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Craft Corner 1

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience 8:45 - 3

Sansone Walking 9 Painting Group 9 Ukelele 11

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Crafts Corner 1

Jewelry Cleaning w/ the

Jewelry Doctor 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Craft Corner 1

Hildene 10-3:30

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Crafts Corner 1

Father’s Day Cards for VVH

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Crafts Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Craft Corner 1 42nd Street

@ Mac-Haydn 10:45 - 6

Painting 9

Quilting with Annette Table Runner 9:30-11

Bingo 1

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

Below are general schedules for each day of the week.