Bennington Senior & Community News, November-December 2024
BenningtonSenior & Community News
November – December 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:
November 28-29 Thurs/Fri In observance of Thanksgiving
December 24th Tuesday Closing at 12:00 noon
December 25th Wednesday In observance of Christmas
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:
Another year is coming to an end. Time to take stock of 2024’s accomplishments. Did you finish any home improvement projects? Maybe you volunteered at a non-profit. Maybe you made and donated quilts to Project Linus, or took a class to learn something new. Although it sounds like an oversimplification, these are the things that bring meaning and joy to our lives. Developing connections within the community helps to rid us of feelings of isolation. It slows down cognitive decline and, when we keep learning new skills, can help with recovery from stroke. Isn’t the brain amazing?
I invite you all to come to “Coffee With…” on December 6th at 10am. I am interested in hearing what programs people enjoyed this year, as well as what they would like to see/learn about in 2025.
As always, remember to take time for yourself over the holidays. As much as we love visiting with family, it can still be stressful. If you feel like you are stretched too thin, it is okay to say “No” to requests for your time. Balancing family time and personal time is important, and necessary to maintain a positive outlook. I wish you all the very happiest holiday season.
Love & light, Carrie Fabricius - Program Director
CONTACT INFO:
Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3 Bennington, VT 05201
Phone 802-4442-1052 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 Walk- ing: 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
Instructor: Henry Simpatico
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
(802)379-6043 No Fee
Cards & Games: Group decides the game, or multiple groups can play different games. Games available here include the following:
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
Mah Jongg: Barb Roan is calling all people who are curious and would like to learn to play. If you have always wanted to learn more, here’s your chance! 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 September 3rd. 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. Instructor: Carrie Fabricius 10:00 am (9:00am on Potluck Wednesday) No Fee 16 weeks; begins September 4th Wednesday
Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee
Nov. 6 Walk the Line Joaquin Phoenix / Reese Witherspoon Dec. 4 The Outlaw Josey Wales
Clint Eastwood / Sondra Locke
Jan. 8 The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith / Thandie Newton
Feb. 5 The Producers
Nathan Lane / Matthew Broderick
Trivia!: Enjoy some good-hearted 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 , Nov. 27, Dec. 11 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. Beverages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 - 3 pm
OUT TO EAT!
Tue., Nov 12th Bob’s Country Kitchen Lanesborough, MA 10:30am-2pm
Mon., Dec 16th Chipotle 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 Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7
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
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, Nov 7th, Colonie Center, Albany, NY
Wednesday, Nov 27th, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY
Wednesday, Dec 11th, Colonie Center, Albany, NY
Thursday, Dec 19th, Aviation Mall, Queensbury, NY
Thursday, Jan 9th, Pittsfield Stores, Pittsfield, MA
NOVEMBER
ADULTEVENTS
Registrations required!
HOLIDAY POTLUCKS
Wed., Nov. 20th 11:30am - ???
River Street Firehouse
Sign up deadline – November 13th
Wed., Dec. 18th 11:30am - ??
River Street Firehouse
Sign up deadline – December 11th
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 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)
Drop
(802) 447-7515
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (802) 442-5436
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 Art & Craft Show & Sale
“Handmade
Holidays”
Saturday, November 16th, 10am-3pm
We have so many gifted, talented seniors! Painting, quilting, knitting and crocheting, jewelry, making… SO MANY THINGS!! Find holiday gifts, a personal treasure, or something to share with a friend.
Money raised will go to our activities fund. We hope to make this an annual event!
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 layoff 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.
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, November 8th, 10 - 11am Bennington Community Café Come and learn where it is, when it is open, and the mission of the café.
Friday, December 6th, 10 - 11am Group discussion
Enjoy conversation with others, and share who or what you would like to learn about for the 2025 “Coffee With…” series.
Jewelry Doctor UPCYCLED JEWELRY
Wednesday, Nov 13th, 1 - 3:30 pm
If you have old jewelry pieces that can’t be worn as is but would still like to wear them, come see if they could be upcycled into something new! Kelly Kimball will guide you in making a new treasure. Perfect for a unique gift! Fee $10 - 15 participants max.
DISCOVER YOUTH WINTER PROGRAMS
YOUTH SWIM LESSONS SUNDAYS
NOVEMBER - MARCH TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, SATURDAYS
MAYAA BASKETBALL
Grades 3-6
YOUNG GUNS BASKETBALL
TEEN FITNESS TRAINING
MONDAYS | 4PM - 4:45PM
FUNDAMENTALS OF WRESTLING
FRIDAYS | 415PM - 5PM
KIDS DAY OUT & CAMP
DECEMBER 23- JANUARY 3,JANUARY 20, FEBRUARY 17-21
TUMBLE TOTS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
KIDS NIGHT OUT
FIRST & THIRD FRIDAYS
FAMILY EVENTS
SPLASH-MAS | DECEMBER 14 SHAM-ROCK-N | MARCH 15
GYM AND GAMES
WEDNESDAYS | 4-5pm
ENROLL TODAY AT BFYMCA.ORG
TRIPS & TRAVEL
REMINDER: FULL PAYMENT IS NOW PAST DUE
COACH TRIPS
Green Mountain Lines Presents BETHLEHEM & LANCASTER, PA
December 3 - 5, 2024
Trip Includes:
• 2 night stay at Country Inn of Lancaster with 2 full breakfast buffets
• Visit to Koziar’s Christmas Village
• 2 dinners at area restaurants
• Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster to see “Daniel”
• American Music Theatre to see “Joy To The World”
• Stop at the casino in Bethlehem, PA on the way home
SINGLE $685/pp DOUBLE $550/pp TRIPLE $505/pp
$50 non-refundable deposit due upon sign up.
Full payment due by October 25th.
***Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison***
For more information, call Eleanor @ (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052
PICKUP TIMES:
7:00am Bennington Station • 8:00am Latham Farms
GREEN MOUNTAIN LINES AND BENNINGTON SENIORS PRESENT
CHARLESTON/SAVANNAH ADVENTURE
April 26 - May 3, 2025
Trip Includes:
• Accommodations for 7 nights
• 7 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
• Tour of Charleston
• Boone Hall Plantation
• Spirit Of Carolina dinner cruise
• Charleston Tea Garden
• Tour of Savannah and the low country
• Stops in Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach
SINGLE $3,405/pp DOUBLE $2,411/pp TRIPLE $2,146/pp
Sign up and $100 non-refundable deposit due by February 26th. Full payment due by March 26th.
Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison
For more information, call Eleanor @ (802) 379-7216 or (802) 442-1052
PICKUP TIMES: Times and locations to be determined.
**We do not o er travel insurance, but it is suggested you check out various options.
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
12-1 pm: Lap/Open Swim
1-2pm: School Group
2-530pm: Lap/Open
5:30-7 pm: Marauders
7-730: Marauders/Lap/Open
730-8 pm: Lap/Open Swim
Tuesday
8-10 am: Lap/Group Fitness
10am-4pm: Lap/Open
4-6 pm: Swim Lessons
6-7 pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Masters
6-7pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Masters
Wednesday
6-8 am: Lap Swim
8-9 am: Deep Water Class/Lap
9-1030 am: Lap/Open
10:30-1130 am: Playgroup/lap swim
11:30-515 pm: 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
2-4 pm: Lap/Open Swim
7-8 pm: Masters
4-6 pm: Swim Lessons
6-7pm: Marauders
7-8 pm: Masters
Kayla Becker – Branch Director kbecker@bfymca.org
Taylor McGuire – Assistant Branch Director – tmcguire@bfymca.org
