Bennington Senior & Community News, September-October 2024 by New England Newspapers, Inc.

BenningtonSenior & Community News

September – October 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:

September 2nd, Monday, In observance of Labor Day

October 14th, Monday, In observance of Indigenous Peoples 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:

It’s time for fall leaves, cool nights, apple picking, pumpkin spice, and school buses. Please start giving yourself an extra five minutes to reach your destination if you are driving; school buses and school crossings can cause delays in your drive time. If a bus’s lights are ﬂashing, DO NOT PASS! Children cross the road in front of a school bus, and you may not see them. There are heavy penalties for passing a school bus when lights are ﬂashing and stop sign is out.

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) 3796043 No Fee

Ukulele: Strum along with others at this gathering of musically minded folks. Beginners to seasoned players, this group

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

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, Check- ers, 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 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 Pot luck Wednesday) No Fee 16 weeks; begins September 4th

Wednesday Movie: Once a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee Sept. 4 Quartet Maggie Smith / Billy Connolly

Oct. 2 The African Queen Humphrey Bogart / Katharine Hepburn

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 , Sept. 18, Oct. 30 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!

Thu., Sep 26th

Bubbles Rest. Mechanicville, NY 10:45 - 2:00

Wed., Oct 30th China Wok 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 Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5 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

Wed., Oct. 16th 11:30 - ??

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

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.

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

Sing Along!

Wednesday, September 11th, 1 - 2 pm

Val and Julie Martell will be here to play music and sing with us! Bring your voice and your enthusiasm, and just have fun.

Mah Jongg

Monday, September 30th, 1 - 3 pm

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! No Fee

Vaccine Clinic

Wednesday, October 9th, 1 - 3 pm

Hannaford Pharmacy will be holding a vaccine clinic here. There will be a sign-up sheet as they need to know what vaccines to bring. Available vaccines include those for RSV, pneumonia, ﬂu, shingles, T-dap, and the latest covid booster. Hannaford will take care of billing your insurance, so there is no out-of-pocket expense for you. For more information or to sign up, call Carrie at the Bennington Senior Center (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. 9:30am - 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.

Wednesday, Sept 4th, Colonie Center, Albany, NY

Tuesday, Sept 17th, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY

Thursday, Oct 3rd, Colonie Center, Albany, NY

Tuesday, Oct 15th, Aviation Mall, Glens Falls, NY

Thursday, Nov 7th, Colonie Center, Albany, NY

JEWELRY DOCTOR

Upcycled Jewelry

Wednesdays, Sept. 25th & 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. Fee $10, 15 participants max.

Jewelry Repair

Tuesday, October 22nd, 1 pm - ?

Today is the day to bring in your broken jewelry. Knotted chains, broken clasps, earrings with missing hooks… Kelly will be here to fix your broken items.

Jewelry Cleaning

Tuesday, October 29t, 1 pm - ?

Cleaning day! If your jewelry is looking a bit dusty, dingy, or tarnished, Kelly will make it shine like new!

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, September 13th, 10 - 11am

Larry Mango, Hannaford Pharmacy Have questions about vaccines? This is the time to ask questions about shots for RSV, ﬂu, pneumonia, covid boosters, and more!

Friday, October 4t, 10 - 11am

Michelle LeBlanc, Vermont Paws & Boots

Michelle’s extensive experience both in the military and as a Vermont State trooper ultimately prepared her for her role as Executive Director of Vermont Paws & Boots, as well as the K9 trainer. Find out what her organization does, and what service dogs can be used for.

SHOWS, TRIPS, AND TRAVEL

MYSTERY RIDE!

Wed, October 23rd

Time & Price TBA

Bus picks up at the former Bennington Station Restaurant parking lot. It’s a mystery. Only “Joe Bus” knows for sure!

SALEM, NY

Thurs, October 10th, 9:30 - 5

$4 for transportation It’s been a couple of years, but we’re heading back to Salem! We will visit the old Salem Courthouse which is now used as a community center (complete with their own TAG SALE!), then enjoy lunch at Jacko’s Corner. A visit to Salem Art Works lets us see the outdoor sculptures along with a breathtaking view of the valley below. Add in Battenkill Valley Creamery and Gardenworks Farm, and you have a day that includes history, art, food, agriculture… what a day, indeed!

GREEN MOUNTAIN LINES AND BENNINGTON SENIORS PRESENT

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

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 offer travel insurance, but it is suggested you check out various options.

Senior Art & Craft Show & Sale

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.

If you are interested in renting a table ($5 or $10) to sell your items, please contact Carrie (contact info on the cover). If you have items to donate, that’s another option. Money raised will go to our activities fund. We hope to make this an annual event!

SEPTEMBER 2024

Closed Labor Day

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 Learn Mah Jongg 1-3 pm

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

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

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Movie - Quartet 1 Colonie Center 9:30-4

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Sing Along with Val & Julie Martell 1-2 pm

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Pot Luck 11:30-? Trivia to follow

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Upcycled Jewelry 1-3:30

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 Bubbles Restaurant 10:45-2

OCTOBER 2024

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Tai Chi Level 1 1

VNA Foot Clinic 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

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10

Tai Chi Level 1 1

Aviation Mall 9:30-4

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

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 MovieAfrican Queen 1

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Vaccine Clinic 1-3 pm

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Pot Luck 11:30-?

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 Colonie Center 9:30-4

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1 A Day in Salem 9:30 am - 5 pm

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Closed Indigenous Peoples Day Happy Halloween!

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

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Mystery Ride time TBA

Tai Chi - Level 2 10 Trivia 1 China Wok 11-12:30

Painting 9 BINGO 1

Painting 9

Coffee With Larry Mango From Hannaford Parmacy 10-11 am BINGO 1

Painting 9 BINGO 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Bone Builders 8:30

Bone Builders 10 Craft Corner 1

Painting 9

Coffee With Michelle LeBlanc From Vermont Paws & Boots 10-11 am BINGO 1

Painting 9 BINGO 1

AUGUST

ADULT EVENTS

Registrations required!

Join Wendy for this special themed coffee at the Bennington Sports Center. In rememberance of 9/11 bring in a apple dish to share. Join in for conversation and support from our Y community. Wed. 9/11 The Big Apple | Bennington Sports Center l 9-11am Wed. 9/25 Fri. 9/27

Cheeseburger Day | Bennington Sports Center l 1145am-2pm

We are making cheesburgers! Enjoy this yummy day at the Bennington Sports Center. Bring a side dish to share and enjoy music, conversation and a yummy lunch.

Wed. 9/18

Fall Prevention & Autumn | Bennington Sports Center l 1145-2

Bring a tasty Autumn themed dish to share and learn about fall prevention from our instructor Tracy Purdy-Martin. As the weather cools down learn how to keep yourself safe at home and in your community.

Chili Cookout | Bennington Rec Center l 1230-2pm

Bring your best chili recipe for our 3rd Annual Chili cook off! Come hungry and get ready to judge some delicious recipes! A special prize for the winner will be announced after voting commences.

Coffee with Wendy

Every Wednesday at the Bennington Sports Center from 9-11am

Drop in Hours

The Lounge

Every Tuesday & Thursday at the Bennington Sports Center from 9-11am

Everyday at the Bennington Sports Center from 9am-12pm. Coffee, games, and work stations for DIY crafts, work or reading!

Check Facebook page for pop-up programs |Register at BFYMCA.org/programs | (802)442-1053