Bennington Senior & Community News, September-October 2023

BenningtonSenior & Commun it y News Community News

September – October 2023

From the Director’s Desk:

September is around the corner. That means the return of school buses and children walking to/from school. Stay vigilant, stop for buses, and keep kids and yourselves safe.

Daylight hours are getting shorter. Temperatures at night are getting cooler again. This is the best time of year for an evening fire in the firepit, some hot cider or cocoa, and good friends. Leaves dress up in their fancy colors, a new season of football begins (GO BILLS!), and we plan on getting Christmas shopping done early this year. It doesn’t mean we WILL get it done early, but we will try.

Don’t forget to ask your doctor about getting your annual flu shot, and if there are other vaccinations they recommend. Stay healthy and enjoy autumn!

Carrie Fabricius - Program Director

CONTACT INFO:

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 4 Monday CLOSED in observance of LABOR DAY

October 9 Monday CLOSED 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.

Bennington Senior Center, 124 Pleasant St., Suite 3 Bennington, VT 05201 Phone 442-1052 or 802-447-9714 cfabricius@benningtonvt.org

OUT TO EAT!

Tue., Sept 19th Depot Street Burgers in Manchester, VT

11:00am – 1:30pm

Thu., Oct 19th Lil’ Britain Fish & Chip Shop in Bennington

11:30am - 1:30pm

(Located on North St across from the splashpad. We will be walking; it’s a 2 minute walk)

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 aero-

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

bic 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 (802)379-6043 No Fee

Cards & Games: Group decides the game. 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

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.

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 confi dent with

the fi rst 6 forms. Instructor: Christine Kelleher 9:00am No Fee

Wednesday Movie: Twice a month, come in and enjoy a movie. 1:00 pm No Fee September 6 & 20, October 4 & 25. Call ahead for title. 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 September 13 & 27, October 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

Crochet with Deb: Twice a month, come and learn basics of crochet, and try your hand at an easy project. 1:00pm September 14 & 28, October 5 & 19. Instructor: Deb Matte

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 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.

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

FOOT CARE and BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC

Sponsored by VNA & HOSPICE of the Southwest Region.

1:00 pm, Tuesdays, Sept. 5th, Oct. 3rd, Nov. 7th

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 beforehand, it is helpful. Suggested donation fees: $10.00 for foot care and $3.00 for blood pressure clinic.

SVAC & Double Hex

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-

TRIPS & TRAVEL

Wed, Sept 20th, 10:30am-4pm, $9+lunch

Bus picks up at the Bennington Senior Center

“For The Love Of Vermont”

ONE EXHIBITION, TWO VENUES

(IN COLLABORATION WITH BENNINGTON MUSEUM)

More than 200 works of art that capture Vermont’s unique character, people, traditions and landscape prior to the 1970’s from the collection of Lyman Orton, proprietor of the Vermont Country Store, will be on display to the public in an unprecedented collaboration by two of Vermont’s most celebrated museums — Southern Vermont

less 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

Arts Center and Bennington Museum. The collection came together for one reason: Lyman Orton, a man on a mission who believes art is history and has curated a living time capsule of life in Vermont and the painters who painted Vermont over decades. He is now sharing his collection with Vermonters and all who love Vermont.

MYSTERY RIDE!

Wed, October 25th, 9:30am-6pm

$37 per person, Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison

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

SHOWTIME

Lake George Dinner Theatre

Thurs, October 12th, 10am-5pm

$95 per person, Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison

Bus picks up at the former Bennington Station Restaurant parking lot

“Marriage is Murder” by Nick Hall

Ex-spouses Paul and Polly Butler used to write murder mysteries together. Now Hollywood has come calling for an original thriller based on one of their old detectives. Can they avoid killing each other long enough to come up with a new story? Find out in this murderously funny comedy!

One of only nine professional dinner theaters in the country, it is by far the most intimate, with no seat more than 35 feet away from the stage. Please state your meal choice when you sign up. The choices are:

• Medallions of Beef with mushroom demi-glace

• Chicken Piccata with lemon caper sauce

• Seared Salmon with lemon beurre blanc sauce

• Vegetarian vegetable pasta

CAPITAL REP

Thurs, December 6th, 9:30am-6pm

$45 per person, Checks payable to Eleanor Mattison

Bus picks up at the Bennington Senior Center

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”

They’re back! Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, donned with Christmas tree, garland and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made these four famous. The gang is up to their usual antics as we journey through stories of Christmas past, present and future. It’s a jam-packed evening of holiday hits to celebrate year after year!

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 Please Note: As with all things, the costs of transportation (labor, fuel, repairs, etc.) have increased which makes our trips more expensive. At this time, we realize we need to increase our fee to $4.00 just to cover our 20% of the bill. Thank you for understanding.

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 Sept. 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Monday Sept. 25th Crossgates Mall Albany, NY

Wednesday Oct. 4th Colonie Center Albany, NY

Tuesday Oct. 24th Various Stores Brattleboro, VT/Hinsdale, NH

Tuesday Nov. 7th Colonie Center Albany, NY

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

QUILTING with ANNETTE

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

COFFEE With…

Back by popular demand! 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, Sept. 1st , 10-11am, Mary Pleasant, Volunteer Coordinator @ VNA & Hospice

Mary will be here to discuss different services VNA offers and volunteer opportunities you may not be aware of. The conversation will also include information on advance directives, end of life care, and how to assure your wishes are followed. Some people worry about feeling too awkward or uncomfortable, but it truly is one of the most important conversations you can have with your family and loved ones.

Friday, Oct. 6th, 10-11am, Paul Doucette, Chief of Police / Public Safety Director for Bennington

When Chief Doucette comes to visit us, it’s always a good time and great information. Please understand that the date may be moved depending on any emergency situations that may arise.

JEWELRY DOCTOR

Thursday, Sept. 21st, 1-3 pm, $8

Kelly Kimball returns, and this time she’s helping us make a charm bracelet! Fee includes bracelet and 4 charms. If you have some charms of your own you can bring those, too. This is a fun craft that is perfect to give to a grandchild, friend, or keep for yourself. Space in this class is limited; pre-registration is required.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Mondays, 3-4pm

Taking care of a loved one is a difficult job. As rewarding as it can be, it can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.

Join Phil Guerard, former outreach counselor (and current caregiver), for time to decompress, relax, and find support from others who understand what you are going through. After all, you need to take care of yourself, too!

This group will initially meet twice a month; it can meet more often if participants would like to. Scheduled meeting dates are September 11th & 25th, and October 16th & 30th

MEDICARE INFORMATION

Wednesday, Sept. 27th, 2-3pm

Are you ever confused, stressed, or unsure about your health insurance options? Understanding today’s health insurance landscape can often be challenging, but our State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is here to help. SHIP offers free, confidential health insurance counseling to current or potential Medicare beneficiaries. Our trained and skilled SHIP Coordinator, Libby Greaney, is committed to educating, advocating for, and empowering individuals and their families to make informed healthcare benefit decisions. Please call to pre-register.

THE WALLOOMSAC INN

Wednesday, October 11th, 1-2pm

Several of you asked to learn more about this iconic landmark, et voilà!

Don Miller, Past President of the Bennington Historical Society, brings his unique style of historical storytelling to the Senior Center. We will hear about the different owners of the property, how the property changed over the years, and how modernization effected the business of running an inn. Please call to pre-register.

Silver Sneakers with Wendy at Sports Center

Berkshire Family YMCA –Bennington Group Exercise | Fall2023

with Jasmine in the Pool

11:00a-12:00 PM

Dance Fit with Wendy in the Pool

1:00-2:00 PM

Silver Sneakers with Melissa at Sports Center

4:15-5:15 PM

Zumba! With Jasmine at Sports Center

5:30-6:30 PM

Meditative Hatha Yoga with Jasmine at Sports Center

11:00a-12:00 PM

Water Exercise with Renette in the Pool

4:15-5:15 PM

Restorative Yoga with Jasmine at Sports Center

5:30-6:30PM

Zumba! With Jasmine at Sports Center

10:00-11:00 AM

Floor Work with Tracy at the Sports Center

11:00a-12:00 PM

QiGong with Tracy at Sports Center

1:00-2:00 PM

Silver Sneakers with Melissa at Sports Center

5:15-6:00 PM

Aqua Aerobics with Judi in the Pool

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.

11:00a-12:00 PM

Water Exercise with Renette in the Pool

4:15-5:15 PM

Restorative Yoga with Jasmine at Sports Center

5:30-6:30 PM

Cardio Flow Yoga with Jasmine at Sports Center

11:00a-12:00 PM

Dance Fit with Wendy in the Pool

1:00-2:00 PM

Silver Sneakers with Melissa at Sports Center

Tai Chi coming in November!

-Required! Register for courses to be notified of changes and updates. Registration opens 3rd Monday of month.

-Classes are included in your membership!

-Check our online schedule for accurate schedule, including cancelled classes.

-Subject to changes.

SENIOR CENTER POT LUCK

Wed., Sept. 13th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

**Please note: the date has changed.**

Wed., Oct. 18th 11:30am - ??? Senior Center

Halloween costumes are optional, but encouraged!

Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon.

Wed., Nov. 15th 11:30am - ??? Benn. Firehouse, 3rd floor

Wed., Dec. 13th 11:30am - ??? Benn. Firehouse, 3rd floor

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

10:15

Ukelele 11

Games 1 Caregiver Support Group 3

POOL SCHEDULE

BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER

www.bfymca.org

655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-442-1053

Typical Oct-Nov 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.

ANNUAL FACILITY CLOSURE 8/26-9/10. SEE SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE ONLINE PLEASE.

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

– 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 Housing Authority (802) 442-8000

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

HOUSING

Shires Housing (802) 442-8139

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

Beconfidentinyour Medicarechoicewith UVMHealthAdvantage

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WhatisMedicare?

Doyouneedmorethan justMedicare?

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Findeasy-to-understandvideosat UVMhealthadvantage.com/medicare101

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Call 1-833-368-4598 (TTY711)

October1–March31,sevendaysaweek,8a.m.–8p.m. April1–September30,Monday–Friday,8a.m.–8p.m.

MVPHealthPlan,Inc.isanHMO-POS/PPOorganizationwithaMedicarecontract.EnrollmentinMVP HealthPlandependsoncontractrenewal.Foraccommodationsofpersonswithspecialneedsatmeetings, call1-800-324-3899(TTY711).Otherphysicians/providersareavailableintheMVPHealthCare network. MVPHealthCarecomplieswithapplicableFederalcivilrightslawsanddoesnotdiscriminateonthebasis ofrace,color,nationalorigin,age,disability,orsex(includingsexualorientationandgenderidentity).

ATENCIÓN:sihablaespañol,tieneasudisposiciónserviciosgratuitosdeasistencia lingüística.Llameal1-844-946-8010(TTY711).

注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-844-946-8010(TTY711). Y0051_8331_M