Capital District Senior Spotlight - December 2019

C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t

Spotlight

Senior A Spotlight News publication in cooperation with

THE RESOURCE FOR SENIORS

DECEMBER 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

NO. 12

History through art One for the history books Gifts of Christmas past cdseniorspotlight.com

DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 1

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Editor’s desk

A

A basket full of memories

funny thing happened while preparing for this month’s edition of Senior Spotlight, but it was far from unexpected.

Just as we did for our November edition, we posed a question to our readers with intentions of sharing the answers with you. With this our December edition, the holidays were at the forefront of our minds when we crafted the question.

We asked people to share with us a favorite holiday gift — one that was given, or one that was received — and for them to tell us what made it special?

Silence.

Okay. I suppose silence can’t be heard over online posts, but indulge me here. There was at least the sound of crickets chirping. We received no response. Not a like on Facebook.

Hardly a share. Nothing. To which I nodded my head and acknowledged to myself that this was the appropriate response.

Christmas is not about the gifts; not at our age. The end of the year brings a basket full of memories and emotions that eclipse the rush of excitement we all felt as children. I pause as I write this, thinking back to my childhood and I lament over the loss of wonder. I can’t remember the toy of choice each year, but I remember the magic of imagination. The toy was only a vehicle to tap into it. Now, imagination washes away to more practical acts of work, chores and … what else is there?

This month’s centerfold reveals a little something about myself. There are three gifts that I remember helped shape my personality and who I am today.

There’s a story behind each one, and though the gift is now gone, the lesson remains with me to this day. It’s a simple approach at a more complex subject. In retrospect, I think I could have devoted 2,000 words to sharing the story on the last one. I was 12. I was a snot. My mother, as always, was a saint.

Maybe next year I’ll dive into the basket full of memories and emotions.

Sincerely, Michael Hallisey, Managing Editor Spotlight Newspapers

December 2019 Features History Through Art Gifts of Christmas Past

6 10-11

Columnists Social Security Corner

4

A Patriot Remembers

7

Retiring Retirement

8

Senior Services Albany JCC

5

Bethlehem Public Library

14

Voorheesville Public Library

14

LifePath 15 Clifton Park Senior Comm. Center 16 Niskayuna Senior Center

17

Colonie Senior Service Centers

18

publisher - John

McIntyre editor - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Senior Spotlight is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request.

Capital District Senior Spotlight reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2011 by Capital District Senior Spotlight.

No portion of Capital District Senior Spotlight may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.

DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 3

Social Security Corner

New year is looking up

E

Social Security Benefits Increase In 2020

ach year, we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

By law, federal benefits increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Usually, there is an increase in the benefit amount people will receive each month, starting the following January.

Nearly 69 million Americans will see a 1.6 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and SSI payments in 2020.

Other changes that will happen in January 2020 reflect the increase in the national av-

erage wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax will increase to $137,700 from $132,900. The earnings limit for workers who are younger than “full” retirement age (age 66 for people born in 1943 through 1954) will increase to $18,240. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $18,240.)

The earnings limit for people turning 66 in 2020 will increase to $48,600. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $48,600 until the month the worker turns age 66.)

In December 2019, we will post Social Security COLA notices online for retirement,

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survivors, and disability beneficiaries who have a my Social Security account. You will be able to view and save future COLA notices via the Message Center inside my Social Security.

You can log in to or sign up for a my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to get more information about your new benefit amount. You can choose to receive an electronic notification by email, text, or both ways under “Message Center Preferences.” Our notification will let you know that a new message is waiting for you. We will not send any personal information in the notification. The Message Cen-

Elizabeth Pivonka ter also allows you to go paperless by opting out of receiving agency notices by mail that you can get online, including annual cost-of-living adjustments and the income-related monthly adjustment amount increases. The Message Center is a secure portal where you can conveniently receive sensitive communications that we don’t send through email or text.

More information about the 2020 COLA is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.

By Elizabeth Pivonka Social Security Administration in Albany, New York

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Senior calendars Albany JCC, Adult Department

Sixty - Plus Dining

Mondays & Wednesdays, at 4:45 to 6 p.m.

Full-course kosher dinners for those 60 and older.

Reservations taken until 9:30 a.m. the day of the meal.

Suggested contribution: $3 per person. Guest under 60 pay $10.

Eye On The World

Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A current events group discussion with guest moderators.

There is a $2.25 suggested donation per session.

Fun and Fitness to the Songs of Broadway Thursdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

A fun, gentle exercise class

with instructor Richard Feldman.

There is a $2.25 suggested donation per session.

Senior Chorale

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Thursdays, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Sherri Strichman, chorale director, instructs rehearsals and performances each Thursday afternoons.

To participate, there is a $2.25 donation suggested per session.

Chanuka Program & Dinner Monday, Dec. 16, 4 to 6 p.m.

Hebrew, Yiddish, and English song concert performed

by Jewish performers/composers; sung by Joel Merker with guitar. A full-course kosher Chanuka dinner follows the concert.

A $14 prepaid registration is required by Dec. 3.

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Feature

History through art

Popular illustrator speaks to students about the Holocaust, aftermath

Nazi concentration camps during World War II but she has to learn how to rebuild herself and rediscover her Jewish faith after liberation.

With hauntingly beautiful

By DIEGO CAGARA illustrations, the reader learns cagarad@spotlightnews.com that liberation does not necessarily make things better BETHLEHEM — for Gerta as she has to stay in a Bethlehem Central Middle displaced persons camp.

School students discovered “What the Night Sings” that history books are not the has been nominated for a only way to learn about world National Book Award, a history — illustrations work finalist for a Morris Award, too. recognized among the Golden Acclaimed illustrator and Kite Honor Books under author Vesper Stamper recently young adult fiction, won the visited the school for an art Sydney Taylor Book Award, class and presentation to speak named best young adult book on how she illustrates historical of 2018/2019 by Young Adult fiction novels, gets inspiration Library Services Association, from real-life world events and and noted by the Wall Street how art can start a genuine Journal as one of 2018’s best conversation about topics like children’s books. humanity, discrimination and The students learn that dignity. Speaking before a “What the Night Sings” is packed auditorium of students more than just an illustrated as part of their social studies novel; it deals with heavy curriculum, Stamper also themes like World War II, the talked about her education and Holocaust and its aftermath, the creative process behind her genocide, concentration recent 2018 young adult book, camps, Judaism and anti“What the Night Sings.”

Semitism. Stamper said that The book revolves around while many Americans know Gerta, a teenaged Holocaust about World War II, not many survivor, who lost her family would recognize infamous and the life she knew in concentration camps like

6 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

Vesper Stamper Auschwitz and the reality for many displaced people after liberation.

Similar to the events in her book, Stamper brought up that Bergen-Belsen, one of the real-life concentration camps located in Lower Saxony, Germany, was turned into a refugee camp after it was liberated in April 1945.

Despite much hopelessness among the displaced people, she said, “By June, teachers started a kindergarten there, less than three months after people were dropping dead there. I just was fascinated by this because the reason why they were still in the camp is because all their relatives had been murdered and their homes had been taken over. … There was still rampant

anti-Semitism all throughout Europe and people would attempt to go back to their towns but face brutality. So, many people stayed in the concentrations camps even after they were freed, many of whom were teenagers.”

Stamper also said it “was mind-boggling” that a few years after liberation, more than 1,000 weddings happened and over 2,000 babies were born at BergenBelsen.

She gave an example of how a Czechoslovakian woman named Lilly lost some of her family members in Auschwitz but she and her two sisters survived despite being transported to five different concentration camps. She then met a man named Ludwig Friedman at the Bergen-Belsen refugee camp and she wanted to start a family and get married in a white wedding gown, as a sign of hope and rebirth. Friedman eventually crafted a wedding gown out of a silk parachute with the help of a seamstress — Lilly and Friedman then married on Jan. 27, 1946.

“That gown, because it was so precious, was passed from girl to girl who’s getting married and Lilly stopped counting after handing it to 17 women and it was far more,” Stamper said. “Why did it matter to have a white wedding dress? It was a way to say that they survived through chaos and disaster, and they were determined.” The gown, she said, is now on display at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Stamper said stories like Lilly’s and the message of hope even after liberation were what helped inspire her “What the Night Sings” book.

“What the Night Sings” is available in bookstores and online. For more information, visit www.vesperillustration. com.

A Patriot Remembers

Holiday spirit

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If only it wasn’t just for six weeks

very year we enjoy the spirit of the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year Day. There is a change in the air, about ourselves, about the people we see and the neighbor hoods take on a special appearance. Words and events during the six weeks will bring back a memory or two.

Words like Nativity scenes, tinsel, Midnight Mass, letters sent to Santa, Noel, Christmas songs sung by the original singers, Bing Crosby, Christmas plays in school, coming home, visiting Grandma, the first US Stamp of Santa was issued 1972.

The feasting begins on Thanksgiving then the Christmas cookies, pies, fruit cakes, parties all have a festive touch.

We eat and drink during these six weeks, the weight goes on then we try to make a resolution to shed it. As I have heard and is very realistic; it is not the weight you put on between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day but the food we eat between New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving. Let’s convert this six week spirit so it exists between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Unfortunately it dis-

appears for next eleven months.

Why is that?

We should strive in our culture today towards a few simple words – ‘let’s get along.’

I heard of a person who enjoyed the family gatherings during the holidays but a ground rule was no discussions of politics or religion. Today, tolerance and understanding should be a goal even if we do not think the same. It seems if you disagree with me then don’t bother with me. Coming from an Italian family, the feast around the holidays included loud and

Frank DeSorbo

yelling conversations. However the worst confrontations were forgotten and eased with the turkey, macaroni, cookies and home made wine. The family would forget what their mouth was saying when their stomach was at work.

I have written about the World War I seize fires when the opposing troops would come together and share that Silent Night. During WWII the seize fires were abandoned by the tyrant Hitler. Then the 6 o’clock Vietnam War had their seize fire agreements. Yet

in 2019, many a holiday spirit is wounded by differences of opinions that is converted to ‘I don’t want to be around you.’ Debates and conversation become intolerable and the holiday special wines and liquors produce conflict rather that festivities. What can we do?

It would be naive to think somehow we could keep the holiday spirit for eleven months. A new approach would be to try the first six weeks of the upcoming year for new civility. Let’s get to Valentine’s Day and extend our six week holiday spirit. Look up the story of St. Valentine on your smart phones or computers.

Maybe, just maybe, we can turn six weeks of holiday spirit into twelve weeks. It’s a start and we may find ourselves feeling better as we meet and interact with people who make our life more enjoyable. Let’s try a fresh new year’s resolution ‘to get along.’ Let’s give our family and friends Christmas presents of our new spirited presence.

Please raise your holiday spirits and enjoy a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and an affectionate Valentine’s Day.

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Retiring Retirement

Turning the page John McEneny deals with the loss of his wife to cancer In Part 1, we learned that noted Albany historian and former New York State Assemblyman John “Jack” McEneny lost his wife of 37 years to cancer.

Shortly after, a heart attack took even more of the shine off the “Golden Years.”

S

ome sparkle returned, however, when he met and eventually married his neighbor, Jan. The two retirees began to share common interests that especially included the restoration of a camp at Sacandaga Lake.

Enjoying the freedom that eludes most full-time workers, Jack was able to rekindle some relationships, slowly drifting from the constraints that public service inherently requires.

“It’s critical not to retire from something if you haven’t retired to something,” he says.

“At the same time, you think you’re going to do something and yet you never do what you predicted. Life presents opportunities that you haven’t even thought of.”

But life also presents unforeseen challenges.

Like a history book, Jack’s

“It’s critical not to retire from something if you haven’t retired to something.

At the same time, you think you’re going to do something and yet you never do what you predicted. Life presents opportunities that you haven’t even thought of.”

John McEneny life continued in a page-turner mode when he suffered a stroke in 2017 that left him without the ability to read for a couple of months nor speak the way a public figure speaks.

“It was more than a year before I got my confidence back up to speak,” he says. “Now, it’s more of a minor inconvenience and a little frustrating. When I saw others at Sunnyview Rehabilitation who were much worse off than me, I couldn’t feel sorry for myself.”

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Jack’s health crisis brought him face to face with that unsettling feeling that many seniors go through.

“I had to wonder whether the effects of the stroke were short-term or long-term and it led to an insecurity about the future,” he says.

Jack’s personal history allows him to speak with some authority when he encourages seniors to keep going; to continue with learning, activities and service.

“Look at retirement as a blessing and new adventures to begin,” he says.

Robert J. LaCosta blogs daily and his latest book is on the reflective years of a senior who survived five brushes with death.

Write him at norepcom@gmail. com or call 518-435-1250.

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DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 9

Christmas Past C

hristmas is about the gifts. As a kid, this was an absolute, irrefutable truth. The countdown to December 25 started once we all returned home with our booty of Halloween candy. Thanksgiving, afterall, was just a dinner we knew what we were having ahead of time.

But, somewhere between 13 and 31, the gifts we dreamt of receiving became less important.

O. Henry penned “The Gift of the Magi” in 1905, and the story has since interwoven itself as a defining act of love during the holiday season.

Sometimes it was the gift we provided for another, while other times, it was the lesson we learned through the process. Commercialism aside, the act of giving a gift helps stoke something between two people.

It’s proof you’ve thought of the other person, and that often makes a world of difference.

The gifts featured here have had an impact on me, for many reasons.

— Michael Hallisey

10 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

Typewriter I was 4 years old and I swear I received a toy typewriter. How did my parents know I’d develop into a writer? Today, I try to share my modest talent with my wife and family.

They seem to appreciate it, if not trying to protect my fragile ego.

Stereo My love affair with music started once I received my Sanyo portable stereo with dual cassette tape deck. It was the most important fixture in my bedroom, and the perfect companion to my Commodore 64. To this day, when I hear a favorite song played over the radio, I fight the urge to lunge towards my radio to hit the record button. I now buy — support your local musician.

Jetfire

Transformers were flying off the shelves in 1985. I wanted Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. While shopping with my mother, we found him, but as we headed home, she remembered her promise to look out for him for a friend. They were gone once we returned, so my Optimus became someone else’s. On Christmas, I received Jetfire. Mom pointed out the level of leadership on his biography was just as high. I shrugged in disappointment. But, I later imagined her looking over every character to find a “leader” for my collection. The acts of her honoring her promise, and the incredible pursuit that lead to Jetfire falling under our tree, continues to warm my heart.

DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 11

12 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

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DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 13

Senior calendars Bethlehem Public Library 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar (518) 439-9314 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org

A Little Sunday Music: Etude Club of Schenectady Sunday, Dec. 8 Enjoy music from a group that was founded in 1925 to provide an opportunity for women musicians to meet and perform for one another, 2 p.m.

Felted Soap Monday, Dec. 9

Learn about life on the Helder~Herdwyck Farm and how to use fiber felting to create a washcloth-like covering for a bar of soap, 7 p.m. Sign up online or call.

visit bethlehempubliclibrary. org.

Sew It Yourself:

Make It Yourself: Decorative Bookmarks Tuesday Dec. 10

Choose from among several projects to make beautiful bookmarks to keep or give as gifts, 2 p.m.

Elder Abuse Workshop Thursday, Dec. 12

Learn how to identify elder abuse and neglect and how to take action, 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program of St. Peter’s Heath Partners. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or

Soup Bowl Cozies Monday, Dec. 16

Protect your hands and furniture with a soup bowl cozy that’s cute and functional.

Bring two 10-inch squares of cotton fabric, 6 p.m. Sign up online or call.

Friends of the Library meet Monday, Dec. 16

New members are always welcome, 6:30 p.m.

Time to Unwind

like adult coloring books and puzzles, 7 p.m.

Library Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25

Closed for the holiday.

Paint a Cardinal Saturday, Dec. 28

Make a painting featuring red cardinals on branch in the snow by following step by step directions from artist Noreen Powell. Make a beautiful scene come to life, 11 a.m. Sign up online or call.

2020 Vision Board Workshop Monday, Dec. 30

A vision board is a collage Wednesday, Dec. 18 of images and affirmations designed to serve as a source of Say goodbye to the stress of the season as you indulge in inspiration and motivation. Create your own at the library to a little self care at the library with some tea, cookies, classical guide you in the new year. Some materials provided, 2 p.m. music and relaxing activities

Senior calendars Voorheesville Public Library 51 School Road, Voorheesville (518) 765-2791 www.voorheesvillelibrary.org

Thursday Afternoon Movie

Thursday, Dec. 5, 12, 19, & 26, 1:30 p.m.

Join us Thursday to watch a classic movie on our giant screen. Check our website calendar or call for movie titles and descriptions. Light refreshments served.

Nimblefingers Craft Group

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10, & 17, 1:30pm

Bring your projects, socialize, and connect with other

14 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

crafters every Tuesday. Share your own special talents or learn a new knitting, crocheting, embroidery or quilting skill. All crafters are welcome to join the group.

FOL Winter Boutique

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.

Looking for a gift for someone special? Stop by and shop at the Second Annual Friends of the Library Winter Boutique. The Friends of the Library (FOL) will have an array of winter-themed items

to purchase as well as jewelry, fancy frames, purses/wallets and much more. There will be a wide range of new and gently used items for purchase.

Beading Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The library provides tools and offers a variety of beads to choose from, or you are welcome to bring your own supplies and projects along. Adults and teens ages 14 and up. Please register.

Drip Painting Mason Jars Thursday, Dec. 12 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Students in grade 7

through adult, please register for this fun, messy program.

You will learn how to decorate mason jars using a drip paint method. All materials supplied.

Second Sunday Film

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.

“An NYPD officer tries to save his wife and several others taken hostage by German terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.” 1988 R 2h 12m (IMDB) Light refreshments will be served. For movie title or more information, please call 518-765-2791.

Books & Beyond

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.

This month’s book is “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell.

Senior calendars

GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE!

LifePath

In Home Personal Training

formerly Senior Services of Albany www.seniorservicesofalbany.com 28 Colvin Ave., Suite 2, Albany (518) 465-3322

Come and beat the drums, this fun-sit down exercise will help build community connections, enhance your mood and give you more mental clarity. Limited to the first 12 people who sign up. Once a month for five months.

To RSVP please call Nora at (518)482-2120.

Holiday dinner & Christmas carols Wednesday, Dec.18

Join your friends for a delicious meal and come sing, dance or hum along with your favorite Christmas carols.

For more information please call Nora at (518)482-2120.

Cohoes Holiday Bazaar Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6

Get your holiday shopping

Certified Geriatric Personal Trainer through A.A.H.F.

done at one easy location, crafts, baked goods and a huge selection of gently used items available for you to purchase.

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In-home personal training is convenient and can help you start living with confidence/independence.

Assisted Stretching Available Stephanie Hutchins

KeepMovingWithStephanie.com

Livingston Bang your drum

Come and beat the drums, this fun sit-down exercise will help build community connections, enhance your mood and give you more mental clarity. Limited to the first 12 people who sign up.

Once a month for five months.

For more information please call Will at (518) 508-5944

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Westview Bang your drum

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Watervliet

Holiday Luncheon

95

Wednesday, Dec.18

Join your friends for a traditional holiday ham dinner, visit from santa, grab-bag gift swap, and caroling with the cannonaires.

For more information please call Kath at (518) 273-4422.

1924 – 2019

• Assisted Living • Memory Care • Enhanced Care • Respite Care

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DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 15

Senior calendars Clifton Park Senior Community Center 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park (518) 383-1343

UPCOMING

Monthly Deadlines January Deadline:

February Deadline:

March

Deadline:

DEC

2

Clifton Park Senior Center Chorus

derson and others. For more information, visit ShenShowstoppers.blogspot.com.

¨We meet every Thursday at the Center at 10am! Contact Lorraine at 518-885-1570 or Lorrainezjanack@gmail.com or just show up on a Thursday at 10 a.m. Come join the fun.

Friday, Dec. 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Thursdays at 10 a.m.

The Shen Showstoppers Monday, Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m.

JAN

At ages 69 to 94, many of the Showstoppers have studied at our center, since 2003, with teacher, choreographer anf former Rockette, Janet Murphy.

They have performed locally at The Miss Empire Rose/Empire Star pageants (preliminary competitions for Miss America), Senior Expos and senior residences. Come and enjoy watching them perform at 25-minute dance program with music by Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Letroy An-

6

FEB

3

Periodic Activities

April

Deadline:

MA

2

R

To advertise in one or more of these issues please call:

Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com 110475_4

16 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

Call for dates and times.

Reservations are required.

Mondays: Tap Intermediate, Jazz Dance, Chair Yoga, Discussion Group, Clogging, Quilting, Healthy Bones for Life, Soul Line Dancing, BUNCO, Learn to Play Beginner Bridge, Basic Computer Class, Adult Coloring Tuesdays: Exercise to Tape, LCR or Dice 3000-learn to play, Pinochle, Pool/Billiards, Duplicate

Blood Pressure Clinic

Please join Clifton Park Halfmoon EMS at a monthly blood pressure clinic at the Senior Center. They will be on hand each month to check and record your blood pressure, answer any questions you may have about them and the services they perform, and provide educational materials to the senior center community.

Capital Lights in the Park Monday, Dec. 16

Visit the annual holiday celebration of Capital Lights in the Park. Group departs from Halfmoon Diner. $19 a person.

Wait list only.

Bridge, Tai Chi, Scrabble, Mexican Train Wednesday: Exercise to Tape, Senior Investment Group, Social Bridge, Memories to Memoirs, Hand & Foot (cards), Crochet & Knitting, Poker, Healthy Bones for Life, Crafts, Beginner Bridge Thursdays: Exercise to Tape, Pool/Billiards, Chorus, Yoga, Watercolor & Sketch, Seton Health Seniorcize, Duplicate Bridge, Mah-Jongg, Pinochle, Bunco or Pinochle – learn to play.

Senior calendars Niskayuna Senior Center

2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969

Mondays

10 a.m. — SS Zumba Gold 11 a.m. — CDPHP Motion & Fitness

Tuesdays

9 a.m. to noon — Tom’s Computer Class (first and third Tuesday each month) 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi 10 a.m. — Cards, Bridge, Wii Bowling and Mahjong 10:30 a.m. — Line Dancing Noon — Lunch 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Afternoon program: lectures, trivia or games 1 p.m. — MVP Chair Moves (Dec. 3 and 10)

Thursdays

9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi

10 a.m. — Cards, Bridge, and Wii Bowling 10:30 a.m. — Bocce, Pickle Ball Noon — Lunch 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Afternoon program: lectures, trivia or games 7 p.m. — Balletone at Town Hall, Dec. 5, 12 & 19

Fridays

10 a.m. to noon — Beginner Mahjong 10 a.m. — Men’s Group (Nov. 1 and 15) 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Alzheimer’s Support Group (first Friday of each month) 11 a.m. to noon — CDPHP Chair Pilates

Upcoming Events Arts & Crafts — Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.

Walt Disney Trivia — Thursday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m.

Blood Pressure Screening — Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m.

Walmart Vision Center — Thursday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m.

Holiday Luncheon — Tuesday, Dec. 17, 11:45 a.m.

Ladies First Choir — Tuesday, Dec. 17, 12:45 p.m.

Festival of Trees Trip — Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Dentistry Presentation — Thursday, Nov. 14, at 12:45 p.m.

Celebrate Hanukkah — Thursday, Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m.

Collage Workshop — Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

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DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 17

Senior calendars Colonie Senior Services 6 Winners Circle, Colonie Colonie Senior Service Centers, 459-2857 Senior Resources Department, 459-5051

person, due before day of class.

To reserve your seat, call 518459-2857, ext. 303.

It’s Cookie Time . . .

Don’t worry about creating all those holiday treats. Leave members and will include a the baking to us. On Thursday, light lunch. Space is limited Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. and prepayment for the class is to 1 p.m., CSSC staff will share required. and demonstrate how to make On Tuesday, Dec. 3, from To make a reservation, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., please join their favorite holiday dessert/ Wayne Mortimer, Proprietor of please call Sharon Herald at cookie recipes.

518-459-2857 ext. 302.

Mort’s Maple of Averill Park, Attendees then will be able for an introduction to the delito choose from a variety of cious process of maple sugaring cookies and other treats to take in New York State. A variety of home with them.

Wayne’s syrups will be sampled The class will take place at Roger Dames, CSSC’s as well as used in several recipes King Thiel Senior Community, Driver Fitness Coordinator, (just in time for holiday bak17 Elks Lane, with a $5 fee for will conduct Defensive Driving ing). This is a class not to be members of THE CENTER missed by anyone with a sweet Classes in December as at CSSC and $7 for not-yet follows: tooth and an appreciation for members and will include a Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 Liquid Gold. light lunch. Space is limited Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 The class will take place at and prepayment for the class is Classes will be held from 9 King Thiel Senior Community, required. To make a reservation, 17 Elks Lane, with a $5 fee for a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners please call Sharon Herald at members of THE CENTER at CSSC and $7 for not-yet Circle, Albany. Cost is $25 per 518-459-2857 ext. 302.

Cooking with NYS Maple Syrup

Defensive Driving Classes

Sacred Space: First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany

The journey continues on Wednesday, Dec. 18, as we visit another sacred space. Join Diane Conroy-LaCivita as she travels to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany on Washington Avenue in Albany.

Unitarians and Universalists have had a presence in Albany since 1842. The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany is comprised of brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. They are diverse in faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality.

The shuttle will leave The Beltrone Living Center at 9:30 a.m. and return at approximately 11:30 a.m. Space is limited.

Call 518-459-2857 ext. 302.

BRAINTEASERS ANSWERS Crypto Answers: A. celebrate B. presents C. enjoy D. relatives

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Warmest HolidayWishes from the staff at: C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t

Spotlight

Senior The ResouRce FoR senioRs

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18 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019

Enriched Housing at

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Contact us today at (518) 271-5950 or carol.bell@sphp.com.

2256 Burdett Ave, Troy • beechwoodseniorliving.com 110472_4

DECEMBER 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 19

Medicare+Medicaid= More Benefits for You! You may be eligible for additional money-saving benefits through our Dual Advantage plans, including: • Monthly OTC Card up to $100

(to pay for items like OTC medications, toothpaste, incontinence supplies, and more)

• Transportation

Medicare Card NEW MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE

OR

Name/Nombre

JOHN L SMITH

Medicare Number/Número de Medicare

1XX0-XX0-XX00 Entitled to/Con derecho a

HOSPITAL (PART A) MEDICAL (PART B)

PLE SAM

Coverage starts/Cobertura empieza

01-01-2018 01-01-2018

Medicaid/Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) NEW

• Dental • Care Management support • Top-quality doctors and hospitals

OR

• Discounts for hearing devices* • and many more!

For a complete listing of plans in your service area, contact the plan. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Out-of-network services may require more out-of-pocket expense than in-network services. Benefit restrictions apply. Fidelis Legacy Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Fidelis Legacy Plan depends on contract renewal. *Fidelis Legacy Plan partners with TruHearing for discounted purchases of hearing devices.

Call us today! 1-800-860-8707 TTY: 711

Monday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. from October 1–March 31 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. from April 1–September 30

www.fideliscare.org/medicare

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20 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — DECEMBER 2019