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Vernon Senior Center Weekly News

September’s Monthly Activities

Exercise Programs: Registration is required for the exercise programs.

  • Chair Yoga – Mondays at 1:00pm
  • Seated Volleyball – Monday, September 19th  & 26th at 11:00am
  • Line Dancing – Tuesdays at 9:30am
  • Trail Walking Group – Tuesdays at 9:00am – this group walks on the Vernon Rails to Trails.
  • Tai Chi – Thursdays at 9:30am
  • Beginner Line Dancing – Fridays at 9:30am
  • The Fitness Center equipment is available by appointment only. Participants are required to have a doctor’s consent form, signed no longer than a month prior.

Presentations: Free

  • Stay Healthy at Home – Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, September 14th at 12:00pm – Nicole Matson, from Home Helpers, will be discussing tips on exercise, DASH Diet, and brain health to stay healthy where you are. It’s never too late to learn! Lunch will be provided. All participants need to be registered. If you are interested, please call the Center to register.
  • Ask A Lawyer – Thursday, September 15th at 1:00pm – Allison Poirier, from Kahan, Kerensky, & Capossela, will be discussing the Basics of Medicaid Eligibility. If your health declines to the point where you need in home caregivers or you are forced to relocate to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, you will quickly realize that this type of long-term care can be very expensive. If you don’t have sufficient funds to pay for these long-term care costs out of your own pocket, the state Medicaid program will pick up the tab. However, the Medicaid program has very strict eligibility requirements. Come to this presentation to learn more about what those requirements are as well as to learn ways you might be able to protect your assets from long-term care costs. If you are interested, please call the Center to register.
  • Osteoporosis Presentation – Wednesday, September 28th at 1:00pm – Sandee Wood, from ECHN, Visiting Nurses, is discussing what osteoporosis is, the symptoms of this condition, and the possible treatments that are offered, at this time. She will be able to answer your questions and make suggestions on how to help manage it. If you are interested, please call the Center to register.
  • Long View Medicare Presentation – Wednesday, October 5th at 10:00am – Let Kenneth Huffine explain how to navigate the Medicare Maze! Topics of discussion will be: "The basics of Medicare, Advantage Plan vs. Supplement, & Eligibility for the Medicare Savings Plan." If you are interested, please call the Center to register. 

Reoccurring Monthly Programs: Free

  • Mysteries & “Just Desserts” – Friday, September 2nd at 1:00pm – Are you interested in joining a book club? Do you like mysteries and good company? If you answered yes, then we have the group for you! Our book club meets every month. The books are mysteries with a secondary topic of food.  All participants are responsible for getting their own book. This month’s book is "Rocky Road" by Josi S. Kilpack.
  • Mysteries & “Just Desserts” – Friday, October 7th at 1:00pm – "Catering to Nobody" by Diane Mott Davidson.
  • Film Critics Club – Thursday, September 8th at 1:00pm - A book club, but with movies!  This month’s movie is "Pride and Prejudice." The group will view the movie and then have a conversation after.
  • Chorus – Fridays, September 9th & 23rd at 1:00pm
  • History for Fun - Monday, September 12th at 10:00am – Joe Ouellette will lead this program. This month’s topic is "Singing in the Rain."
  • The Great Courses – Wednesdays, September 14th, 21st, & 28th   at 10:00am – The Great Courses is a series of college-level lectures, given by professors, on a large variety of topics. The Center is offering “World’s Greatest Geological Wonders” 36 Spectacular Sites,” given by Professor Michael E. Wysession. Two, thirty-minute lectures will be offered each Wednesday. These lectures are on DVD.
  • Bookworm’s Book Club – Thursday, September 15th at 10:00am – September’s book is "Heart of Fire" by Mazie Hirono. All participants are responsible for getting their own book.
  • Genealogy Club – Thursday, September 15th at 1:00pm – Alison Watson will be leading the Genealogy Club that takes place monthly. She will be able to help further your ancestry journey. The Club is a great place to gather new ideas and get answers to questions that you might have.
  • What’s at the Movies – Friday, September 16th at 1:00pm – The movie is "Les Misérables" (2012/ PG-13/ 2h38m.) In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.
  • TED Talks – Tuesday, September 27th at 11:00am – Participants will watch the video and a discussion will follow.
  • Food for Thought – Wednesday, September 28th at 11:00am – Peach Bavarian. Please Call the Center to register.
  • Newcomers Group – Wednesday, September 28th at 11:00am – If you have recently become a
  • member of the Center, please join us for our Newcomers Group. Come and learn about the different programs and activities we have to offer.
  • Poetry Corner – Thursday, September 29th at 1:00pm - Calling all poets or poem enthusiasts. Come and enjoy poems written by favorite poets. Or better yet, have you written poetry that you would like to share with others? Well, this is the place. Each month we will learn about one poet and their works. The poet we will be learning about is Henry David Thoreau.
  •  What’s at the Movies – Friday, September 30th at 1:00pm –The movie is "No Time to Die" (2021/ PG-13/ 2hr43m.) James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

September’s Specials

  • The Life and Times of Louisa May Alcott - Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm: Dessert, 7:00pm-8:00pm: Presentation. Ruth W. Crocker will be presenting on Louisa May Alcott. She is the author of “The Secret Life of Louisa May Alcott” a one-act play based on the writing, diaries, and journal entries of Louisa. Ruth will discuss the life and many accomplishments of Louisa, beyond her famous writings. This is a 45-60-minute lecture/PowerPoint presentation, with discussion. Dessert will be served first, followed by the presentation. Cost: $5 per person. Please come to the Center to register.
  • Square Dance Hoedown – Thursday, September 29th from 7:00pm-8:00pm – Did you know that September is National Square Dance Month? We did! Come Do-Si-Do with us. The is open for any member, regardless of experience. We have a professional caller who will walk us through the dance steps. There will be light refreshments served. Cost: $5 per person. Please come to the Center to register. 

Health & Wellness: Free unless otherwise stated

  • Foot Care - September 1st, 15th, & 21st - A specially trained nurse from Pedi-care will provide foot care, a general assessment of the feet and lower extremities, and provide guidance for better foot health. Cost: $30 (pay nurse directly, with check or cash). If you are interested, please call the Center for an appointment. Masks will be required for this clinic, due to the close proximity of individuals.
  • Veterans Group – Wednesday, September 7th at 2:30pm – This program is led by Sherri Vogt, Veterans Liaison, from Hartford HealthCare at Home.
  • Alzheimer’s Support Group – Wednesday, September 21st from 9:30am – 11:00am at the Center. This is a general caregiver support group sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. All are welcome. Information and resources will be provided. If you are interested in this program, please call Karla at 860-983-9202 to register. All participants need to be registered. This program is free.
  • Diabetes Prevention Program – Wednesday, September 21st. This is a reminder for those that are in the program. New session starts October 19. Please call the Center for more information.
  • Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar – Tuesday, September 27th from 9:00am – 11:00am – A nurse from ECHN / Visiting Nurses will be available to test blood sugar and take blood pressures. This program is free. Open to Center members. No appointment is needed.
  • Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Tuesday, September 27th from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Zoom - Alzheimer’s Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to talk through issues and ways of coping, share feelings, needs and concerns, and to learn about community resources. Presented by:  Alzheimer’s Association. Please contact Nicole Matson:  nmatson@homehelpershomecare.com or (860) 810-6123.
  • Hearing Screening – Wednesday, September 28thA representative from Hearing Wellness Center will provide free hearing screenings, check hearing aids, and will be available to answer any questions you may have. Call the Center to make an appointment.

Creative Corner: Free unless stated otherwise

  • Crochet & Knitting Class – Mondays at 1:00pm – Are you looking to learn how to knit or crochet? Maybe you are looking to learn how to read a new pattern. Linda can help. Each class is $5, payable to the instructor.
  • Independent Art – Tuesdays at 1:00pm – If you have a craft project you are working on and would like to be amongst your peers, come and join our fun, artistic, and welcoming group. Bring your own supplies.
  • Crochet & Knitting – Wednesdays at 10:00am – This program is open to those that like to knit or crochet with like-minded individuals.
  • Zen-tangle – Wednesday, September 14th at 1:00pm - This program teaches how to turn doodles into art.
  • Cards with Beth – Monday, September 19th at 1:00pm - Are you looking for that special card? Why not make it? Beth has card kits for every occasion.  Kits are payable by cash to Beth Werner. Prices vary from $1-$3, per card.
  • Advanced Make It & Take It – Paint Class – Thursday, September 22nd from 9:30am - 2:00pm  Make a beautiful acrylic painting in one session! Sandra Poirier will take you step-by-step in creating your own masterpiece. Supplies are included. This class costs $30 per person. Payment is due at sign-up. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, must bring your own lunch.
  • Watercolor Painting Class – Fridays, September 23rd, 30th & Oct. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th from 9:30am – 11:30am – Explore the joy of painting florals and landscapes in vivid color using wet on wet and glazing techniques. Beginner to advanced painters are welcome. Bring whatever watercolor supplies that you have. Cost: $40/Resident, $45/Non-Resident. Please come to the Center to register. 
  • Crafty Creations – Thursday, September 29th at 1:00pm – Fall Wreaths - All needed materials will be supplied. Sponsored by, Genesis – Foxhill Nursing Center. If you are interested please call the Center to register.

Games:

  • BINGO - Tuesdays at 1:00pm - Participants pay for cards used
  • Cornhole Challenge – Tuesday, September 6th at 11:00am – Who’s up for a friendly challenge? The staff would like to challenge the members to a game of corn hole. We will be warming up our tossing arm and looking forward to playing!
  • Shuffleboard Fun – Friday, September 9th at 10:00am – Do you want to play shuffleboard but don’t have a partner? Come join a small group of seniors & staff that want to learn how to play or that just want to play shuffleboard.
  • Trivia – Tuesday, September 13th at 11:00am – Test your knowledge on a variety of subjects.
  • Pictionary – Tuesday, September 20th at 1:00pm – Can you guess the drawing before time runs out.
  • Rummikub – Friday, September 23rd at 1:00pm – Rummikub has all the elements of a great game. It’s easy to learn and fast moving. The “board” changes all the time as the players adjust the tiles on the table. Players take turns placing numbered tiles in runs and groups. The object is to be the first to play every tile on your rack.
  • Whodunits – Monday, September 26th at 10:00am – Do you like to solve crimes? Participants will listen to a short story, from which you have to identify the criminal.
  • BUNCO – Monday, September 26th at 1:00pm – Bunco is a social, group dice game that requires little skill. Players attempt to roll specific numbers on the dice depending on the round. Roll a 3-of-a-kind during the match for a BUNCO! Prizes will be given at the end of the game for the winners. Cost $2 per person. Please come to the Center to register.

Trips

  • Old Mill English Tea Room – Thursdays, September 9th & 16th arrive at 1:00pm – The Old Mill English Tea House is located at 63 Maple Street, Somers, CT. The house is a classic Greek Revival, built in 1860. It is now a beautiful spot to enjoy an afternoon lunch and tea. Due to the size of the dining room we are limited with the number of participants. The Center has arranged for two trips. The pick-ups will be at the senior complexes and the Center. Calls will be made the day prior with the exact pick-up time for each complex and the Center. When registering please inform the Center where your pick-up will be, and which day you wish to go. You can find the menu and the prices on the Old Mill English Tea Room website. Please call the Center to register.
  • Out to Lunch Bunch – BJ’s Tavern, in Manchester – Wednesday, September 21st arrive at restaurant at 1:00pm

Friendship Tours:

  • Berkshire Railroad Foliage Express - October 8, 2022 (Trip full - waiting list only)
  • Encore Boston Harbor Resort/Casino - November 14 - 15, 2022 (Registrations currently being accepted)
  • Christmas in Newport, RI - November 30, 2022 (Registration opens September 1, 2022)

Collette Trips:

  • Southern Charm: September 11th – 17th, 2022 (Registration closed)