1

New Fairfield Senior Center Newsletter

Volume 11 Issue 3 May/June 2011

From Director Kathy Hull’s desk:

The New Sun Times

Our last newsletter featured photos of a frozen landscape behind the Center. Well, spring has sprung and thanks to a group of industrious landscapers and Caring Kids, we now have a back yard more beautiful than we could have imagined and we’re still looking forward to improvements. A very big thank you to Grass Roots, Inc. and to the Caring Kids Initiative for getting the project

on the ground.

Dominick Tomanelli loves to teach, so when fellow artist Nancy Warwick asked him to teach drawing to some of her students, he willingly agreed.

The result is a very popular drawing class Dom started last fall at the Senior Center. Currently in its 4th 6-week series, the class is composed of beginning doodlers and experienced artists who are

doing some amazing work. Continued on page 2

Julian Brescia and Steve Loya Diane Montuoro and Dominick

DRAWING CLASS

DRAWS INTEREST

by Janet Loya

For more photos from the “Day of Caring” check out Grass Roots, Inc. on Facebook

2

Drawing Class Draws Interest by Janet Loya continued from page 1

A quiet, unassuming man, Dom likes the group small so he can give individual atten-tion. Surprised the class took off so well, he’s pleased that his students are learning from each other and getting along so well. “With some talent and a lot of hard work, I can teach them to draw better,” he explains. A graduate of the New York School of Visual Arts, Dom has been teaching art in various venues for years. His favorite medium is pen and ink: houses, landscapes, street scenes and portraits. When the class began, they took an inspirational field trip to his home studio to see his work. Dom is well liked by the class. Fran Tenaglia, “always a doodler,” is taking the class for the second time. “Drawing is so basic to all media,” she says, “and I’m very comfortable with Dom’s style of teaching.”

For June Gallagher, recently retired due to health issues, the class fills a void, “My mind exploded here,” she says, sketching an old church. June also enjoys acrylics, water

colors and paper maché . A life-long sketcher with a Fine Arts Degree, Toni Rose loves the class. “Dom’s such a good teacher, who helps us see things individually and as a class, like the details in the scenery I’m sketching. Drawing calms me down.” Diane Montuoro “escapes” through art and is ‘hooked” on Dom’s class. She has taken art workshops over the years but finds this class so comfortable. Her sketches of movie stars are impressively realistic. A beginner, Julian Brescia is learning to draw by the book and having fun focusing on

composition and perspective as he sketches animals and buildings. “Dom teaches us to look at details carefully, and is so patient,” he says. For Steve Loya, an experienced graphic and air brush artist, the class has renewed interest in his favorite medium, pen and ink renderings of old barns in the style of Eric Sloane. “Dom has provided inspiration and constructive criticism that helps me improve. You can always learn.” Dom and his students are proud of their efforts and look forward to showing their work in the future.

For information about the drawing class, contact the Senior Center.

Tutoring Opportunities

Henry Abbott Technical High School is in the process of putting together a tutoring program. Our goal is to find volun-teers willing to come to Henry Abbott tech after school and work with high school youth in all manner of academic sub-jects. If you are interested or would like more details, contact Katherine Volikas at 203-797-4427 extension 4427. Thank you! Laurie Joy Sharp, Parent Liason Parent Engagement Center

HELP WANTED

Do you enjoy our Newsletter? It needs your help. Our staff for several years has been Kathy Hull, Janet Loya, John Singer, Pat Koral, Linda MacBain and Greta Cina. We would appreciate additional help-ing hands. We need your ideas and if you enjoy writing we would love to have you share your crea-tive skills. Please talk with Kathy or any Newsletter staff members if you are interested. Thanks

A Spring Thing Out of a winter of darkness,

Comes light with a brightness of Spring,

tilting it’s veil ‘turning coat’ and its tail

t’wards a stirring about ev’rything!

Out of the drear and the bleakness, Shines the sun’s warming rays all about,

budding hope in cold hearts, lifting spirits with starts—

approaching the level of shout!

This SPRING THING is felt and designed to create living’s loveliest noise, poised with music each year

titillating the ear, inclined to awaken it’s joys!

Alfred Colo

Dom and June Gallagher

Ann Leonhart and Toni Rose

MOVIES-Sponsored by Video Island

The Kings Speech: Fri., May 13th, 1:00 pm In this emotionally engaging, historically based drama, Colin Firth gives an unforget-table performance as King George VI. With the threat of World War II, George must overcome a debilitating speech impediment to give lead Britain. Country Strong: Thursday, May 5th, 1:00 pm A fallen country star (Gwyneth Paltrow) strives to resurrect her ailing career with a little help from her supportive husband (Tim McGraw), an ambitious young songwriter(Garrett Hedlund), and an emerging country artist (Leighton Meester) with a rapidly growing fan base.

3

From the Desk of Cindy White, Director of Social Services

$ Financial Education Classes

During the month of May and June, Social Services together with the CT Money School will be sponsoring Senior Financial Education Classes. The classes will be held in the Community Room, located on the second floor of the Senior Center, on Friday May 13th , May 27th, June 10th, and June 24th from 10:30am – 11:30am. Topics will include Avoiding Scams & Fraud, Important Papers, Using Credit Wisely and Living on a Fixed Income.

Classes will be taught by Sheryl McMillan of Money Management International a non profit organi-zation. If you would like to attend these classes please contact 211 and an operator will assist you. If you have questions in regard to the classes being offered please contact New Fairfield Social Services at (203) 312-5669.

TRIPS

The New Yankee Stadium on Thursday, May 5th. Depart Center at 9:45 am & return at 5:30 pm. Walk the grounds, sit in the dugout, visit the clubhouse, see the batting cages and monument park. Lunch at Syl-via’s in Harlem known for authentic soul food. Free time at the Open Air Market in Harlem containing Afri-can crafts and textiles. Cost $66 per person.

Singing in the Rain at Westchester Dinner Theater Thursday, May 19th. Depart 10:00 am & return 4:30 pm. Enjoy a matinee at the theater where lunch is included. After lunch view “Singin’ In the Rain” based on the successful MGM 1952 film. Hollywood in the 20s is the setting for this light romantic comedy about the early days of sound film. Cost is $82 per person. Fall Ride on the Berkshire Railroad and Lunch at Cork n Hearth Sunday, Sept. 25th. Depart Center at 7:45am & return at 5:30pm. Experience the Berkshire Railway on an excursion from Lenox to Stock-bridge, Mass, in a restored 1920’s passenger car. Enjoy lunch at the Cork ‘n Hearth Restaurant in the heart of the Berkshires. With a view of Laurel Lake, the cozy setting with barnyard/post and beam con-struction is a perfect stop for our meal. Menu: Salad, Rolls, Choice of : Baked Scrod, Veal Parmesan, or Pasta Prima-vera, Potato, Vegetable, Dessert & beverage. Enjoy a wine tasting of several fine wines and shop at Hilltop Orchards for fall produce and baked goods. Cost $69 per person.

Savor Rhode island Culinary Heritage Thursday, Oct. 20th depart center at 7:15 am & return at 7:00 pm. Spend a fall Day enjoying a traditional New England culinary experience starting at Kenyon’s Grist Mill which dates to the 1600’s and is the oldest manufacturing business in the State. Watch the Mill in action with a nar-rated tour of the grinding process. Lunch is included at Matunuck Oyster bar overlooking Potter’s Pond. After lunch we’ll learn about the farming agriculture of oysters. Cost is $84 per person.

Salute To Our Armed forces at Aqua Turf Monday, Nov. 14th. Depart Center at 9:45am and return at 4:30pm. Spend a festive afternoon saluting the armed forces at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. Enjoy coffee and donuts upon arrival and a chance to win a door prize. Lunch is included and is served family style. After lunch, dance to the live entertainment as we celebrate those who defend our country! Cost $48 per person.

Please note: Reservations MUST be accompanied by payment. We load the bus in the order payment is

received

4

New Fairfield Senior CenterNew Fairfield Senior CenterNew Fairfield Senior CenterNew Fairfield Senior Center 33 Route 3733 Route 3733 Route 3733 Route 37

New Fairfield, CT 06812New Fairfield, CT 06812New Fairfield, CT 06812New Fairfield, CT 06812

Phone (203 ) 312Phone (203 ) 312Phone (203 ) 312Phone (203 ) 312----5665566556655665 Fax (203 ) 312Fax (203 ) 312Fax (203 ) 312Fax (203 ) 312----5667566756675667

www.newfairfieldseniorcenter.comwww.newfairfieldseniorcenter.comwww.newfairfieldseniorcenter.comwww.newfairfieldseniorcenter.com

Patricia Ashcroft Elaine D’Amico Vincent D’Amico Janis Fiorelli Frank Fiorelli Sue Garufi Peggy Hayes Wendell Hovey Donald Hughes Lorraine Hughes James Lee Judy Paniccia John Pilch Bonnie Moran Theresa Moreno

Beverly Pietrzkiewicz Judy Renault Sandra Rodger Elaine Ruscigno Joseph Sagona Edward Schwarzer Bernadette Sills Linda Testa Claire Tuffereau Veronika Vetter Maria Vira Eileen Walther Gerhard Wolfl Kathy Wolfl

The Friends of the Senior Center thanks all who helped make “Queen for Almost a Day” a fundraiser success. Our sponsors were: New Fairfield Food Center, Union Savings Bank, New Fairfield Automotive, Villa Pasta, Elmers Diner, 1st & Last Café, Wells Fargo, Home Mortgage, & Steve Loya, local artist. Our talented volunteer cast was: John Tenaglia, Gail Ketcham, Todd Metcalf, Betty Swan, Dolly Connor, Nancy Giordano, Kathy Hull, Coleen Kremple, Diane Welsh, “MJ”, Betty Kawulicz, John Hodge, Joe Pilla, Diane Gucker, Kathy Stram, Nancy Warwick and Beryl Whitney. Special thanks to the Citizen News, MaryAnn Carson, Daniel Fox and Ray Juskiewicz who always supports our efforts.

The Friends of the Senior Center

thanks everyone who purchased an imprinted brick. Phase 1 has been

installed in the garden. To the many people who have mentioned that they wish to purchase a brick, NOW IS

THE TIME! Phase 2 orders are being taken. Forms are available at the Center, as are sample bricks.

The imprinted bricks sell for $100 each. Forms are available at the Center.

The next meeting of the Garden Club will be on Friday, May 6th at 10:00 A. M. We will be dis-cussing future trips and the Sat., June 4th, Tag, Plant

and Bake sale. On Friday, June 3rd, we will be accepting plants for sale. All Plants must be potted. Please provide the

plant name and light requirements.

5

Fitness Classes

Zumba Dance Exercise Class: Mondays

and Wednesdays at 9:30 am Certified Zumba Instructor Coleen Krempel runs weekly classes in this hot new exercise pro-

gram. 6 classes $36- register at the desk.

Sittercise: Wednesdays at 12:45 pm and Thursdays

at 10:30 am Sittercise is a 45-minute exercise program designed for all levels of ability including the physi-cally challenged. One-time fee of $5 and registration is required.

Movers and Shapers Class: Tuesdays, 9:30 am &

Thursdays, 9:30 am. Coleen Krempel’s popular aero-bics class is held in 6-week sessions at the Center. This is a fun way to move to music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength and range of movement. Sign-up and fee of $20 per 6-week segment is required.

Tai Chi Classes: Tuesday at 10:30 am We have open-ings in our Tai Chi classes led by instructor Dee Calvey. Cost is $30 for 6 sessions. Im-proved stress reduction, balance and agility is the focus. The most recommended exercise for fall prevention is Tai Chi.

Yoga Classes: Tuesdays at 1:00 or Fridays, 9am We have openings in our 2 Yoga classes led by Karen Gil-lotti. Cost is $30 for 6 sessions. The roots of Yoga are traced back 5,000 years. Benefits are beyond ordinary

workout routines and allow a view of one’s life in a peaceful and proactive state.

Men’s Breakfast Club, May 3rd, 8:30 am

Meet the first Tuesday of each month and enjoy breakfast foods. Rise and shine for

this month’s guest speakers: Our very own exercise instructors from here at the Center. Donations are kindly requested to offset the cost of breakfast. Regis-tration is required.

Mah Jongg: Tuesdays, 2-4 pm

Mah Jongg originated in China in the 19th century. It is usually played with tiles, though it can also be played with cards of equivalent de-sign. Experienced players are welcome. Bring a 2011 Mah Jongg Card.

Discussion Group with Hannah: Tuesday, May 3rd

1pm Our Western CT State University Junior Field student invites you to a discussion on “Seniors and Fitness”. Sign up at the reception desk to participate. Refreshments will be served.

Computer Class -Ask Mary B: Wednesdays, May 4,11,18th -

3pm Now available for computer users: one-on-one time with an adult educator. Mary Bucchignano is expert in Ex-cel, Word, Outlook, and more, and she’s making herself available for consultation here at the Senior Center. Call 203 746-5788 to make an appointment. Spanish Classes with Carlos Ramirez: Wednesdays at

3pm, Learn Spanish and Spanish culture and heritage with weekly educational classes with Carlos, cost $20 for 6 week sessions. Life After Loss Support Group: Wednesday, May 4th and

18th, 10:30 am. You Are Invited! To join a trained coun-selor from Healing Hearts and Hospice who will be leading a workshop for those who have lost a loved one. Grief work is hard work. We will provide you with some tools and sup-port to continue to heal. History of Haviland Hollow Part II: Wednesday, May 4th,

1:30 pm. Ron Taylor of Patterson Historical Society will continue the history of the borders drawn between NY and CT. With a focus on Great Hollow and the Oblong, drawing on the early history before 1731 when Patterson was part of the original New Fairfield. Audience members will be asked to contribute personal knowledge to amplify the discussion.

Guitar, Fiddle, or Piano Lessons: Thurs-

days, 11-4 pm Gwen Glasser offers lessons in fiddle, guitar, and piano at the Center. Gwen is offering 1/2 hour lessons at $15 and looks forward to passing on the joy of music to you.

Toastmasters Public Speaking: Thursday, May 5th and

19th at 3 pm Toastmasters International has helped count-less people find their voice. The benefits of their proven training methods are improved communication and confidence through learning how to express yourself in a friendly and supportive environment. We would like to have a club right here at the Senior Center. Please join us for these free demo meetings and decide for yourself if you or anyone you know would be interested.

Sewing Group: Thursdays, May 5, 12th 2:30-4 pm This group meets on certain Thursdays of the month to work on both group and individual projects. Sewing machines are available for use or you can bring your own. Join in discussing sewing techniques and sharing patterns, etc.

Highlights of Center Programs and Activities for May

6

Garden Club: Friday, May 6th, 10:00 am. The Garden Club’s mission is to encourage interest in gardening, providing a common sense approach and basic infor-mation. Experienced gardeners and not so experienced can share their wisdom!

Ridgefield VNA presents: Safely Home: Mon-

day, May 9th,1:30 pm. RVNA has been in busi-ness for nearly 100 years and their main goal is to keep you healthy and safe in your homes. Learn the many benefits that a medical home care agency can provide.

TUESDAY SPA DAY: Hair Cuts, Tuesday, May 10th,

10-1pm Haircuts: Linda Mezzatesta of Shear Impulse in Danbury will give discounted haircuts the 2nd Tue. of each month at the Center. Contact Linda at 203-512-5365 for appointments.

Car Talk with Ingersoll Automotive:

Wednesday, May 11th 1:30 pm. Join us for a low key, no pressure, informative and useful question and answer session

about Car Care, the new Computer Car Technology, and the latest on Safety Features. Servicing your car ain’t what it used to be. Get informed as an owner/purchaser by the knowledgeable staff at Ingersoll Auto-motive. Refreshments will be served.

Finance for Seniors: Fridays, May 13th , May 27th,

June 10th, and June 24th. New Fairfield Social Ser-vices is coordinating a special series of Financial Semi-nars that specialize in serving Seniors best interests. Topics will be: Living on a Fixed Income, Important Papers, Avoiding Scams and Fraud, and Using Credit Wisely.

Dance Party with Jerry Sperry: Mon., May 16th, at 1pm. Jerry, our Dance Teacher Extraordinaire, will run a free Dance Class Party.

New Fairfield Library – It’s Not Just Books!, Thursday, May 23rd, 1 pm Representatives will explain all that is available at our library besides books. For example: museum passes, books on tape, computers for patrons use, movie CDs, magazines, newspapers and more. Mr. Fix-It Electrical: Tuesday, May 24th at 1-3pm. Our retired electrician has volunteered to review your broken electrical items and do minor electrical repairs if repairable. Sign up for a time slot. Small items ac-cepted Appointments take place at the Center and re-pairs are performed during scheduled appointments only.

Financial Presentations with Webster Bank:

Reverse Mortgage Basics & Personal Pensions: Wed.,

May 25th 1:30 pm. Learn the latest federally-insured re-verse mortgage products. Learn who might benefit from a reverse mortgage and what to expect in the process. Class presented by Denise Hayes from Webster Bank.

From Financial Recovery to Expansion: Financial Con-sultant, Sandy Cerqueira. The highlight of this event is a presentation by Stephen Kaplan, Vice President, JP Mor-gan Asset Management. Mr. Kaplan will discuss invest-ing.

Massages with Scott: Wednesday, May 25th, 2pm-3pm. Scott Coldwell of Phoenix Therapeutic Massage & Per-sonal Training will run a once a month personal massage program. Sessions offered at a reduced cost of $7 for a 10- minute session. Spaces are limited. Reserve at recep-tion.

Honor our Elders: Thursday, May 26th, 3:30 pm at

Consolidated School. Kids Care Club. Elementary school students are hosting a party to honor our Seniors. Signup at Center.

Nutritional Talk with Terry Lent: Thursday, May 26th,

12:30 pm. Dr. Carolyn Dean in her book, The Miracle of Magnesium, writes that there has been a decline of die-tary magnesium in the US. The cause has been linked to industrial farming and food processing. This may lead to an increase in the number of Americans with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Join us to learn more about the benefits of magnesium at this free presentation.

Coming In June NY Life presents: Grandparents Gifting: Wednesday,

June 8th, at 1 pm.

Find out how you can contribute to your grandchild’s college education by putting it into a fund that can grow tax-free and could even help you.

Hat City Trunk Show Presents…Hold The Phone! Thursday, June 9th, at 1 pm. This side-splitting entertainment is based on skits from the classic 1950’s and 60’s comedy

sketches. Hold The phone is fun and engaging entertain-ment.

“A Stroll Through the Supermarket” with Dan Wolinsky Thursday, June 23rd, at 1 pm. Story Teller & Historian Dan Wolinsky takes the common and makes it uncommon with tales and yarns. Listen to Dan tell of an eve-ryday supermarket trip, stopping at the dif-ferent departments to discover where the items come from.

Highlights of Our Center Programs and Activities for May and a Peek at June

6