I would like to thank everyone for your very warm welcome as the new director of your senior center.

It is certainly a very exciting time to be a part of the center, not only

being involved in the planning and design of the new building, but

also working on new and exciting programs and events for the new center.

I look forward to meeting & getting to know all of you. Please stop in,

my door is always open.

Maureen Gabriele

Senior Center Director

Friendly Reminder: The Tall Ships Boston Harbor Cruise in West Brookfield, MA will take place on Monday, June 19th.

The cost of the trip was $146.00 per person and had to be paid by

Friday, May 12th.

The departure time will be at 9:30am from the Vernon Green Circle Commuter Lot and the estimated

Return time will be 7:30pm.

T O W N O F

V E R N O N

SENIOR MOMENTS V E R N O N S E N I O R C E N T E R

J U N E 2 0 1 7

SENIOR CENTER WELCOMES THE NEW DIRECTOR:

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Membership

Information 2

Health

Activities 3

Exciting

Opportunities 4

Events &

Trips 6

General

Information 9

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

9:00am-3:00pm

The Tall Ships—Boston Harbor Cruise

P A G E 2

Suggestion Box:

Your suggestions are always welcome. You will find the box on the table near the coffee on the 1st floor.

Membership Information Sign up Times: We have to advertise our programs and activities well in advance, so our sign up times will not coincide with the publication of the newsletter. Please watch the Journal Inquirer. Once the program is in the Journal Inquirer, on Saturday, the sign up begins the following Monday.

S E N I O R M O M E N T S

Signing In At the Senior Center: It is really important that you remember to sign in with both first & last names and please sign in clearly. The Center uses the sign in sheets to determine activities and programs that we sponsor. By not signing in, we do not have an accurate number of participants. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Please take the time to update your membership information sheet. You can pick up a membership sheet at the front desk. A new form needs to be filled out only if there has been a change in address, phone numbers, or emergency contact information. When you have completed the form please return it to the office.

Age Requirements: Trips: 55 and older All other activities: 60 or older. The Center offers day trips monthly so watch our calendar.

What interests you? Would you like to try a new craft? Is there something you would like to learn how to do? Do you have a class you might be interested in? Just call the Center and let us know. We are open to suggestions.

Parking At the Senior Center: We, at the Senior Center, understand that parking can be difficult as we are offering more activities. Therefore, we ask, if possible, that you car pool.

Newcomers: Join us for the next Newcomers gathering on Monday, July 24th at 1:30pm. Come in and learn about the programs and activities that are available. Our goal is to offer a wide variety of programs and activities that would be of interest to all seniors. The Center is always open to suggestions and is willing to try new endeavors to meet the needs of our seniors. Please note it costs $2.00 (Vernon residents only) to join the Center. Please call or come in to sign up.

P A G E 3 J U N E 2 0 1 7

Hearing Screening: The next hearing screening will be held on Thursday, June 15th at 10 AM. A representative from the Hearing Wellness Center will provide free hearing screenings, check hearing aids & will be available to answer your questions. Call to set up an appointment.

Health Programs & Awareness

Join us at the Senior Center for a

fun day!

Foot Care: The Senior Center offers Foot Care appointments. Specially trained Registered Nurses will provide a general assessment and then offer any necessary procedures for better foot health! It is essential that you schedule an appointment, so please contact the Center at 860-870-3680. The appointments fill up quickly so call as soon as possible. Cost $29. Call now for a list of the next available appointments.

Senior Fitness is a great way to socialize and stay fit. The class is on Mondays at 9:30am. This class will be ongoing, therefore you don’t need to sign up. Karen Michaud will collect payment directly. The cost will be $5 for drop ins or $40 for a 10 visit punch card.

Zumba:

Classes are on Wednesdays at 1:00pm. Payment is made to the instructor at the beginning of each class.

First class is FREE!

It is $5.00 per class or $40.00 for a ten-class punch card.

Walking Club meets on Mondays at 10:00am & Thursdays at 9:30am at

Sacred Heart Church to walk the rails & trails.

This activity requires a higher level of

fitness & being able to walk 3 miles.

If you are interested in joining, please call Carol Benoit at 860-454-78449.

P A G E 4

Caption describing

Exciting Opportunities

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S E N I O R M O M E N T S

Bingo: Mondays 1:00pm

Bridge: Fridays 1:00pm

Canasta: Wednesdays 1:00pm

Chess : Tuesdays 9:30am

Cribbage: Wednesdays 9:45am

Cards and Games

Dominos -Tuesdays 1:00pm &

Thursdays 10:00am

Mah Jongg: Mondays 9:30am &

Thursdays 1:00 pm

New to Dominos: Tuesday 10:00am

Pinochle-Tuesday & Thursdays 12:45pm

Scrabble: Tuesdays

1:00pm

Set Back: Friday 9:45am

Wii Bowling: Fridays

12:45pm

Crochet &Knitting: Do you like to crochet or knit? We have a very active group that meets weekly. Come and join our knitting and crochet group Wednesdays 10:00 am. All seniors are welcome.

Wii Bowling: Do you like to bowl, but want to enjoy the comfort of your friends in a loving area? We have a very active group that meet every Friday. Come and join our group Fridays at 12:45 PM. You won’t regret it.

Book Club

The Senior Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, June 15th at 10:00 am. June’s pick is “Not a Penny more, Not a Penny Less” by Jeffry Archer.

The book club meets on the third Thursday of every month. Each person in the group gets to select a book to read.

You do not need to register for this activity.

Crazy Whist Pizza & Card Party: Do you like to play Bridge or Hearts with a twist? Then come and join our group to play this exciting game. Pizza will also be served. When: Wednesday, June 14th at 12:30 pm Cost: $7.00 (please pay at sign up) All seniors are welcome.

You are responsible for picking

up your own copy.

Summer Kickoff: Lets start off the summer the right way! Come and cool off with a free root beer float while enjoying the company of your peers on Friday, June 23rd at 12:00pm on the 2nd floor. Please call to register.

P A G E 5

Drop In Pool -Men’s drop in pool is on Wednesday & Friday afternoons at 1:00pm. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid player or a little rusty, all players are welcome. Come and join an afternoon of fun.

For the Sports Minded

Ladies Pool The ladies play pool on Tuesday mornings at 10:00am. Any senior lady who would like to join the group is welcome!

All Seniors welcome.

Movie:

Wednesday, June 7th 1:00pm

The feature film is:

Free State of Jones

As the Civil War rages on, Mississippi farmer Newton Knight, his neighbors and a raging group of slaves band together and lead jones County to secede from the Confederacy, establishing a mixed-race free state in the heart of the south.

Rated: R Runs: 2hr 19m

Movie:

Wednesday, June 28th 1:00pm.

The feature film is:

The Light Between Oceans

Lighthouse keeper Tom Sherbourne and spirited Isabel live together on a remote, rugged island off the coast of Australia. But their world is turned upside down when Isabel learns that she's unable to bear a child. A drifting lifeboat washes ashore with a crying baby. The dilemma the couple will face is far beyond the island. Rated: PG-13 Runs: 2hr 13m

Movie Matinee

Please call the Center to register for this program.

Free State of Jones

The Light

Between Oceans

P A G E 6

Berkshire Bank—Fraud Presentation Crime against the Elderly is a growing epidemic. Banks feel it is their responsibility to educate the population on the growing trends in fraud. The elderly population continues to be one of the largest targeted groups who are victimized the most. Berkshire Bank Corporate Security will be at the Senior Center on June 5, 2017 at 10am to speak to you about fraud awareness and prevention.

The following is a listing of activities and programs for the upcoming month. Check the newspaper, the Town’s website and the monthly newsletter for more details as these dates draw near. June 5th: Berkshire Bank Fraud

Presentation

June 9th: New England Air Museum

June 12th: April-June Birthday Party

June 14th: Crazy Whist

June 15th: AARP Safe Driving

June 20th: Safety in your home

June 22nd: Beading Class with Pam

June 23rd: Summer Kickoff

June 29th: Travel Day

Presentation

July 18th: Lighthouse Cruise Trip

Upcoming Events at a Glance

Out to Lunch Bunch

The “Out to Lunch Bunch” will meet on the first Tuesday of this month. Each month a new restaurant is chosen. This month the “bunch” is going to Maggie McFly’s in Manchester on Tuesday, June 6th at 1:00pm. Call now to sign up!

You will be able to

order off the menu and will receive separate

checks.

There are pickups available at the Senior Housing complexes: Franklin Park Sacred Heart Court Towers Grove Court Florence Mill Pitkat Congregate Center Windermere Court. Welles Village Please call or come to the Center to sign up for this fun day out with your friends.

August 9th: “Take me out to the Ball Game”

August 29th: Lake George Luncheon Cruise

Up Coming Trips/Events P A G E 7 J U N E 2 0 1 7

The New England Air Museum is owned and operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, a private, non-profit educational institution organized in 1959. Located in Windsor Locks, CT, the Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England. This educational organization is dedicated to preserving and presenting historically significant aircraft and related artifacts, engaging visitors through high-quality exhibits helping them to understand aviation technology and history and inspiring students through innovative and hands-on educational programs. There will be a catered lunch with a 60 minute guided tour of the area and a 45 minute self guided tour. When: Friday, June 9th Cost: $24.50 Per person Depart: 10:00am, Vernon Green Circle Commuter Lot Estimated Return: 2:45pm

New England Air Museum

AARP Safe Driving Class

AARP will host a Driver’s Safety Class on Thursday, June 15th from 11:30am-3:30pm. The cost is $15 for AARP Members and $20 for non-members. Payment needs to be made on the day of the class. Only checks will be accepted. Call now to register, space is limited. Students who take the class may qualify for a discount on their auto insurance. The course is designed to help you: *Update driving skills and your knowledge of the rules and hazards of the road. *Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate. *Reduce your chances of receiving a traffic violation, getting into an accident or becoming injured.

Presentation: Safety in your Home Chief James Kenny and Captain John Kelley of the Vernon Police Department will be coming in on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:00am to discuss home and general safety tips. They will be discussing current scams targeting the elderly community and there will be an “Open Forum” where participants can ask general questions about the police department and its activities. The discussion is scheduled to be an hour long.

Beading Class with Pam Pam will teach the participants how to make jewelry. Participants will be able to purchase the needed supplies from the instructor. The class is limited to only 4 students. This class is free and will run for 3 weeks starting Thursday, June 22nd at 10:00am. Please call to register.

Lighthouse Cruise—Narragansett Bay

The Lighthouse Cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful sea and explore different areas of the Rhode Island bay. Just imagine enjoying the weather and sea breeze in a multi-million dollar vessel that is state of the art in plush climate and includes an outside sun deck with amazing views. You will have a 90 minute narrated cruise of Rhode Island sails of Narragansett Bay & many more including, but not limited to: 10 of the famous Lighthouses along the coastline,10 incredible islands, and much more. Prior to the cruise, you will enjoy a Buffet Luncheon at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown, RI. When: Tuesday, July 18th Cost: $96 per person Depart: 9:00 am, Vernon Green Circle Commuter Lot Estimated Return: 8:30 pm

P A G E 8

Travel Day Presentation

Ever wonder about exciting trips and cruises offered for seniors? Come join us in welcoming the Friendship Tours, The Ship Shop on Thursday, June 29th at 11:00am. They will be coming in to discuss the different and exciting opportunities they have to offer such as: day/night trips, overnight trips as well as cruises. There will be snacks and refreshments served as well as prizes. This presentation is free and will be about an hour long.

Lake George Luncheon Cruise

Enjoy a 2 hour Luncheon aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement, the largest cruise ship on Lake George. The Captain will share information on the lake’s geology, ecology, environment, and its history. While Cruising, you can enjoy a Buffet Luncheon in an elegant dining room. The menu will consist of: Soup du Jour, Tossed Garden Salad, Assorted Salads, 2 Hot Entrees, Vegetarian Entrée, Freshly carved deli sandwiches with choice of Ham, Turkey, or Beef, Assorted Breads, Cheeses, Deserts & Beverages. There will also be live entertainment while on board the cruise ship for your listening and dancing pleasure. When: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 Cost: $90 per person (Sign up will begin by Mid-June) Depart: 7:30am, Vernon Green Circle Commuter Lot Estimated Return: 7:30pm

Take me out to the Ball Game—Hartford Yard Goats Game Come and join us at the new Dunkin Donuts Park for a fun and exciting baseball game featuring the Hartford Yard Goats versus Trenton Thunder in field box seats. Lunch will also be served and will consist of 1 Hotdog, chips and a bottle of water. Pickups will be available at the Senior Housing Complexes for your convenience. When: Wednesday, August 9th Cost: $12.00 per person (cost of ticket & lunch included) Please call to register.

P A G E 9

Information Page

Trip Cancellation Policy

If a person cancels a trip for any reason, NO refunds will be given unless we are able to fill your spot on the trip. We will call our wait list, if any, and make every effort to fill your spot in order to issue a refund.

Sign ups For Luncheons, Classes or Trips

When you see a class, luncheon or trip that you are interested in, please don’t hesitate to sign up. Luncheons and classes fill quickly and usually have a limit. Trips need a total count the month before, if there aren’t enough signed up we may have to cancel. When you call to sign up we will let you know when payment is due.

Transportation Senior Car: The Vernon Senior Center offers rides to seniors for out of town medical and dental appointments. Requirements: Vernon resident 60 & older (Must be ambulatory) Call the Center to schedule a ride. Rides are available Monday-Friday between 9:00 am & 1:30 pm. There are no rides on Wednesdays.

Senior Bus: Weekly trips on Thursdays. The bus travels to Stop & Shop, Kmart & Price Chopper. Pickups: Grove Court, Sacred Heart , Court Towers, Senior Center, Florence Mill, Windermere Court, Franklin Park, Pitkat Congregate Housing, & Welles Village.

Walmart in East Windsor First Friday of the Month, June 2, 2017 Need a ride to any activity or program at the Center? Contact Hockanum Valley Community Council 860 -870-7940 Dial A Ride Services

NOTE FOR SENIOR BUS:

The week of June 5th, the weekly

shopping trip will be held on Wednesday,

June 7th.

P A G E 1 0

Senior Center Library Library books, movies and puzzles are available for seniors, The Library is located on the second floor of the Center in a quiet, cozy corner. We have a wide variety of books on hand for your reading pleasure. Please feel free to come in and check out whatever may be of interest to you. An added bonus is that you may return the items at your leisure.

All items have been donated. We would like to thank all library volunteers for helping reorganize the books and puzzles. It looks better everyday!

Advisory Committee The Senior Center Advisory Committee meets the 4th Tuesday of this month at 9:30am. The following are the present members: Sally Geer, Roxann Lannan, Ron Kane, William Tyler, Sr., Patricia Iamonaco, Wes Shorts, John Mytych, & Carole Slattery.

Their role is to bring suggestions to the Director regarding activities, programs and senior issues that the members would like to see happen at the Center or see addressed. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 27th at 9:30am.

Veterans Community Access Point The Hartford Veterans Center has a Community Access Point at the Vernon Senior Center. This service is available every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The purpose of the Community Access Point is to offer free counseling for all veterans who proudly served our country in combat zones. If you are or know of a veteran that might need these services please call the Hartford Vet Center at (860) 563-8800.

Poem from one of our Seniors: Valor: Displayed by women & men facing unknown dangers. Entitled: To our utmost gratitude for protecting rights of all. Teamwork: Who better than the veterans know the value of teamwork. Engage with a vet. He/She have great stories waiting to be told. Respect a Veteran. They have survived hardships many of us will never know. American Heroes. Each Veteran is a hero in their own special way. Nation’s finest. Lives have been put down on the line, so that we may enjoy life as we know it. Solidarity: Veterans represent a “union” that most of us will never know the honor of belonging to.

June’s Birthday & Anniversaries Happy Birthday:

June 26 Barbara Sylvester

Happy Anniversary:

June 1 Shirley & Terry McElroy

June 25 Dave & Carol Alter

June 26 Carl & Barbara Palmberg

Note: If you would like your

birthday/anniversary in the

Newsletter, please inform the

Senior Center Staff.

Thank You.

JUNE’S FLOWERS:

Rose: Has more meanings than one can count:

Pink rose: perfect happiness Red Rose: “I love you.”

White Rose: Innocence & purity Yellow Rose: Jealousy or a decrease in love.

**A bouquet of roses: Sincere gratitude** ** Single Rose: Amplifies the meaning of the color

(a single red rose means “I REALLY love you”)**

Honeysuckle: Strong symbol for the everlasting bonds of love.

S E N I O R M O M E N T S

Meet our staff:

Director:

Maureen Gabriele

Administrative Assistant:

Lorien Velasquez

Program Coordinator:

Susan Ward

Facilities Assistant:

Laurie Goodhue

Vernon Senior Center

26 Park Place

Vernon, CT 06066

To:

The Vernon Senior Center is committed to assisting Vernon seniors by providing

programs that meet their needs and address their concerns.

Town of Vernon Senior Center

26 Park Place

Vernon, CT 06066

Main Line: 860-870-3680

Fax: 860-870-3588

Email: mgabriele@vernon-ct.gov

Website: Vernon-ct.gov/senior-center