GO

Bethel Seniors

on the GO!

Our Mission Since 1977 our community's mature citizen, 50 years and older, can find a multipurpose facility at the Bethel Senior Center. It is our mission to provide opportunities for friendship, physical, intellectual, cultural, and social activities; to motivate individual and group participation; to encourage positive attitudes and preserve individual dignity and respect for all older adults.

Contact Information First Selectman…………………………...Mr. Matt Knickerbocker Senior Center Director .............................................. Lisa Plumb Assistant Director ........................................... Rosemary Cywin Senior Aide .......................................................... Marie Zappala Senior Aide ........................................................... Carol Banasik Commissioner on the Aging ...................................... Al Barney Municipal Agent ........................................................ Lisa Plumb Senior Center Office Phone & Van Appointments…………….(203) 792-3048; (203)794-8593 Fax ....................................................................... (203) 744-3812 Email ........................................................ Plumbl@bethel-ct.gov

Important Numbers and Meetings: Sweetheart Bus Reservations………...203-748-2511 Meals on Wheels……………………….203-628-7540 Commission on Aging Meeting………………………...

(2nd Monday of the Month; 2:30 p.m.) Bethel Visiting Nurse Blood Pressure Clinic

(2nd Friday of the month, 10:30 a.m.)

In This Issue Important Numbers, Meetings, Special Events.P. 1 New & Special Programs……………………….Page 3 Activities & Programs ……. ………………….Page 4 Van appt.; Weekly Schedule, Movies…..…....Page 5 Information……………..………………………...Page 6

Trips, Special Events, Closings…………..…..Page 8

TAX ASSISTANCE available beginning 2/13.

Please make an appointment with BSC. NO walk-

in assistance is available. (Wed. from 9-am to 12)

Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street, Bethel, CT. 06801. Website: Bethel-ct.gov; Hours: Mon. - Wed. 8:30 - 4:00; Thurs. 8:30 - 5:30; Fri. 8:30 - 11:30 am.

50 years and older! Be Alert. Be Challenged. Be Creative. Be Energized. Be Fit. Be Better…..at Bethel!

Active Adults Enjoying Life! (203) 792-3048 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Our new Van is here and ready for you to make appointments! Appointments, including medical appointments, and shopping are available to go to most surrounding towns from Bethel. Please call the office to make an appointment. The van is free. $2./suggested donation.

Van Appointments

Bethel Senior Center is closed: 2/18

President’s Day

Chinese New Year Luncheon Tuesday, February 5,

12 Noon

Enjoy a chicken lunch complete

with spring rolls and fortune cookies! Come

help us celebrate the Year of the Pig! $8.

Valentine’s Day Lunch Thursday, 2/14/19, 12 Noon, $8.

Celebrate the day with friends in a nice

casual atmosphere listening to our beloved Bethel

entertainer, the one, the only...Billy Michael! He’ll make

you laugh, smile & move your feet. Sign up today to

avoid disappointment. Our parties fill up quickly!

BSC Member, Dr. Gerry Brooker presents:

In the World:

My Journey from Nowhere to Everywhere

Monday, Feb. 4, 12 noon Dr. Brooker will speak on his amazing

adventures that he describes in his new book.

One book will be raffled to a lucky participant and other books

will be for sale at a discounted price of $25. (for this lecture

only). Space will be limited so please sign up ASAP.

MENOPAUSE - Thurs., March 14

at the Westchester Dinner Theatre. Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing

in common but a black lace bra AND mem-

ory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not

enough sex, too much sex and more! This

hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s,

‘70s and 80’s will have you cheering and dancing in the

aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been

laughing about for 16 years! Sign up today!!

C: 0 M: 100 Y: 65 K: 20

Page 3 | Bethel Senior Center

Bethel Senior Center

New & Exciting...

CRUISE

From New York

To Newport, RI; Boston, MA,

Bar Harbor, ME; St. John,

New Brunswick, Canada;

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

NO PASSPORTS REQUIRED!!

October 19, 2019

This is a wonderful way to see the peak foliage along

the New England Coast and Canadian Coast. Wheel-

chairs and scooters are available to those members

needing assistance. Please inquire at the time of

booking. Go on numerous excursions or enjoy the

comfort of your room and enjoy the many different

opportunities on the ship. Join us and make new friends

as we sail the beautiful New England coast this October.

(A flyer is available in the office)

Bethel Senior Center

New & Exciting...

For your information…

Are you traveling this summer? Would you like to

know another language? Download the Google transla-

tor app on your smartphone. Many languages are avail-

able.

Kathy’s Loan Closet (Handicapped equipment):

Looking for donations of :

Wheelchairs, canes, commodes. (NO walkers)

Reachers, Adult briefs—unopened packages.

All equipment is available to anyone in the

community.

New ! Mah Jongg Always wanted to learn how to play

Mah Jongg? NOW is the time!

Free classes are being held at the BSC on Thursdays from 1 - 3 pm. beginning 1/3/19.

All levels are welcome to join but advanced players should plan to be patient with beginners. Come and play in a fun & relaxed environment & meet new friends.

BSC WEATHER POLICY If the Bethel schools are closed the Bethel Senior

Center is closed. If the Bethel Schools have a delay the Bethel Senior Center has the same delay. If there is a 2-hour delay then the Bethel Senior Center opens at 10:30 am. All programs offered prior to the delayed

opening are cancelled. Please note this is only for weather delay and closings.

Westchester Broadway Theatre

If you enjoy the theatre, this is the ticket (if

you will) for you! BSC has excellent seats for

the following shows:

(And, best of all, you can sign up today!)

3/14 Menopause the Musical

4/18 Newsies

6/13 On Your Feet

10/24 American in Paris

Shows at the Aqua Turf,

Southington Always an outstanding show at the beautiful

Aqua Turf Banquet Hall.

The BSC will be going to the following shows: 3/19 St. Patrick’s Celebration, $ 90.

5/15 The Sicilian Tenors

9/17 Come Fly With Me”, a Frank Sinatra Tribute

11/12 “Crooning the Classics”

12/12 Glenn Miller Orchestra

Overnight Trips

March 29 - 31 Washington DC tour

June 7—9 Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket

June 23—25 Newport Flower Show and Tour

July 13—21 Branson Show Tour

August 8—16 Alaska Tour (very popular!)

Oct 19 New England / Nova Scotia Cruise

MEMBERSHIP to the BSC Do you have friends that would like to join the

Bethel Senior Center? Dues are $10. for out of

town residents from now until June 30.

July 1 every year members must renew their

membership. Full year membership is $20./year for a

single person or $30./couple.

BETHEL SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS New Days / New Times / 2019

BSC hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, 8:30 – 4; Thurs. 8:30 – 5:30 pm; Fri. 8:30 – 11:30 am. Weather Related Cancellations: Please follow the Bethel Public School policy.

AARP Safe Driving Course Thurs., 3/21 ; 6/20; 8/22; or 12/12. $15 members/ $20. non-members. Participants must pre-register by telephoning the BSC. Adult Meditative Coloring, Mon.,10 am - 12 noon. Free. Art Class-Thurs.,12:30 -3:30 pm. Work on any painting or drawing using the medium of your choice. $3. Balanced by Design - This class is design to develop body awareness, core stability, and reduce muscular imbalances that lead to poor balance. Based on the core tenements of ballet this class is good for students of all balance levels and is a great way to develop useful skills to prevent injury from falling. Mon. 10 am. $3. /class Bible Study- a bible book or verse is discussed each week. Free on Wed. at 10:30 am. Bingo - Open to all. $2.30 (in dimes) Mon., 1:15 pm. Board Games - Anytime throughout the week. Brain & Body Fitness / Circus Moves for Seniors provides a unique form of physical and mental exercise that combines developmental principles with the playful skill of circus arts. Wednesdays at 1 pm. Bridge- Wed. at 12:30 pm.; Thurs. at 1 pm. 50 cents to play. Must call in advance to reserve your spot. Broadway Burn - A cardio-stretch class less intensive than zumba yet a good workout. Exercise is done to Broadway Show tunes. An original fitness class designed by our certified instructor, Matthew Ames. Tues., 1-2 pm. $3./class. Canasta A card game played Tues.,1 pm., Free. Come, give it a try! Beginners welcome! Card Making- Make your own greeting cards. Tues.1 pm.$2. Must call in advance to reserve their spot. Ceramics-. If you want to have fun and be creative...this is the class for you! $3/class. Includes all paints/stains and firing. Classes held Mon/Tu/Th. from 9 am- 12 noon. Chair Yoga-Chair Yoga is great for those having difficulty getting down on the floor or need a chair to hold on to. Chair Yoga is a key way to strengthen your body in a controlled, safe manner. Wed. at 10 am, Fri,10 am, $ 2/class. Chorus- Wed. at 10 am. Free. (Sept. - June) Circuit Training- Nautilus equipment plus exercise stations throughout the room. Timed sessions. 10:15 am-Tu./Thurs. $3. Computer-This free course is individualized to what you want to learn. Members may sign up in advance or walk in. Limited seating. Please sign up in the office. Free. (starts Sept.) Mon.,1 p.m. Country Dance-Fri. at 10:15 am is the time to do-si-do, swing your partner, and enjoy both square and line dances with a group of upbeat, fun participants. Only $2. Craft Group – Seasonally. Make items for our bazaar. Free. No experience necessary. Cricut Machine Session - Mondays 1 pm - 3:45 pm, Bring your own supplies. Reister in advance with Cricut on your home computer or laptop. $ 4./session to use the machine. Creative Writing-Tap into your creative talents! 2nd & 4th Monday at 2 pm. $3. Crochet & Knit- Thursdays at 9:30 am. Free.

Crochet & Knit- Beginner Lessons. Wed., 9 am—12 noon. Please bring your supplies with you. Free. Genealogy- held on Tues. at 9:30 am. Search your family tree under the instruction of Kevin Cleary. Free. Group Personal Training - with certified instructor, Matthew Ames, designed to increase flexibility, agility, & balance. Tuesdays 12 – 12:45 pm.. $4./class. Italian Class-Wed.,1 pm the Italian class learns Italian words, history, & culture. Fee - $3. Line Dancing- New dances each week! Our instructor will amaze you with her energy and enthusiasm. Join us Thurs. from 1 pm - 2 pm., A great leg exercise! $3./class. Massages - The menu of services is available in the office. Offered every other Monday. Massages are by appointments only. A fee is charged. Movie Matinee on Mondays; - Best deal in town...free movies and popcorn/candy available for sale. A relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Monday, 1 pm, free. Piano Lessons-Have you always dreamt of playing the piano but never had the chance to take lessons? We have a very patient teacher who is encouraging and he makes it all seem so easy. $25./lesson. The private lesson is 30 minutes on Tuesdays. Quilting-Thurs. at 1 pm. Members meet to work on a seasonal quilt as well as a Quilt of Valor for our Veterans. Reikki - Tuesdays from 10 - 12 noon. $25./ 30 min. Please call the office for an appointment. Set Back- Tues. afternoon at 1 pm; experienced player or beginner, we would love for you to join! Come, give it a try! Free. Senior Martial Arts -Wed.-Beginners welcome!10 am $4. Seniorcize- Now called “Total Wellness” Please see below. Sewing - Dresses for Missions - Make sweet dresses with our fabric and supplies. Free. No experience necessary! All dresses donated to charity. People are needed to cut fabric & iron also. Wednesdays 9:30 am . Spanish Class– Thursdays, 10 am—11 am; $4./class. Tai Chi-Tai Chi, is a mind-body practice in complementary & alternative medicine. Many people practice tai-chi to improve their health and well-being Th., 11:15 am.; $3/class monthly fee; $4/walk-in fee. Total Wellness- Formerly known as Seniorcize, Eileen is introducing new exercises including strength training Tues./Thurs. 9 – 10 am. $2./class. Wii Bowling – Never played Wii games before? It’s ok. It is very easy to learn. Give it a try on Tuesday, 9 am – 11 am. $2./per person. “Write-On” - held on the 1st/3rd Wednesday, 11 am.; $3. Do you have a novel, essay, or memoir in you? If so, get your thoughts on paper. Come join us! Writing Your Memoirs-Each week a topic will be discussed encouraging you to pursue writing about that time in your life. Friday, 10 – 11:15 am. Free. Yoga- Monday & Wednesday at 11 am. $3/class Zumba- High energy, fast moving exercise. Mon., Wed., Fri. at 9-9:45 am., $3./class.

Page 5 | Bethel Senior Center Activity Calendar & Upcoming Events

VAN APPOINTMENTS ALL passengers must be independent to board the bus and carry

their belongings. The Driver may not assist passengers. Any person requiring assistance must have a

person with them to assist them. A wheelchair ramp is available which the driver will operate. Please

call the Bethel Senior Center to schedule an appointment. (203-792-3048)

MONDAY 9 Zumba

9:30 Wheelchair Bags

10 Meditative Coloring

10 Balance By Design

1 Board Games

1 Gift Card Holders

1 Movie / Computer

1:15 Bingo

2 Creative Writing

TUESDAY 11 Wii Bowling

9 Total Fitness/ Ceramics

10 :15 Circuit Training

11 Genealogy

1 Card Craft

1 Set Back /Canasta

1 Broadway Burn

1-4 Piano

WEDNESDAY 9 Sr. Martial Arts/ Strength 9

Zumba 9:30 Sewing 4 Charity

10:30 Bible Study

10 Chorus/ Chair Yoga 11 Yoga / Write On

12:30 Bridge

1 Drawing / Italian

1 Brain & Body Fitness

2:30 Group Personal Train

THURSDAY 9 Total Fitness/Ceramics

9:30 Knit/Crochet

9:30 Crafts/Scrapbooking

10 Spanish/ Board Games

10:15 Circuit Training

11:15 Tai Chi

12:30 Art

1 Quilting// Line Dance

1 Bridge

FRIDAY

9 Zumba

10 Chair Yoga

9-10:30 Writing Your Memoirs

10:15 Country Dance

11 Yoga

Did you sign up for the

parties yet? Mark your

calendar with all of the dates listed

above.

There are many special occasions through the year that are perfect to spend time with loved ones while preparing delicious baked foods in

the kitchen. Follow these safety tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy when handling raw dough.

When you prepare homemade cookie dough, cake mixes, or even bread, you may be tempted to taste a bite before it is fully cooked. But steer clear of

this temptation—eating or tasting unbaked products that are intended to be cooked, such as dough or batter, can make you sick. Children can get sick

from handling or eating raw dough used for crafts or play clay, too.

Raw Dough Can Contain Bacteria That Cause Disease

Flour is typically a raw agricultural product. This means it hasn’t been treated to kill germs like Escherichia coli (E. coli). Harmful germs can contami-

nate grain while it’s still in the field or at other steps as flour is produced. The bacteria are killed when food made with flour is cooked. This is why you

should never taste or eat raw dough or batter—whether made from recalled flour or any other flour. In 2016, an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to

raw flour made 63 people sick. Flour products have long shelf lives and could be in people’s homes for a long time. If you have any recalled flour

products in your home, throw them away.

In addition, raw eggs that are used to make raw dough or batter can contain a germ called Salmonella that can make you sick if the eggs are eaten raw

or lightly cooked. Eggs are safe to eat when cooked and handled properly.

Eating uncooked flour or raw eggs can make you sick. Don’t taste or eat raw dough!

Follow safe food handling practices when you are baking and cooking with flour and other raw ingredients:

Do not taste or eat any raw dough or batter, whether for cookies, tortillas, pizza, biscuits, pancakes, or crafts made with raw flour, such as homemade

play dough or holiday ornaments.Do not let children play with or eat raw dough, including dough for crafts.

Bake or cook raw dough and batter, such as cookie dough and cake mix, before eating. Follow the recipe or package directions for cooking or baking at

the proper temperature and for the specified time. Do not make milkshakes with products that contain raw flour, such as cake mix. Do not use raw,

homemade cookie dough in ice cream. Cookie dough ice cream sold in stores contains dough that has been treated to kill harmful bacteria. Keep raw

foods such as flour or eggs separate from ready-to eat-foods. Because flour is a powder, it can spread easily. Follow label directions

to refrigerate products containing raw dough or eggs until they are cooked. Clean up thoroughly after handling flour, eggs, or raw dough: Wash your

hands with running water and soap after handling flour, raw eggs, or any surfaces that they have touched. Wash bowls, utensils, countertops, and other

surfaces with warm, soapy water. -Center for Disease Control, & Prevention, 12/18

All movies are listed below & begin at 1 pm. Free to all members.

FEBRUARY 4 –Crazy Rich Asians; 11 Alpha; 25-Christopher Robin MARCH 4- Mama Mia, Here We Go Again; 11- The Back Up Plan (Jennifer Lopez); 18 - Valkyrie; 25-Wonder Boys with Michael Douglas

REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Senior News / Weekly Schedule Page 6 | Bethel Senior Center

Snowstorms & Extreme Cold Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and

heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow,

ice, and high winds. A winter storm can:

Last a few hours or several days; Knock out heat, power, and communication services; and

place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

Stay off roads. Stay indoors and dress warmly. Prepare for power outages. Use generators outside only and away from windows.

Listen for emergency information and alerts. Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS: Prepare NOW. Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other

services for long periods of time. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn

how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Pay attention

to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emer-

gency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emer-

gency alerts.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, includ-

ing medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and

non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full. Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

Survive DURING: Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypother-

mia. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home

with a gas stovetop or oven. Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin

Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness

Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm

blankets, including the head and neck. -Department of Homeland Security

REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY 9 Zumba

9:30 Wheelchair Bags

10 Meditative Coloring

10:30 Balance By Design

1 Board Games/

1 Gift Card Holders

1 Movie / Computer

1:15 Bingo

2 Creative Writing

TUESDAY 11 Wii Bowling

9 Total Fitness / Ceramics

10 :15 Circuit Training

11 Genealogy

1 Card Craft

1 Set Back /Canasta

1 Broadway Burn

1-4 Piano

WEDNESDAY 9 Sr. Martial Arts/ Strength 9

Zumba 9:30 Sewing 4 Charity

10:30 Bible Study

10 Chorus/ Chair Yoga 11 Yoga / Write On

12:30 Bridge

1 Drawing / Italian

1 Brain & Body Fitness

2:30 Group Personal Train

THURSDAY 9 Total Fitness/ Ceramics

9:30 Knit/Crochet

9:30 Crafts/Scrapbooking

10 Spanish/ Board Games

10:15 Circuit Training

11:15 Tai Chi

12:30 Art

1 Quilt/ Line Dance/ Bridge

FRIDAY

9 Zumba

9- Writing Your Memoirs

9 Chair Yoga

10:15 Country Dance

Lunch & Learn Programs provide a free lunch during a

presentation to the first 30 members that sign up. No

additional lunch is served. Members are asked to stay for

the entire presentation as a courtesy to our presenter. FEBRUARY– 4 Dr. Gerry Brooker—$3. /hot dogs 11—Regular Lunch 18—Closed for President’s Day 25—Carefree Home Pros—Cindy Godfriede MARCH - Please see the office for the updated list.

FEBRUARY 21 Annual CT Flower Show, $95. 23 MGM Casino & Matinee Show, Boeing, Boeing $55. MARCH 14 Menopause the Musical, Westchester Theatre, $ 93. 19 St. Patrick’s celebration at Aqua Turf, $ 90. 29—31 Washington DC tour. Please pick up a flyer ion the office. APRIL 11 Mohegan Sun Casino, $25./includes lunch + bonus! 18 “Newsies” at Westchester Theatre, $ 93. 27 West Point Parade & Luncheon MAY 15 The Sicilian Tenors at the Aqua Turf 22 All You Can Eat BBQ at Gavin’s Country Inn JUNE - Overnight Trip to Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket!

Lunch & Learn Programs .CLASSIC ALASKA TRIP Escorted Package Includes

Air & : Round trip transfers from Bethel Senior Center to

JFK Airport 8/8/19—8/16/19

Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

8 nights accommodations

2 nights Anchorage

2 nights Denali

2 nights Seward

2 nights Homer

Hotel taxes, fees & service

charges, Sightseeing per itinerary in

modern air-conditioned motor coach

Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout

Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features

Board the Deluxe Dome service, for a scenic journey to Denali

National Park

Enjoy a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park

A chance to view majestic Denali, the tallest mountain in North

America

Boat cruise to magnificent Kenai Fjords National Park, teeming

with marine wildlife

Take an walk to the edge of the massive Exit Glacier

Visit to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, to learn about

Alaskan wildlife. $ 3699. – based on double

$ 4910. – single occupancy

Upcoming Trips & Special Events

PRSRT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID

DANBURY, CT PERMIT NO. 3111

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Bethel Senior Center

1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801