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contents

YEARS

Designed by Breanna Pollard

780 South 4th Street — (409) 838-1902

January 2018 Newsletter

Notes pg.1

New Year pg.2

Krewe pg.3

News pg.4-5

Dates pg.6

Party pg. 7

French pg.8

Tech pg.9

Recipes pg.10

NOLA pg.11

Billards pg.12

Contest pg.13-14

Day Trip pg.15

Mardi Gras pg.16

Comm. pg.17

Paris pg.18-19

Extended pg.20

Trivia pg.21-22

Menu pg.23

Schedule pg. 23

BEST

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Manager’s Notes …

Lots of new and exciting adventures will be available at the center during 2018! For those in

retirement years, our programs are designed for positive aging and will assist you in maintaining a

happy lifestyle!

Senior Mardi Gras will be held February 8, 2018 at the Beaumont Civic Center! We are proud to

announce this year’s King and Queen Neil and Mary Early! The Early’s have shared

numerous ways to have lots of fun through learning Music and Theatre Art at the center. For every

Baby Boomer who knows what comes next after, “Here we come, walkin’ down the street…” The

power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. Whether it’s Beethoven’s

“Moonlight Sonata,” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” or Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” music

strikes a chord within just about all of us. Studies show that people in every age group benefit from

music therapy, which relaxes the body, reduces muscle tension, boosts productivity; decreases stress

levels, and strengthens memory and learning. Neil and Mary have brought years of happiness to our

community. You may find them every Tuesday at the center from 10 am – 1 pm as they teach music

theory and practice songs of the decades with the Volunteers Voices of Beaumont. A program to use

your talented voice! In this newsletter we are excited to announce all of the 2018 Senior Mardi Gras

Royalty Krewe!

7 Tips to Help All Stay Positive:

1. Decide to have a positive attitude. We are responsible for our own happiness.

2. Surround yourself with positive people. Their attitude is contagious.

3. Use positive affirmations. Instead of “I hate getting up.” say, “I am grateful for a new day.”

4. Be very selective of the music and news you listen to. GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT!

5. Help other people. Service gets us out of our own misery & positively impacts our world.

6. Get in touch with your spiritual source. Faith fuels hope, hope fuels a positive attitude.

7. Don’t stop; never give up. Do not give in to the negativity around us.

Stay Engaged! Stay Positive! Have a Happy New Year!

Lynn Huckaby, Manager

BEST YEARS CENTER

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It takes time to form a new habit, and repetition is the key to doing so. It will feel clumsy

at first, but if you use these positive affirmations to counteract any nay-saying your inner

critic comes up with, your inner dialogue will change for the better. You will have

developed the habit of positive self-talk. Write down new affirmations as they occur to you,

and keep adding to the list.

1. I can try new and exciting things. It doesn’t matter what age you are – new,

exciting opportunities await all who are brave enough to try them. Let your

adventurous side out.

2. I can learn new things to broaden and strengthen my mind and abilities. Maybe you’ve

been wanting to try a new activity or visit a new place. What’s holding you back? Go for a

challenge and see what happens!

3. I will be refined by age instead of declined by age. To be truly refined by age, one must be

intentional about working on the seven dimensions of wellness in their lives: emotional,

environmental, intellectual, physical, social/cultural.

4. I expect to feel good physically. Pain is a clue that something is wrong, not a sign that you’re

aging. If you feel pain, see your doctor to get a diagnosis and proper treatment.

5. I am a relatively happy person unless there is good reason not to be. Emotional health is

important to be refined by age. If you are down for several weeks for no apparent reason, it’s

time to see a doctor.

6. I am strong and capable. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet will keep you

strong and healthy. When you are strong and healthy, you can continue to enjoy your

independent lifestyle.

7. I am confident and deserve respect. We all deserve to be respected, even if we don’t always

agree with others or are different from them. Show your confidence and don’t let anyone treat

you otherwise, regardless of your age or abilities.

NEW YEAR AFFIRMATIONS

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2018 MARDI GRAS ROYALTY KREWE

Royalty | King & Queen

Neil and Mary Early

Royal Krewe

Diana Sanchez, Urie Lee, Maggie Labove, Mary Kaltenbach,

Carrie Rideau, Benny Caesar, Kenneth Maxson, Bettie Nixon

Vendors: Registration forms can be found at

http://beaumonttexas.gov/departments/parks-recreation/best-years-center/

under the Annual Senior Mardi Gras tab. Late fees have been waived due to

Hurricane Harvey!

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Book Club: The Alice Network

Kate Quinn

January 12, 2018

10:00 a.m.— 11:00 a.m.

BYC Library

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an

unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage

and redemption.

BYC NEWS

55+ Luncheon

Monday, January 8th, 2018

12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.

Olga Wiess Auditorium

3555 Stagg Drive

Beaumont, Texas 77701

MENU: chicken & sausage jambalaya, green beans, corn

bread, coconut cream pie, coffee, water, tea

$4.00 per person

PLEASE RSVP TO (409) 212–6145

***LIMITED TO THE FIRST 100 CALLERS***

STAP Session

January 17, 2018

10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.— BYC Library

The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program

helps people who have a disability that interferes with their

access to telephone networks purchase basic specialized

assistive equipment or services.

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BYC NEWS

NOLA PICTURE VIEWING

PARTY!!!

Monday, January 22, 2018

12:00 p.m.—1:30 p.m.

Computer Room

Feel free to bring food and

drinks!

New Year, New You!

Makeovers with Tammy Mouton

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

10:00 a.m.

Computer Room

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IMPORTANT JANUARY DATES

January 19, 2018 | Popcorn Day

While no one knows the true origins of this day, it

has not stopped us from celebrating it! Do you

remember the amazing smells as you stepped

into a movie theater? Maybe you are thinking

about being in the comfort of your own home and

having a movie night with your family.

January 4, 2018| National Trivia Day

Trivia Day is a fun day. It is an

opportunity for us to share those many little

trinkets of knowledge. It doesn't matter how big

or how trivial. Dazzle your friends and family with

generous portions of trivia!

January 15, 2018 | Hat Day

National Hat Day is set aside to wear and

enjoy a hat of your choice and style. Isn't it

great that hats come in all shapes, sizes,

colors, and styles? There's one to fit every

size head and personality. It’s not

intended to just keep your noggin warm.

Its a chance to make a statement and to

display you favorite headgear.

BYC CENTER CLOSURES

Monday, January 1, 2018

New Years Day

Monday, January 15, 2018…

Martin Luther King Day

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HOLIDAY PARTY RECAP

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BEGINNER’S FRENCH

Interested in the gift of knowledge?!

Join an exciting new 6–week French class

starting in the new year!

Instructor: James Tyler

January 4, 2018

9:00—10:00 a.m.

Please sign up in the front office or call

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WINTER TECHNOLOGY

Android Phone, Tablets, IPhone

Androids and I-phones are welcome!

Instructor: Fred Young

Mondays, January 22 —February 19

10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Instructor: Bettie Nixon and Myra Emerson

Wednesdays, January 10 — March 7

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Technology Classes are $5.00 one time fee and some classes require a

book ($5.00).

Sign up 838-1902 – Max 12 per class!

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WINTERTIME RECIPES

Apple Squares

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground

cinnamon

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped apple

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons white sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9

inch pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4

teaspoon of cinnamon; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar,

and 1/2 cup of white sugar with a wooden spoon until

smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Blend in the flour mix-

ture until just combined, then stir in the apples and walnuts.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. In a cup or

small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and sug-

ar; sprinkle over the top of the bars.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven; finished bars

should spring back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan,

and cut into squares.

Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

Dip in a Bread Bowl

1 head broccoli, florets removed

2 tbsp. butter

2 cloves garlic

1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. heavy cream

2 c. shredded Cheddar

1 boule, top round cut out

Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bring a large pot

of water to a boil and blanch broccoli

until bright green, 2 minutes. Drain

and let cool, then chop.

2. In a large skillet over medium-low

heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook

until fragrant, 1 minute, then add

flour, stirring constantly until golden,

1 minute. Add cream and simmer un-

til thickened, then remove from heat

and add cheese, stirring until melted.

3. Add broccoli and stir until combined.

Transfer mixture to bread bowl and

place on a baking sheet.

4. Bake until mixture is warmed through

and bubbling, 15 minutes. Serve hot

with chips.

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NEW ORLEANS TRIP

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2017 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BILLARDS

TOURNAMENT

Our Christmas Billiards Tournament was held on December 20—22, 2017. We had eighteen

participants. The guys had an awesome time. Good competition, exercise, food and fellowship

was had by all. Tournament winners: Billiards 8 Ball Singles—1st Place, Jim Breda; 2nd

Place, Joseph Wingate; 3rd Place, Thomas Comte. Billiards 1 and 15 Singles—1st Place,

Thomas Comte; 2nd Place, Melvin Jackson; 3rd Place, Richard Johnson. We would like to

thank our wonderful sponsors for the tournament; Nancy Seegers at Genesis Healthcare, Ferrah

Young at Total Home Health, Paula Baxter at Compassion Hospice, Angel Roberts at Beaumont

Health Care and Callie Dover at Texas Total Healthcare. A SUPER YAY AND HOORAY to these

wonderful ladies for their food, desserts and service for the luncheon on Friday: Phylicia

Chaison, Ruby Garlington, and James Etta Mouton. A thank you also to Hattie, Amber, Breanna,

Evelina and James from the Best Years Center for their help. I enjoy coordinating the Billiards

Tournament. These are a wonderful group of men who I love being around. I appreciate them!

Myrtle Maxson

Tournament Coordinator

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BYC CHRISTMAS CRAFT CONTEST

Underglaze—1st Place

Cynthia Harland

Underglaze—2nd Place

Eleanore Mitchell

Underglaze—3rd Place

Wanda Shariff

Glazed—1st Place

Karen Eddy Glazed – 2nd Place

Diana Sanchez

Glazed—3rd Place

Maudry Bridgers

Stain—1st Place

Rita Gobert Stain—2nd Place

Christine Millard

Stain—3rd Place

Donna Burge

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BYC CHRISTMAS CRAFT CONTEST

Decal—1st Place

Vi Griffin

Decal—3rd Place

Vi Griffin

Decal—2nd Place

Ruth Nevils

Crochet—1st Place

Amanda Gums

Crochet—2nd Place

Mary Ellison

Crochet—3rd Place

Deloris Poullard

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JANUARY DAY TRIP

Trip Planning Meeting

Are you interested in helping to plan the day trips for

2018? Come join us for an

important topic!

Thursday, January 18, 2018

9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Ben Rogers Visitors Center

Transportation will be provided

Lunch is optional at Cracker Barrel

Call 409-838-1902 or sign-up in the front office

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SMG 2018

Meet the Royal Court! Enjoy an array of vendors,

food samplings, entertainment, and learning new

things while having lots of fun!

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Downtown Beaumont Junk Days

January 6, 2018

Spindletop’s 117th Anniversary

January 13, 2018

A Night With Janis Joplin

January 25, 2018

Ford Park Arena

5115 Interstate 10 South

Beaumont, TX 77705

4:00 p.m.

$18-$90

The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is

unrivaled in the world of family

entertainment. Every game will showcase

incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-

rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy

and unequaled fan interaction. After the

game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs

and take photos with fans.

Spindletop Gladys

City/Boomtown

Museum

5550 Jimmy Simmons

Blvd

Beaumont, TX 77705

(409) 880-1750

Celebrate the anniversary of the Lucas

Gusher with live reenactments,

blacksmithing and printing

demonstrations, crafts, games, music,

food and more. And, of course, an

anniversary celebration would not be

complete without blowing the gusher!

Held on the first Saturday of every month

(rain or shine), Downtown Beaumont Junk

Days brings together antiques, collectibles,

architectural salvage, old doors and win-

dows for a treasure trove of shopping

options. Patrons will enjoy easy access to

shopping, free admission and free parking

on the street and in nearby lots.

BAW Resale &

Interiors

280 Orange Street

Beaumont, TX , 77701

(786) 209-9712

7:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Fueled by such unforgettable songs, a

remarkable cast, and breakout

performances, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN,

written and directed by Randy Johnson, is a

musical journey celebrating Janis and her

greatest musical influences!

Lutcher Theater for the

Performing Arts

707 W. Main

Orange, TX 77630

(409) 886-5535

7:30 PM $35-$65

Harlem Globetrotters

January 28, 2018

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PARIS & LONDON 2019!!

ATTENTION! We are developing a interest list to see how many

participants we have that are interested in this trip

before we launch . If interested, place your name in the

front office, with Jessica Prescott, or call 838-1902. More

info on page 15. The deadline to place name on the

interest list is January 31, 2018. Please place name if

there is a serious interest. We are trying to create the

most accurate census as possible.

Serious Inquires only!

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PARIS & LONDON 2019!!

London & Paris

Departing March 13, 2019 — March 20, 2019

8 Days ● 9 Meals: 6 Breakfasts ● 3 Dinners – IAH air and tax Hometown Roundtrip Transfers included

Versailles, Louvre, and Windsor all included as well

Per Person Rates: Double $3,529; Single $4,129; Triple $3,729

Best Years Senior Center presents.. 10757

Day 1: Overnight Flight Take two! Experience two of the world's most captivating cities: Paris and London! To help you make the most of your getaway, you’ll unpack just once in each city.

Day 2: Paris, France - Tour Begins Your tour opens in Paris, the “City of Light,” a sophisticated metropolis featuring style, culture and history. Its bustling city streets are filled with color-ful history, regal pageantry, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, celebrated monuments and grand theatres. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Paris Enjoy a truly Parisian experience, take in some of the most iconic sights by Metro. Either way you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notr e Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome with a local guide.

Day 4: Paris Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and witness breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. End the perfect day with a romantic Seine River cruise set against Paris’ glittering skyline. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Paris - Eurostar Train - London, England Hop the sleek, futuristic Eurostar High Speed Train to London. Arrive in London, the United Kingdom's cosmopolitan capital. Settle into your hotel for a 3-night stay. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take a walk to Tower Bridge, stroll along the Thames River, or visit the London Eye. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: London This afternoon, it’s your choice! Return to wartime Britain while exploring the Churchill War Rooms, the secret underground center of Britain’s govern-ment during WWII. Or tour Westminster Abbey,* the coronation church of Britain’s monarchs from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: London After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a day to explore at your leisure. You may take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle: originally built to guard the city of London, Windsor Castle has been the home of kings and queens for nine centuries and is the oldest royal residence still in use today. This even-ing, experience a classic British tradition during a special farewell dinner at a traditional pub, complete with an ale tasting. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: London - Tour Ends You depart today, but Paris and London will remain in your heart forever. Today breakfast will be included.

Highlights....

Arc de Triomphe ●

Eiffel Tower Dinner ●

Seine River Cruise ●

Eurostar Train ● Big

Ben ● Pub Dinner

Included in Price:

Roundtrip Airfare, Attractions, Presold Option, Air Taxes, Hotel Transfers

Not included in price:

Insurance ($290.00), Presold Option

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EXTENDED TRIPS

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JANUARY TRIVIA

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MENU

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MONDAY

8:00 am Low Impact Aerobics

8:45 am Walking Club

9:00 am Ceramics, Crochet, Zumba,

Golden Inspirations

2:00 pm Microsoft Excel, Word and

PowerPoint

9:00 am Jazz And Tap

10:00 am Water Aerobics, Spanish

Holiday Inn Walden Road

10:30 am Music Theory

11:00 am Tai Chi

12:00 pm Volunteer Voices Choir

12:30 pm Line Dancing– Beginners

2:00 pm Line Dancing-Advanced

TUESDAY 8:00 am Low Impact Aerobics

8:45 am Walking Club

9:00 am Ceramics, Crochet, Zumba

Golden Inspirations

10:00 am Android Phones, Tablets,

iPhones

12:00 pm Bridge

10:00 am Water Aerobics, Spanish

Microsoft Office 365

10:00 am Stepping Stones

11:00 am Tai Chi

12:30 pm Line Dancing– Beginners

1:00 pm 42 Dominoes

2:00 pm Line Dancing-Advanced

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES 2nd

Friday

Book Club

10:00 am

3rd

Thursday

Low Vision Support

1:00 pm

Monday –

Friday

Daily Dominoes,

Pool Hall, Gym

8:00 am

Low Impact Aerobics

10:00 am Water Aerobics

Holiday Inn Walden Road

12:00 pm Bridge

1:00 pm Duplicate Bridge

FRIDAY

WEEKLY SCHEDULE BEST YEARS C

enter 780 S. 4th Street — (409) 838-1902