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TOP OF THE GREEN
New Milford Senior Center News and Activities
December, 2014
SPECIALS SAVINGS and DISCOUNTS INSIDE!
2
New Milford Senior Center
40 Main Street
New Milford, CT 06776
TELEPHONE: 860-355-6075
FAX: 860-354-2843
HOURS: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mon. - Fri.
WEBSITE: www.newmilford.org
Click on "Departments" along top of page, then
choose "Aging, Senior Center" and access our
newsletter by clicking on "Top of
the Green".
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NewMilfordCTSeniorCenter
STAFF
Carolyn M. Haglund, Director
Senior Citizen Services
Jasmin Marie J. Ducusin,
Program Coordinator Assistant Director
Lorraine Kelley, Municipal Agent and
Senior Services Counselor
Nancy Cronin, Senior Services Counselor
Jeanne J. Radcliff, Secretary
Leslie Koellmer, Bus Driver
Tom Williams, Bus Driver
COMMISSION ON AGING
Monthly meeting: 4 PM second Thursday
Gretchen O’Shea Reynolds, Chairman
Michael Moran, Vice-Chairman
Robert Bennett, Rudy Kuss,
Ronald Lathrope, Mary Jane Lundgren,
Debbie Wilcox
EDUCATION CONNECTION, SCSEP
Maxine Hayes, Greeter
Sueanne Sheppard, Volunteer Coordinator
CAFÉ STAFF
Margaret Whelton, Site Manager
Charles Plumer, Mealsite Associate
SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD, INC.
Monthly meeting: 9:30 AM second Thursday
Patricia Hammer, President
Nettie McKenna, Vice President
Carolyn Critelli, Treasurer
Marie Crawford, Secretary
Lou Abella, Anthony (Tony) Chiodo,
Frances Dempewolf, Rita Hull,
Lorna MacInnis, Diane Martell, Jean Ritchie, Pat Tripp
ADVISORY BOARD SUBCOMMITTEE
TRIAD
Damon deChamplain, Chairman
Jean Ritchie & Mary Schroeder, Co-recording Secretaries
Cindy Pack, Corresponding Secretary
HEALTH & WELLNESS PARTNERS
Caroyln DeRocco, Vice President of Programs and
Education of the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter
Stephanie Seaman, Community Outreach and Marketing
Coordinator of the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter
Geri Rodda, RN, Community Health Nurse
New Milford VNA
New Milford Health Department
New Milford - Danbury Hospitals
Community Culinary School of NW CT
SENIOR COMMUNITY CAFÉ
CW RESOURCES
Serving lunch Monday-Thursday at 12:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $2.00.
Sign up for lunch in person or by telephone
at least 48 hours in advance. 860-355-6075
For Your Information
3
with two sides, one small soup or one small
side salad, one coffee, tea or water (no soda),
and one dessert. Any additional items chosen
will be charged at the regular retail price of that
item. For reservations call the New Milford
Hospital at 860-210-5011.
The STAR (Second Time Around
Recreation) Group
The Lunch Bunch, Gourmet Group, and the Daytrippers make up the STAR Group! All STAR Group
activities are held outside the Senior Center Walls.
Call Mary at 860-354-3525 for more information.
A Special Senior Suppers will be held on
Wednesday, December 10th at the 5:00 PM
seating followed by festive, holiday entertainment
at 6:00 PM with bus service available! Call the
Center at 860-355-6075 to reserve your seat
on the bus and celebrate the season with your
friends at New Milford Hospital.
The Gourmet Group
Saturday, December 13th
For this group, some of their best friendships
have formed around the table The Gourmet Group
meets on the second Saturday of each month at a
member’s home. Everyone brings a surprise dish
to share no matter how simple or intricate and
the host/hostess will provide the paper plates,
utensils, napkins, and beverages. So if you enjoy
good food and good company, this is the group for
you! We meet up at the home of the host/ hostess’
home at 5 PM and invite group members to bring
a silly, funny, or unusual item for a Chinese auction
so come and enjoy good food and company! Call
Mary at 860-354-3525 for more information.
Elsie’s Group
Elsie's Group does fun things all year long
including trips to Foxwoods, dinner theaters,
and day and stay-away excursions! Her trips are
open to anyone interested in making new friends
and having a great time! For more information on
any of her trips including her monthly trips to the
casino, feel free to call Elsie at 860-355-0055
and happy travels!
Lion’s Club Christmas Party
The Lunch Bunch
Sunday, December 7th, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
VFW Hall at 11 Avery Road
Saturday, December 20th
The Lunch Bunch meets the third Saturday of each
month to enjoy new or favorite local area hot spot
restaurants such as Tivoli’s, The Hearth, Royal
Buffet & Grill, and much more! As the weather
slowly but surely grows warmer, this group may
even venture a little further to other surrounding
towns to have a taste of what they have to offer
too! Come and join the group for both the delicious
food and the friendships that will come with it! Call
Terri at 860-355-8999 for more information.
The Day Trippers
"It Came Upon One Christmas Eve"
at the Westchester Broadway Theatre
Friday, December 5th
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday
season, take a break and enjoy a special holiday
show at the Westchester Broadway Theatre with
our Day Trippers! "It Came Upon A Christmas
Eve" is a heartwarming musical about an infant
left on a Brooklyn doorstep one Christmas Eve
and the magic she brings to the lives of those
who find her. This show is filled with favorite
Christmas carols, popular Seasonal songs and is
sure to please the entire family! The cost of the
trip is $96.00 which includes the cost of round
trip transportation, admission to the WBT for
the show and meal, and all gratuities. For more
information please stop by or call the Center at
860-355-6075 as we still have seats available.
Hope you join us for this joyous holiday occasion!
AARP – NM Chapter # 3241
Wednesday, December 20th, 12:00 PM
The Maxx - 94 Railroad Street
Regular monthly meetings are held at the
Trinity Lutheran Church every 2nd Wednesday
of the month. This month will feature our
annual Holiday Luncheon at the Maxx! Hope
you can join us. We encourage our members
to bring donations of non-perishable, non-glass
container food items to the New Milford Food
Bank anytime. For more information, please
feel free to call Mary Prause at 860-355-0491.
Transportation to and from these meetings are
available via our Center’s buses by reservation
only. Rides can be schedule by calling the
Center at 860-355-6075 and please note that
the buses will be picking up riders to leave the
meeting at 2 PM so please plan accordingly!
New Milford Hospital
Senior Suppers
New Milford Hospital offers a special dining
program for seniors who live in our service
area. Senior Suppers are offered at the café
at New Milford Hospital from 4-5 and 5-6
pm, Monday – Friday. Seniors must obtain the
special discount/identification card from the
Senior Center in their respective towns and
show this card when paying for their meal.
The meal priced at $5.00 includes: One entrée
Tickets are available at the Center for the Lion’s
Club’s annual Christmas party so come stop by
and partake in the Christmas cheer! For more
information, call the Center at 860-355-6075
or stop by to put your name on the guest list.
Help Fill our “Giving Tree”!
‘Tis the season to be giving and what better
way than through the gift of warmth with hats,
scarves, gloves, and mittens! Please feel free
to donate items such as these to our Giving
Tree where your “made with love” and/or
“bought with love” donations will be gifted to
families in need right here in our New Milford
community.
4 Health & Wellness
Visually Impaired Persons
(VIP) Support Group
3rd Monday, 10:00 AM
Is deteriorating vision becoming an obstacle
in your life? The Visually Impaired Persons
(VIP) Group can help you to maintain your
independence by teaching you new ways to do
the things you’ve always done! As well as sharing
ideas and experiences among group members,
the group hosts a variety of guest speakers
from ophthalmologists and low vision specialists
to occupational therapists and rehabilitation
specialists. You will also learn about the many
programs and services available to you, such as,
the Board of Education and Services for the Blind
(BESB), the Lion’s Low Vision Center, Library for
the Blind, CRIS Radio and much more. Feel free
to join us so call the Senior Center for more
information at 860-355-6075.
Living without a Partner Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays,
10:00 – 11:30 AM
The death of a spouse or a partner is a life
altering experience. Living alone can be a
difficult adjustment. Join others in a similar
situation, gain support, network, and share your
feelings in a safe and warm environment. This
group is facilitated by Catherine Vlasto, LCSW,
a clinical social worker from the New Milford
VNA & Hospice and is geared towards men and
women whose partners have died in the past
two years. Refreshments will be served and you
are invited to stay for lunch after the meetings.
For more information or to sign up, please call
the Center at 860-355-6075.
Relaxation
Alzheimer’s Couples
Station:
Social Group
Chair
4th Wednesday, 1:00 PM
Massages
Care-giving for a spouse with dementia
can become very isolating. Join us on the
fourth Wednesday of each month from
in the Health & Wellness Center on the
second floor of the New Milford Senior
Center for our couples support group
social where you and your spouse can
relax in the friendship of others who are
facing similar challenges. Join Carolyn
DeRocco, who is your host from the
Alzheimer’s Association, and meet other
couples who are facing similar daily
events. Come enjoy light refreshments,
music, and more! This program is Free;
please call 860-355-6075 to sign up.
“For Your Health” Talks
with New Milford Hospital
This month’s topic: Acupuncture
Thursday, December 18th at 10:30 AM
Join us as we welcome back New Milford
Hospital for their monthly “For Your Health”
Talks that feature local doctors and medical
professionals sharing with us some knowledge
of their fields! This month we welcome New
Milford Hospital's acupuncturist, Jessica Ifshin,
who will be discussing the East Asian medicinal
practice of acupuncture and how it serves to
cultivate well-being and eliminate stress. To
sign up, please call the Center at 860-355-6075
to explore this alternative form of medicine.
1st and 3rd
Tuesdays,
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Take 10 minutes for yourself and enjoy our
brand new Relaxation Station! We welcome
licensed massage therapist, Amparo Pino who
will offer 10 minute chair and hand massages
in our Health and Wellness Room on the 2nd
floor of the Center. Massage can help maintain
your health, flexibility, and offer pain relief from
sore stiff and aching muscles so take advantage
of this wonderful new program we have to
offer! The cost for the massage is a suggested
donation of $7 and it is first come first serve so
allow yourself the time to relax!
Joint Pain & Treatment
Options Seminar
Tuesday, December 9th, 10:30 AM
Join us as we welcome, Dr. Robert Deveney
of Danbury Orthopedics as he addresses the
primary causes of joint pain such as those caused
by osteoarthritis (OA) as well as a variety of nonsurgical/surgical treatment options available to
provide pain relief. They will focus on the latest
industry advancements that are helping joint
pain sufferers gain or maintain mobility and
improve quality of life. To sign up please call the
Center at 860-355-6075.
Health & Wellness
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" StressManagement Workshops
Mondays, December 1st – 22nd,
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
We are happy to welcome back the Women's
Center of Greater Danbury who will be holding
a popular four-week workshop that will explore
ways to effectively manage the stress in our
lives. Participants will learn about the stress
response and be given specific skills to cope
with the naturally occurring anxiety. To register,
please call the Center at 860-355-6075 and
"don't worry, be happy!"
Caregiver Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Join us for a place to relax, express your feelings,
and connect with other caregivers! Facilitated by
Catherine Vlasto, LCSW, you will have professional
guidance in addition to support from your peers. It’s
free of charge and volunteers can be arranged to
stay with your loved ones at home while you attend
by calling the VNA’s volunteer coordinator, Mary
Peitler, at 860-354-2216. For more information,
feel free to call the Center at 860-355-6075.
New Milford VNA Blood
Pressure Check
Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Join us for a weekly first come, first served
blood pressure screening with a New Milford
Visiting Nurse Association nurse. This FREE
service provides you with an opportunity to
check and track your blood pressure, recording
each measure on a wallet-sized card, as well as
being able to ask the nurse about any of your
health concerns regarding your results. Walkins encouraged.
5
6 Classes
ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN ROOMS 2A AND 2C WILL NOT BE HELD FOR
THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEW YEAR!
Strength & Balance:
Exercise with Kathy
Tuesdays and Thursdays,
11:00 – 11:35 AM
Yoga with Kristin
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 AM and
Fridays, 10:45 – 11:45 AM
Chair Yoga, Wednesdays,
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Tai Chi with Dee
Beginners’ Class,
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Thursdays, 9:45 – 10:45 AM
*NEW* Zumba Gold
with Soraya Thursdays, 8:45 – 9:25 AM
*NEW* Line Dancing with Jill
Mondays, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Line Dance will still be held this month!
Expires 12/31/14
7
ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN ROOMS 2A AND 2C WILL NOT BE HELD FOR
THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEW YEAR!
FUN
AND
FESTIVE!
8 December 2014 Calendar
Monday
Richmond Dining Room (R) Lounge (L)
Tuesday
2nd Floor Classroom
2nd Floor Small Classroom
(2A) (2C)
Wednesday
10:00 Handwork Circle (R)
10:00 Intermediate Bridge (L)
10:30 Mexican Train Game (R)
10:30 - 12:00 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Stress
Management Workshops (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Mahjong (L)
12:40 Bingo (R)
2:00 Line Dancing (R)
1
10:00 Caregiver Support Group (L)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Scrabble (L)
1:00 Senior Singers (R)
1:00-3:00 Relaxation Station: Chair Massages (HW)
2
10:30-11:30 NMVNA BP Screening (HW)
11:15 Book Exchange with NM Library (R)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Bridge Group (L)
12:40 Special Bingo (R)
No Shopping
10:00 Handwork Circle (R)
10:00 Intermediate Bridge (L)
10:30 - 12:00 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Stress
Management Workshops (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Mahjong (L)
12:40 Bingo (R)
2:00 Line Dancing (R)
8
10:00
10:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
9
10:00 Storytime with Children’s Center (R)
10:30-11:30 NMVNA BP Screening (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:45 Midweek Matinee (R)
5:00 Senior Suppers with Holiday Entertainment at
New Milford Hospital
Shopping Day for Aldi’s and Stop & Shop/Walmart
10
10:00 Handwork Circle (R)
10:00 VIP Group (L)
10:00 Intermediate Bridge (*HW)
10:30 - 12:00 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Stress
Management Workshops (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Mahjong (L)
10:30 Mexican Train Game (R)
12:40 Bingo (R)
2:00 Line Dancing (R)
2:00 Thrift Mart Board Meeting (HW)
15
10:00 Caregiver Support Group (L)
10:30 "You Be The Judge" Game (R)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Scrabble (L)
1:00-3:00 Relaxation Station: Chair Massages (HW)
16
10:30-11:30 NMVNA BP Screening (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:00 AARP Christmas Party at the Maxx
12:30 Bridge Group (L)
12:45 Midweek Matinee (R)
Shopping Day for Kohl’s and Stop & Shop/Walmart
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10:00 Handwork Circle (R)
10:00 Intermediate Bridge (L)
10:30 - 12:00 "Don't Worry Be Happy" Stress
Management Workshops (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Mahjong (L)
12:40 Bingo (R)
2:00 Line Dancing (R)
22
10:00 12:00
12:30
23
10:30-11:30 NMVNA BP Screening (L)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Bridge Group (L)
1:00 Alzheimer’s Couples Social Group (HW)
Shopping Day for Aldi’s and Stop & Shop/Walmart
24
10:00
10:00
12:00
12:30
12:40
2:00
29
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Scrabble (L)
30
10:30-11:30 NMVNA BP Screening (HW)
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:30 Bridge Group (L)
Shopping Day for Stop & Shop/Walmart
31
Handwork Circle (R)
Intermediate Bridge (L)
Lunch (R)
Mahjong (L)
Bingo (R)
Line Dancing (R)
Living Without A Partner – Support Group (L)
Joint Pain & Treatment Options Seminar (R)
Lunch (R)
Scrabble (L)
Quilt Circle’s Christmas Party (R)
Living Without A Partner –
Support Group (L)
Lunch (R)
Scrabble (R*)
3
Health & Wellness Center (HW)
Programming Office (PO)
Wheels Conference
Computer Lab
Thursday
Lower Level
(LL)
9
Friday
4
12:00 Lunch (R)
12:15 Bridge Group (L)
1:00 AARP Board Meeting (HW)
Day Trippers: “It Happened One Christmas Eve” at the
Westchester Broadway Theatre
5
9:30 Mahjong (L)
12:00 “Wii B Happy Bowlers” Team Practice (R)
11
9:00 Odd Fellows Men’s Breakfast (R)
9:30 Mahjong (L)
10:30 Holiday Party at the Maxx
(No Shopping)
12
18
9:30 Mahjong (L)
10:30 Holiday Party Snow Date
12:00 “Wii B Happy Bowlers” Team Practice (R)
19
25
9:30 Mahjong (L)
12:00 “Wii B Happy Bowlers” Team Practice (R)
26
9:30
10:00
12:00
12:15
1:00
4:00
SC Advisory Board Meeting (HW)
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop with the
New Milford Garden Club (R)
Lunch (R)
Bridge Group (L)
Open Floor Dance (R)
Commission on Aging Meeting (R)
9:45
10:30
12:00
12:15
12:30
12:30
Writing Group (L)
"For Your Health" with NM Hospital: Acupuncture (R)
Lunch (R)
Bridge Group (L)
Birthday Party (R)
Christmas Caroling (R)
Merry Christmas
Center Closed
(WC)
(CL)
Robo-Calls for Reminders
and Notifications
Please make note that the Center has
been using a new calling feature that
allows an automated message to be
delivered via phone call. We will be using
this feature to invite or remind you about
upcoming events, notify you changes or
cancellations of programs, and much
more. The number that calls you is a
voice-activated Massachusetts number
so please know that it is the Center
calling with an important message!
To our readers: Our newsletter accepts
advertising from a number of various
businesses and service providers. Please
note that although we publish these
advertisements, the identification of any
product or service provider contained or
referred to in any ads does not constitute
an endorsement, referral, guarantee or
recommendation of or by the Town of New
Milford or the New Milford Senior Center.
10 Counselors' Notes
Senior Services Counselors NANCY CRONIN & LORRAINE KELLEY
Available full-time to help with a variety of issues:
Information and Referral • Housing Options • Prescription Drug Issues
Energy Assistance, Renter & Tax Rebates, Medicaid, etc. • Medicare, Medigap Insurance, and Medicare
Advantage Counseling • Long Term Care Planning • Social Security Problems • Meals on Wheels
Home Care Needs • Financial Problems • Transportation • Support Groups: Visually Impaired, and
Reverse Annuity Mortgages Long-Term Care Insurance • Low-Interest Grants or Loans for Home Repair
Title 5 Senior Employment Options • Medicare Part D, etc.
Nancy and Lorraine are at the Center for 45 minute appointments Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings (9:00 – 11:15).
They also make home visits and may be contacted by phone. Services available to New Milford Residents Only
Medicare D and Medicare
Advantage Plan Open
Enrollment began October 15th and runs
through December 7th. We have heard that
there will be major changes to the Medicare
Advantage plans offered in CT for the year
2015, so it is highly recommended that anyone
on one of those plans looks over the new
changes carefully and/or makes an appointment
to see one of the counselors. If you have a
stand-alone prescription drug plan (Medicare
D) with original Medicare, it is also a good idea
to check on your plan information for 2015 and,
if you would like, make an appointment with one
of the counselors or trained volunteers to make
sure you have the best plan for you in 2015.
Short-term Health Insurance:
Affordable, short-term health insurance plans
are now being offered to fill in the gap for people who may have not signed up or qualified for
an insurance policy through the Affordable Care
Act. They could work out well for persons who
are 64 and waiting to get onto Medicare. Please
contact an independent insurance agent to help
you with learning more about and/or enrolling
in one of those kinds of plans. You can call the
counselors to help you find agents that may be
able to assist you.
Energy Assistance
The Senior Center continues to take taking
applications for the CT Energy Assistance
program. We will continue with households
who heat with deliverable fuels (oil, propane,
kerosene) and any electric customers who did
not apply last year. Those electric customers
who did apply last year, we ask you to wait
until January to apply again for this year. The
new income limits are $32,514.56 for singles
and $42,519.04 for couples. Asset limits are
$7,000 for renters and $10,000 for homeowners
– anything over that is added on to your income
and that cannot exceed the income levels
mentioned above. You may call the office to
make an appointment with one of the counselors.
Please be sure to bring the following with you
to your appointment: documentation of all
current income, current bank statements
(all pages please) and, electric bill. You will
also need to know the birthdates and Social
Security numbers of everyone living in your
home, unless they rent a separate apartment
from you. Please call the Senior Center before
coming to your appointment if you are not sure
what to bring.
DURABLE MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT AND MEDICARE:
Medicare B covers Durable Medical Equipment
(DME) provided they are medically necessary and
are used in a home - not a nursing home. DME
includes braces, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs,
hospital beds, oxygen tanks, nebulizers, CPAP
machines, patient lifts, etc. It will only cover
electric wheelchairs or scooters if the doctor
certifies that they are medically necessary and the
person needs to use them inside his or her home,
as well as outside. If you have original Medicare,
Part B will typically pay 80% and some Medigap
plans will pick up the 20%. If you have a Medicare
Advantage Plan, it must cover the same amount
as original Medicare, although the co-pay may vary
depending on the plan. If the equipment is rented,
Medicare makes monthly payments based on the
expected life of the equipment. If you are unsure
if you can rent or buy the equipment and whether
or not Medicare covers it, you can always call the
DME Provider who knows all of those things and
can even give you the forms you need to have your
doctor complete.
“I AM OKAY” Reclaiming Self Esteem Support Group will reconvene
in the new year. Dates and times of meetings to
be announced.
Bereavement Support Group –
Living without a Partner Is offered
every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at
the Senior Center from 10 AM – 11:30 AM,
facilitated by the New Milford VNA.
Caregiver Support Group is offered
every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at
the SeniorCenter from 10 AM – 11:30 AM,
facilitated by the New Milford VNA.
Evening Bereavement
Support Group
New Milford VNA 68 Park Lane; 1st and 3rd
Thursday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.;
860-354-2216.
VIP Group
(Visually Impaired Persons Support Group) will
meet on Monday, December 15th for our annual
Christmas Party at Tivoli's Restaurant. The snow
date will be Monday, December 22nd. There
will be a robo call explaining the details. Hope
everyone can attend!
The Mobile Health Clinic
The Mobile Health Clinic willno longer come
to the Senior Center Parking lot. If you have
Medicaid or do not have health insurance,
you can call the Greater Danbury Community
Health Center at 203-743-0100 to set up an
appointment at their Danbury office."
A Community Outreach Specialist from the
Greater Danbury Community Health Center may
be available to meet clients who need to apply
for medical insurance through Accesshealthct.
Please call the Senior Center at 860-355-6075
to schedule an appointment.
Volunteers Needed for Meals
on Wheels Delivery
As some of you may know, volunteers come to
the Center each weekday to deliver meals to
folks in the northern part of New Milford. Some
people receive Meals on Wheels on a temporary
basis, others for an extended period. It is a
wonderful service and we are very pleased to
be able to provide it. We encourage people to
take advantage of it when they are homebound
and unable to prepare meals on their own. There
is a team of volunteer deliverers and substitutes
that make this happen. Right now it would be
helpful to have a few more people to call on for
these deliveries. Please call the Center at 860-3556075 if you are interested in hearing more about
this volunteer opportunity.
Brain Games
GAME ANSWERS FOR THIS ISSUE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT MONTHS ISSUE.
Answer to Previous Puzzle
Lunch menus are available at the Senior Center!
Please call the Center at 860-355-6075
48 hours in advance to reserve lunch.
$2 Suggested Donation
11
12 Programs
ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN ROOMS 2A AND 2C WILL NOT BE HELD FOR
THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEW YEAR!
Handwork Circle
Book Discussion Group
Enjoy the fun and merriment as you knit and
crochet! Meeting every week throughout the
year, anyone can work on their own project,
which may be for a family member, a friend, or
a piece that is donated to a local nursing home,
the Senior Center, or the New Milford Visiting
Nurses Association. If you’ve never knitted
before, there are plenty of hands willing to assist!
We are presently looking for yarn donations but
have enough to get you started. Come join in on
the fun where everything is handmade with love
and walk-ins are most welcome!
Do you like to read books and discuss them with
others? Join the book discussion group that
meets every month at the Senior Center. Books
are provided by the New Milford Public Library.
We read mostly fiction, but mix it up every now
and then with some non-fiction and biographies.
Our discussions are informal but lively, so come
join the group and see what blooms! Call the
Center at 860-355-6075 for more information.
Mondays, 10:00 AM
Wood Carving Group
4th Tuesday, 1:00 PM
New Milford Library –
Book Exchange
1st Wednesday, 11:15 AM
Come join the fun with sharp edged tools!
Sounds crazy but once you try it out, you will be
astonished with your results! The group invites
the novice to come with a simple tool such as
a sharp paring knife and of course, the wood
you’re going to carve. They will show you how
easy carving can be. Also, for those that are
experienced and have a tool kit, be prepared to
make some magic again! The group welcomes
all levels of creativity to join in their fun and
laughter so call the office for a seat at the
carving table 860-355-6075.
Each month a volunteer from the NM Library
comes to the Center’s Richmond Dining Room
with a new selection of books for you to “signout”. It’s just like the library is coming to you!
This is a convenient way to use the NM Library
services without leaving the comforts of the
Center! Then when you are done with your book,
either bring it back the first Wednesday of the
following month when the library volunteer is
back again or drop them off with Jasmin where
she has a drop-off box in her office. It’s a great
program and what greater pleasure is there to
get lost in the pages of a great book? So come
by and see what stories await you.
Quilt Circle
Special Bingo
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM
Tuesdays,
1:00 PM
Have you ever
wanted to quilt?
Join the Quilt Circle on Tuesdays from 1:00 to
3:00 PM! All levels of “stitchers” are welcome!
The group works on individual projects with help
from other members when needed and on group
quilts. Come and join the fun and friendship! We
have fabric, thread, quilting tools, and sewing
machines. We can help you create a simple quilt
or guide you through advanced techniques. Call
860-355-6075 to sign up today!
Senior Singers
1st Tuesday, 1:00 PM
Come and sing with us! We are a casual group
who enjoy gathering on the first Tuesday of
every month to lift our spirits with song. Helena
accompanies us on the piano, and Lorna, our
Singing Captain, has song sheets with lyrics to
jog our memories. All voices are most welcome
as it is the spirit of song and not the sound that
is so uplifting. You do not need to know how
to read music - all you need is an enjoyment of
singing! Come have some old-fashioned fun!
Call 860-355-6075 to sign up.
Storytime with the
Children’s Center
2nd Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Children are always such a joy and here at the
Center, we have been given the opportunity to
make a child smile! For one hour each month, the
four and five year olds from the Children’s Center
come in to be read storybooks by volunteer
readers, have a little snack, and maybe even
do a little craft. We meet right here in the
Richmond Dining Room where the books are
provided and all we need from you is to make
these stories come to life for these kids. In
return, you will receive an appreciative smile and
even get a laugh yourself as your little listeners’
imaginations soar! For more information or to be
put down as a volunteer reader, please call the
Center at 860-355-6075.
"You Be The Judge!" Game
Tuesday, December 16th, 10:30 AM
Join us as we welcome back Tracy Brady of
Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services who
has another fun event in store for us! We will be
playing a thought-provoking game entitled "You
Be The Judge!" where you will have to guess the
outcome of real court cases so use your best
judgment and call the call the Center at 860355-6075 to sign up today!
1st Wednesday, 12:40 PM
This month we welcome back Villlage Crest to
host our Special Bingo! Please join the staff from
VC as they call Bingo and offer fun, fellowship,
and of course, great prizes! Walk-ins are always
welcome and it’s always free to play! Come try
your luck and if you’re here a little early, why not
grab some lunch? Lunch is served at 11:45AM,
but you will need to make a reservation for lunch
at least 24 hours before, so please call 860-3556075 and you can play Bingo on a full stomach!
Bingo
Mondays, 12:40 PM
Join us for an afternoon of Bingo games!
Whether across, down, or diagonally it doesn’t
matter because everyone will walk out as
a winner when they have a BINGO! This is an
exciting way to meet others who enjoy the game
and of course, walk-ins are always welcome. So
come grab some lunch by reserving at least 24
hours in advance by calling 860-355-6075 and
stay after for Bingo that way you’re sure to leave
with as a winner with full tummy!
Ask an Attorney with
Rudy Kuss / Michelle Liguori
4th Friday, 9:00 AM
Are you a senior with a question on how or if to
proceed with an elder law concern? This free
informational service is offered by elder care
Attorney Rudy Kuss or his partner Michelle
Liguori. Every fourth Friday of the month either
Attorney will meet privately with individuals
to answer questions about elder laws and
how they are applied in areas such as estate
planning, living wills, transfer of assets,
Medicare, and Medicaid. These are one time
informational appointments; no legal advice
is offered during these consultations. If you
would like to meet with either Atty. Kuss or
Liguori, please call the Senior Center at 860355-6075 to make an appointment.
13
Programs Continued...
ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN ROOMS 2A AND 2C WILL NOT BE HELD FOR
THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEW YEAR!
Monthly Birthday Celebration
Open Floor Dance
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop
Are you celebrating a birthday in the month of December? Well come to the Center and have
lunch and birthday cake to celebrate! This
month’s birthday celebrants will not only have
“Happy Birthday” sung to them, but will also be
honored with flowers, balloons, and of course,
good company wishing them the happiest of
birthdays and many more to come! We thank
our friends at “A Piece of Cake” for their lovely
birthday cake each month and “Lennie’s Flower
Shop” for our celebrants’ flowers and hope that
you call the Center at 860-355-6075 to make
a reservation for the lunch so that we can
celebrate your birthday with you!
Get ready to get your groove on because we’re
opening up the floor and watch our dining room
turn into a dance hall! All types of dance music
and requests will be welcome so if you’re into
swing, cha-cha, tap dance or just bopping to
the music, come and dance the hour away! For
more information, please call the Center at 860355-6075 and get those feet movin’!
We welcome to join the New Milford Garden
Club for an annual tradition here at the Center.
Allow your creativity to flow as you put together
and decorate your very own holiday centerpiece
that can be used on your dinner table or as a gift
for a friend or loved one! Space is limited so call
the Center at 860-355-6075 to sign up today!
3rd Thursday, 12:30 PM
Odd Fellows Men's Breakfast
Friday, December 18th, 9:00 AM
The members of Good Shepherd Odd Fellows
Lodge #65 are back and will be providing
their famous breakfast here in our Richmond
Dining Room! Breakfast is served promptly at
9:00AM for a suggested donation of $3.00. If
you are interested in attending, please make a
reservation by calling the Center at 860-3556075 so the men know how many eggs to fry
and pancakes to flip!
Wii Bowling
Fridays, 12:00 PM – “Wii B Happy
Bowlers” Team Practice
Join in the excitement of Wii Bowling, a virtual
bowling game that simulates all the movements
of bowling minus the heavy ball! Score points
and aim for a strike as you cheer on your other
players and have a great game! The New
Milford Senior Center’s very own team: the “Wii
B Happy Bowlers,” hold their practices weekly
and have a ball! For more information, please
call the Center at 860-355-6075 and get in the
action of Wii Bowling!
Cards & Board Games
Participating in mentally challenging leisure
activities such as card games and playing board
games may help people stay mentally sharp.
Here at our Center, we have many activities that
you can participate in that will not only challenge
your brain, but be entertaining and socially
engaging as well. Take a look at our calendar
for the scheduled times and please come and
check out what fun we have! Chess, Bingos,
Bridge, Mah Jongg, Mexican Train Dominoes,
and Scrabble.
2nd Thursday, 1:00 PM
Thursday, December 11th, 10:00 AM
Midweek Matinee
Wednesdays (except Special Bingo
Wednesdays), 12:45 PM
What a better way to get over “hump day” than
with lunch and a movie? Join us as we turn the
Dining Room into a movie theater! The movie of
the week will be on display at the beginning of
each week so come by and see what’s playing!
Please call the Center at 860-355-6075 for
more information or to make a reservation. It
will be a good time for all so come grab the best
seat in the house and enjoy the show!
Lights,
Camera,
ACTION!
"A life worth living is a life worth telling"
Do you have a story to tell? Would you like your
family and friends to know something about
your life and preserve that story on video? Well
we have an amazing opportunity to share with
you! As a newly rejuvenated endeavor with
the Center, our new production team of New
Milford Senior Happenings, that is the legacy
of our good friend, Liz Miller, is looking to do
two special productions in partnership with the
New Milford Youth Agency! The first of which
is a video history or legacy about your life that
your family and friends would be able to gain an
appreciation and understanding of your personal
journey through life. And secondly, if you grew
up in New Milford, we'd like to make a video of
your story, experiences, and memories of what
it was like growing up here that will be featured
with the New Milford Historical Society's 100th
Anniversary in 2015! Your life is a story worth
sharing so we invite you to share them with us!
For more details on how to get involved, please
stop in or call the Center at 860-355-6075 and
share your story!
Holiday Party
Friday, December 12th,
10:30 AM at the Maxx
(Snow Date: Friday, December 19th)
You are invited join us for our annual Holiday
Party that will take place this year at the
Maxx! We will kick off festivities with a holiday
sing-along with pianist and entertainer, Hank
Milligan, followed by a delicious lunch catered
by the Youth Agency featuring stuffed pork
tenderloin with cranberry relish, a roasted
potato medley, acorn squash, tossed green
salad, and stout cupcakes topped with
whipped cream and crushed candy cane,
and of course, games, fun, and good cheer!
Tickets can be purchased at the Senior Center
up until Wednesday, December 10th for
$10.00 as this will confirm your reservation!
Also, check out our display case of door prizes
for a chance to win a prize at the party and of
course, from all of us at the Center, we wish
you and yours a happy holiday season that’s
merry and bright!
New Year’s Celebration
Friday, January 9th,
12:00 PM at the Maxx
(Snow Date: Friday, January 16th)
Let’s toast to the New Year with an afternoon
of Dining and Dancing! After lunch, we
will open up the dance floor, swinging
and swaying into 2015! Tickets can be
purchased at the Center throughout the
month of December. For more details, call
the Center at 860-355-6075 and wish you
and yours a healthy, happy, and prosperous
new year!
14Local Transportation
REGULAR BUS SERVICE
When you need transportation within New
Milford to medical appointments, the Center,
the grocery store or the hairdresser/barber
shop, please call for a reservation. The two
Center mini buses operate Monday through
Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
For your convenience, you now can schedule
doctor’s appointments in the early afternoon.
Any resident of New Milford over 60 years of
age, or a disabled person under 60, who has
been determined ADA eligible by Housatonic
Area Regional Transit (HART), can ride the bus.
This is a “curb to curb” service that is schedule
on a “first call, first serve” basis.
RESERVATIONS & RIDERSHIP
To reserve a ride, call the Center at 860-3556075 as early as two weeks before you need a
ride, but at least three days before you need the
transportation. You will receive a phone call the
afternoon before your bus ride to give you the
time of pick-up. Once you get on the bus, you will
be taken to the destination scheduled. We cannot
allow for multiple stops unless they are scheduled
before hand. We also require 24-hour notice
for a change in destination. If you come to the
Senior Center by bus and someone else is picking
you up you must let us know that you will not
be on the afternoon bus. Butter Brook and Glen
Ayre riders: due to our Busy schedule, it is now
necessary to call the Center with your requested
destination and please wait for your pick-up in the
lobby/community center. Please call the Center’s
Office at 860-355-6075 when you finish your
appointment and/or you have been waiting for
the bus for more than 15 minutes. Please note
that we cannot accept cash on the buses, you
can obtain a bus pass from the Senior Center
Office in person or by sending a check made out
to the Town of New Milford in a self-addressed
envelope. These bus passes are available at a
discounted contribution rate: 5 rides for $4.00,
10 rides for $9.00, and 20 rides for $18.00
and are good for six months from issue.
Riders must have independent mobility as
safety is very important to us and we ask that
if you need assistance, aides and companions
are welcome to ride our bus with you free of
charge, but we ask that you please include this
information in your bus reservation.
You may schedule a ride to the Big Y any day of
the week and the schedules for other shopping
plazas are as follows:
Wednesdays & Fridays – Stop & Shop/Walmart
1st and 3rd Wednesdays – Kohl’s
2nd and 4th Wednesdays – Aldi’s
Thursdays – Thrift Mart of New Milford
Please note that we do not follow the New Milford School District delays or closures so for any
emergency or weather-related incidents including road closures, we will continue to provide
information on Channel 3 News under the New Milford Senior Center.
The Town of New Milford requests that you
please wear your seatbelt! All walkers/ canes
must be secured. Wheelchairs will be housed in
the appropriate locked position. For the safety
of yourself and others, please limit yourself to
bringing no more than 3 reasonably-sized bags
of groceries or other goods that can be placed
at your feet or on your lap. YOU must have
the ability to safely carry your belongings and
purchases on and off the bus as the bus drivers
are not permitted to handle your items and also
must remain within 3 feet of the bus at all times.
Riders must have independent mobility but if
you do need assistance, aides and companions
are welcome to ride our bus with you free of
charge; please include this information when
you make a reservation. Please note that this is
a demand-response, curb to curb service that is
scheduled on a first call, first serve basis.
The WHEELS
Program of
Greater New
Milford is
a volunteer
organization that
provides rides
to non-emergency medical appointments
for seniors and residents with disabilities.
WHEELS is able to accommodate nonemergency medical appointments in and
around the Greater New Milford area even as
far as New Haven, CT. For more information or
to schedule a ride, the WHEELS office is open
Monday-Thursdays, 9 AM–12 PM and can be
reached by calling 860-354-6012.
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**All offers are valid “any” day of the week during regular business hours unless otherwise noted.
Offers cannot be combined with any other offer. One Coupon or Offer with each party or group.
Offers expire December 31, 2014 unless otherwise noted.
Dining Out and Around Town
Advertise your restaurant here!
Call: 508-361-7000
15
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NEW MILFORD SENIOR CENTER NEWS AND ACTIVITIES
New Milford Senior Center
40 Main Street
New Milford, CT 06776
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