A newsletter by the Senior Center Foundation, Inc. who supports The Senior Center 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

seniorwise

January- February 2016

Volunteer Spotlight

Larry & Irene BairdLarry and Irene moved to the area 10 years ago, and currently live in Buckland. They have been married for 47 years; have two sons and a 17 month old grand-son. They spend two days a week with him and he is the joy of their lives. Irene loves coming to the Senior Cen-ter because of the “personal touch and the respect shown to all.” She teaches The Ageless Waves of Rhythm Drummers Group and has recently started a beginners group which has been very popular. When she is not drumming, Irene enjoys oil painting, dancing to R&B music and studying world cultures.Larry also assists in drum-ming instruction in addition to leading a yoga group here at the Center. He serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Senior Center Foundation. His hobbies include flower and vegetable gardening and cooking. Please say hello to this special couple as they are frequently at our Senior Center volunteering their time.

Ring in the New Year!

Hear the new Mohawk student accapella group “Citrus and the Fruit Bowl” as we toast and welcome the new year at the Center on Thursday, December 31 at 11:50 a.m. All welcome and free!

The Senior Center, UMass Amherst College of Nursing, the Massachusetts Association of Councils of Aging and FRCOG are collabo-rating to offer you a Health Challenge! Each Thursday Feb-ruary 4- March 31 (except March 17) nursing students will be here to pro-vide information and support to help senior adults es-tablish health goals, provide health screen-ings such as blood pressure, weight,

nutrition, activity and glucose levels as needed. Presentations on related topics will be offered. If increased activity is a goal, please see all the offer-ings by the Senior Center plus the walking group that meets at Shelburne’s Cowell gym. A general

meeting will be held Thursday, Feb-ruary 4 at 1:00 p.m. to kick

off the program and con-clude with the nurses March 31. Some sup-port materials will be provided. This pro-gram is free. If you are interested in this

personal challenge, please call to pre-register.

Health Challenge!

Members of the Mohawk High School accapella group.

Our Men’s Group met and enjoyed a presentation by Mike Skalski about his son Sean’s service with the Navy as a helicopter pilot on the USS Carl Vinson.

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Senior Center and member Councils on Aging is to enrich the lives of residents in the community as they age by de-signing support networks, identi-fying and meeting their needs and interests, and providing services and programs in welcoming, re-spectful, and safe environments.

STAFFCathleen Buntin, Director Leanne Dowd,Outreach Coordinator Dot Lyman, Activities CoordinatorRobert Szafran Transportation Coordinator & Van Driver Paul Cetto, Van DriverHugh Knox, Meal Site ManagerGloria Fisher,Office AssistantElayne Ryba, Senior Aide

COA BOARDEllen Eller, BucklandJoanne Soroka, BucklandEric Temple, BucklandPenny Spearance, ShelburneFranklin Wickland, AshfieldDoug Field, AshfieldSteve Zamojski, AshfieldChris Myers, ShelburneSue Bishop, ShelburneSylvia Smith, ShelburneGail Ojala, ShelburneDonna Liebl, Buckland

Senior Center Foundation, Inc.Marion Taylor, PresidentMargaret Payne, Vice PresidentLarry Baird, TreasurerMike McCuskerDena BriggsHelen HodgesNancy HammondKay Berenson

NEWSLETTERSeniorWise is produced bi-monthly. Content contributions are welcome.Layout & design by Diana Hardina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Senior Center 413.625.2502sfsrctr@crocker.comtownofshelburne.com/departments

page 2

by Helen Hodges.

Priority RegistrationMost of our programs are open to all ages from all towns. However, since Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne financially support the Center facility, staff, programs and ser-vices, residents of those towns (Consortium members) are understandably given priority for registration to programs which are lim-ited in space. Please note the priority deadline dates listed for those programs. After that date, residents of other towns may register and a slightly higher fee (if any) may be charged to cover expenses not currently covered by your town. We are happy to take your names at any time on a wait list and will call you if space is available.

FragrancesIn consideration of those that have sensitivi-ties to products with fragrances and perfumes including shampoos and body sprays, we politely request you refrain from using such products when visiting at The Senior Center or attending any programs. Thank you for complying with this request.

A very special thank youto the following people for donated goods or services for our seniors:

Donna Dahill: puzzlesShelburne Farm and Garden: seed packetsCarol Kelshaw: booksMcCusker’s: foodJohn Yarmac: foodBill and Helen Delaney: greeting cardsRose Bares: Holiday candy giftsElla Cosimini, Eric Temple, Judy Malo-ney and Caroline Thomas:peeling pota-toes for our holiday mealEveryone:making holiday cards for our Meals on Wheels and housebound seniorsGreenfield Savings Bank:co-sponsoring and helping out with Hugh’s Holiday DinnerMohawk Middle School chorus directed by Gina Clark for a wonderful holiday concertMohawk Middle School Home Econom-ics class: holiday meal cookiesHager Farm: Vegetables for holiday soupHugh Knox, Ryan Lopez, Joanne So-roka, Evie Gore and all the volunteers: Fabulous Holiday dinnerCarol Jones, Margaret Hillman: Bingo-prizes

Thank you to our recent donors.

Gift FundTed and Lisa Merrill, Maggie Lilly, Jerry Sheffren

Memorial ContributionsGladys Cranmore in memory of

Dot Lyman in memory of Doris Dube

Bad Weather PolicyIt is that time of year again to be prepared for bad weather. Please stock up on batteries, have flashlights ready and keep a hard line phone available for emergencies.For programs and services at the Senior Cen-ter, we cancel morning programs if the Mo-hawk School District has a delay. Bob will de-cide if it is safe for van service and call people scheduled for a ride. If school is cancelled, we are likely closed for the day. For details on any scheduling changes, call the Center after 7:30 a.m. at 625-2502 and listen to the recorded message.

Staff from Greenfield Savings Bank take a break from helping with the Holiday Dinner which the bank gen-erously co-sponsored.

page 3

upcoming events

special events

by Helen Hodges.

33

Luncheons: Wednesday, January 27: Chicken and Dumpling DinnerEnjoy some home cooked food by Evie Gore followed by entertainment. Lunch served at noon. $4 members, $6 non-members.

Wednesday, February 24, noon. Men’s Delight and a Cherry Pie Contest. Again this year the Men’s Group has graciously of-fered to fix a special pot roast luncheon. Fol-lowing lunch will be judging of the cherry pie entrants with the results being eaten for des-sert! $6 for members; $8 for non-members.

Cherry Pie ContestCalling all bakers! The Senior Center will be offering a cherry pie contest in February. Then, pies from the contest (and others if needed) will be the featured dessert for our February 24th luncheon. If you wish to en-ter the contest you can fill out a registration form at the Senior Center by February 8. Pies need to arrive at the Center by 10 a.m. that day and the judging will take place at the luncheon. Illustrious judges also needed!!! Come on all you community bakers and share your talents with our seniors.

Paper Crane ProjectOn January 19 from 1-3 p.m., Alan Young will offer a workshop on making paper cranes. The Thousand Crane project will involve learning how to make and help The Senior Center make 1,000 paper cranes. Pa-per cranes are a traditional Japanese symbol

for good health, peace and a way to spread hap-piness. The paper cranes made here will either be displayed or given to people. Free and open to all.

Arm Chair Travel Travel to England through photos and stories of her visits by Carol Kelshaw on Tuesday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m. You will view sacred stone circles of the Druid, visit the land of King Arthur and see the vacation lands of Kings and Queens. Enjoy some English tea and treats fol-lowing the show! Free and open to the public.

Transportation and TripsThe Senior Center provides a Van Transporta-tion program for seniors 60+, by contract with the FRTA, covering nine towns in West Coun-ty: Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Shelburne. Rides are provided only in Franklin County, plus a monthly shopping trip on the third Fri-day to WALMART in Hadley. Rides are pri-oritized as follows: medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other shopping, meals then social trips. Trips for shopping in Shel-burne Falls are scheduled for most Wednesday mornings and to Big Y in Greenfield on Tues-days for Rowe, Heath, Charlemont, Colrain, Shelburne and Buckland then on Thursdays for Ashfield, Conway and Hawley. Rides to Senior Center activities and congregate meals will be provided as the schedule permits. We are not able to provide transportation to and from employment or education nor for ongo-ing medical trips such as dialysis or physical therapy. Please call Bob at 625-2502 to make an appointment several days in advance or for information about reservations and fees.FRTA arranges rides to out of county medical appointments. Call the FRTA at 774-2262 x163 for information and reservations and informa-tion about their fixed route between Charlem-ont and Greenfield with stops in Buckland and Shelburne.

Lunch Bunch Trips

Pre-register for the van or if you are driving yourself. Van fee is $4. Separate checks are issued for lunch.

Wednesday, Jan 13Kobe Grill in Greenfield

Wednesday, Feb 10 Franklin County Tech School Restaurant

Ellen Eller and Joanne Saroka served up their delicious soup for Conversation Café.

page 4

services, continued on page 5

health & wellnessFun AerobicsFun Aerobics is held most Tuesdays from 5pm to 6pm upstairs in the Buckland Town Hall. The instructor will still be Ann Doty. Cost is $15 per 8 week session for seniors from Ashfield, Buck-land and Shelburne and $20 per 8 week session for others and participants under 60. All ages are welcome to attend. Bring your hand weights (some are available if you don’t have them) and your water bottle. Join anytime. Next session begins Jan 5.

Tai Chi Classes (3 classes per week!)Tai Chi has been proven to be helpful to improve balance, joint discomfort and stiffness and aid in falls prevention. Three different programs are offered each weekMondays at the Center led by Alan Young: 9-9:30 a.m. beginners, 10-11 a.m. ongoing class with more advanced movements 10:30-11:00. Free to members; non-members, try the first class for free and then pay $10 per month .Wednesdays in Ashfield led by Deb Yaffee: 9:30-10:45 a.m. Deb has an ongoing class fol-lowing Dr. Lam’s program at the First Con-gregational Church on Main Street. Register at class. Cost is $24 per month for members and $40 per month for others. Thursdays at the Center led by Lois Bascom (New!): 9-9:45 a.m. beginner 7 week introduc-tory session starting January 14. Movements follow the program designed by Dr. Lam with easy forms and repetition. Cost is $10 for the 7 weeks for members, $20 for non-members. Please pre-register.

Gentle YogaClasses are currently held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays the participants are using a yoga CD that they enjoy. Thursdays are led by Larry Baird. For each class we ask you to register by the month. The fee for Ashfield, Buckland, and Shelburne residents is $15.00 per month for once per week

and $25.00 per month for twice per week (pay-able by the month). Non-member residents please add $10.00/month.

Foot ClinicFoot clinic appointments are offered at The Se-nior Center every month by Registered Nurses who specialize in foot care. Each appointment takes up to 30 minutes and includes nail clip-ping, callous removal and foot massage. Cost is $30.00 ($25 for Ashfield, Buckland and Shel-burne seniors thanks to gifts to the Senior Cen-ter). To make an appointment call the Center at 625-2502 and for home visits ($35) call 413-367-8369. Dates: January 11, 25, February 8, 22, 29

Healthy Bones and Balance Class (for-merly called Osteo Fitness)RSVP of Hampshire & Franklin Counties spon-sors a self-paced, low-impact, one hour exercise class to promote healthy bones and balance. It is an ongoing program, led by our trained instruc-tors, held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Center and at St. John’s Corner in Ashfield on Thursdays at 9:30a.m. Exercises, designed to strengthen bones and improve balance, can be done sitting or standing. The classes are free thanks to our volunteers. Donations from non-members welcomed.

Walk-in Wellness Regional Public Health Nurse Lisa White, BS, RN is available for one-on-one health counseling on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. – noon. The nurse can provide informa-tion, take your blood pressure, check your blood glucose and also collect sharps/needles and sup-ply you with a safe collection box. Mercury thermometer exchange is available, too. These nursing services are provided through Buckland and Shelburne’s membership in the Cooperative Public Health Service health district based at the FRCOG. For more information contact Lisa at 413-665-1400 x 114. Dates: January 26, Feb-ruary 23.

Winter Driving Tipsfrom AAA

Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.Make certain your tires are properly inflated.Never mix radial tires with other tire types.Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.Do not use cruise con-trol when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).Always look and steer where you want to go.Use your seat belt every time you get into your ve-hicle.If driving in the snow:Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regain-ing traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes lon-ger to slow down on icy roads.Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors!

page 5 services

Crystal DaSilvaThe Arbors at Greenfield

Marketing Director(P) 413-774-4400(F) 413-774-4409

Tax PrepThanks to Liberty Tax of Greenfield, free and reduced cost tax preparation is available for area senior 65 years + here at the Center. Make an appointment Friday February 5, 12 or March 4 or Wednesday March 2,23,30 or April 6. For free preparation, annual income for individuals must be $25,000 or less, for married couples $60,000 or less. If you are homebound, your income is above limits and/or you need to file with any Schedules (A,C,D or E) or out of state returns, you may make an appointment directly with Liberty Tax at 772-0202. ($50 Mass. Return, $85-$150 Mass. and Federal). Call soon. Space is limited.

SHINE Medicare Insurance Free Assis-tanceYou can receive confidential information about your Health Insurance options from a SHINE representative at the Senior Center. Dates: January 6, February 3. If you are new to Medicare, you should plan to enroll 3 months in advance of your 65th birthday.

Fuel Assistance For those of you who may struggle with the expense of heating your home this is also the time of year to consider applying for fuel as-sistance. The Fuel Assistance program ad-ministered by Community Action for those with low or fixed income runs from Novem-ber 1 to April 30. The program is meant to help with approximately 30 percent of your home heating expenses. If you need any as-sistance with your application or if you have not previously applied and want to determine your eligibility contact Leanne at The Senior Center.

OutreachLeanne Dowd, Outreach Coordinator, is available for confidential office or home visits by appointment to Ashfield, Buckland, and Shelburne residents. She will assist you with any questions you may have for services for yourself or someone you know, including fuel assistance, home health care, and food pro-grams. Please call her at 625-2502 to make an appointment. Leanne also holds drop-in or by appointment office hours in Ashfield the first Thursday of the month from 10:30-noon at St. John’s Corner.

Veterans Services at the Senior CenterThe Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District holds office hours from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday at the Senior Center. This service is open to all. Please call (413)772-1571 to make an appointment.

Caregiver Support GroupThe caregiver support group is for family mem-bers caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The group meets the first Monday of every month from 2-3:30, unless there is a holiday in which case the group meets the second Monday. The group is facilitated by Outreach Coordinator, Leanne Dowd, and Social Worker, Dianna Young. The goal of the group is to provide a safe and comfortable fo-rum in which family members and friends can meet regularly for mutual emotional support and education. If you are interested in attend-ing please contact Leanne at 625-2502 prior to your first group attendance. There is no charge to attend this group. Dates: January 4 and February 1.Home Repair Program

A handyman volunteer is available to do minor home repairs for seniors, such as replacing broken windows, small plumb-ing and electrical jobs, and other repairs. This is a free service, available to residents of Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne, but the senior is expected to purchase all needed parts and materials. Vol-untary donations are ac-cepted. This program is partially funded by a Title III grant from Franklin County Home Care and the Massachusetts EOEA. If you have a project or can volunteer as a handy-man, please call Leanne at 625-2502.

Eric Temple presents a cane, hand carved by Alan Young, to Bob Bessette in celebration of his 99th birthday during Mens Night.

page 6

Lifelong Learning

111 Bridge Street, Shelburne FallsOpen Monday-Thursday, 9-4 and by appointment

CribbageCribbage will continue on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.. We need more cribbage players!. Join us for socializing and game playing. Other games available if people want to play other games

French ClassConversational French Class is held every Thursday at 2:30 p.m.. New participants are welcome.

Drumming ProgramThe Ageless Waves of Rhythm Drummers, under the direction of Irene Baird, will con-tinue to meet on most Mondays at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. See calendar for dates of classes. Free for members and $15 per month for others. A beginner hand drumming group is on Mondays from 2:10-3:10 p.m. No experience necessary – be ready to have a good time and having a good time is good for mind, body and spirit. Free for members and $15 per month for others. Call the Center at 625-2502 if you are interested in joining this new group in March.

Men’s Night Men’s Night is the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The men will gather at the Center at 5pm for either a field trip or meetings/pre-sentations at the Center. January 13 and February 10.

Memoire WritingOur Memoire Writing workshop will contin-ue every other Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. beginning January 15 until spring at the Se-nior Center. New participants are welcome to join the group . Karen Earle will lead the group in writing exercises and sharing their work. Karen has a MFA in Creative Writing and is a long time writing teacher. This work-shop is free to Ashfield, Buckland and Shel-burne seniors thanks to donations to our Gift Fund, $20 for others. Please pre-register.

MoviesTuesday, January 5, 12:30 p.m. The Theo-ry of Everything Come view the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned as-trophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wil-de. Free and open to all. Popcorn served

Tuesday, February 16, 12:30 p.m. The Intern. 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert Denero) has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin. Free and open to all. Popcorn served

Painting and Drawing GroupA six week painting and drawing group will be offered at The Senior Center with artist and in-structor Kim Sebrey for participants who have some painting or drawing experience. Each week Kim will set up a still life for you to work from or you can bring a photo of your own. She will assist you with your project, offer tips and pro-vide mini lessons. Bring your own supplies and spend a fun couple of hours painting or drawing, and get the creative boost you’ve been looking for while spending time with friends, new and old. Class time will be on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. (come 10 minutes early to set up.)The six week session runs from January 20 through February 24. The six week cost is $30 for 60+ from Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne and $50 for those under 60 and from all other towns. Please pre-register by calling The Senior Center before January 15.

Computer LabIns and outs of E-mailingOn Tuesday, January 5, 12, 19, from 9:00-11:30 a.m., Clint Davis, our computer instructor, will be offering a class on e-mailing. The purpose is to share new information as well a review with the op-portunity to answer ques-tions for those already us-ing e-mail. Pre-registration required. Free to members; $15 for others.During the month of Feb-ruary, from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Clint Davis will offer an open lab with assistance. Come with your questions, problems, etc.

Spelling Bee Team members (and co-champs!)Sue Shauger, John (the wise owl) Strickland and Helen Boyden pose before the big competition. A thank you to Kate Downes for sponsoring our team.

page 7

local happenings

Food ProgramsHome-Delivered Meals “Meals on Wheels” are available for seniors in West County up to seven days per week. Please call Franklin County Home Care at 773-5555 for information and registration.

Congregate MealsMeals open to all seniors of all towns are served at the Senior Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. by FCHCC. Res-ervations must be made before 11:00 a.m. one meal site day in advance by calling Hugh at 625-6266. $2.50 donation suggested.

Brown BagThe Brown Bag program is a bag of groceries specifically for low-income adults who are 55 years and older (or younger with documented dis-ability) and is distributed on the third Wednes-day of the month at the Center from 3-4 p.m. January 20, February 17. A $3.00 donation is requested per month. To apply for the monthly bag of groceries, call the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 1-800-247-9632 or you can con-tact Leanne at The Senior Center for help with the application.The Food Pantry has moved to the Cowell Gym in Shelburne and is open the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m. Call Community Action at 773-5029 ext.2 for more information.

Ashfield Council on AgingMonthly luncheons are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at noon at the First Congregational Church in Ashfield. All are wel-come. Contact Charlotte Clement at 625-6270 if you plan to attend or for more information. January 7 will be a brown bag lunch and social-izing. Dessert and drinks provided. February 4 will be a brown bag lunch followed by Bingo.

Thursday Outreach in Ashfield: Outreach Coordinator Leanne Dowd will have drop in hours in Ashfield on the first Thursday of each month from 10:30-12:00 at St. John’s Corner. Stop in and see her if you have ques-tions about programs that can benefit you including fuel assistance and SNAP, home care services, home repair or senior center programs or call for an appointment. Drop in dates are January 7, February 4.

Walking Group at Cowell GymThe Shelburne Recreation Committee sponsors a walking group at the Cowell Gym from 9-10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday un-der the coordination of Judy and Bob Lawler through the spring. Walk safely and healthfully at your own rate. Program is free and open to all. Donations are accepted at the gym.

Rita Egan and Anne Ma-loney share laughs during Holiday celebration.

Carol Kelshaw and Lois Bascom.

Senior Center Foundation, Inc.7 Main StreetP.O. Box 464

Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Non Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit 183

Greenfield MA

Senior Center Foundation Board of DirectorsMarion J. TaylorMargaret PayneKay Berenson Larry BairdMichael McCuskerDena Briggs Nancy Hammond Helen Hodges

Senior Center Foundation NewsThe Senior Center Foundation, Inc. was formed to accept dona-tions, raise funds and provide support for the Senior Cen-ter’s efforts. The Foundation has provided funds for special luncheons, entertainment, foot clinics, art classes, the Hilltown Harmony Chorus and supports this newsletter. Thank you for all who have donated so far to our annual appeal. If you have not received information and a let-ter from the Foundation, please give the Senior Center a call!

Ways to support the Foundation: • Make a donation any time to P.O. Box 46, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 • Send in a subscription for SeniorWise to help cover printing and mailing costs.

Thank you!

Travelers to the fabulous holiday party and dance held at Chez Joseph in Agawam pose on the elegant staircase.