Greetings from Melissa:
We will be hosting many fun, diverse and uplifting “HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS” here at your Senior Center throughout the month The listing of all of these happenings can be found following this article.
One of our programs will be a tree-trimming party on Thursday, December 5st at 10:00 am. Then, all month (if you are able) please bring a non-perishable food item or two to place under our tree. We will be enlisting the help of our local other “seniors” from Tantasqua High School to transport the goods to our local food pantry for the benefit of our local citizens in need.
As I write this, I am listening to the voices coming from our monthly “Sing-a-Long with SueCaplette.. The sounds are a blend of all the different voices, and the different styles—sometimes a solo is belted out! But what I hear are the memories being shared which have been evoked by the songs, and in between those songs LOTS of laughter. That brings me joy.
The Holidays can be merry and bright for some or they can be sad and blue for others. Sometimes in the act of giving to others, we can feel a little bit better. It is our goal to provide you with: resources, a place to gather with friends, make new ones, share memories and bring you joy throughout this holiday season.
Holiday Blessings and Peace to All.
Melissa
You are Cordially Invited to: “HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS.” Throughout December
December 1st 1:00 .Holiday Sing-a-Long with Sue Caplette to get you in the spirit
December 2nd. 1:00-3:00 Trip to the Festival of Giving Trees (Free). Call 508-347-7575 to reserve.
December 5th 10:00 am Trim our Tree with Coffee, Tea & Pastry—
**Bring an ornament if you have one that you would like to display on the tree.
December 6th Holiday movie w/ popcorn
December 7th Writing and addressing cards to our troops –Stop in anytime throughout the day
December 8th Holiday Cookie Exchange-1:00-3:00 Please bring 2-dozen to exchange and a few extras to sample during the get-together
December 9th
December 12 2:00-4:00 Christmas/Holidays around the World—Share food item or decoration or tradition from your country of origin ***You do not have to leave the article here.
December 13th 12:30 Holiday Movie “Mrs. Miracle”
December 14th 2:00-4:00
December 15th 10:00-11:30 “Reminiscing –“Holiday Memories”
December 16th 12:30-2:00 Holiday Party with Entertainment – “Franny Mik”
December 20th Movie:
December 30th 1:00-4:00 “Soar into 2012” New Year’s Eve Celebration
Please join us for any or all of our programs !
State Chartered Banks Can Save You Money
For many senior citizens and “Boomers” in Massachusetts, dealing with finances in retirement can be stressful. ~Social Security, pensions, and savings only go so far, and as the cost of living goes up and up, that money does not go as far as it used to.
One way to stretch those dollars a little further is to sign up for what we in Massachusetts call an “18-65” bank account, which does not charge monthly fees for people ages 65 years and older, or 18 years and younger. These accounts are available at local, state-chartered community banks across the state, and each person can open one checking account and one savings account.
Accounts covered by the “18-65” law are not subject to minimum balance requirements, have no charges for deposit or withdrawal, or fees for basic lines of checks offered by the bank. The Division of Banks has capped the fee for insufficient funds at $5 on these accounts.
With no fees, these accounts are a great way for seniors to save money. If your current bank account costs you $10 or more a month, you would save well over $100 annually by switching, while also taking advantage of the great customer service that is the hallmark of our state-chartered banks here in Massachusetts.
A full list of all Massachusetts state-chartered banks is available by visiting the Division of Banks website at www.mass.gov/dob or by calling the Division of Banking at (617) 956-1501.
We encourage you to take advantage of these wonderful accounts, which will help you reduce your monthly bills and help you stretch those dollars a little bit further.
REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE, “MY GIFT TO YOU”
A PERFECT CHOICE FOR HOLIDAY GIVING
More adults are considering the legacies they want to leave their descendents. While gifts are often thought of in terms of financial bequests. The MOST valuable legacies can be personal memoirs, special recipes, picture albums or cherished belongings. This season of gift-giving can be a wonderful time to consider what is precious to you and pass on a special legacy to your children, grandchildren and future generations.
Come and join us to discuss your personal legacies and play the “Lifestories” game. We will be starting with “Holiday Memories” on Thursday, December 15th at 10:00 am.
This month’s Movie Offerings
Tuesday, Dec. 6th – “
Tuesday, Dec., 13th “Mrs. Miracle”
Tuesday, Dec., 20th “The Gods Must Be Crazy”
SAD NEWS
It is with the saddest heart that I must pass on the following news: Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly.
He was 71
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin.
Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, The Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.
The grave site was piled high with flour.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he was still a crusty old man and was considered a roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly dad, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes….
Remember, laughter is good for you! This bit of “Glad-Tidings” was shared by Louise Martel.
“SOAR INTO 2012”
New Year’s Eve Happy Hour & “Mocktail Party”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
1:00 – 4:00 PM.
Featuring assorted snacks and sweets including a chocolate fondue fountain!
& assorted “Mocktails”
Let’s “soar” into the new year together!
***If you wish, please bring a snack or sweet to share.
JOIN THE “MUG CLUB”
During the chilly months of December, January, & February, please bring your favorite coffee mug to the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Senior Center for a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa.—FREE!
Many of you may not realize that your Senior Center offers:
- WiFi
- TV
- A variety of daily newpapers
- A library
- Wii
- Computer (s) available for use
- Pool table
- Great people!
We are doing our part for the environment, so please bring a mug! The less Styrofoam we use, the better! And on most days, there are delicious baked goods to enjoy!
Come on in, get out of the cold for a bit, and stay connected—electronically and personally!
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Safety: During and After a Power Outage,
- Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unnecessarily. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). For the Refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers are fine for this purpose.
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- ·If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
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- ·Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using a generator. Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors. Carbon Monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly accumulate indoors. Never try to power your house by plugging the generator directly into household wiring, a practice known as "back feeding." This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
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- ·Clear all exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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- ·Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after any storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by the snow, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them. Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line.
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- ·If children are playing outdoors keep them away from downed wires and alert them of the possibility of falling limbs.
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- ·When clearing and cleaning snow outside- be mindful of hanging tree limbs from falling.
- ~·Be a good neighbor and check on your elderly neighbors and those who require additional assistance. Contact 911 immediately should life threatening emergencies occur.~~
BOOK CLUB
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
10:30 AM
LED BY MADALYN DION
DECEMBER’S SELECTION IS:
MRS. MIRACLE
BY: DEBBIE MACOMBER
NOTE: THIS WILL BE SHOWN AS A MOVIE ON DECEMBER 13TH
Come and see if the movie matches your imagination!
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HAPPY NEWS TO SHARE
On October 1st 2011, Paul Loranger and Marcia Tower were married surrounded by family and friends to help them celebrate. When asked about their relationship Marcia states, “We started out as friends, and that friendship grew, and our relationship grew.”
Paul states jokingly “I think I made the right choice…it only took me 26 years to be sure!”
Marcia was stunned when Paul proposed to her while on a cruise on their way back from Star Island.
She was not expecting it at all.
Paul says he knew it was the right time because after spending time with Marcia and family he felt like he was walking on air. He just realized how happy he was to be with her. “It took her a week before she gave me her answer!”
They both realize how lucky they are to have each other. Throughout the past year, they have dealt with caring for each other through severe illness and supporting each other in times of sadness.
“We are each other’s strength.”
Congratulations and best wishes for many happy years together.
WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL !!
A Big and Grateful “Thank you” goes out to:
- Michael Harrington, Jr. and Cathy Gregoire from The Publick House Bake Shop. They graciously donated the delicious raspberry filled, sheet cake for all to enjoy at our 90+ Birthday Celebration and beautiful and delicious red, white & blue cupcakes for our Veterans Remembrance Celebration.
AND
- Judy Ferguson from Village Photo in Southbridge for donating a group photo for all of our celebrants. It is wonderful and heartwarming to be a part of a community that cares for each other by giving and sharing their time, talents and resources. Please spread the word regarding their generosity.
PLEASE READ AND CONSIDER ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS FOR SAFETY
ARE YOU OK? R.U.O.K?
How did you fare during the recent power outage? Hopefully, a friend, neighbor or loved one checked on you.
The members of our Sturbridge community who are registered with the R.U.O.K. program were checked daily during the power outage with calls or visits from the Sturbridge Police Department.
R.U.O.K. is a cooperative program between the Sturbridge Council on Aging and the Sturbridge Police Department set up especially to keep our residents safe, healthy and secure. If you live alone and do not have someone who checks on you daily, PLEASE consider participating in this program.
The steps for participation are as follows:
- YOU REGISTER AS AN R U OK? MEMBER with the Council on Aging @ 508-347-7575
Each morning between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am you would call the Sturbridge Police Department at 508-347-2525.
When the voice message begins, press 0 for the operator or the on-duty officer. (You do not have to listen to the entire message before pressing 0).
The dispatcher will answer.
You will give him/her your name and tell them that you are calling in for the R U OK? Program.
At 9:00 am, the dispatcher will compare the list of registered clients and with those who called that day.
If no call is received by you, then the dispatcher will call your phone number.
If there is no answer, a police officer will be dispatched to your home to check on you.
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY! In light of what we experienced recently within our own community.
******Remember to inform the Police Department of any day when you will not be
home to call them before 9 a.m.
911 CELL PHONES
911 Cell phones are available to seniors free of charge. These phones are for emergency calls only.
These phones enable you to make an emergency call to local law enforcement agencies when you are in a location where a landline is not available-possibly due to a power outage.
You can take these cell phones with you when you are in your car, taking a walk or just working in the garden.
Although these 911 phones are a great asset to have, they will not guarantee your safety in all locations.
If you are interested in one of these 911 cell phones, please call 508-347-7575.
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AUDIO ACCESS TO OUR NEWSLETTER IS AVAILABLE
If you need help reading this newsletter, please feel free to call our center at 508-347-7575. One of us will be happy to read the articles to you over the phone.
We never want you to miss out on an important support group, or fun event because of physical limitations. Please know that we are here to help you.
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Sturbridge Senior Trips 2011
Flyers for trips are available at the Senior Center. For trip inquiries and reservations, phone Tina at 508-347-9028 or Marie at 508-347-9173. Trip prices include driver gratuity. Checks, made out to Friends of Sturbridge Seniors, are due one month in advance and may be mailed to Tina Galati 97 Wallace Rd. Sturbridge, MA 01566 or left at the Senior Center. Bus leaves from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Main Street, Sturbridge.
Dec. 15 Cabaret LuLu presents “A Holiday Celebration” at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. Begin the season with music, magic, and comedy from broadway. Luncheon, at the Village before the show, includes choice of Chicken Pot Pie or Salmon. Transportation on your own; arrive at O.S.V at 11:30a.m. Price $44.00pp.
Jan. 12, 2012 (snow date – Jan. 13.) At Wright’s Farm in Harrisville, RI, it’s “Don Who? & Bingo Too!” 10:30 a.m Bingo. Valuable prizes include gift cards, gift certificates and more. 12:00p.m. Family-style complete chicken dinner. 1:45p.m. Showtime with singer/entertainer, Don Who?. Leave for home at 3p.m. Price is $57.00pp. Optional Cancellation Insurance, $2.00pp. Depart time later.
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DROP-INS WITH BARBARA KALBER
- HERITAGE GREEN DEC., 27TH
10:00 – 11:30 AM
10:00-11:30 AM
Make plans to join Barbara during one of these informative sessions.
Spaghetti Dinner with Sturbridge Police
Sunday, December 11—This has become an annual event for Sturbridge Seniors. As always there will be generous raffles along with great food. Call 508-347-7575 to register. Please do not arrive before 11:30. Sturbridge seniors only as seating is limited.
Congregate and Home Delivered Meals News
Mary Goggin—Tri-Valley Site Manager
Thursday, December 22—Christmas Holiday Meal
Menu—Pork Roast w/apple stuffing, potatoes, peas and pearl onions, dinner roll, chocolate mouse.
Entertainment—TBA
Monday, December 26—Holiday observed—no meals served
Tuesday, December 27—Birthday Celebrateion
Cake and ice cream will be served after lunch.
Site volunteers are needed in the kitchen for three hours one day a week. Please call Mary at 508-347-5063 if interested.
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