September 2014

Ledyard Senior Center News
12 Van Tassell Drive
Gales Ferry, CT
Phone (860) 464-0471 Fax: (860) 464-2124
Monday-Friday - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
[email protected] [email protected]
Lauren Rapp, Municipal Agent/Senior Center Director
Brice Warwick, Senior Center Program Director
September 2014
Ledyard Senior Center
The Ledyard Senior Center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. —2:30 p.m. as a place for seniors to congregate and socialize.
You must be 55 years young to be a member. Your spouse, regardless of age is welcome to join.
Come join us to dance, sing, play bridge or exercise! Lunch is served daily.
Come as a stranger, leave as a friend!
Welcome Brice!
Ledyard resident Brice Warwick has joined the Senior Center as Program Director. Bright, creative and talented, Brice is busy coordinating trips, planning exciting programs and organizing special events. Brice is earning his bachelor’s degree in
Business Management at Central Connecticut State University. In his leisure time
Brice can be found playing guitar or the drums; hiking, fishing or mountain biking.
His favorite past time is spending time with his new niece, Paige. A reception is
scheduled for Tuesday September 16th between 11:00AM – 1:00PM to give Brice a
warm welcome. Please join us for coffee, punch and tasty baked goodies.
Harvest Bazaar
George Dieter
Remembrance
The Ledyard Senior Center will honor the legacy of its
founder, George Dieter, on Wed. Oct. 8, 2014 beginning with lunch at 12 noon with the Senior Club. We
will have a dedication plaque installed on the bench
George’s family donated to the Center as we remember
and celebrate the life of this much respected man.
October 25th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year! Please
help us make it the best ever! Volunteers are
needed to bake for the bake sale. Quality
donations are being accepted for our White
Elephant Sale (sorry, no children’s toys, small
appliances or furniture, please). Food, fun and
festivities! Knitted and Crocheted Items, Crafts,
Books, Puzzles, Snack bar, and more! Mark
your calendar for this annual event.
<<<Blood Pressure Clinic Hosted by Ledyard Visiting Nurses Association>>>
Beginning on Wednesday September 10th, the Ledyard VNA will hold a Blood Pressure Clinic available to all seniors.
Services will be provided from 11:00AM-12:00PM. Mark your calendars, the Blood Pressure Clinic will reoccur the 2nd
Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted.
September 2014
Ledyard Senior Center News
Page 2
Al Watson is famous for two things: (1) he’s the grandson-in-law of our seniors Elbert and
Jean Watrous, and (2) he and his co-worker are the $100,000 winners of the TLC Show “ The Next
Great Baker.” From February through April 2014, the co-workers beat
nine other teams in New York to win the prize. In addition, the coworkers are also waiting on an offer to run "Cake Boss" Buddy
Valestro’s bakery in Las Vegas. Al is married to Elbert and Jean’s
granddaughter, Heather. Jean recreated an 18 ingredient recipe for
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Layer Cake that the contestants made to
win for People magazine’s 40th anniversary. “It’s rich and delicious,”
she said. They won, and the recipe was featured in the September
issue of People magazine. Drop in to the Center for a copy of this rich,
chocolaty, sweet, peanut butter treat!
COAST GUARD CONCERT
Concerts are FREE, Reserve
a seat on the bus for $2.00
 Sunday October 5 2:00-3:30PM
(Academy Concert, at Leamy Concert Hall in the Coast Guard Academy)
Volunteers needed to become Medicare Counselors
The Connecticut Agencies is a trusted resource with Certified and Trained Counselors to assist Medicare beneficiaries with questions
about enrolling into Medicare, the prescription drug plan, supplemental plans, premium financial assistance programs and
more! However, we can't do it alone! We need volunteers to be trained and certified in such topics!! Senior Resources service area is
comprised of 56 towns, located in New London, Middlesex, and Windham counties, and parts of Tolland County. We need volunteers to
be trained and certified in such topics!! Help us help you! Become a volunteer and help our aging and/or disabled population receive
complete and accurate unbiased information. Senior Resources Agency on Aging is pleased to announce our fall CHOICES training has
been scheduled for September 2014. Applications and application instructions along with the dates of training may be downloaded from
our website. Please visit http://www.seniorresourcesec.org/get-involved/choices
A few of the fun ideas provided
by Christine Schlichting. With
lots more to come!
FALL EXERCISE CLASSES BEGIN
September 8th!
Mark your calendars for the wonderful 2014 Fall Exercise
Programs. Many options are offered for all levels of
mobility: Yoga, Chair Yoga, Functional Fitness, Chair
Exercise, Latin Line Dancing and Zumba! Come dance,
stretch, laugh and meet new friends. Classes are $2.50 for
residents and $3.00 for non-residents. Space is still
available! Register at the Center or call (860) 464-0471.
LET OUT your creative side!
Craft Classes will be offered by the
talented Christine Schlichting, beginning on Thursday September 18th,
followed by another on the 25th!





Just $5.00 Per Person
1 hour class making owls!
10:00AM at the Senior Center
Join us and make it a regular event!
Sign up at the Center or call (860) 4640471
COMMISSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
The Commission for Senior Citizens meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:30p.m. The purpose of the Commission is to
act as advocate and coordinator of services for all Ledyard Seniors and to establish policies for the operation and use of the Senior
Center. The meeting is open to everyone. The next Commission meeting is Wednesday September 24, 2014.
September 2014
Ledyard Senior Center News
Page 3
Trips, Happenings (Oh the Places You’ll Go!)
Don’t delay! Please sign up as early as possible for the event you are interested in to avoid the
disappointment of a trip being cancelled due to low registration, or a popular trip being filled up.
**Save the Date**
Halloween
Bash
Friday, October 31st 2014
FOOD, FUN, and ENTERTAINMENT
Come celebrate instead of raking leaves all day! Will there be candy? ...I HOPE SO!
KIKU-The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum-NY Botanical Garden-Thursday October 16, 2014
New York Botanical Garden encompasses 250 acres of beautiful natural terrain
with dramatic rock outcroppings, a river and cascading waterfall, undulating hills, wetlands, ponds and 50 acres of historic, uncut forest. Discover the exquisite beauty of
KIKU-meticulously cultivated chrysanthemums, a traditional Japanese art. Marvel at
the dramatic shapes, vibrant colors and perfect blossoms that characterize the specialized styles of displaying kiku. These techniques have been developed over 1,500
years. Time on Arthur Avenue for lunch and shopping. $73 per person payable to
Friendship Tours. Depart Ledyard Senior Center 7 a.m. Return 6:30 p.m.
Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA- October 19, 2014. Brunch and show! Enjoy a fabulous Sunday Brunch at the Log
Cabin in Holyoke, MA and Fall Foliage in the Heart of the Pioneer Valley! The Log Cabin is breathtaking... from
the views of the valley below to the colors of the season leading into the incredible brunch that awaits. The
“Piano Man” Henry Haid, was handpicked by Billy Joel to portray him in Broadway’s Tony Award winning musical
“Movin’ Out”. Henry will be performing with his 3 piece band, Only in America. They will feature the best of Billy
Joel’s hits…Piano Man, Uptown Girl, Just the Way You Are and more… Henry and the Band will round out the
day with the songs that honor the sprit and music of America - an emotional tribute you're sure to love! $81 per
person payable to Friendship Tours. Depart 9 a.m. Return 5:30 p.m.
Question: How do I . . . download photos off my phone? Start a Facebook page? Set up an
email account? Use my Kindle? Use my cell phone? Share photos? Use the internet? Download books (even audio!)?
Answer: Charlie. Local resident Charlie volunteers his computer genius to our patrons. He patiently explains the “how to’s” for all computer and cell phone questions.
Charlie is at the Center on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM—11AM. No
need for an appointment, just stop in and say hello! Be sure to bring your Kindle, laptop, Nook or cell phone with you!
September 2014
Ledyard Senior Center News
Page 4
More and More and More...
Municipal Medical Transportation and Mileage Reimbursement Program
Dial-A Ride Medical Transportation and Caregiver Mileage reimbursement is for seniors 60+, persons
of low income and persons with disabilities. It is funded through a state grant and is available to Ledyard and
Gales Ferry residents. Transportation is provided for medical trips within New London County, as well as
Westerly and Old Saybrook. The Dial-A-Ride Medical Transportation is provided by Eastern CT Transportation Consortium, Inc. Registered participants who cannot have their needs met by existing services will be
provided up to 30 free one way trips annually by ECTC. Transportation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. No fare is charged. No money is exchanged between the driver and rider. Registration forms and brochures are available by calling the Ledyard Senior Center office. Once you are registered you must call
ECTC at 860-859-5794 (48 hours in advance) to reserve your ride.
Renter’s Rebate Program
Attention Seniors 65+ and Totally Disabled Residents of Ledyard!
State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally
disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room,
or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Renters' rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The renters' rebate
amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments
(excluding telephone) made in 2013. Application may be made with Lauren by appointment
only – 860-464-0471. Appointments are still available each Tuesday through September 30th,
2014. Questions? Call the Renters’ Rebate Program Hotline 860-418-6377 for eligibility.
The Idea Box
Do you have an inspired idea you
would like to share with the Senior
Center? Take a moment to write it
down and drop it in our new Idea
Box. The box is located in the Lobby.
Thank you Tom for creating the box!
Question: My (fill in the blank) is broken. How can I get it fixed?
Need a small repair? Have something that needs to be patched up or revamped?
Answer: Tom. This man on a mission volunteers to fix things that are
in need of repair. Tom and his toolkit are at the Center every Monday
morning at 11 AM. Is your project too big? Only Tom can tell you. Call
him on Monday! 860-464-0471
September 2014
Ledyard Senior Center News
Page 5
Healthy and Happy
***FLU VACCINATIONS***
We are excited to announce that the Ledyard Visiting Nurses will be hosting a Flu clinic here at the
Ledyard Senior Center. Flu vaccinations are covered by Medicare or Anthem Blue Cross Blue
Shield. $20.00 will be charged to those not covered by insurance. The clinic will be held on
Wednesday October 8th from 9:00AM - 11:00AM.
This is a great opportunity to stay ahead of the game, and beat out the Flu! Please come join us and
the wonderful nurses of the VNA to receive a vaccination before Flu season rolls around.
*Don’t forget to wear a SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT*
LEDYARD VISITING NURSES
Did you know your tax dollars pay for the Ledyard visiting nurses? Did you know that when you are admitted to a hospital
and referred to homecare you will not get us unless you say, “I want the Ledyard nurses!” If anyone denies your choice it
is against the law and VNA Administrator wants to know about it! The Ledyard nurses will come to your home and provide
nursing, physical and occupational therapy and home health aides for personal care plus other services. Please call to get information. Healthcare is competitive and we have your best interest at heart. Our goal is to keep you home and safe. Let us
do what we do best.
Contact Karen Goetchius, Administrator of LRVNA 860-464-8464
One Last Tidbit...
Brice here,
I have had a blast working at the Senior Center and getting to
know you all. BUT I want to get even more involved, spend more
time face-to-face with everyone, and generate new ideas for activities, trips, and parties. And so,
I introduce to you…..
Brainstorm
Brunch
Monday Mornings at 10:00AM
Refreshments, coffee, and myself (Brice)
Informal and Fun
Hope to see you there!
HELP US UPDATE OUR MAILING LIST! CALL US WITH ANY CHANGES!
LEDYARD SENIOR CENTER
12 VAN TASSELL DRIVE
GALES FERRY, CT 06335
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE & FEES
PAID
NEW LONDON, CT 06320
PERMIT #444
Return Service Requested
MISSION STATEMENT-The Mission of the Ledyard Senior Center is to promote the physical, emotional, and economic well-being of senior citizens
and to promote their participation in all aspects of community life. To continually evaluate the needs of senior citizens and ways to meet their needs.
Also provide an atmosphere that will be conducive for seniors to find companionship and develop friendships.
9:00-Yoga
9:30-Quilting/Sewing
10:15-Chair Exercise
11:00-Games
12:00-Lunch
12:30-Bingo
8:30 - Hairdresser
10:00 - Bridge Club &
………….Wii Bowling
10:30 - Latin Line
………….Dance
11:00 - Dominoes,
………….Cards, etc.
12:00 - Lunch
12:30 - Bingo
8:30 - Hairdresser
8:30 - Hairdresser
9:00 - Movie
………….Madness
10:30 - Zumba
9-11 - Free Coffee!
12:00 - Lunch Out
10:00 - Write It
………….Down
12:00 - Lunch &
………….Games
1:30 - Yoga
8:30 - Hairdresser
9:00 - Yoga
10:00 - Bridge Club &
………….Chair Yoga
12:00 - Lunch & Bingo
12:30 - Movie Matinee
Senior Transportation Information
Call us at 860-464-0471
The Ledyard Senior Center offers daily transportation to the Center for activities including lunch, along with rides to medical
appointments and other necessities according to the schedule below. All individuals using our transportation must complete
an annual transportation form. A wheelchair lift is available. Please be aware that the Senior Center does not provide assistance to and from the vehicle. Persons must be able to:
Travel without assistance.
MONDAY…
TUESDAY…
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY…
FRIDAY……
♦Wait outside for 10 minutes
♦Climb three 12-inch steps or use the wheelchair lift
SENIOR VAN SCHEDULE
Senior Center, Community Café for Lunch, Doctor Appointments, Bank Runs
Senior Center, Community Café for Lunch, Doctor Appointments, Bank Runs
Senior Center, Grocery Shopping and Bank Runs, Senior Club Lunch
Senior Center, Community Café for Lunch, Doctor Appointments, Bank Runs
Senior Center, Grocery Shopping, Community Café for Lunch
Reservations for the van should be made in advance by calling the office between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and talking to a
staff person. Drivers can not schedule appointments. *Bank runs and shopping require reservations in advance*
Round trip donations are $1.00 within Ledyard and Gales Ferry and $2.00 for out of town. We provide limited transportation
to Sub Base medical appointments and the pharmacy for people with a Military/Base I.D.
*Driver routes are planned in advance. Unscheduled stops and pick-ups are not permitted. Please refrain from requesting
any impromptu stops.* Call Brice or Lauren to schedule all transportation requests. (860) 464-0471