December15 - Los Alamos Senior Center

December 2015
Volume 42 - Issue 12
Los Alamos Retired
and Senior News
T H E
N E W S L E T T E R
R E T I R E D
A N D
O F
T H E
S E N I O R
L O S
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
Pauline Schneider, Executive Director
Old Web Site: beseniorcenter.qwestoffice.net
New Web Site: losalamosseniorcenter.com
Festival of trees
Here are pictures of some of the items that were part
of our fundraising silent auction known as the
“Festival of Trees”.
There were 72 trees, 16
wreaths, 24 centerpieces, and a wonderful assortment of bears and snowmen. Thanks to all who donated holiday décor for this event. Visitors certainly
enjoyed viewing all the festive items and some
friendly competition was noted.
A L A M O S
Page 2
Day Out
We have been having a great time in the Day
Out Program. Here is a picture of Bob doing a
presentation on his time in the service!
Movies
12:30, Fridays,
BESC
December 4, Borrowed Hearts
91 min., not rated
Eric McCormack, Hector Elizondo,
Roma Downey
Sam Field, a single, powerful businessman is
about to close the biggest deal of his career
with industrialist Javier Del Campo, a selfproclaimed family man. To impress Javier
during his holiday visit, Sam convinces single
mom Kathleen and her daughter to pose as
his family.
December 11, A Holiday to Remember
90 min., not rated
Connie Sellecca, Randy Travis
After a rocky divorce, Caroline could use a
fresh start. With her reluctant daughter by her
side, she sets out for her quaint hometown just
in time for Christmas.
December 18, I’ll be Home for Christmas
91 min., not rated
Robert Hays, Ann Jillian, Jack Palance
We honored all of our Veterans and enjoyed
hearing about some of their close calls and a
few who wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for
the bomb that was developed here that ended
the war with Japan! Very interesting stories
and perspectives on different areas of the
armed forces.
Remember the snow closure policy for our
program, if the lab and schools are closed or
delayed then so are we. I will try to give everyone a call if this happens. Please stay warm
and stay loved!
Laurie Hochhalter, 661-0081
Day Out Director
With the community of St. Nicholas, Iowa lacks
in size, it makes up for in enthusiasm. So
when the mayor reveals that a doctor is needed to keep the area hospital open, the town
jumps at the chance to fill the position.
Newsletter Dates
Items Due: Tuesday, December 15
Editing: Thursday, December 17
Folding: Monday, December 28
The Newsletter Staff
Layout Editor - John Stewart
Proof Readers - Patsy Casias, Kari Lier,
and the BESC Staff.
Page 3
Let’s Eat
lunch
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., BESC. For reservations call
662-8922. It is essential for seniors wishing to dine at the BESC to make reservations. These can be
made as late as 10:00 a.m. on the day that you wish to eat. You can also make them a month or a
week in advance. Please cancel your reservations when you are unable to come. If you arrive without a reservation, it is likely that we will be able to feed you, but we ask that you wait until we have
served most of our patrons who made reservations. Please be courteous and adhere to this request.
Note: Only bread/pastries can be taken home. Fruit can be substituted for any dessert. Suggested
donation for lunch is $4.00. Please do not request change for bills greater than $20.00.
SALAD BAR EVERY DAY
December 1 – 4
12/1 Tuesday—Lemon Cod, Oven Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Vanilla Pudding
12/2 Wednesday—Tater Tot Casserole, Peas and Carrots, Wheat Roll, Fruit Cocktail
12/3 Thursday—Grilled Chicken, Wild Rice, California Blend Vegetables, Roll, Cherry Cobbler
(Living Treasures Luncheon)
12/4 Friday—Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Baby Carrots, Roll, Brownies
(RPEA luncheon)
December 7 – 11
12/7 Monday—Green Chile Cheese Burger, French Fries, Baked Beans, Pudding
12/8 Tuesday—Chicken Tortilla Soup, Biscuit, Crackers, Cake
12/9 Wednesday—Fish, Tartar Sauce, German Coleslaw, Diced Potatoes, Diced Pears
12/10 Thursday—Grilled Chicken, Corn with Red Peppers, Okra, Spinach, Apple Crisp
12/11 Friday—Green Chile Chicken Enchilada, Pinto Beans, Calabacitas, Spinach Salad, Tortilla,
Ice Cream
(Friends of the Senior Center luncheon)
December 14 – 18
12/14 Monday—Beef Stew, Cabbage, Biscuit, Applesauce
12/15 Tuesday—Fish Taco, Fried Potatoes, Coleslaw, Green Beans, Cookies
12/16 Wednesday—Pork Chop, Dressing, Wheat Roll, Cabbage, Mandarin Oranges
12/17 Thursday—Red Chile Beef Enchilada, Mexican Rice, Calabacitas, Flour Tortilla, Plums
12/18 Friday—Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baby Carrots and Green Beans, Wheat Roll, Key Lime Pie
(LANB luncheon-2 seatings: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
December 21 - 25
12/21 Monday—Baked Potato Bar, Bread Sticks, Plum Cobbler
12/22 Tuesday—Beef and Bean Burrito, Red or Green Chile, Mexican Rice, Salsa Corn, Vanilla
Pudding
12/23 Wednesday—New England Clam Chowder, Biscuit, Cookies
12/24 Thursday—BESC Closed Christmas Eve
12/25 Friday— BESC Closed Christmas Day
December 28 – 31
12/28 Monday—Hotdog or Chiledog, French Fries, Ranch Beans, Cookies
12/29 Tuesday—Pork Posole, Crackers, Applesauce
12/30 Wednesday—Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Peas, Wheat Roll, Peaches
12/31 Thursday—Chicken and Dumplings, Ice Cream
Breakfast at White Rock Baptist Church
8:00 a.m. Wednesdays, WRBC
Page 4
Activities and Announcements
Regularly Scheduled Activities
AARP Smart Driver Course
NO
CLASS
IN
DECEMBER
Adult Day Services
The Day Out
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Daily, BESC
Cards and Games
Bingo
1:00 p.m. Third Tuesday, December 15, BESC
Bridge
1:00 p.m. Monday, WRSC
1:00 p.m. Tuesday, “Party Bridge”, BESC
7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, BESC
1:00 p.m. Wednesday, WRSC
1:15 p.m. Wednesday, BESC (Duplicate Bridge)
Bridge Lite
10:00 a.m. Monday, WRSC
Cards
Any time, any day BESC is open, BESC
10:00 a.m. Saturday, WRSC
Chat Room
6:00 p.m. Thursday, WRSC
The WRSC is open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Chess
6:30 p.m. Thursday, BESC
Dominos
10:00 a.m. Saturday, WRSC
Pinochle
2:00 p.m. Monday, BESC
1:00 p.m. Tuesday, WRSC
Pinochle Class
1:00 p.m. Friday, WRSC
Committees and Boards
AARP Meeting
No meeting. (See page 9,A Time To Talk)
Friends of the Senior Center Board
1:30 p.m. Fourth Tuesday, December 22, BESC
LARSO Advisory Council
No meeting.
LARSO Board of Directors
9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 17, BESC
Computers
Computer Users Group (CUG)
All users or potential users are welcome. Meetings
are at 10:00 a.m. first, third, and fifth Tuesdays at
BESC; 10:00 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at
WRSC. Various subjects are discussed at each
meeting depending on the immediate interests of
those present. On the first Tuesday a particular effort is made to deal with questions and problems
from beginners. Beginners are always welcome.
Mac Users Group (MUG)
MUG meets on the third Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in
the BESC classroom. This is a place to discuss your
Mac usage or problems. All are welcome.
Projector: A multimedia projector and associated laptop computer are available through the BESC
office for senior classes and activities. Initial instruction for set-up and use is required, and prior
reservation is recommended.
Available Computers: When there is no scheduled use, the computers in the BESC Computer Lab
are available for internet access, practice, and general purposes (see calendar next to Lab door). Several computers in WRSC are also available for internet access and general use.
Crafts
Wood Carving
10:00 a.m. Monday, WRSC
Dance and Music
Ballroom Dancing
6:00 p.m. Monday, Argentine Tango, BESC
7:00 p.m. Monday, BESC
2:00 p.m. Thursday, BESC
Beginning Line Dancing
9:15 a.m. Friday, BESC
Classes are geared toward those in attendance.
Beginning Tap Dancing
1:30 p.m. Thursday, BESC
Line Dancing
2:00 p.m. Monday, WRSC
9:15 a.m. Friday, BESC
Music with Ruth Williamson
10:15 a.m. Wednesday, The Day Out
Recorders
1:30 p.m. Friday, BESC
All are welcome. Call Marge Agnew, 662-7144
Page 5
Tap Dancing
12:00 p.m. Tuesday, WRSC
1:30 p.m. Thursday, BESC
Zumba Gold
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, WRSC
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Friday, WRSC
Financial
Pool & Billiards
Investment Group
10:00 a.m. Thursday, BESC
Pool at WRSC
NO
POOL
AT
Health
Alzheimer’s Support Group
No meeting in December.
Benefits Counseling
By appointment only. Call 662-8920 or 672-2034.
Blood Pressure Check
1:00 p.m. Wednesday, WRSC
Low-Vision and Hearing-Challenged Support
No meeting during Holidays. See page 6.
Massage
10:00 a.m. Second Thursday, December 10, WRSC
with Sandi. Please sign up in advance.
Toenail Clipping
9:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Thursday, December 3 and 17,
BESC with Kelly Limbaugh. Donation $15.00.
Physical Fitness
Cardio Plus Exercise
8:45 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, BESC
Gentle Yoga
11:00 a.m. Wednesday, WRSC
Low Impact Aerobics
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, WRSC
10:30 a.m. Friday, WRSC
2:00 p.m. Sunday, WRSC
Shuffleboard
Call Tom Pigott for information at 662-6962.
Silver Sneakers
10:30 a.m. Thursday, WRSC
For information, call the YMCA at 662-3100.
Strong Women Graduates
10:00 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, WRSC
Table Tennis
7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, BESC
10:00 a.m. Saturday, BESC
10:00 a.m. Saturday, WRSC
Variety Training
8:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, BESC
Vinyasa Yoga
10:45 a.m. Monday, WRSC
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, WRSC
Weight Room
Open Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., WRSC
THE HIVE
Pool at BESC - Every day but Sunday
Quilting, Knitting and Hooking
LAVA Quilters and Knitters
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, BESC
Hookers and Stitchers
1:00 p.m. Thursday, WRSC
Services
Tire Pressure Check
10:30-11:30 a.m. 2nd Thursday, December 10,
Metzgers in White Rock
Walking
Early Walk: 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, WRSC
Friday Walkers: 9:00 a.m. Friday, WRSC
Walk-In-The-Woods: Will resume in the spring.
Season of Giving
Consider Meal Sponsorship!
In this season of giving, you may want to direct your year-end contributions towards that
of a sponsorship for meals. This can be directed either for our Monday-Friday Senior
Center meals or perhaps for home-delivered
meals. Our congregate meals have a suggested donation of $4.00 per meal, and our
home delivered meals have a suggested donation of $4.50 per meal. Any increment that
you wish to donate would be greatly appreciated, fully tax-deductible and a written receipt
will be given to you from the Business Office.
Please see or call Pat Randall (662-8920 x
102) for more details, if you would like to join
us in this campaign of giving!
Holidays 2015
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Date
Thurs. and Fri., Dec. 24, 25
Friday, Jan. 1, 2016
Page 6
More Information/Articles
Trip for December
Wednesday, December 9, Shopping in
Santa Fe . Trader Joe’s plus more stops.
Lunch place will be driver’s choice.
Depart BESC 8:30 p.m., WRSC 8:50 p.m.
Suggested donation for van fare is $6.00.
Low Vision Support Group
A trip to ABQ on Wednesday, Dec ember 2,
is planned to visit the ATS store, supplier of
equipment for the hearing and vision challenged. Depart BESC 8:45 a.m. and
WRSC (Hive) 9:00 a.m. Equipment will be
demonstrated and personal attention for special needs by a knowledgeable staff. We will
have lunch in a restaurant (private pay) before
heading home. Call Mary for more info at
663-0107. Call 662-8922 for van reservation.
Family is welcome to come also.
Two Lunch Talks
Helen Idzorek will give a talk on Wednesday,
December 16, at noon. The subject is”Coffee:
The Best Part of Waking Up?“ Come learn
about the history, varieties, preparation methods and health benefits of coffee. Join us for
this nutrition education opportunity from the
Los Alamos Extension Service.
Join us on Tuesday, December 8, at noon at
the BESC to hear from Dave Ploeger, Manager of the Los Alamos Airport, about the new
passenger flights that started last month.
Bring your questions and your friends for this
interesting talk.
Holiday Lunch
Once again, our friends at Los Alamos National Bank will be sponsoring a holiday lunch
for seniors at the BESC. On Friday, December 18, there will be 2 seatings – 11:00 a.m.
and 1:00 p.m. Bank employees will serve
everyone. Please sign up in advance for the
seating of your choice by calling our reservation desk at 662-8922. The menu for this
event will be: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baby
Carrots & Green Beans, Wheat Roll, Key
Lime Pie.
Now in our Library
Thanks to the Council on Cancer, the BESC
has a DVD of the latest lecture sponsored by
the Councill on Cancer. Dr. Rebecca Hammon’s talk on “An Introduction to Head and
Neck Cancer” can be checked out at any
time.
FOSC Annual Luncheon
Friday, December 11, 11:30 a.m.
The Friends of the Senior Center membership
are invited to a free lunch. There will be a
short meeting at noon to vote for Vice President, Treasurer, and Members-at-Large. To
join, just sign the Roster Book. Call for reservations at 662-8922.
Family Stories/Special Objects
Storyteller Kimberly Gotches will share an
original memoir piece, “Truth From Under the
Branches of My Family’s Tree.” She will then
lead an interactive discussion about how special objects help us recall family stories. Participants are encouraged to bring a special
object for discussion - holiday treasures are
welcomed! This event will be on the lower
level of the BESC at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11. Come and join us around our
tree for a delightful holiday experience.
Delays & Closures
Members are reminded that sometimes the
winter weather results in bad roads, slippery
sidewalks and our facilities may delay opening or even close for the day. We always inform KRSN 1490 AM when we make these
decisions. On school days, we just follow
what Los Alamos Public Schools do, which
can be found on the Los Alamos Public
School website, on the Albuquerque network
TV stations and on KRSN.
AARP TaxAide Volunteers Needed
We prepare Federal and NM State returns
from early February until April 15.
We file the returns electronically using TaxWise, the official program for AARP, or TurboTax.
A test is to be taken and passed.
Those interested can contact Dexter Sutherland at 662-7969.
Page 7
White Rock Senior Center 672-2034
Holiday Open House, Dessert Pot Luck,
and December Birthday Party
Friday, December 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Bring your favorite holiday dessert and enjoy some
Christmas Caroling
Karaoke at the WRSC
Join us for a sing along
every Friday from
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday Walkers
will resume
their hikes in the spring.
Evening Hours
at the WRSC
Starting in November the WRSC
will be open till 7:00
p.m. on Tuesdays
and even later on
Thursdays.
Page 8
LAVA
Los Alamos Volunteer Association
[email protected]
Betty Ehart Senior Center
Phone 662-8923
Linda Boncella, Director
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” ~Winston Churchill
Volunteer Spotlight: Ruth Williamson
When starting as a volunteer in 2001 with the Day Out
program in White Rock (now located at the BESC), Ruth
noted that there was a piano. Staff member Nan Fife,
knowing that Ruth played piano at her church, offered to
take over Ruth’s volunteer duties so that Ruth could
play piano instead. Since that day, Ruth has been
spending every Wednesday morning enjoying playing
music with her Day Out friends.
Each week has a theme and they do mostly singalongs. What touches Ruth the most is the unique power of music. The clients in Day Out are treated to songs
that conjure up memories of past life events. There is a
lot of laughter and participants share many experiences
and facts from their lives.
Noting that she has received far more from this activity through the years than she has given, Ruth
says that she learns something new almost every session and that Wednesday morning is the highlight of her week.
Thank you so much Ruth for all of the joy that you have given to the Day Out participants!!
Got Lights?
If you would like to have holiday lights on your home, but need help hanging them on your house,
the members of the Pajarito Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) would
love to help you! We will be available December 13 th to come to your house and hang your holiday
lights. Please note that if we hang your lights we will come back to your home and take them down
after the holidays. If you are interested in this service, please contact Marilyn Ramsay at 662-5685.
Volunteers Needed- Please Help!
Volunteers are needed for these upcoming events!
 Bellringing fundraiser for Self-Help – weekends from November 27th through the week of December 23rd. Please consider taking a two-hour shift at either the White Rock Smith’s or at Smith’s
Marketplace for this important fundraiser for Self-Help.
 On December 5th and 6th (Saturday and Sunday), the Geological Society will once again have
their Earth Treasures Show at the Masonic Lodge. Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts from
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. There are a variety of
fun volunteer duties, from helping with crafts to selling geologic items.
 Bears, Wonderful Bears! For over 25 years, members of the Hospital Auxiliary have been making bears for children undergoing procedures at the Los Alamos Medical Center. These fleece
(Continued on page 9)
Page 9
(Continued from page 8)
bears have provided great comfort to these children during stressful times! The bear-making group
will be holding a workshop on Friday, January 8, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the conference room at the
Betty Ehart Senior Center to show new volunteers how the bears are made. If there is enough interest, they will continue to have bear-making sessions at BESC once a month.
 Los Alamos Retirement Community (Aspen Ridge & Sombrillo) is needs volunteer help the afternoon of Wednesday, December 16, to set up Luminaria for the Luminaria Walk to be held that evening. They are also in need of help over the holidays with entertainment and reading to residents.
 LAVA is looking for a lower level receptionist at the BESC on Fridays(10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.), if a
weekly commitment is not for you, please sign up as a substitute for reception or meal helpers.
Please contact the LAVA office (662-8923) if you can help with any of these volunteer opportunities.
Thank You!
Thank you so much to the wonderful volunteers who helped to spruce up around the Betty Ehart
Senior Center on Saturday, November 7. Guy Estes, Shelby Redondo, Dick Tatro, Mary Venable
and Jim Boncella. Your efforts were greatly appreciated and everything looks great!
Happy Holidays!
Linda and Sarah
A Time To Talk
Family gatherings during this season often present a good opportunity for seniors to discuss their
concerns on health issues. Does your family really know how you feel about life support, resuscitation, trial medicines, organ transplant or donation? AARP is offering a program to help you open
such a discussion. On Tuesday, December 8, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, please join us in the classroom at BESC.
9:00-10:00 a.m. BEING MORTAL video by Atul Gawande MD
10:00-11:00 a.m. Sarah Rochester " What is Hospice"
Collette Fordham, LAVNS Social Worker “5 Wishes”
Cathy Walters Organ Donation
11:00 a.m.-Noon Elizabeth Armijo Compassion & Choices
All of these speakers encourage questions and will be available for private consultation. The timing
of speakers is not exact and we encourage everyone to try and stay the entire time.
Lunch Talk on Energy Employee Compensation
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is hosting travelling resource center in Los Alamos, NM, to
provide information about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act
(EEOICPA) and assist individuals with the filing of new claims. The EEOICPA provides monetary
compensation and medical benefits to individuals who became ill as a result of working in the nuclear weapons industry. Survivors of nuclear weapons workers may also be eligible for benefits.
The talk will take place on Wednesday, December 9, at 12:00 p.m. at the BESC. If you are homebound and cannot attend or get to our office, please let the senior center know and they will make
sure that you get written materials sent or delivered to your home or you can request that an EEC
employee visit you at home.
Sitting Qigong Classes in January
– by KokHeong McNaughton
Most people have heard of Taiji (spelt T’ai Chi in the Wade-Giles system), but few people are aware
of Qigong (spelt and pronounced Ch’i Kung in Wade-Giles). Gong literally means “work”, so Qigong
literally means “working with the Qi”. Qi is well understood by DOMs (Doctor of Oriental Medicine)
and is central to their practices. It is generally referred to as “life energy”, which encompasses all
the inter-related systems within and outside one’s body that provide life forces.
Classes are free, open to the public, and will be held Tuesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 a.m. starting January 19th in the main worship area of the Unitarian Church’s temporary location, 195 East
Road, Suite 101. Classes will be on-going so that people can join at any time and participate whenever they can.
Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Non-Profit
US Postage Paid
Permit No. 15
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Address Service Requested
Addresses, Phone Numbers and More
Betty Ehart Senior Center
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Front Desk - 662-8920, Fax - 661-7677
Meal & Transportation reservation - 662-8922
Transportation Weekend/Evenings Cell - 412-2200
Pauline Schneider, Director
E-mail - [email protected]
Old Web Site - beseniorcenter.qwestoffice.net
New Web Site - losalamosseniorcenter.com
Hours - M-F - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LAVA
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone - 662-8923
Linda Boncella, Director
[email protected]
Computer Help: [email protected]
White Rock Senior Center
134 State Rd 4 Suite A-2
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone - 672-2034
Hours - M,W,F - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hours - Tuesday - 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hours - Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hours - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Day Out
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone - 661-0081
Laurie Hochhalter, Director
Hours - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization
(LARSO)
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Trent Latimer, President