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The Newsletter of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities January 2020

Fairfield Senior Advocates Forum How is our senior community changing? How can we plan for and respond to your needs? In this session leaders of Fair-field Senior Advocates (FSA) will discuss how Fairfield’s senior community is growing and changing and the im-portance of our response to seniors’ needs. How can we make Fairfield an even better home for seniors and keep them? We’re looking for your ideas and feedback. Please join the Fairfield Senior Advocates for an important discussion on aging in Fairfield. All are welcome. Please register at the front desk. Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 AM.

Member Spotlight: Meet Betsy Thomas If you are a regular at the Bigelow Center, you’ve met Betsy Thomas. Betsy has been a member here for five years, but it feels like forever—in a good way. Betsy grew up in Red Bank NJ. She grew up working the register at her father’s restaurants. It was there she met her first husband, the love of her life. He was a regular. They were married for 30 years and have two beautiful daughters.

It was one of those daughters that brought her into our lives, and to Fair-field. And we’re so glad she did! Betsy is a friendly and welcoming person who makes anyone she meets feel special. She’s a friend to all who meet her and, she’s always willing to jump in to run the coffee shop in a pinch. “When you reach this time in life, 80s and 90s, some people have lost some of their independence,” Betsy said. “The Bigelow Center has given our dignity

back in our lives. I have never been happier. I spend time LIV-ING now, rather than trying NOT to die!” Here here!

Coffee and Conversation with First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick

Our New First Selectwoman will be joining us for coffee at the Bigelow Center . Come meet our new First Selectwoman, Brenda L. Kupchick.

Help us to welcome her to the Bigelow Center. Please register at the front desk.

Wednesday, January 22 at 10:00 AM in the dining room.

The Memory Workshop The Memory Workshop Program of Jewish Senior Ser -vices will now be available two days a week at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities beginning January 8th, 2020! This peer-to-peer support and educational program uniquely serves adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia in the early stages of the disease. Jewish Senior Services designed the Memory Workshop to provide support, strength and purpose for individuals as they connect with others experiencing the same diagnosis. The program includes dementia education, physical and cognitive exercises, health and wellness presentations, group discussions, and personal goal-setting. Care partners also receive support through individual counseling, includ-ing planning for the future with a focus on community re-sources. For more information about the program, cost, and eligibility, please contact David Magner at 203-396-1021 or MemoryWorkshop@jseniors.org.

An enormous THANK YOU to Cindi Bigelow and Bigelow Tea for their generous donation of $9,000 to the Bigelow Senior Center. We are so grateful to the Bigelows for their support of our senior nutrition lunch program. In addition to being fun for the whole family,

the BTCC has become a major source of support to local non-profit organizations that find it increasingly difficult to compete with the more prominent national charities for significantly needed dollars, by providing more than $1.65 million dollars since the first race.

Special Election for State Representative, 132nd District, Tuesday, 01/14 to fill Fir st Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick’s position in the 132nd State Representative district. Voters who normally vote at Sherman Elementary School, Fairfield Woods Middle School are

eligible to participate in this election, regardless of political party affiliation. Voting will take place at your regular polling location.

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Worried But Well Continues on Wednesday, January 15 at 11:00 . Have you ever wanted to say something but could not think of the right word? This phenomenon is known as ‘tip of the tongue’ syndrome. While frus-trating, it is completely normal, age-related condi-tion and you are not alone! However, wouldn’t it be great to develop strategies for memory manage-ment to avoid such experiences? Join us if you are experiencing normal age-related changes to memory. Led by Heather Gately, owner of Home Instead and Kimberly Sola, RN.

Lunch and Learn Presentations Happy New Year! Around the Senior Center

Before we move forward into the New Year, I wanted to take a second to reflect back on 2019 and to let you know how much I, and the Bigelow Center staff, appreciate your help, support and patience. You’ve shown patience and grace when the unexpected happened. From the solar carport; to new coffee shop operators; to departing staff and new staff; to cleaning out and reorganizing rooms – we have sprung a lot on you this year. Thank you. We were hopping during the Holiday Season: the Police Un-ion Lunch; Reflections on Hanukkah with Rabbi Paris, the Friends Raffle (hopefully 1st Annual); Paper Snow Flake Work-shop with Anna May and Jewelry and Beading Workshop with Ronnie (both workshops were big hits and added extra sessions). We filled the season with activities. Thanks to all who went above and beyond for the Senior Center. On to the New Year! 2020 brings us a new First Selectwoman, a new Senior Center Director, new social workers and, of course, new members. Our pilot program with Jewish Senior Services is an exciting addition to programming available at the Center, and will enable seniors with memory loss to be part of a supervised program within our senior center community.

Diabetes and Chronic Disease Support Group meets: Tues-day, January 14 at 1:00. Led by the Fairfield Health De-partment. Low Vision Support Group: led by Mila Rodr igues, Fair -field Social Services. Wednesday, January 8 at 10:30. Hearing Clinic with Audiology Concierge. Monday, Janu-ary 6 from 11:00 -2:00 PM. By appointment.

Mastering the Masters: John Turner Guided by artist/educator, Christine Goldblatt, learn to paint in the style of the artist featured. It is to feel, to see and to paint like a master artist. The workshop starts with a presentation and information about the artist's life and works to familiarize you with the master’s philosophy, mark making style, and subject matter. Select a work of the artist to develop, or paint something of your own in the artist’s style. Break for lunch then back to work to finish up. Finally, it’s our show of final work with critique. All levels of art and skill welcome. Advance registration required. Tuesday, January 28 from 10:00—2:00. Cost: $30 per class includes lunch. Bring your own materials (medium of your choosing).

Dance for PD® : Rescheduled due to weather. Join Katie Vanovitch from

Senior Helpers Dance for PD® is an aesthetic experience that focuses on developing artistry and grace while addressing

such Parkinson’s-specific concerns as balance, flexibility, co-ordination, gait, social isolation. Dance for PD includes

movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative. Wednesday, January 8 at 10:30.

Registration required.

Caregivers’ Forum at the Bigelow Center Continue the conversation about being a Caregiver. Please

join us for a guided discussion about the challenges & issues Caregivers face. Moderated by Melissa DiVito, LMSW, for-mer Assistant Human and Social Services Director & David Magner, Early Memory Loss Program Coordinator at Gras-

mere on Park, a program of Jewish Senior Services. Wednesday, January 22 at 3:30. All are welcome.

Spanish Language Classes After Mexico, the country with more Spanish speakers in the world is the USA. Do you want to learn the basic grammar and structure of this beautiful language in addition to basic sen-tences and expressions to communicate for fun and travel? Wednesdays at 10:00. Cost: $60 for six week session. Ad-vance Registration required.

Preventing & Managing Sundowning Lunch and Learn

Sundowning, also known as Sundown Syndrome, is a term used to refer to behavioral changes that often occur in the late afternoon or evening in people with Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions. The behavioral changes may take the form of aggression, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, par-anoia, increased disorientation, or wandering and pacing about. Join Neil Anand of ComforCare Home Care to learn tips on how to handle a loved one who is struggling with this condition. Tuesday, January 14 at 12:00 PM.. Advanced registration required.

Groups and Special Classes

News from the Members’ Council Your representatives to the Members’ Council brought a lot of information and ideas to the December meeting. Look for padding in the table tennis room; new chairs in the craft room and new stage curtains in the dining room. Also, a request from the Members’ Council—reminder- if you use chairs during your exercise classes, please put them away when you’re done. The gym is in use all day. If equipment, in-cluding the chairs, isn’t put away, the next class or pickleball or the Model Airplane Club cannot start on time if they have to clean up.

The Bigelow Center is CLOSED Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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Things to Do and See

Fridays at the Movies in January. All movies begin at 12:45.

January 3 –The Goldfinch 13 year-old New Yorker Theo Decker's life is turned upside-down when his mother is killed in a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Confused in the rubble of the tragedy, he steals a priceless piece of art known as The Goldfinch. 149 minutes. January 10— Angel Has Fallen Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is wrongfully accused for the attempted assassination on U.S. President Allan Trumbull, and must evade his own agency and outsmart the FBI in order to find the real threat to the president. 121 minutes January 17—Coming to America Eddie Murphy plays a very wealthy and pampered African prince who comes to America in search of a bride. Ac-companied by his closest companion (Arsenio Hall), Murphy quickly finds a job, new friends, new digs, new ene-mies - and lots of trouble.116 minutes. January 24—Peanut Butter Falcon A adventure story set in the world of a modern Mark Twain that begins when Zak, a young man with Down syn-drome, runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler by attending the wrestling school The Salt Water Redneck. Through circumstances beyond their control Tyler, a small-time outlaw on the run, becomes Zak's unlikely coach and ally. Together they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whisky, find God, catch fish, and convince Eleanor, a kind nursing home employee with a story of her own, to join them on their journey. 98 minutes. January 31—Where’D you go Bernadette Based on the runaway bestseller, Where'd You Go, Bernadette is an inspiring comedy about Bernadette Fox "Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett", a loving mom who becomes compelled to reconnect with her creative passions after years of sacrificing herself for her family. Bernadette's leap of faith takes her on an epic adventure that jump-starts her life and leads to her triumphant rediscovery. 108 minutes.

In case of stormy weather: When Fairfield Public Schools are closed due to weather , all Bigelow Center activities/classes/transportation/lunches are cancelled and the Senior Center will be closed. If Fair field Public Schools are delayed, the Bigelow Center morning activities, classes and transportation services that begin before 10:00 a.m. are cancelled but lunch will be served. Closings and Delays are publicized on channels 12, 8, 6 and 3.

The Bigelow Center is CLOSED Monday, January 20 for MLK Day.

Winter Afternoon Monday Movies Madness It’s freezing outside! Instead of heading home in the cold after lunch, stick around or stop in for a Monday Movie. You choose the movie (from a wonderful selection oldies but goodies (from Legally Blonde to Heidi starring Shirley Temple to The Butler and many more). We’ll kick it off Monday, January 6 at 12:45 with Legally Blonde. Ma-jority rules in the choice for January 13, 27 (we’re closed January 20 for MLK Day).

January Menu

Please call Nora at the front desk (203.256.3166), to register for lunch two days in advance of to cancel your lunch. Donation: $5. Check in for lunch begins at 11:00.

If you need financial assistance, please call Social Services (203.256.3170) to make an appointment with a social worker. All inquiries will be kept confidential. Chef Salad available as an entrée substitution. Must order two days in advance.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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For Information about Meals on Wheels (Home Delivered) Please call 203.332.3264

CLOSED Tossed Salad Turkey Sheppard’s Pie Mixed Vegetables Mashed Potatoes Cookies

Chicken Rice Soup Beef Stroganoff Egg Noodles Carrots Grapes

6 7 8 9 10

Navy Bean Soup Sloppy Joe Sandwich Soft Bun Tater Tots Cole Slaw Peaches

Mixed Greens BBQ Chicken Mashed potatoes Broccoli Oranges

Turkey vegetable soup Beef pot roast Corn Potatoes Devils food cake

Tossed salad Penne pasta w/Italian sausage and broccoli Grapes

Corn chowder Stuffed pork loin w/gravy Spaghetti Squash Cantaloupe

13 14 15 16 27

Caesar Salad Spaghetti and Meatballs Garlic Bread Spinach Brownie Sundae

Spinach Soup Breaded Veal Cutlet w/Fresh tomato balsamic relish Mashed Potatoes Peas Pineapple

Tossed Salad Roast Herb Chicken Wild Rice Blend Green Beans Apple Pie

Split Pea Soup Meatloaf w/Gravy Sweet Potatoes Vegetable Medley Pears

Potato leek Soup Grilled boneless pork chops w/ apple relish Roasted potatoes Carrots Yellow cake

20 21 22 23 24

CLOSED Tossed Salad Chicken pot pie Peas, carrots, celery and onion Honeydew

Cream of chicken Beef brisket Braised red cabbage Potatoes Chocolate cake

Beef noodle soup Carved roast pork Sweet potatoes Asparagus Fruit cocktail

Caesar salad Cheese Raviolis w/Basil marinara Garlic bread Spinach Cookies

27 28 29 30 31

Vegetable soup Crab cakes w/tarter sauce Roasted potatoes Green beans Apples

Black bean soup Pork loin w/stewed fruit com-pote Acorn squash Faro Vanilla pudding

Tossed salad Crab and Asparagus Quiche White bean salad Cantaloupe

Yankee bean soup Veal parmesan Pasta Zucchini Cinnamon cake

Mixed greens Sautéed Chicken breast w/mushroom ragout Horseradish mashed potatoes Vegetable blend Fruited jell-0

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Activities subject to change. Updates included in weekly email blast when notified by instructor in advance.

Closed 9:00 Pacers Walk 2 9:00 Weight Training 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 Zumba 12:30 Bridge 1:00 Poets’ Roundtable 1:00 Tai Chi 1:00 Pickleball

9:00 Quilters 3 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Zumba Gold ® 10:00 Body Balance 11:15 Pickleball 12:30 Pinochle 12:45 Movie 1:00 Scrabble

9:00 Pacers Walk 6 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Basic Zumba ® 9:30 Sewing Bee 9:30 Blood Pressure Check 10:00 Senior Exercise 10:00 Lifelong Learners 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11;00 Hearing Clinic 11:30 Watercolor Class 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Bingo 12:30 Pinochle 12:30 Pickleball 12:45 Movie Matinee 1:00 Tai Chi

9:00 Morning Exercise 7 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 AARP Driver Safety 10:15 Zumba ® 11:30 Body Balance 12:30 Pickleball

9:00 Pacers Walk 8 9:00 Strength and Stretch 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Yoga 10:00 Senior Exercise 10:00 Spanish 10:00 Tech Tutoring 10:30 Parkinson’s Dance 10:30 Low Vision Group 11:00 Book Club 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Chess Club 1:00 Model Airplane Club 1:00 Mah-Jongg

9:00 Pacers Walk 9 9:00 Weight Training 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 Zumba 12:30 Bridge 1:00 Tai Chi 1:00 Pickleball

9:00 Quilters 10 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Zumba Gold ® 10:00 Body Balance 11:15 Pickleball 12:30 Pinochle 12:45 Movie 1:00 Scrabble

9:00 Basic Zumba ® 13 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Sewing Bee 10:00 Senior Exercise 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Watercolor Class 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Bingo 12:30 Pinochle 12:30 Pickleball 12:45 Movie Matinee 1:00 Tai Chi

9:00 Morning Exercise 14 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 LifeLong Learners 10:15 Zumba ® 11:30 Body Balance 12:00 Sundowning Lunch and Learn 12:30 Pickleball 1:00 Diabetes/Chronic and Disease Group 1:00 LifeLong Learners

9:00 Pacers 15 9:00 Strength and Stretch 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Yoga 10:00 Senior Exercise 10:00 SPANISH 10:00 Tech Tutoring 11:00 Worried But Well 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Chess Club 1:00 Model Airplane Club 1:00 Mah-Jongg 3:30 Caregiver Forum

9:00 Pacers Walk 16 9:00 Weight Training 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 LifeLong Learners 10:00 Zumba 12:30 Bridge 1:00 Tai Chi 1:00 Poets’ Roundtable 1:00 Pickleball 1:00 LifeLong Learners

4:00 CPD Meeting

9:00 Quilters 17 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Zumba Gold ® 10:00 Body Balance 11:15 Pickleball 12:30 Pinochle 12:45 Movie 1:00 Scrabble

Closed for MLK Day 20 9:00 Morning Exercise 21 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 LifeLong Learners 10:15 Zumba ® 11:30 Body Balance 12:30 Pickleball 1:00 LifeLong Learners

9:00 Pacers Walk 22 9:00 Strength and Stretch 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Yoga 10:00 Senior Exercise 10:00 Spanish 10:00 Tech Tutoring *10:00 Coffee with the First Selectwoman* 11:00 Worried But Well 11:00 Book Club 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Chess Club 1:00 Model Airplane Club 1:00 Mah-Jongg 1:00 Genealogy 3:30 Caregiver Forum

9:00 Pacers Walk 23 9:00 Weight Training 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 Zumba 10:00 LifeLong Learners 12:30 Bridge 1:00 Tai Chi 1:00 Poets’ Roundtable 1:00 Pickleball 1:00 LifeLong Learners

4:00 Human Services Comm.

9:00 Quilters 24 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Zumba Gold ® 10:00 Body Balance 11:15 Pickleball 12:30 Pinochle 12:45 Movie 1:00 Scrabble

9:00 Basic Zumba ® 27 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Sewing Bee 10:00 Senior Exercise 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Watercolor Class 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Bingo 12:30 Pinochle 12:30 Pickleball 12:45 Movie Matinee 1:00 Tai Chi

9:00 Morning Exercise 28 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 Lifelong Learners 10:00 Mastering the Masters 10:15 Zumba ® 11:30 Body Balance 1:00 LifeLong Learners

9:00 Pacers Walk 29 9:00 Strength and Stretch 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:30 Yoga 10:00 Senior Exercise 10:00 Spanish 10:00 FSA Senior Forum 10:00 Tech Tutoring 11:00 Flex & Stretch 11:30 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Chess Club 1:00 Model Airplane Club 1:00 Mah-Jongg

9:00 Pacers Walk 30 9:00 Weight Training 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 10:00 Zumba 10:00 LifeLong Learners 12:30 Bridge 1:00 Tai Chi 1:00 Pickleball 1:00 LifeLong Learners

9:00 Quilters 31 9:00 PingPong/Pool/Woodshop 9:00 Zumba Gold ® 10:00 Body Balance 11:15 Pickleball 12:30 Pinochle 12:45 Movie 1:00 Scrabble

January 2020

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Fairfield Social Services offers a comprehensive series of programs designed to help you organize and plan for the future. For information, please call the Social Services office (203-256-3170) to make an appoint-ment.

Programs and services offered by Social Services to Fairfield residents regardless of income include:

Advocacy

Assessment

Assistance with Applications for Other Agencies

Information and Referral

Case Management

Consultation and Assistance to Other Town Departments and Community Agencies on Social Service Matters

Consultation for Child Day Care Facilities Personnel

Crisis Intervention

Energy Assistance Applications – Intake Site for ABCD

Eviction and Ejectment Receivership and Processing per CT State Statutes

Provision of Emergency Assistance to Residents to Pre-vent Homelessness, Hunger and Illness

Short Term Counseling

Screening for Bridgeport Hospital Bed Fund and Bridge Fund Loan Program

Screening for Food Pantry, Holiday Programs and Camp CONNRI

Screening for Salvation Army Funds and Donations from Other Groups and Individuals

Social Services Support and Resources

Veterans Services and Resources For additional information please contact:

Ramon Agosto State of CT. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

752 East Main Street Room 190 Bridgeport CT 06608

Tel: 203-336-2570 Fax: 203-336-2569

Are you a Veteran and looking for work? Please contact Ryan Barry Veterans Outreach Program Specialist Connecticut Depart-ment of Labor (203) 455-2711 ryan.barry@CT.gov.

News from Social Services

CHOICES Medicare Counseling

The Southwestern Connecticut Area on Aging (SWCAA), offers free Medicare and Health Insurance benefits explana-tion and enrollment assistance for Medicare and other relat-ed health insurance options. By appointment only. Please call Bigelow Center at 203-256-3166 for more information.

Scenes from the Holidays: The display case filled with baskets and items for the Friends Holiday Basket Raffle; Human Services Commission Chair Bernie Lynch and Urb Leimkuhler, from the Fairfield Senior Advocates, ring bells at the Fairfield Stop and Shop for Social Services; door decorations by the ladies of our Sewing and Quilting groups and the Wood Shop—snow flakes of all colors by Anna May Jerusavage; and a scene from the beading class..

Meet Amy Smith Luciano Amy is our new Social Services Outreach Social Worker. Amy came aboard back in November. Currently a resident of Black Rock, Amy and her husband, Joe, raised their three children in Fair-field. She’s happy to be returning to social services after many years. In the past she has worked in Bridgeport and Westport, including for Westport Human Services.

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The Town of Fairfield provides curb-to-curb bus services to Fair field residents who are seniors 60 years and older , peo-ple with disabilities (all buses are wheelchair lift equipped), and Veterans for:

Daily trips to the Senior Center and Social Services

Weekly grocery shopping

Medical appointments

Special approved trips

Library

Mall and Hairdresser The drivers are not permitted to assist individuals as they enter or exit their homes. Riders must be capable of entering and exiting the vehicles and their homes on their own or with the assistance of an aide or family member. Individuals with disabili-ties may enter and exit the vehicles using assistive devices such as canes or walkers. Individuals in wheelchairs will receive assistance to enter the wheelchair lift and will be secured by the driver once on the bus. To request appointments for bus rides: Submit Fairfield Senior Center Member Registration Form to transportation or main office.

Please make appointments as soon as possible to avoid being turned away, first reserved – first served.

Please notify of cancellations as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary trips..

Notify dispatcher of disabilities, i.e. wheelchair. Those not ambulatory require an aide.

Members must be ready one hour prior to appointment. Please be prompt. Return tr ips home from Center lobby at 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Medical Appointments are limited daily. Make appointments as soon as possible, not less than 24 hours in advance. Must be pre-pared for pick-up one hour prior to appointment. Returns as soon as possible when notified. Medical appointments to Bridgeport between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Returns until 2:30 PM. Fairfield Doctors and Med-ical appointments 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Return until 3:00 PM. Grocery shopping: To Stop and Shop, Shop Rite and Trader Joes For individuals: Tuesdays pick up after 9:00. Groups at Housing (Thursday pick-up 11:30). Bus transportation includes: Group tr ips for shopping and enter tainment and Veter an tr ips to West Haven VA Hospi-tal through GBT.

Transportation Information

BUS TRANSPORTATION: 203-256-3168 MONDAY - FRIDAY from 8:30am TO 2:30pm

seniortransportation@fairfieldct.org

Human and Social Services Staff

Director: Julie DeMarco

Secretary: Janet Merando

Program Coordinator: Margaret Andrews

Receptionist: Nora Cooper

Social Services Secretary: Ann Cole

Social Workers: Eileen Fickes, Eileen Gombos, Mila

Rodrigues; Outreach: Amy Luciano

Social Work Intern: Kaitlyn McCar thy

Drivers: Michael Duke, JJ Metviner , Ron Metzger ,

Frank Prokaly, Jack Burns. Dispatchers: Paul Lytwyn (also

driver), Tony Consiglio, Bob Seirup (also driver).

AARP Driver Safety

A refresher course aimed at the 60+ driver. Call your in-surance company. You may be eligible for a discount af-ter completing this course! Tuesday, January 7 from 9:00-1:00. Checks only, payable to AARP. $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.

Dial-A-Ride

Dial-A-Ride supplements the town-provided Senior Center Transportation and the GBTA-provided fixed route buses and the ADA service. Service is available seven days a week. 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Applications are available in the Social Ser-vices Office. Please call Social Services for more information at 203-256-3170 or GBT at 203-579-7777.

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Exercise Classes and Things to Do

Zumba with Laura—A fusion of Latin and International music / dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting, and based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO." Cost: $5 per class. Mondays at 9:00. Senior Exercise with Laura–Offers low impact aerobics that are safe with simple moves with light weights, heavier weights and bands, helping to improve cardiovascular health,.Cost: No charge. Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00. Flex and Stretch with Laura—Work on stretching, flexibility and range of motion. Bring balance, flexibility, and stretch-ing to your workout routine. Cost: No charge. Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00. Arthritis Exercise with Laura—Covers a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities. All of the exer-cises can be modified to meet participant needs, you may stand or sit. Cost: No charge. Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:30. Tai Chi with Jonathon—One of many alternative therapies that can provide relief from pain, Tai Chi is designed to im-prove quality of life for people with arthritis. Cost: $5 per class payable to instructor. Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00. Morning Exercise with Nancy-Jump star t your day with a combination of stretching, balance, aerobic and strength exercises help to improve overall flexibility and physical endurance. Cost: No charge. Dates: Tuesdays at 9:00. Zumba with Germaine—A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy. Cost: No charge. Tuesdays at 10:15. Yoga for Seniors with Lisa—Wednesdays at 9:30. Winter Drop-in fee: $5 per class payable to instructor. Body Balance with Lauren—A gentle movement class with emphasis is placed on deep breathing. Can be done standing or seated in a chair. Cost: Tuesdays at 11:30 ($5 per class) and Fridays at 10:00 (no charge). Strength and Stretch Training with Sandy-Utilizing balls and weights while sitting and standing, you will stretch and strengthen all muscle groups. Cost: $5 per class payable to instructor . Wednesdays at 9:00. Weight Training with Diane—Uses heavy and light weights, and also incorporates use of a soft ball. We work in and out of a chair listening and occasionally dancing to great music! Cost: No charge. Thursdays at 9:00. Zumba with Diane—A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexi-bility, boosted energy. Cost: No charge. Thursdays at 10:00. Please note new start time. Zumba Gold with Pauline—Moves you love at the intensity you want. Fun and easy to follow, you’ll get a total workout. Class focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Cost: $5 per class payable to instructor. Fridays at 9:00.

Watercolors with Sabine Bonnar: Explore your creative side! In-structor Sabine Bonnar is a Trumbull artist who paints in watercol-ors, oils and pastels. Bring Your Own Materials. Classes meet Mondays (resume Monday, January 6) at 11:30. Cost: $50 per five week session. Please call the front desk for more infor-mation (203) 256-3166.

Senior Book Club: Facilitated by the Fairfield Public Library. This month: The Huntress by Librarian Mary Coe. Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00.

Genealogy: Facilitated by Genealogist Bill Stansfield, the Genealo-gy Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 and is for all those interested in researching their family histories.

The Poets’ Roundtable: Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00. All levels and poets welcome! No Experience nec-essary. Facilitated by Emerson Gilmore.

Flying Aces Model Airplane Club: Our members fly

rubber-band-powered models as well as very light battery-

powered planes, drones and helicopters. Meets every

Wednesday at 1:00.

Quilting: The quilter s/knitter s/crocheter s meet Fr iday

mornings at 9:00. Bring your own materials or project.

Sewing Bee: The Sewing Bee meets Monday mornings at 9:30. Bring your own materials and project.

Fairfield Chess Club: The chess club meets Wednes-

days at 12:30.There are no chess “masters” among our

members, but a few play at a very high level. Most are

just good, average players.

Table Tennis/Table Pool/Woodshop: All levels wel-

come for the fun and action-packed games. Sneakers

required. Each meet every day at 9:00.

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Musical New York: Tuesday, February 25. Leave at 8:30 AM and return by 7:45 PM. Head to NYC for a fun-filled day of music, live song and laughter. This unique trip is a live musical bus tour of NYC. Travel throughout the city by bus with Actors Equity performer onboard. The Broadway singer will sing his/her way through the city and various neighborhoods. See where the stars lived, lusted, loved and performed. Hear their music and learn about their lives as you weave your way through the city’s history. Lunch on your own at Chelsea Market, or walk the High-Line. After the lunch break, continue with the tour. Cost: $94 per person. Westchester Broadway Theater: All Shook Up. Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Leave at 9:45 AM and return by 5:15 PM. Set to the hits of the King of Rock and roll himself, Elvis Presley, this musical will have you dancing in your “:Blue Suede Shoes” all afternoon. Start with lunch ordered off an extensive menu. Cost: $121 per person. Aquaturf Presents: Tom Jones & Englebert—The Way it Used to Be! Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Leave at 9:30 AM and return by 5:00 PM. Richie Mitnick and Joe Saimeri at the Elegant Aqua Turf Club! Sit back, close your eyes and be transported to great mo-

ments in musical history. From Delilah to Release Me, you’ll enjoy every second of this Powerful tribute to these unforgettable enter-tainers. The Dance Floor ! You will be transported back to the 60s by this powerful tribute to these unforgettable entertainers. Cost: $60 per person.

Treasure Abound: Saturday, Apr il 25. Leave at 8:00 AM and return by 6:15 PM. The Stormville Antique Show and Flea Mar-

ket is located in the historic and scenic Hudson Valley on a private airport located hallway between NYC and Albany. As one of New York State’s largest and most popular outdoor flea markets with more than 600 vendors, you can’t help but come home with a treasure. Please select entrée at registration: Penne alla Vodka; Chicken Marsala; Personal Margarita Pizza; Eggplant Rollatini; or Sole

Francese. Cost: $93 per person.

Daffodil Days: Tuesday, Apr il 28, 2020. Leave at bus leaves the Center at 7:00 AM and return by 7:15 PM. Spend some time at Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay. You will have the pleasure of seeing Tens of Thousands

brilliant yellow daffodils. Enjoy lunch at the Mooring, a historic waterfront location in Newport. At the restaurant you will choose be-tween Grilled Chicken with Wild Mushroom Gravy or Local White Fish. You will have time to explore the shops in Newport after

lunch. Cost: $112 per person.

Gloucester Lobster Cruise. Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Leave at 7:00 AM and return by 8:15 PM. Step aboard the elegant Beauport Princes in Gloucester, MA and settle back in luxury for a cruise from one of New England’s most photogenic harbors, Cruise historic

Gloucester Harbor, the oldest fishing community in the United States. Enjoy your lobster buffet while cruising. Once on land, head off to Rockport, MA, one of the country’s oldest artisan colonies, to walk around or sit and enjoy looking over the harbor. Cost: $144 per

person.

Come Fly with Me. Saturday, August 8, 2020. Leave at 9:15 AM and return by 9:15 PM. Your experience at the Aerodrome will be

like no other! Start the day with a guided tour of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The Aerodrome is a classic small-town airport setting, his home to more than 60 vintage aircraft and many antique automobiles. Hear the aviation history of the Pioneer Era, World War I

and the Golden Age. After the tour, you’ll witness some of these amazing planes in flight during the airshow. Dinner will be a Liberty Public House with an extensive buffet. Cost: $129 per person.

America 400. Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Leave at 7:00 AM and return by 7:30 PM Take a step back in time and spend the day at

Plimoth Plantation, including powerful personal encounters with history built on research about the Wampanoag People and the Colo-nial English Community in 1600. After the guided tour, enjoy traditional English and Native fare at lunch. After lunch you will have free-time to explore the museum, the Mayflower II and the Grist Mill. Cost: $138 per person.

Oktoberfest at Krucker’s. Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Leave at 9:00 AM and return by 6:45 PM. Head to Krucker’s, located in Po-

mona, NY, just a stone’s throw away from picturesque Harriman State part. Start day with Apple Scones and pancakes at the welcome reception. Your day will be filled with games of Horse Shoes, Corn Hole, Bocce, Bingo. And don’t forget the German Music , Folk

Dancing and, of course, don’t forget—the FOOD! Select your entrée at registration (Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage or Sliced Pork Loin with Sauerkraut). Cost: $120 per person.

Aquaturf Oktoberfest featuring the Daigle’s Beer Hall Boys! Monday, October 19, 2020. Leave at 9:30 AM and return by 5:00

PM. The Beer Hall Boys will play a mix of German, Polka and American Music. German food accompanied by German, Polka & American Music! Daigle’s Beer Hall Boys have been playing nationwide since 2001. Cost: $60 per person.

Garden Club Trips—Save the Dates! ALL are welcome but trips are limited to 20 participants (minimum 10).

Wednesday, February 26: Edgerton Gardens and Greenhouse in New Haven. This 110-year old English manor-style campus is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and operates a year-round greenhouse. Cost: $5 due at registration. Sign up by 2/14. Bus departs at 10am and returns by 2:00pm. Cost: $3 paid pre-registration required. Bring your own lunch or order from SoupGirl Café (lunch will be delivered. Average price for lunch $4-$6). Learn more about the gardens at www.EdgertonPark.org.

Tuesday, May 5: Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford. This 93-acre sanctuary was a "test forest" for and the home of Francis A. Bartlett, founder of the well-known Bartlett Tree Company (still in business!) The Arboretum's educational staff will guide us on a short tour of the grounds and greenhouse (wear good shoes,) and we'll complete our visit with hands-on herb-potting, with our pots to take home. Lunch, on your own, at a local pizza cafe. Bus departs at 11am and returns by 2:30pm. Cost: $3 pre-paid registr ation required by Friday April 24. Learn more at www.bartlettarboretum.org.

Day Trips in 2020

Trip Guidelines

Payment due at time of reservation and made in person. Full name and phone number of each trip passenger must be included.

Be on time for arrival and departure. The Bigelow Center does not assume responsibility and/or liability if you fail to arrive at the scheduled arrival and departure times.

Refunds given up to a month prior to a trip. After that, refunds will be made only if a replacement is found for your spot. If you cannot find a replacement, you may call the Senior Center to see if there’s a waitlist.

Trips are for Bigelow Center members only. Not a member? Membership is free. Consider joining to take advantage

Overnight Trips in 2020

Scotland, Wales and England. Leave September 15, return September 24, 2020. Discover sleepy villages, gorgeous lakes, scenic countryside and historic cities and castles on this 10-day adventure. Spend two nights in a historic palace, search for Nessy on Loch Ness and walk in the path of the royal Family at Windsor Castle. This fully-inclusive and guided tour to the United Kingdom will show you the ionic sights all in a small group setting. Cost: $4600 per person double occupancy, $4500 per per-son TRIPLE occupancy, $5500 per person SINGLE occupancy includes round-trip airfare four-star accommodations, Blair Athol Distillery and much more. Passport required.

The Hidden Canals of France—The Loire Valley. Leave July 20, return July 29, 2020. Explore the canals of France in the Loire Valley, one of the most beautiful in Europe, with Tours of Distinction on a premier 22 passen-ger Canal Barge. Get an up-close look and feel of local French culture, sights and cuisine. Visit small villages, beautiful vineyards, UNESCO sites and the famous Briare Aqueduct. Journey through the scenic Loire Valley and discover the hidden canals of France at your own pace. Cost: $5053 per person double occupancy, $622 per person single includes roundtrip airfare, , Paris and two tours, six-member bar cruise, bikes, tours and more. (Land only cost: $4076 per person double occupancy; $4919 per person single). Passport required.

The Colors of Japan. Leave May 13, return May 22, 2020. The Land of the Rising Sun awaits. Japan is a country that has always embraced the future while holding on to its historic and traditional past. Your 10-day journey is a balance of both. Enjoy shiny Tokyo, soak in a hot-spring, learn the art of flower arranging and stroll geisha districts. Delve into history in Hiroshima and explore the palaces in Kyoto and Osa-ka. Cost: $6222 per person double occupancy, $7119 per person single occupancy. Includes roundtrip airfare, tour director, three bullet train experiences, tour director, Mt. Fuji and more. Passport Required.

Cruising Pacific Shores: Los Angeles to San Francisco to Vancouver. Leave May 2, return May 9, 2020. Fly to Los Angeles and board the Ruby Princess. Enjoy a San Francisco, Astoria, Victoria, and Vancouver. Fly home from Vancouver. Cost: $2552 per person double occupancy for an inside cabin,; $3459 single; Balcony cabin $2912 per person double oc-cupancy; $4176 per person single occupancy for a Balcony cabin. Prices include travel insurance, roundtrip airfare, all meals and daily enter-tainment on the Ruby Princess. Passport Required.

Bliss to Beaches. Leave February 2 and return February 16, 2020 on Norwe-gian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newest ship, the Bliss. Cruise the western Caribbean, departing from NYC with stops in Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the Caymans, Honduras, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Bal-cony Cabins available. Introducing NCLs newest ship, the Bliss. The fully-directed tour experiences a multitude of cultures, ancient sites, idyllic beaches and all meals and nightly entertainment. Travel insurance included in price. Cost: $3737 per person double occupancy; $5573 single occupancy per person. Passport Required

12

News from the Lifelong Learners

The LIFELONG LEARNERS Winter Program

January – February 2020 All sessions are held at the Bigelow Center. There are no prerequisites or mandatory assignments – just a relaxed, casual learning experi-ence to enjoy at your own pace. The tuition is $20 per course plus an annual $15 registration fee valid from September through June. You will be notified if, due to class size limitations, we are unable to accommodate any of your selections. WORLD LITERATURE ON FILM presented by Dr. Frank P. DeStefano Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. from January 14, 21, 28, February 4 This course features film adaptations of four great novels. Film adaptations tell the story and actors and film makers provide in brief im-ages what the novelist takes pages to describe.

Jane Austen: Persuasion Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre Charles Dickens: Great Expectations Feodor Dostoyevsky: Crime and Punishment

Dr. DeStefano has a PhD in History from Fordham University. His field of study was 18th Century English history. After 36 years as a financial advisor, he retired in 2008, partly to pursue his interest in history, especially Art History. He has traveled extensively in Italy and now devotes himself to writing and lecturing. INDIA: A VAST LAND OF CONTRASTS Elsa Cantor and Don Lamberty Tuesdays 10:00 A.M. – Noon from January 14, 21, 28, February 4 Our adventure begins in the remote foothills of the Himalayas visiting several tribes of ancient religions, languages, and cultures, includ-ing a tribe of former headhunters. Next we travel southeast to teeming Calcutta, home of Mother Theresa, where we pay a visit to her orphanage. Finally, we head to Southern India, a world apart from Calcutta, where life is slower and gentler but just as fascinating. Elsa Cantor and Don Lamberty are retired educators who have a passion for travel. They love to share their experiences of the people and the cultures they encounter. Elsa and Don have presented in many settings, including libraries and schools as well as Lifelong Learners. GREEK MYTHOLOGY presented by Sally Allen

Thursdays 10:00 A.M. – Noon from January 16, 23, 30, February 6

This course explores the origins of Greek mythology, its evolution in ancient Greece, and its reception in contemporary literature. We’ll begin with the earliest written sources of Greek mythology, consider what they communicate about human nature, and examine their enduring legacy across history:

Homer and Hesiod in the Archaic period

Athenian tragedy in Classical Greece

Jason and the Argonauts and Hellenistic Greece

Contemporary British and American Literature

Sally Allen holds a PhD in Literature, Reading, and Media Education from New York University. Her research area is influence of liter-ature on ensuing generations of writers. Currently, she is researching the influence of Homer in literary fiction. ROADS SCHOLARS presented by Bob Fatherley Thursdays 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. from January 16, 23, 30, February 6 This course features commentary supported by fascinating visual and audio histories of significant roads and road trips:

Week 1: The Merritt Parkway Week 2: Long Island Motor Parkway (now Long Island Expressway) Week 3: Alaskan Canada Highway (Alaska, Northwest Territories) Week 4: First transcontinental automobile trip (1903)

Bob Fatherley grew up in Darien CT, attended the Darien Public Schools, received a B.S. from Middlebury College, and an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania, with graduate work at Syracuse and Hofstra Universities. He has retired from careers in independent education and financial services.

Lifelong Learners is a not-for-profit, community-based membership organization for those who share a love of learning. All sessions are held at the Bigelow Center. There are no prerequisites or mandatory assignments – just a relaxed, casual learning experience to enjoy at your own pace. Tuition is $20 per course plus an annual $15 registration fee valid from September through June. You will be notified if, due to class size limitations, we are unable to accommodate any of your selections. LIFELONG LEARNERS Chair: Patr icia Sabena Board Members: Dan Chr istianson, Yael Lipof, Louise MacCormack, Pr iscilla Chr istianson, Margo Schiff, Mary Kay Frost, Claire Shumofsky, Paul Lipof, Lois Wallman