March - April 2007

SOMERS SENIOR NEWSLETTER

 

 

 

 

 

 


Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle Street, Somers, CT 06071

Phone (860) 763-4379, Fax (860) 749-7160

 

Be sure to read about Somers Senior News each month in the Journal Inquirer and North Central News.  Usually, our column in the Journal Inquirer is printed in the latter part of the month.  The North Central News, a monthly newspaper, usually prints our column in the Somers section of the newspaper.

 

The following information represents the on-line version of the Somers Senior Newsletter.  The paper version with photos and artwork is available at the Senior Center, Town Hall and Plaza Restaurant.

 

Current News and Events

 

You could be eligible for Property Tax Relief!

By Pat Juda

 

·        Are you a Somers’ resident?

 

·        Do you own your home or have life use of your home?

 

·        Are you or your spouse 65 years old or older, or are you receiving permanent total disability benefits?

 

·        Is your 2006 adjusted gross income plus any other income not included in your adjusted gross income, $35,300 or less?

 

If you answered yes to the questions above, you may qualify for property tax relief.  Tax Credits up to 75% of your real estate tax bill are funded by the State of Connecticut and the Town of Somers and never need to be repaid.

 

Simply come to Town Hall with your 2006 Federal Income Tax Return, if you filed one, plus your 1099’s from Social Security, between February 1st and May 15th.  The Assessor’s staff will assist you in completing the paperwork. 

 

Pat Juda, Somers’ Assessor, will arrange to visit you in your home to assist you with the application in the event it is difficult for you to visit the Town Hall.  Please do not hesitate to call Pat at 763-8202 to schedule a visit or to answer any questions you may have concerning this program.

 

Cholesterol Screening

From Jim Burgess

 

The Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut will hold a Cholesterol Screening at the Somers Senior Center on April 17 th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The cost is $10.00 per person.  Fasting is not necessary.  To register for the screening, please call the Center at 763-4379 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

Health and Wellness Programs

 

Blood Pressure

 

At the Somers Senior Center, 2 nd. and 4 th. Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

Blood Sugar

 

At Woodcrest, 3 rd. Monday of month, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

 

At the Somers Senior Center, 1 st. Tuesday of the month, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

 

The above programs are conducted by the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, Inc.

 

Please Call or Write

 

IS THERE A HEALTH OR WELLNESS PROGRAM THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE SENIOR CENTER?  Please call Municipal Agent Jim Burgess at 749-7160 or mail your name, address and telephone number with your suggestion to:

 

Somers Senior Center

Attn: Jim Burgess

P. O. Box 194

19 Battle Street

Somers, CT 06071

 

Pedi-Care Service

 

Pedi-Care provides an ongoing program of foot care at the Somers Senior Center by Theresa Morello, a specially trained, registered nurse.  The services offered at the Senior Center Clinics include (1) a general assessment of the feet and lower extremities (2) trimming, filing and cleaning of nails (3) reduction of thickened toenails (4) smoothing of corns and calluses (5) massaging, lotioning and powdering of the feet, and (6) referrals to a doctor or podiatrist.  PLEASE, NO DIABETICS.

 

Service days at the Senior Center for March and May are listed below.  There are no dates in April.  However, dates will be added to this list, if the following dates become filled.

 

March 22, Thursday, and March 30, Friday

No dates in April

May 24, Thursday, and May 25, Friday

 

Fee is $27 and appointments are required.  They begin at 9:00 a.m.   To schedule your appointment at the Senior Center, please call Norma at the Center at 763-4379 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

HOME VISITS ARE AVAILABLE at $42 per visit on days when the nurse is available and at your convenience.  Please call Norma at the Senior Center at 763-4379 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment at your home.

 

Town of Somers, News and Information

 

Building Closure

 

Senior Center will be closed if Somers Public Schools are closed because of weather conditions.

 

Social Services

 

Connie Carenzo, Director of Social Services, is in touch with all agencies that could offer help to any senior who has a need.  Please call Connie at 763-8201 for more information.  All calls and contacts are confidential.

 

Somers Public Library

 

Somers Public Library has LARGE PRINT fiction and non-fiction books. 

 

Also, the library will deliver books and other materials to Somers residents who are homebound due to illness or disability.  Call Francine Aloisa at 763-3501 to sign up.

 

Somers Historical Society, Inc.

 

Somers Historical Society, Inc. has a program on Cox Cable channel 15, every Wednesday at 4 PM.

 

Somers Historical Society, Inc. Plans St Patrick’s Day Trip As Fundraiser

By Pat Broer

 

The Somers Historical Society, Inc. is sponsoring a trip to The Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT on Thursday, March 8th. 

 

Irish tenor, Ciaran Sheehan performs emotional classics from the Emerald Isle and Broadway, accompanied by award-winning soprano Gay Willis and Eily O’Grady Patterson.  The production has toured across America and Ireland for four years, selling out venues including The National Concert Hall of Dublin and New York’s Carnegie Hall.  Some of the favorites are Memory (Cats), Danny Boy, Galway Bay, Battle Hymn of the Republic, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera) to name just a few. 

 

The cost is just $65 and includes round trip coach, meal, show, all taxes and tips, and donation to the Society.  This would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift for someone who is dear to you.  For information or reservations, call Pat Broer at 749-0697.

 

Historical Society Museum

 

The Historical Society Museum on Somers Common at 11 Battle Street in Somers will reopen in April 2007 with a special visit by the Somers 1937 antique fire truck.

Bus departs

the Somers Senior Center

at 7:30 a.m.

and

returns at 8:30 p.m.
 
 


Page 4
 
Advance Notice

 

Ellis Island Trip “Gateway to America” sponsored by Somers Historical Society Inc., Tuesday, June 12.

 

Package includes: Roundtrip Deluxe Motorcoach, Lunch at Da Rosina Italian Restaurant, Ellis Island Ferry and Admission, Meal Taxes and Gratuity, Donation to Society, Drivers Tip.  All for $79.00.

 

For reservations or information call Pat Broer at 749-0697.  Flyers are available at the Senior Center.

 

Advisory Committee to the Elderly, News and Information

 

Somers Municipal Agent

 

Our agent, Jim Burgess, acts as advocate for the needs, interests and concerns of all seniors in Somers.  Also, Jim chairs the Advisory Committee to the Elderly.  He can be reached at 749-7160.

 

Regular Senior Bus Service

By Jim Burgess

 

Senior Bus operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., within Somers, Stafford and Enfield.  Please call Norma Meyer at 763-4379 at least 2 days in advance for your appointment. 

 

Weekend transportation is based on availability and special arrangements.  Please call Jim Burgess at 749-7160 one week in advance for weekend transportation.

 

Seniors using the Senior Bus for the first time should ask Norma to send them the “Operating Procedures for the Senior Bus Service.”

 

Expanded Bus Service

By Jim Burgess

 

As reported previously, the town has a second bus available for Somers Seniors.  Your requests and suggestions for additional uses for this bus are welcomed.  Please call Jim Burgess at 749-7160.

 

Cell Phones

By Jim Burgess

 

If you would like to receive a free cell phone that has been reprogrammed to dial 911, please call Jim at 749-7160.  Having one of these cell phones ensures that you have access to emergency care at all times whether you are at home or traveling.   These cell phones can be borrowed for a short or long period of time, whichever you prefer.

 

Seniors Go Back To School Program

By Donna Doyker

 

Seniors Go Back To School Program is being  conducted during this school year.  Please sign up on the sheets located at the Senior Center.  Topics are: (1) seniors participate in the computer lab classes to learn or to help teach basic usage of a personal computer; (2) seniors act as guest speakers for career choices; (3) seniors volunteer for the technology, woodworking, or life skill classes, assisting the teacher by discussing their experiences in any of these fields; and (4) seniors volunteer to talk about their historically related experiences such as military service, cultural differences or traditions, or government involvement.  For more information, contact Donna at 763-8210.

 

Meals On Wheels

By Jim Burgess

 

These daily meals are delivered Monday - Saturday.  For information about the program, please call Jim at 749-7160.  To resume or cancel your delivery, please call Norma at 763-4379.

 

SPECIAL THANK YOU to the volunteers.  They donate their time and provide their own transportation to deliver meals.  Their time and enthusiasm in helping others are appreciated.

 

Social Security

 

Dan Moraski, the representative from Springfield Social Security Office, will come to our Senior Center upon our request for help with any Social Security or Medicare subject. 

 

Please call Jim Burgess at 749-7160 with your request for the visit by Dan Moraski or your suggestion for a topic.

 

AARP Tax-Aide

From AARP Web-Site

 

AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors prepare tax returns and answer tax questions free of charge for taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to taxpayers 60 and older.  Counselors are available through April 15.  Please call for an appointment.  Following are some of the local sites.

 

ENFIELD SENIOR CENTER, 299 Elm Street, Enfield           

Call 763-7425.

 

HAMPDEN SENIOR CENTER, 104 Allen Street, Hampden, MA

Call 413-566-5588.

 

ELLINGTON HUMAN SERVICES DEPT. 33 Arbor Way, Ellington

Call 870-3133.

 

EAST WINDSOR SENIOR CENTER, 125 Main Street, East Windsor

Call 292-8262.

 

Question-and-Answer Column

 

Do you have a question related to seniors?  Send your name, address and phone number with your question to:

Somers Senior Center

Attn: Jim Burgess

P. O. Box 194

19 Battle Street

Somers, CT 06071

 

Responses will be published in our newsletter or provided in a phone call to the sender.

 

Newsletter Corner

 

Quote Quiz:

 

Match John Quincy Adams; Julie Newmar, U. S. actress; and Judith Martin, U.S. author and journalist, with each of their quotes. Answers will be in the next newsletter.

 

* The invention of the teenager was a mistake.  Once you identify a period of life in which people get to stay out late, but don’t have to pay taxes – naturally, nobody wants to live any other way.

 

* Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.

 

* Laugh, and you’ll live without Medicaid until you’re one hundred.

 

Answers to quotes in previous newsletter .

 

* Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present. Author Unknown

 

* When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I’ll know I’m growing old. Lady Bird Johnson

 

* Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous.  When I was sixty-five I still had pimples. George Burns

 

To Our Readers

 

Contributions of news items and photographs can be made by contacting volunteer, Barbara Flebotte, phone 749-5821.  News items are compiled by Barbara and published in the Journal Inquirer, North Central News and Somers Senior Newsletter. 

 

The newsletter is available at the Senior Center, Town Hall and Plaza Restaurant.  A simplified version is posted on-line at www.SomersNow.com.  Also, the newsletter is mailed to our senior citizens.  If you have not been receiving a copy, please call Norma at the Senior Center, 763-4379, between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with your name and mailing address so that we can add you to our list.

 

Suggestions to improve this newsletter and the newspaper columns are appreciated.  Please contact any member of the Advisory Committee with your suggestions.

 

Senior Citizens’ Club

By Joan Sizer

 

2007 Club Dues Payable January 1st

 

Reminder to all Club members:  Your 2007 dues were payable January 1st.  If you have not paid your $2 dues for 2007 yet, please make your payment to Norma Keeney (Membership Chairperson), Bev Morin, Joan Sizer, Norma Meyer, or Jim Burgess.  Please do not give your dues to anyone else.  Prompt payment of your 2007 dues will ensure your name remains on our membership list and will also ensure you remain eligible to participate in any “club members only” benefits or activities in 2007.  Those members who have not paid their 2007 dues by March 31 will regrettably be removed from our membership list.  Of course, whether you are a member of the Club or not, you will still receive the Somers Senior Newsletter which the Town distributes to all Somers seniors. 

 

We want to keep all of you on our membership list – so please pay your dues promptly!  When you pay your dues, be sure to let us know the month and day (not year) of your birthday if you have not already told us.  See the article below regarding celebrating birthdays.

 

Any senior, who is interested in joining our Club, should contact Norma Keeney at 749-8027.  She will provide you with an application form so that we can accurately obtain your name, address, birthday (month and day only), etc. for our records.

 

Holiday Party a Huge Success!

 

Ask any of the 97 attendees.  Yes, our party was a huge success.  Club members had previously decorated the Senior Center, both inside and outside.  The Activities and Events Committee under the direction of Assistant Chairman, Arlene Yarnes, arrived the day before and transformed the tables into beautifully decorated dining tables including red ribbons, poinsettia plants, and handcrafted holiday magnets and favors for each attendee.  As a holiday gift to members, the Club supplied the delicious turkey dinner.  To make everyone feel like “Queen and King for the day,” committee members and other volunteering club members transformed into waitresses and all club members were served their dinners.

 

The Club also purchased a number of wonderful door prizes.  In addition, local merchants donated items as additional door prizes.  Arlene proudly announced all the winners of the approximate 50 door prizes during the party and committee members roamed around the room distributing them.  In appreciation for the catering services he gave during the year by Keith Fieldhouse from Patsun Caterers, Keith was surprised to be presented with a Santa Chef figurine.  As a special bonus, we even had a reporter from the Reminder stop by to take pictures and interview some of the seniors.  The result of this was a beautiful front-page article with pictures that appeared in the Reminder the following week.  The afternoon of fun and excitement closed with each attendee receiving a lovely poinsettia plant that had been donated by Growers Direct.  It was a great dinner and afternoon and all had fun!

 

A very special thanks is extended to the entire Activities and Events Committee and all the other club members who volunteered to help make this year’s party a huge success.  Special thanks also go to Arlene’s daughter, Terri, who was our “elf” and who assisted in so many ways, not to mention making all the handcrafted magnets and favors and for taking the party pictures you see in this newsletter.

 

Luncheon Health Programs

 

Home and Community Health Services is running a series of free programs that deal with various health related topics (example:  nutrition, cancer, heart, diabetes, etc). The topic for the March 7th program will be a discussion regarding Hospice Care – eliminating the confusion about what it is.  Donna Dow-Conklin, Director of Hospice Care, will be our speaker.  Appropriate time will be available for questions and answers at each session.  We hope you will also join us for lunch and then stay for these educational programs.  All seniors are welcome – you do not have to be a Club member.  Please see the article within this newsletter relative to the lunch menu and how to make a lunch reservation.

 

Let’s Celebrate Your Birthday!

 

We want to recognize club members’ birthdays.  On the first Wed. of each month, we will have a birthday cake for those celebrating their special day.  Best of all, your lunch will be free!  So come join the fun and let us help you celebrate your birthday.

 

To be eligible, club members’ dues for the current year must be paid in advance of their birthday month.  Also, in advance of their birthday month, they must let us know when their birthday is (month and day only).  Then, make your lunch reservation no later than the Monday before the first Wednesday of your birthday month.  Attend that Wednesday’s lunch and your lunch will be FREE, compliments of your Somers Senior Citizens’ Club!  Please note that all reservations must be honored as indicated in the “Catered Lunches” article in this newsletter.  There will be no takeouts for these free birthday lunches as we are trying to encourage seniors to come to the Senior Center.

 

Somers Senior Citizens’ Club Earn A Meal Program

 

Effective the first Wednesday of February 2007, we started a new program.   The program is very simple – buy and attend three catered lunches and when you attend your fourth catered lunch your meal will be free!  See details below.

 

Purpose of the Program: 

 

The purpose of the program is to encourage club members to come to the Senior Center and enjoy the social time while eating a catered lunch with other seniors.  We hope this will result in an increased number of people attending the catered lunches and participating in other club activities.  If you are not already a club member, we would love to have you join our club and participate in this and other members’ benefits.  See the “2007 Dues Payable” article above for more information about joining.

 

Here’s how the program will work:

 

Only club members whose current year dues have already been paid are eligible for this program.

 

Upon buying and attending your first catered lunch, you will be given an Earn a Meal Card.  We will post the date of that meal on your card.  Be sure to save your card and bring it to each catered lunch.  We will post an entry to your card for each subsequent catered lunch you buy and attend.

 

Although we would love to have you attend the catered lunches every week, weekly attendance is not required.  Just hold onto your card and present it the next time you buy and attend a catered lunch.

 

Once you have bought and attended three lunches, the next time you attend a catered lunch present your card and your meal will be free.  We will then give you a new card in preparation for your next visit so you can start the process over again.

 

Takeout meals are not eligible for this program either as part of the three required meals or as the free meal.  All four meals are to be eaten at the Senior Center, as we are trying to encourage people to attend the lunches.

 

The cards are not transferable to another member, not even your spouse.

 

Only one meal can be posted to the card each week.  That meal would be your own meal.

 

Any free meals received as a result of this program and/or as a result of any other program (birthday month, weekly raffle, Dion Lunch, etc.) do not count as one of the three bought and attended meals.  Therefore, they will not be posted to your Earn a Meal Card.

 

The Club is not responsible for lost or stolen Earn a Meal Cards.  If your card is lost or stolen, retroactive credit cannot be given for any prior meals earned on your card.

 

The Club reserves the right to modify or terminate this program.

 

We hope you will enjoy participating in the Earn a Meal Program.

 

Catered Lunch Raffle

 

Those of you who attend the catered lunches know that each week each person who buys a lunch and attends the luncheon receives a raffle ticket.  During the lunch, we draw the winning ticket to determine which of the attendees gets their lunch for free that day.  With the implementation of the Earn a Meal Program mentioned within this newsletter, we modified the catered lunch raffle a little bit in an attempt to avoid confusion.  Instead of the winner getting that day’s meal for free, he/she will receive a ticket that is good for a free meal in the future.  Then, just make your reservation in the usual way and present your ticket when checking in.  As the purpose of this program is to encourage people to buy and attend the catered lunches, takeout reservations are not eligible to receive a raffle ticket and winners cannot use their free meal tickets to purchase takeout meals.  Reservations must be honored as mentioned in the “Catered Lunches” article within this newsletter.  You do not have to be a Club member to participate in this raffle.

 

Catered Lunches

 

All seniors (age 50 and older) are welcome to join us for any or all of the catered lunches that occur every Wednesday except the third Wednesday of the month.  You do not have to be a Club member to come to these catered lunches. 

 

The cost is $5 per meal and reservations must be made no later than each Monday (reservations must be honored or you will be charged).  If it is necessary for you to cancel a reservation, we must hear from you no later than Monday of the respective week.  For reservations, call 763-4379 or come to the Somers Senior Center and sign up.  Transportation is available by calling 763-4379 at least two days in advance.  Come and enjoy a delicious meal and socialize with other seniors.  Please remember that baked chicken is always available as a substitute entree` (unless the entry is already a chicken entree).  Just stipulate that on your reservation.

 

The menu is as follows for March through May:

 

March:

 

Mar. 7              Pot Roast                                                         BIRTHDAY CAKE

Mar. 14            Roast Pork

Mar. 21            Potluck Lunch and Membership Meeting

Mar. 28            Chicken Chow Mein

 

April:

 

Apr. 4              Ham and Scalloped Potatoes                            BIRTHDAY CAKE

Apr. 11            Meatloaf

Apr. 18            Potluck Lunch and Membership Meeting

Apr. 25            Baked Chicken

 

May:

 

May 2              Roast Beef                                                       BIRTHDAY CAKE

May 9              Roast Pork

May 16            Potluck Lunch and Membership Meeting

May 23            Stir Fry Chicken

May 30            Swedish Meatballs and Egg Noodles

 

Doughnuts and Coffee Social Time

 

How about a warm cup of coffee, doughnuts, and some morning laughter?  The Club sponsors a Doughnuts and Coffee Social Time for all seniors at the Senior Center every Tuesday morning from 8 – 9.  You don’t have to be a Club member to participate and the coffee, doughnuts and laughs are all free!  So come on down and join us.  We have a great crowd of men and women who come weekly! 

 

Somers Senior Newsletter

 

If you know of a Somers senior citizen who is not receiving the Somers Senior Newsletter, please let Jim Burgess, the Municipal Agent, know.  The Town provides the newsletter for the benefit of all seniors in town as well as any club members who live elsewhere.  We want to ensure that everyone is receiving it.

 

Monthly Blood Sugar Testing Date Changed

 

In December 2006, the blood sugar testing conducted by the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, Inc. at the Senior Center was moved to the first Tues. of each month instead of the second Monday.  The time remains the same:  8 – 9 am.  So, come have your blood sugar tested and then join the rest of us for the Tuesday morning free coffee and doughnuts and some social time!  The blood sugar testing as well as the Doughnuts and Coffee Time are available to all seniors.  You don’t have to be a Club member.

 

Sunshine Committee Needs Your Help

 

If you are ill or in the hospital, if a member of your immediate family is, or if you experience a death in your family, please let us know.  Likewise, if you know of any other Club member who is experiencing any of these, let us know.  Contact Carolyn Ryder, Sunshine Comm. Chairperson, at 749-8949 so that she can send a card when appropriate and so that she can let other club members know.  Please don’t assume we know.  We care.

                                                                                                                                                           

 DIRECTORY

 

Municipal Agent: Jim Burgess, Phone 749-7160, www.Jim@sctr.necoxmail.com.

Office Hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12 noon, also by appointment.

 

Social Services Director: Connie Carenzo, Phone 763-8201

 

Senior Citizens’ Club meets at Senior Center on 3 rd. Wednesday of month, 1:00 p.m.  Public is invited.

Executive Board meets on 2 nd. Wednesday of month, 12:30 p.m.

Joan Sizer, President

Arlene Yarnes, First Vice President

Sandy Fales, Second Vice President

Joan Kocot, Secretary             

Myrtle Pixley, Assistant Secretary

Bev Morin, Assistant Treasurer

 

Advisory Committee to the Elderly meets at Senior Center, 2 nd.Tuesday of month, 11:00 a.m.  Public is invited. 

Year 2007 committee members are Chairman Jim Burgess, Pat Bachetti, Elaine Bemont, Donna Doyker, Dorothy Hillman, Anthony Pellegrino, Myrtle Pixley and Arlene Yarnes

 

Bus Transportation and Meals On Wheels:

Please call Norma at 763-4379 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.