February 2010

Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 6

Tickets are now on sale for the Saturday, March 6 second annual Pancake Breakfast in the High Plains Community Center Senior Café from 8:00 to 11:30. Delicious pancakes with bacon and coffee will be cooked by the committee and all proceeds from the breakfast will go to support the Community Services Emergency Assistance Fund. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Cost of tickets is $5 for adults, $3.50 for children, and $15 for a family. Get your tickets now in the senior center office. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door.

Email addresses

If you have not yet given us your email address, please do this right away. We are building our list of senior center member’s email addresses for our office use only. This way, when we have new events, news, or reminders, we can get them to you right away. It puts you on the “inside” of breaking news! Send your email address to jantalik@orange-ct.gov.

Orange VNA Health Chat

A nurse from the Orange Visiting Nurses Association will be in the senior lounge on Feb. 2 at 10:30 to speak about “Fall Prevention and Home Safety Management”. Health Chats are scheduled on the first Tuesday of every other month. Please call the center to register.

Lions Club Valentines Pizza Party

The Lions Club will sponsor a Valentine’s Day Pizza Party on Wednesday, February 3, from 1 to 3 pm in the senior lounge. Pizza and soda will be provided by the Lion’s Club and served by the Lions Leo’s. Entertainment will be provided by Bob Mel with the Orange Senior Center’s two Health Net Senior Stars finalists, David Byrne and Marianne Miller. So wear your red and come enjoy yourself. Open to all members of the senior center. Please call to register for this event.

Ladies Lunch and Learn

Lubna Pal, Assistant Professor at the Yale University School of Medicine will be the speaker for the February 4 Ladies Lunch and Learn from 11:30 to 1 pm in the Senior Lounge. She will talk about bone health and simple lifestyle modifiers that can reduce risk for fracture and improve overall wellbeing. Come join us. Bring your own brown bag lunch. We furnish the dessert and coffee. Registration required.

Men’s Club

Next Men’s Club meeting will be Thursday, February 18 from 10:30 to 11:30 am in the senior lounge. The speaker is Frank “Porky” Vieira, former head baseball coach of the University of New Haven Baseball team. Vieira is the true “father” of UNH baseball and until this season the only coach the school had ever known. He retired following the 2006 season after completing a total of 43 winning seasons. Vieira is one of the all-time greatest in the college game. Coach Vieira will be talking about “Baseball, Then and Now – The Many Differences in the Game.” Call for a reservation. Coffee and pastries will be served.

AARP Tax Aide Program

Free income tax assistance is provided at the senior center by the AARP

Tax-Aide program for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages, with special attention to those 60 and older. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from 9 to 12 pm starting Feb. 3. Call the center to schedule an appointment with a certified AARP Tax-Aide counselor. If married, both husband and wife should be present. All taxpayers should bring the following information:

· Proof of identity (picture or other documentation).

· Social security number (Social Security Card or Benefit

Statement-Form SSA-1099) for taxpayer and all taxpayer’s dependents.

· Personal check, if available, with bank checking account & routing numbers since tax returns are done by direct deposit

· Copy of last year’s Federal and state tax returns.

· All income statements that apply to the taxpayers 2009

Federal and state income taxes.

Seeking Tutors for Intergenerational Tutoring Program

Orange Youth Services and Senior Services have combined efforts to offer students, grades 1-12, tutorial/homework help. We are looking for senior tutors (55 years & over) who want to help students succeed in their studies. Subjects being tutored are Language Arts, Reading/comp., Writing skills, Science, Math, History, and Study Skills. The group meets every Thursday from 3 to 5 pm at the Case Memorial Library. Tutoring sessions are: 3:30 to 4:15 pm & 4:15 to 5:00 pm. Tutors work one-to-one with their students. Please contact John Ulatowski, Youth Services Coordinator at 203-891-4785 or by email at julatowski@orange-ct.gov

Nature Walk

This month’s Nature Walk will be on February 8 when walkers will return to Eisenhower Park in Milford on North Street just south of the Orange Town line. Last winter, walkers found that with the powder snow under foot, they were able to do trails along the Wepawaug River and through the woods. If conditions are not good underfoot, walkers will walk in the Milford Post Mall. Meet at the High Plains Pavilion at 9 am. Call the center to register for nature walks.

Chess

Those interested in playing chess are invited to come with a partner on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 in the senior lounge. Canasta and Pinochle are also played at this time. Bring your own chess board.

Friday at the Movies

Join us on Friday, Feb. 26 at 1 pm to see this month’s movie, “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” Journalist and compulsive liar Rebecca Bloomwood is an addicted consumer that cannot resist shopping for fashionable clothes and outfits in fancy shops and has several large debts on her credit cards. She dreams of writing for a fashion magazine. She loses her job, and as a result of a mix-up is asked to write for a financial magazine about the very disease she suffers from, shopping. Meanwhile she must continue to avoid the debt collector who is after her. Her column becomes a success; however her lies and debts put her in a difficult situation with her audience. Come see this highly entertaining movie starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy. Call to sign up. Popcorn and soda served.

Presentation on Reverse Mortgages

On March 1 from 1 – 2:30 pm the CT Money School will conduct a class at the senior center in Room 2 on Reverse Mortgages. CT Money School is a project of the Connecticut Association of Human Services and five nonprofit partners. It provides free financial education for adults and seniors. This class will discuss how a reverse mortgage works.  The course will cover the basics, terminology, and the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage. Please call the center to reserve a seat.

Literacy Center of Milford seeking volunteers

The Literacy Center of Milford is looking for volunteer tutors for ESL students (English as a second language). If you are interested in learning more about this program or volunteering, call Tami Jackson @ 203-878-4800.

Business Sponsored Bingo

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the Bingo Sponsor on Thursday, Feb. 18. Come enjoy this special bingo with refreshments provided by Anthem who also brings a door prize for a lucky winner. Bingo is played every Thursday from 1 to 3:30. Come join the fun. Perhaps you will be a winner!

Encore Group

The newly formed Encore Group for singles over 55 has planned to attend an event on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 from 8 pm to 12:30 am. The group will be going to one of the socials organized by “Contacts” an organization which plans events for singles in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond. The event will be at Liedle’s (rhymes with “needles”), 337 Kenyon Street, Stratford which has a spacious ballroom and dance floor. The cost is $20 pp, payable at the door, and includes a dinner buffet and a DJ. Members of the Encore Group can either drive on their own, or meet in the High Plains Parking lot at 7 pm to car pool. Fliers with all the information and driving directions are available at the center. Call the center if you plan to attend.

Yale School of Medicine is looking for volunteers

The Yale School of Medicine is seeking men 65 and older for a clinical study to test whether testosterone therapy can reduce health problems that might be related to low testosterone, such as decreased physical and sexual function, low energy, poor memory, and heart disease. Dr. Thomas M. Gill is heading up the study. Men interested in participating should call the Yale study center @ 877-523-5672 or email Ttrial@yale.edu.

Register for the next session of Computer Classes

A variety of computer classes are taught by experienced teachers in the center’s Computer Training Center. All classes meet once a week for six weeks. The cost for each class is $30. Classes are limited to 7 students. Register now to be sure you get a spot.

Computers I / Intro to the Internet – Richard Manjoney and Carol Isaacs, Tuesday, March 9 – April 13. 9:30 - 12:00.

Computers Level II – Mike Teller, Thursday, March 11 – April 15. 9:30 – 11:30.

Word Processing – Kathleen Gorelick, Wednesdays, March 10 – April 14. 9:30 – 11:30.

Organizing Digital Photos/Picasa – Carol Isaacs, Tuesday, March 9 – April 13. 1:30 – 3:30

Buying and Selling on eBay – Mike Galaty, Thursdays, March 11 – April 15. 1:00-3:00.

Boot Camp for the Brain/Maximizing Your Memory – Fridays, (3 weeks) starting March 12. 9:30 – 11:30.

Trips

Starting January 1, full payment must be made at the time of reservation for day trips (with the exception of Broadway Plays and other trips that require advance ticket purchases). It is very time consuming to call members when final payments are due. We hope that this new procedure will make better use of staff time and allow us to continue to provide high quality, enjoyable trips that you have come to expect. Longer trips and some overnights will continue to require deposits with final payments due at later dates. Trip fliers state the amount due with a reservation. Also, some day trips that take place later in the year, have dates on the flier for when reservations will begin. Person must be members of the senior center to go on day trips. One does not have to be a member to go on overnight or longer trips.

UCONN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM AT SYRACUSE WITH AN OVERNIGHT AT THE TURNING STONE CASINO – Feb. 24-25, 2010.

This two-day trip includes tickets for the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team vs. Syracuse at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Accommodations are at the nearby Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. You will receive a bonus package (choice of $30 Casino or Bingo bonus for each day) which must be chosen at the time of registration. In addition you’ll receive a $15 meal credit to use on Day One. Day Two includes a full breakfast buffet. Cost: $183 pp double, $243 single, and $178 pp triple. Price includes transportation, hotel accommodations, meal voucher, two bonus packages, breakfast buffet, driver’s gratuity and admission to the game. Cancellation insurance is available. Full payment is due with reservation. Check space availability.

“SYLVIA” AT LONG WHARF THEATER

Matinee performance on Wednesday, March 3. Limited number of tickets. Drive on your own or pay a little more and receive transportation on our van. Lunch before the show at Brazi’s Restaurant. “Sylvia” is a delightful play by A.R. Gurney filled with comedy of married life and the dogs that get in the way. Cost: $55 pp with transportation and $51.50 pp without transportation. Total must be paid at registration.

FOXWOOD TRIP – Monday, March 22. The bus leaves the Orange Senior Center at 8 am and returns around 5:30 pm. Each traveler gets a bonus package to use at the Casino. Cost: $22 pp. We will be sharing the bus with the Milford Senior Center, so sign up as soon as possible to assure a seat.

Payment is due at the time of registration.

ST. PATRICKS DAY TRIP – March 17, 2010. Put on your green and come enjoy a wonderful St. Patrick’s lunch at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. Enjoy a five course all-you-can-eat luncheon served family-style, live entertainment, a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Cost: $65 pp. due at registration no later than March 5.

WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND THE TERRA COTTA WARRIORS EXHIBIT – March 25-27, 2010. Final payment is due Feb. 15, 2010. Waiting list.

MYSTERY TRIP –April 13, 2010. We can’t give you too much information, but we think you will like this trip. Enjoy a great lunch (choices are baked sole with scallop and crab stuffing, chicken marsala with mushrooms and peppers, or baked pork loin with apple sauce) and the rest is a “mystery!” Transportation on a motorcoach is included and no walking to speak of. Cost: $63 pp.

Payable at registration no later than March 9.

BILLY ELLIOT AND WEST SIDE STORY ON BROADWAY –April 28, 2010. Have lunch at Bossa Nova Restaurant and then go to a matinee performance of either Billy Elliot or West Side Story where we have orchestra/front mezzanine seats. Billy Elliot is a funny and heart-warming celebration of one young boy’s dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity (this is our second bus trip to see it) and West Side Story is the classic American musical about two star-crossed lovers caught between rival street gangs featuring the great music of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Both shows are getting great reviews. Cost: West Side Story is $198 pp (a deposit of $80 is required with reservation) and Billy Elliot is $208 pp (a deposit of $115 is required with reservation. Make your reservations early since show trips are usually sold out.

Final payment is due by April 5.

CIRQUE LE MASQUE AT WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER –May 3, 2010. This show is filled with energy, color, and an original story line. Sold out last year, it is being brought back to Westchester Dinner Theater for a limited engagement. The artistry and skill of the aerialists, contortionists, gymnasts, and jugglers are thrilling to behold. Choice of entrée’ for lunch. Cost: $78 pp. Payment in full with reservation.

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN – June 5 – 13, 2010. Experience the Canadian Rockies via Rail on this 9 day trip. Trip includes non-stop air transportation from Newark to Vancouver, British Columbia. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian, heralded as the “first and only all-stainless steel dome streamliner in Canada”. Remaining nights are spent in three beautiful Fairmont Resorts in Jasper, Chateau Lake Louise and Banff with the last night at a Westin Hotel in Calgary. Full brochure is available in the office. Per person rates: Double $3,699, Single $4,699, Triple $3,649 includes round trip air, hotel transfers, all hotels, air taxes and fees, and 13 meals (gratuities not included). Trip insurance is available (cost: $235 pp). Passports needed for this trip. $250 pp deposit is due with reservations.

Final payment is due by April 6. Check space availability.

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN at Goodspeed Opera House – June 23, 2010.

Annie Oakley is a riflewoman who beats Frank Butler, the sharp shooting star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, in a contest and then falls in love with him. She steals the show and Frank runs off. Annie is heartbroken until they meet again and declare their love for each other. A great musical with great songs. Lunch will be included before the matinee performance at the Gelston House. Cost: $99 pp.

Reservations for this trip begin February 1 with full payment.

BOSTON POPS AT TANGLEWOOD – Sunday, July 18, 2010

Enjoy a buffet brunch at Dakota Restaurant in Pittsfield, Mass and then go to Tanglewood where the Boston Pops conducted by Keith Lockhart will perform their annual Pops Concert with special guest Arlo Guthrie. Cost: $115 includes transportation, brunch, admission and gratuity. Reservations are being taken now with a deposit of $40. The balance is due May 21.

LOBSTER BASH AT AMARANTES – July 20, 2010. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Amarante’s Sea Cliff located on the shore in New Haven with a panoramic view overlooking Long Island Sound. Includes a deluxe social hour before lunch and then a delicious lunch with a choice of fresh lobster or rib eye steak. Entertainment by Richard “Cookie” Thomas, a versatile vocalist whose voice is smooth in the style of Nat King Cole. Cost: $75. Payment in full with reservation which begins on February l.

This trip will leave from the Congregational Church.

VERMONT CHEF’S ON PARADE – August 18 – 19, 2010.

Travel north to Vermont by deluxe motorcoach and check into the beautiful Essex Inn, Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa, for a culinary adventure. The two days include a welcome reception, Chef’s Hat Gourmet Outdoor BBQ, S'mores Campfire with banjo or guitar sing-a-long, continental breakfast, lunch with Vermont Microbrew tasting, and a choice of many optional activities. Essex Inn has beautiful indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, gardens, and a state-of-the-art Spa (special prices offered on the Spa). Cost: $259pp. A deposit of $50 is being taken now to reserve your spot on this fabulous trip. Balance of payment is due by July 1.

This trip will leave from the Congregational Church.

“JOSEPH” AT SIGHT AND SOUND THEATER WITH PHILADELPHIA – September 27 -28, 2010. “Joseph” is the big new show coming to the Millennium Theater in Lancaster, Pa. The first day will include a tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, lunch on your own at Reading Market and overnight lodging at The Inn at Reading with a prime rib and stuffed shrimp dinner followed by a Comedy Show right in the hotel. The next day we visit the Kitchen Kettle gift shops and then go to see “Joseph”. If you ever have been in this theater, you know how fabulous it is. The Biblical story of “Joseph” is a classic story of truth, forgiveness and integrity. Cost: $286 pp double, $276 pp triple, and $336 single. Reservations are being taken now with a $50 deposit.

All reservations must be made by May 31. Final payment is due August 20.

OKTOBERFEST AT THE PLATZL HOUSE –October 21, 2010.

The Platzl Brauhaus in the Hudson River Highlands is most famous for their Oktoberfest program and luncheon. A wonderful menu, an Oompah Band, folk dancing, and outdoor activities top the day off. Beer, soda, and cider are served throughout the day. Great German entertainment. Cost: $75 pp.

Registration begins June 1 with full payment.

SOUTHERN FRANCE - BURGUNDY AND PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE: October 30 – November 9, 2010. Fly from New York to Marseille and transfer to the city of Arles on the Rhone River. Board Uniworld’s River Royale for a spectacular 7-night cruise including stops in Avignon, Viviers, and Valrhona, known for its chocolate, Lyon, the gastronomy capital of France, and Chalon-sur-Saone, the heart of the Burgundy region and famous wine. We’ll sail past quaint hilltop cities and fashionable, lively towns, as well as lush vineyards, and sun-drenched vistas made famous by Van Gogh and Cezanne. Following the riverboat cruise, spend two nights in Paris, the magical “City of Lights”. Tour Versailles, and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Paris including the Champs-Elysees, the Arch de Triumph, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and Luxembourg Gardens. Stay at a deluxe hotel with breakfast each day, and one dinner. The total cost of the trip including round trip airfare, the 7-day cruise, 2-nights in Paris and trip insurance ranges from $3,674 to $4,224 based upon cabin category. These rates include an early booking and group discount (if a $300 deposit is made by March 31, 2010). Previous Uniworld guests get another $100 per person discount. A valid passport is needed for this trip.

Final payment is due by July 15, 2010.