NEWS FOR JANUARY 2010

Word from the Senior Services Coordinator

The Year 2010 is about to begin. Last year was filled with concerns with the economy, budget deficits, and stimulus packages, protecting the environment, health care reform, military commitments, and unemployment. Unfortunately, these concerns will not quickly vanish, but as we start a new year, it is time to not look backwards with despair, but forward with hope. We have so much to be thankful for in this wonderful country and town of ours. We have the choice to be positive and look at the bright side of things, or are negative and be of doom and gloom. Thank goodness, the members, participants, and friends of the Orange Senior Center fall mostly into the first category. It is a pleasure to interact with the folks who come to take classes, attend events, play cards and enjoy all that is offered at the Orange Senior Center. Special thanks to Marianne Bauer, Annette Ives, Rose Bradley, Rosemary Courtney, Joan Jagrosse, Ann Tudino, Carol Swarney, and Carol Nardini who baked cookies for our annual Holiday Cookie party. We look forward to 2010 as a year that will be filled with good surprises, many blessings, and new friends and adventures. The staff of the Orange Community Services Department stands ready to serve you. We wish you all a very Happy, Safe, and Healthy New Year!

Joanne Byrne, Senior Services Coordinator

2010 Membership Renewal for Non-residents

Non-resident membership payments are now due for 2010. Membership is $10 for an individual and $15 for two people living at the same address. Payment can be made in cash, check or credit card. Membership entitles a person to participate in any of the activities, events, or day trips sponsored by the center. Members receive the monthly newsletter. If non-resident membership dues are not paid by January 15, your name will be removed from our mailing list and you will not be able to participate in our activities. Orange residents do not pay membership dues, but must have a completed registration card on file in our office.

Encore Group for Single Members

A new group of single adults met for a get together at Bear and Grill in December. The next Encore event is January 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 in the senior lounge. Pizza and soda will be served and those attending are asked to bring a board game to play. A $5 donation will be collected at the door. Call the senior center to let us know you are coming.

Nature Walk

The next Nature Walk is scheduled for Monday, January 11 at 9 am when hikers will explore the Orange Triangle Trail along the Wepawaug River. This area includes town owned conservation area, Camp Cedar Crest and the Ravine Orange Land Trust. The plan will be to do the loop to Rt. 34 and return on Mapledale Road to the parking area. There are some steep parts. There may be changes to the trails taken depending on conditions underfoot. Call the senior center to sign up for the January hike.

Holiday Door Decorating Contest

Thank you to the ten Community groups and town departments who decorated doors for the 3^rd annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest. Doors were decorated by the Town of Orange Tax Office, Orange Arts Council, TRIAD, American Legion #127, Orange Lions Club, Mom’s Club of Orange, Girl Scout Troup 60403, Orange Economic Development Corporation, Community Services Department and the Peck Place Think Tank. Many votes were cast and combined with the judge’s choices to determine the winners. Winners were announced at the annual Holiday Cookie Party.

Policy on Center Closing in Bad Weather

The Community Center remains open even if the schools are closed due to bad weather. Van transportation is cancelled or delayed if the Orange Public Schools are closed or have delayed openings. Center classes may be cancelled, however, if the Orange Schools are closed. Use your best judgment for your own safety or call the center if you are unsure about classes.

Find out if you are eligible for assistance

The senior center in conjunction with RSVP of the Agency on Aging of South Central CT offers free benefits screenings to individuals age 60 and older on the first Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 in the center’s Computer Training Room. The screening is geared to help older adults determine if they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. Call the senior center (203-891-4784) for an appointment and bring information about your monthly income from all sources, monthly expenses, asset information and a list of all current prescriptions.

Ladies Lunch and Learn

Eight out of ten older Americans have at least one chronic health problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes for which they are taking a medication. Some of these people could be at risk for drug interactions when certain medications are combined. Come to the next Ladies Lunch and Learn on Thursday, January 7 at 11:30 are for a “Pack Your Bag” program when Constantino DiStefano, Pharmacist from the Orange CVS, will speak about medication compliance. You will be able to ask questions about prescription and non-prescription medications and receive tips on ways to save money on medication. You may also bring a bag of your medications and have a consultation with the Pharmacist if you wish. This program is sponsored by CVS/pharmacy and the National Council on Aging. Coffee and dessert will be provided. Call for reservations.

Men’s Club

Ron Davis, from Video Lab and the Town’s producer of OGAT (Orange Government Access Television) will be at the January 14 Men’s Club to speak about “Preserving Family Memories”. He will show what can be done with old family movies and photographs to preserve memories. The men meet at 10:30 am. for coffee and to learn about an interesting topic. Ladies welcome to attend. Call to make a reservation.

Chess Group

Students from Notre Dame High School will be at the senior center on the four Tuesdays in January from 3 to 4:30 pm to play chess with members of the center. If you know how to play chess, want to improve your game, or want to learn how to play, call the center to sign up. We are grateful to these young men for volunteering their time. Let’s show them our appreciation by signing up for this. Try something new in the New Year!

Pickle Ball Demonstration

Come to a Pickle Ball demonstration in the High Plains gym on Wednesday, January 20 from 1 to 2 pm. Pickle Ball is a combination of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. It is being played at many senior centers around the country. The Orange Senior Center is the first in our area to have a Pickle Ball set. The game is fast-paced, highly social and entertaining. Some running and coordination are required using a paddle to hit a wiffle ball. Persons should be in moderately good condition to play. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. A Ping-Pong table is also available on Wednesday in the Billiards Room. Please call to let us know you are coming for the demonstration or to play Ping Pong any Wednesday.

Friday at the Movies

Come see “Julie and Julia” on Friday, January 22 at 1 pm in the senior lounge. Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible. This is a great movie starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci. Reservations requested.

Wii Bowling

Get out of the house and get some exercise and fun by playing Wii Bowling in the senior lounge on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 pm. If you have never tried virtual bowling, we will give you a few easy lessons and you will be making strikes and spares in no time. Call the center for more information or to let us know you are interested.

Business Sponsored Bingo

Emeritus of Woodbridge, an assisted living facility, will be the Business Bingo Sponsor on Thursday, January 21 from 1 to 3:30. Come join the fun for this special bingo with refreshments and a door prize provided by Emeritus.

Save the Date for the Lions Club Valentine’s Pizza Party

The Lions Club will again 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. So wear your red and come have a good time. Persons should be members of the senior center to attend and call to register for this event.

The Next ONVA Health Chat is February 2 at 10:30 am on Fall Prevention and Home Safety. Call to register.

Need Free Help with Your Taxes

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

Tax-Aide program for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages, with special attention to those 60 and older. Sessions will be 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.

CLASSES

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class: January 19 – April 6 (12 weeks) Class fee $50

Bridge Lessons: January 7 – February 11 (6 weeks) Class fee $35

Fitness: January 5 – March 23 (12 weeks) Class fee $25

French Lessons: January 6 – March 10 (10 weeks) Class fee $35

Tai-Chi: January 8 – March 26 (10 weeks) Class fee $50

Tap Dance: January 11 – March 29 (10 weeks) Class fee $50

Intermediate Watercolor: December 16 – February 17 (10 weeks) Class fee $50

Yoga: Mondays, January 4 – April 5 (12 weeks) Class fee $50

Yoga: Wednesdays, December 16 – March 3 (12 weeks) Class fee $50

TRIPS

New Trip Payment Policy. 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 has become very time consuming to call members when final payments are due. We are hoping 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.

LION KING AT THE BUSHNELL IN HARTFORD – January 28, 2010. Cost: $70 pp.

This trip has a waiting list.

Departs from the senior center at 11:15 am.

MOHEGAN SUN OVERNIGHT – February 18-19, 2010.

Enjoy a more leisurely stay at Mohegan Sun without rushing to catch the motorcoach back to the center. Receive a bonus package ($20 Food Coupon or 2-Buffets and a free bet) and enjoy a hotel which is nothing less than extraordinary standing 34 stories tall with 1,200 luxury guest rooms. You will be able to treat yourself to a mini-vacation because of the low cost of the trip. On the second day enjoy breakfast and another day of gambling or shopping. 11 am is check-out time, but the motorcoach does not leave until the afternoon. Cost: $103 pp double; $163 pp single and $98 pp triple. Trip cancellation insurance is available.

Full payment is due at registration no later than January 15, 2010.

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.

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, live entertainment, a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Lunch is always served family style at Aqua Turf.

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, 2010.

CIRQUE LE MASQUE AT WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER –May 3, 2020. 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 by Jan. 5, 2010.

Final payment is due by April 6, 2010.

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 on to Tanglewood where the Boston Pops will be performing their annual Pops Concert with special guest Arlo Guthrie. Price will be announced once tickets are released for sale. Reservations begin March 1.

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.

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, Smores 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 a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, 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.

“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. Stops are made in the city of Avignon, the charming town of 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 Triomphe, 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). An additional $150 can be deducted if the total is paid by December 31, 2009. 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.