NEWS

 

 

Town Hall and Town Departments:

The Town of Orange has a new phone system.  You can continue to reach all offices on their original numbers, but you may also begin to use the new numbers which are listed below. 

            Town Hall: 891-4700

            Community Services Department: 891-4788

            Senior Center Kitchen: 891-4765 (reservations must be made a day in advance)

            Police Department: 891-2130

            Recreation Department: 891-4790

            Town Pool: 891-4761

            Visiting Nurses: 891-4752

            Library: 891-2170

 

Summer Cookout:

Our Summer Cookout date is July 20 with a rain-date of July 21 under the High Plains Pavilion.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken will be grilled and served by Frankies Restaurant from 5 to 6 pm.  Entertainment follows by the Frank Porto Band.  Wear your dancing shoes. Tickets are $20 pp and go on sale June 1.  Don’t hesitate.  This is always a sold-out event!

 

Stepping Up to the Plate: The Story of Yankee Great, Lou Gehrig:

Carol Birch, one of Connecticut’s premier storytellers, will be at the Case Memorial Library on Monday, June 22 at 7:30 pm to entertain us with the story of Lou Gehrig.  July 4, 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s speech in Yankee Stadium- a speech which reverberates in the American psyche to this day.  Standing in Yankee Stadium, where winning was and is everything, Gehrig offered us all a more complex understanding of what it is to lose, and what it is to win when he said: “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth…”  In a little less than an hour, Carol Birch traces Gehrig’s life from his youth through his baseball career to his marriage and his final battle with ALS.  Birch says what drew her to his story was the depth of his character as he rose from immigrant son to baseball hero and American icon.  “Gehrig embodies the finest of character traits, for at the height of his power, he remained unpretentious, trustworthy, honest, hardworking, and loyal,” says Birch.   Gehrig’s story is filled with humor and heart, grit and glory and resonates for diehard baseball fans as well as those who know nothing about baseball.  This free event is co-sponsored by the library and the senior center.  Call the senior center to reserve a seat.

 

The Road Taken….The Merritt Parkway - Combined Ladies Lunch and Learn and Men’s Club:

Lisa Seidenberg, producer of a documentary film about the Merritt Parkway, will show the film on June 11 for a combined Men’s Club and Ladies Lunch and Learn from 10:30 to 11:30 in the senior lounge. The year was 1931.  It was a time in America of economic hardship and millions unemployed. In Connecticut, they decided to build a beautiful road. The Queen of Parkways, the Merritt Parkway celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year. Mixing historical information, lively personal anecdotes and lots of rarely seen archival material, “The Road Taken…The Merritt Parkway”, takes an alternately poetic and informative look at the Merritt Parkway; the unique art-deco bridges, the landscaping, those infuriating twists and turns that give the road its character.  The Merritt is part of Connecticut’s historic memory - a 37 mile stretch of road architecture - arguably the only road in the world that is truly a work of art. As a depression era public works project, it is also a timely story with parallels to today.

 

 

 

Included in the large cast of characters is photographer Nate Gibbons, former DOT Commissioner Emil Frankel, Chris Wigren, Deputy Director, CT Trust for Historic Preservation, preservationist/artist Renee Kahn, as well as Henry Merritt, a relative of Schuyler Merritt , the Stamford Congressman for whom the Parkway is named.

The Lakeside Diner in Stamford also makes an appearance.  The project was supported by the Connecticut Commission for Culture and Tourism and the Merritt Parkway Conservancy.  Reservations are needed for this event.

 

Neighborhood Music School Presents Vintage Voices:

Last fall, NMS was one of just nine schools across the country to become part of a Creative Aging Initiative sponsored by the MetLife Foundation.  Funds were provided to develop and implement participatory programs for adults ages 60+.  Forty adults from throughout the New Haven area joined the inaugural class of “Vintage Voices”, a 12-week program which engaged singers of all skill levels in a diverse array of musical styles and introduced low-intensity modern dance that can be enjoyed by older adults of all physical capabilities and comfort levels.  Come to the senior center on Thursday, June 18 from 10:30 to 11:30 for a demonstration of this creative program of the Neighborhood Music School.  There will be audience participation.  The program will take place in the gym.  Reservations are suggested. 

 

Nature Walks:

On June 8, walkers will return to do some of the trials in the Pequannock Valley Park in Trumbull which were visited three years ago.  This is a scenic area along the river and the group will hike both sides of the river.  The west has an old railroad right of way high above the river. 

 

On June 22 the group will travel to New Haven to explore East Rock Park.  This will include different areas and trails including the Pardee Rose Garden and Greenhouse.  If time, we will drive to the summit for the great view of the city and surrounding area.  The walking is mostly level. Please call the center to sign up for either or both walks.

 

Health Chat for June:  Managing Medications:

Lynn Ann Yosua, acting Director for the Orange VNA, will be in the senior center lounge on Tuesday, June 2 for a health chat on “Managing Medications”.  Call the center to reserve a spot.

 

Cabaret Night:

Actor Richard Clark will be returning to the Orange Senior Center on Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 for Cabaret Night in the senior café. He will be performing Barrymore! By William Luce.  Enjoy the life and times of this early 20th century “bad boy” actor.  Have a rollicking good time as he takes us down memory lane to the era of the roaring 20’s and the 30’s.  Join an audience at a rehearsal of his greatest performance as Shakespeare’s Richard III.  His trusty prompter tries to keep him on the straight-and-narrow and pick up the pieces as she stumbles through this boozy undertaking.  This presentation is a charming concoction of comedy and pathos as Barrymore struts what’s left of his “stuff”.  Family history, theater lore, and the rigors of marriage and Hollywood are mixed in a portrait of a great artist who has lost his way.  Tickets for Cabaret Night are $5 per person and can be purchased in the community Services office.  Coffee and dessert will be served.

 

Friday Afternoon at the Movies – Marley & Me:

Come join us on Friday, June 19 at 2 pm for another Friday afternoon at the movies.  We will show “Marley & Me”, a wonderful film about a dog and his family that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.  You will be able to identify with this true to life story if you have ever loved a pet.  The movie stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.  We will provide popcorn and soda.  Call to register.

 

 

Yesterday and Today Photographs:

Ina Furst, a member of the senior center, will take photos of couples, friends, and/or family members as part of a “Yesterday and Today” photo project on Friday, June 19 from 9 am to 12 noon.  There is no charge to participate.  You will need to bring an old photo from at least 40 years ago. The photo can be of you and your spouse, a group of friends or members of a family.   Ina will make a copy of the photo you bring in and give the original back to you.  She will then take a “Today” photo of all the persons in the original photo.  All persons in the original photo have to be present for the “today” photo. You will then be able to have the “old” photo and the “new” photo to place side by side as a memoir.  Appointments can be made by calling the center after June 1.

 

Connecticut Trails Day:

“Take a Hike” with other friends and residents on Saturday, June 6 from 10 am to 3 pm.  Guides will be available on the Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge Trails.  Park your car in the Turkey Hill School Parking lot and be transported to the start of the trail.  All ages are welcome.  Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water.  June 6 is Connecticut Trails Day and the Recreation Team of this year’s Senior Leadership class has cleared and marked Tucker’s Ridge Trails in preparation for the event.  Rain date is Saturday, June 13.  Come join the fun and enjoy the fresh air!

 

Senior Leadership Graduation:

Congratulations to the members of the Senior Leadership Class of 2009 who will be graduating on Wednesday, June 17 at the Grassy Hill Country Club.  Members of the class include: Marianne Bauer, Maryellen Bespuda, Elaine Capecelatro, Elisabeth DeLuca, Barbara Ekman, Tom George, Maureen Giordano, Wilda Hamerman, Joan Jagrosse, Stephen Pjura, Jr., Sophie Rogers, Efraim Sagiv, and Howard Treat.   Class members this year worked on three team projects to benefit the community.  The projects were chosen at the first meeting in September and included a Recycling Team, a Fundraising for the Emergency Fuel Fund Team, and a Recreation Team who worked on improving our towns hiking trails.  It was a great group of seniors and a fun year.  We send them our congratulations!

 

Wii Bowling:

All senior center members are invited to take part in the Spring Training sessions to get ready for the second annual Health Net Wii Bowling Tournament.  The Tournament will begin in a few months.  Our team from the Orange Senior Center did very well last year. This year’s team will be chosen based on averaging scores.  We will need a team consisting of 4 bowlers and 2 substitutes.  “Spring Training” is a great way to prepare for the Tournament.  It is friendly competition among local senior centers.  We have scheduled some practice matches with the Milford Senior Center who will be coming here to bowl with our Wii bowlers on Monday, June 15 at 1 pm.  Come to watch or to join in the fun.  Orange Wii bowlers bowl on Mondays from 1 to 4 and on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 pm.

 

Business Bingo Sponsor for June:

Carriage Green is the business sponsor for Bingo on June 18. Come play; enjoy a special door prize and refreshment.

 

One -Day Painting Class with Carol Weber:

Carol Weber will be here again to teach a one-day painting class from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Friday, June 19.  A sample of the painting which will be completed can be seen in the Community Services Office.  The class fee is $50 plus $6 for a canvass.  Supplies may be purchased from a list that is available at registration, or rented from the instructor for $10.  Class size is limited so register early for this class. 

 

Game Day – Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 2 PM:

We have a number of members who come on Wednesday and Friday afternoons to play cards, Mah Jong, checkers, dominoes, and Scrabble in the senior cafe.   We also have people interested in playing pinochle, so come to the center on these afternoons and perhaps you can find some fellow players.  These are informal “game” days, so you may have to take your chances on finding partners.  Registration is not needed.

 

You know you are living in 2009 when you haven’t played solitaire with real cards in years, you have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three, and you get up in the morning and go on line before coffee.


 

 

Summer Classes at the Center

Computer Classes: Introduction to Computer and Internet – Tuesdays, June 23 – July 28

Fitness Class: Only one class on Tuesdays and Thursdays in summer – June 23 – Sept. 10

Tap Dance: Current session ends June 15

Watercolor Painting: Summer session pending registration

Beginner Watercolor: Current session ends June 3

Yoga Classes: Current sessions end in July

Chair Exercise: Continues on Monday and Friday mornings at 11 am

Line Dancing: Continues on Fridays at 1 pm either in gym or Room 15 while camp is in session

 

 

TRIPS

GRACIE MANSION, TAVERN ON THE GREEN & TOUR OF HARLEM – June 3, 2009. Cost: $120 pp. This trip is sold out. 

 

LOBSTER BASH WITH NEW ORLEANS DIXIE GUMBO – Tuesday, June 23, 2009.  Dine at Amalfi’s Restaurant at the Village Inn, a charming inn with a Victorian flair.  The Mediterranean restaurant overlooks the beautiful Narragansett Bay amid the scenic beauty of famous Ocean Drive. Meal choice of Chicken Marsala, Steamed Lobster or Herb Crusted Scrod at time of registration.  Following lunch be entertained by the lively sounds of the New Orleans Dixie Gumbo Band, hailing from New York City and New Orleans.  Cost: $70 pp.

Trip departs from the Orange Congregational Church

This trip has a waiting list.

 

SAIL BOSTON 2009 – TALL SHIPS – Thursday, July 9, 2009.  Greet the return of the Tall Ship fleet for Sail Boston 2009.  The best way to see the Tall Ships is on a leisurely 90 minute cruise through Boston Harbor which departs from Rowes Wharf (amidst many of the tall ships.)  Get a close-up, unobstructed inspection of the world’s greatest sailing ships.  We will dine at Phillips Old Colony House, a classic New England restaurant.  Time permitting; we’ll visit exciting Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace.  Cost: $83 pp. Final payment due June 5, 2009.

Trip departs from the Orange Congregational Church

This trip has a waiting list.

 

“I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE” AT THE WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER – Thursday, July 30, 2009.  Enjoy this hilarious, most entertaining show on or off Broadway after a delicious lunch featuring your choice from a variety of entrees.  Cost: $78 pp.

Final payment due June 30, 2009

This trip departs from the Congregational Church

This trip has a waiting list.

 

 

NEW YORK RAIL & SAIL IN THE ADIRONDACK AND GREEN MOUNTAINS AND LAKE CHAMPLAIN – Wednesday and Thursday, August 12-13, 2009.  Take a motorcoach to Albany, NY and then board an Amtrak for a Scenic Mountain Rail Journey to Plattsburgh, NY.  Then ferry to Burlington, VT and board the Ethan Allen Dinner Cruise Boat for an onboard Wine & Cheese Reception and a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain where dinner will be served while you are entertained by a Jazz group. The cruise will return about 9:30 pm when we will check into our hotel, the Best Western Wind Jammer in Burlington.  Next day after a continental breakfast enjoy free time at Burlington Church Street Marketplace and shop at Lake Champlain’s Chocolates.  We will have a gourmet lunch prepared by graduates or students of the New England Culinary School before boarding our motorcoach for our return home. Cost: $303 pp double.  A $50 deposit is required by April 24, 2004 with your reservation.

Final payment is due by June 15, 2009.

This trip departs from the Orange Congregational Church.

Space available.

 

 

TANGLEWOOD – BOSTON POPS WITH JAMES TAYLOR – Sunday, August 30, 2009.  Enjoy a buffet lunch at Morgan House before traveling on to Tanglewood in the Berkshires where we will enjoy a fabulous concert by the Boston Pops directed by John Williams and performance by James Taylor. Cost: $121.  A $40 deposit is needed with your reservation by March 30.

Final payment by July 30, 2009.

This trip has a waiting list.

 

 

ATLANTIC CANADA CRUISE featuring St. John & Halifax.  September 7 – 12, 2009.  Cruise to Nova Scotia on the Carnival Triumph. Cost for the 5-day cruise from New York City range from $729 to $999 pp. double occupancy depending on the type of cabin chosen. A $380 pp deposit is required to confirm you space.  This deposit includes $80 for cancellation insurance. Single rates are available. Call the center to check on space availability. Shore excursions, and fuel charges ($45 pp as of June 11, 2008), meals ashore, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the price.

Check availability of cabins.

 

 

BILLY ELLIOT ON BROADWAY – Wednesday, September 16, 2009.  Enjoy lunch at Pietrasanta where you will receive a choice of entrée upon arrival.  After lunch, enjoy one of Broadway’s hottest new shows, Billy Elliot, a funny and heart-warming celebration of one young boy’s dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity.  He loves to dance but his friends are more interested in boxing. This powerful new musical has been nominated for 15 Tony Awards.  A smash hit in London where it has won 9 Best Musical awards and broken box office records, Billy Elliot reunites the award-winning team behind the moving 2000 film by the same name and the musical mastery of Sir Elton John.  This is a feel good, life-affirming musical about a young boy beating all the odds to fulfill his dream.  Everyone who sees this Broadway show loves it!  Cost: $193 pp. Check availability of seats.

$120 deposit is due at registration and the final payment due by August 17th

This trip has a waiting list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO AND LAKE TAHOE – September 25- October 1, 2009.  This escorted trip flies to San Francisco where you will spend three nights in the beautiful Westin St. Francis Hotel in downtown with sightseeing tours and free time to explore on your own or take an optional tour. Travel to Lake Tahoe by motorcoach, stopping in Napa Valley for a tour of a winery and then on to Reno.  Spend three nights at the Horizon Hotel and Casino in Lake Tahoe where you will enjoy a scenic cruise on the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe.  Trip includes airfare from NYC, 6 nights in first-class hotels, 4 dinners, and 3 breakfasts, and fuel surcharges (subject to increase until paid in full).  Cost: $1949 pp double occupancy.  A $100 deposit is due at reservation. Trip insurance can be purchased for an additional $140.

Final payment is due July 25.

Space available.

 

 

OKTOBERFEST PLATZL BRAUHAUS – Thursday, October 8, 2009.  The Platzl Brauhaus in the Hudson River Highlands is most famous for their Oktoberfest program and luncheon.  A wonderful menu, an Oompah Band and folk dancing top the day off.  Beer, soda, and cider are served throughout the day. Great German entertainment. Cost: $75 pp.

Final payment due by September 8, 2009.

 

 

LADY CATHERINE FALL FOLIAGE DINNER CRUISE WITH HILLSTEAD MUSEUM - Thursday, October 22, 2009. Experience a whole new level of luxury as you board the Lady Catherine for a luncheon cruise on the Connecticut River.  We depart from Middletown, CT and begin our 2-hour cruise hoping to see some beautiful fall foliage (if it still remains!). After disembarking from the cruise, board the motorcoach again and travel to the Hill-Stead Museum for a tour of this National Historic Landmark for a guided tour.  See impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Manet, Mary Cassatt and James McNeill Whistler.  Cost: $87 pp.

Final payment is due by September 18, 2009.

Space available.

 

 

“A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM” AT GOODSPEED WITH LUNCH AT THE GELSTON HOUSE – Wednesday, November 4, 2009.  Non-stop laughter awaits you with America’s Funniest Musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  Winner of tons of Tony Awards including Best Musical.  Before the show, enjoy a delicious lunch in the beautiful Gelston House, Cost: $99 pp. 

Final payment due September 15, 2009

 

 

MAGIC WINGS, LUNCH AT CHANDLERS, YANKEE CANDLE, AND BRIGHT LIGHTS BUS TOUR AT FOREST PARK – Wednesday, December 9, 2009.  See beautiful indoor gardens filled with color and butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory.   Then have lunch at Yankee Candle’s own fine dining restaurant, Chandlers.  After lunch browse through Yankee Candle and smell all the delicious scents for the holidays.  The last stop is a ride through the amazing Bright Nights display in Forest Park, New England’s largest lighting display, featuring more than two and a half miles of magnificent lighting and whimsical places. Cost: $77 pp.

Final payment due November 12, 2009.

Space available.

 

 

11 DAY CRUISE FROM NY TO THE SUNNY CARIBBEAN – Feb. 3 – 13, 2010. Board the New Norwegian Gem in New York and sail to the Caribbean where we stop at St. Thomas, Antigua, San Juan, St. Maarten, and Tortola.  Trip includes transportation to the NY pier, all meals with Freestyle Dining in 12 restaurants, first bowling alley at sea, Broadway style shows, 2 pools and fitness center, exclusive Open Bar Party and all port and government taxes.  Prices start at $1405 per person. $500 pp is due with your reservation.  Deposits are recommended as soon as possible to assure the cabin of your choice.  Final payment is due by Nov. 6, 2009.  Trip protection insurance at an additional charge is strongly recommended.  For more information call the Senior Center or The Ship Shop at Friendship Tours (1-800-243-1630).

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND THE TERRA COTTA WARRIORS EXHIBIT – March 25-27, 2010.  Enjoy great sightseeing, entertainment, and one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th Century on this trip to our nation’s capital.  We stay at the Embassy Suites for two nights with nightly cocktail receptions at the hotel.  Trip includes 2 breakfast, 2 dinners, one show at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theater and a tour of Washington, D.C. with a step-on guide, including many of the memorials and museums.  A relaxing cruise on the Potomac River is included prior to an evening dinner on the Washington waterfront. See the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at the National Geographic Museum before they are returned to China.  Price: $399 pp based on a double, $549 single, and $369 pp for a triple.  Trip insurance is included in the price. A $50 deposit is due with registration and the balance is due Feb. 15, 2010. Make your reservation soon to hold your spot.

 

Fliers with complete information on each trip are available from the Community Services office and in the senior café trip rack.  Reserve far enough in advance to assure that you will be assured a spot.  All trips must be paid in full by the deadline noted on the flier.  We ask that you make a $25 deposit on day trips when you make the reservation.  Deposits are specified on longer trips.  Separate checks are needed for separate trips.  Checks for day trips are made out to Treasurer, Town of Orange. We rely on our members to make final payments on trips without reminder phone calls.  Cancellation waiver fees are due at the time of deposit for overnight trips.  No refunds can be issued for any cancellations made less than 20 days before a scheduled trip or event, unless we have a waiting list and are able to find a replacement.  If there is no waiting list, we encourage you to find someone to take your place.  All trips depart from the Orange Senior Center, unless otherwise noted.  Park in the rear of the parking lot on the side of the senior café as far past the building as possible.  Do not hesitate to put your name on a waiting list, as we use this list for replacements when needed.  The first two seats on each side of the bus are reserved for persons with special disabilities and for the group leader. We are able to accept payment for trips on Visa or MasterCard. Driver’s gratuity is usually included in the cost of the trip.