MARCH NEWS:

Pancake Breakfast

Get your tickets 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 members from the Church of the Good Shepherd 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. Thanks to Bob Kleffmann of the Senior Center Advisory Council and his committee for planning this event.

Community Services Transportation Program

The Community Services Department offers transportation to residents who are over 55 and younger adults with disabilities for medical appointments, to the senior center, shopping and as time allows for personal errands. The weekly shopping bus goes to the CT Post Mall where passengers may shop for groceries, conduct bank business, and shop at other stores. Our vans are lift equipped so that we can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs and scooters. We provide transportation within Orange, to New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Woodbridge and to Griffin Hospital in Derby. Service is offered Monday through Thursday between 8:30 am and 3 pm and on Fridays until 1 pm. A donation is requested per ride. If you cannot afford to donate, you may still utilize our transportation service. Our service is convenient, time saving, and economical. Advance registration is required. For further information, call Kim at 203-891-4788.

Looking for Volunteers for new Handyman Skills Bank Program

Occasionally the Orange Community Services Department receives requests from residents for help with common household jobs. One of this year’s Senior Leadership teams is interested in establishing a “Handyman/Skills Bank” of volunteers that would be able to address some of these needs. Volunteers need not be a professional tradesman, but someone who could help with common household problems or chores. To volunteer or for more information, please call Dennis Marsh, Senior Outreach Worker at 203-891-4788.

CT Money School Presentation

On March 1 from 1 – 2:30 pm the CT Money School will give a presentation 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.

Medicare Part D Presentation

Aetna will give a presentation on their Medicare Part D program on March 15 at 1 pm in Room 2. Seniors have until March 31, 2010 to make any changes with their prescription drug plans. Call to register for this presentation.

Ladies Lunch and Learn

Anita Taylor will speak at the March 4 Ladies Lunch and Learn. Anita will speak about “Debunking the Clutter”. This is your “de-stress” call when you are swamped by paper, pinched for space and racing the clock. Professional Organizer Anita Taylor shares her proven tools, tips and techniques to show that when you simplify and organize you succeed and enjoy clear sailing through your home. Bring your brown bag lunch at 11:30 and the speaker will start at noon. Coffee and dessert provided. Call for reservations.

Men’s Club

John Mattia, a nationally-recognized rose grower, exhibitor, rose photographer and artist, lecturer, and resident of Orange will be the speaker at the March 11 Men’s Club meeting at 10:30 am. The title of the presentation is “Basics of Growing Roses”. John’s digital rose photography has been published in regional, national, and international publications including the New York Times and the American Rose. He has also been a speaker and the official rose photographer at nine annual conventions of the American Rose Society. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Women are welcome to attend this Men’s Club meeting. Call for reservations.

First Cabaret Night of 2010

Join us on Wednesday, March 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm for our first Cabaret Night of the year. The “Stuck on You Band” will be playing music for your dancing and listening pleasure. In fact, we will vote for the best dancers as we did last year for the best singers. Dances can include waltzes, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, polka, rumba, cha-cha, swing, mambo, hustle, tap dancing, and line dancing. Dances can be done by individuals, couples or groups. Whoever gets the most votes at our center, will move on to the regional competition and then into the finals. The Dance Competition is sponsored by Health Net. Grab your dancing partners and come join us for a night of fun. Coffee and dessert will be served at 5:30 and dancing begins at 6 pm. Tickets are $5 pp and are available in advance in the senior center.

AARP Income Tax Assistance

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 during tax season. 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.

Boomers and Beyond Lifelong Learning Center at the Library

On April 5, the Boomers and Beyond Lifelong Learning Center will present a program entitled, “Social Security: Everything You Wanted to Know About Social Security…But Were Afraid to Ask”. A representative from Social Security will be on hand to present a short program, and to field questions. On April 21, David Miller and Kate Cosgrove will present a program on volunteering. Both programs will be presented at the Case Memorial Library at 7 p.m. so mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATES!!

AARP Drivers Safety Course

The AARP Drivers Safety Course is held each month at the senior center on the first Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm. Participants must complete the eight-hour course to be eligible for reductions up to 10% off their auto insurance. Advance registration is required and the fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members payable to AARP. Your AARP membership number is required when attending the program. Call the senior center to register.

Orange Police Start a new Citizen’s Academy Class

The Orange Police Department offers a free 8-week Citizen’s Academy Course beginning Wednesday, April 21 from 6:30 to 9 pm at their headquarters. The course provides insight into police operations and procedures, as well as the history of the department, traffic accident investigation, introduction to the Patrol Division, firearms, an overview of the court system and crime scene processing. Students have an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer. The class is limited to 20 persons, eighteen years of age or older. Enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis, however preference is given to Orange residents.

For more information or to register, contact Officer John Aquino at 203-891-2138.

Nature Walk

On March 8, for the 4^th anniversary of the Nature Walks, hikers will return to the Racebrook Tract, the site of the very first walk taken. Much of the trail is an old service road and is mostly level. The area is mostly wooded with some open parts with Race Brook flowing through. On March 22, hikers will travel to Westport to explore Sherwood Island State Park including marsh and wooded areas plus the beach. On a point projecting into the sound, you can see the New York skyline on a clear day. We will visit the 9/11 Memorial. The return drive will be by Greens Farms Road to the Southport section of Fairfield. These hikes are open to members of the senior center. Call the center to register for each hike. Everyone meets under the High Plains Pavilion at 9 am and carpools to the start of the hike.

Pickle Ball

Come learn how to play Pickle Ball, a brand new sport enjoyed by many seniors throughout the country, on Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm in the High Plains Gym.

Pinochle, Canasta, and Chess

Several players come on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 to the senior lounge to play Pinochle, Canasta and Chess. We don’t match you up, but come with partners, cards, and chess boards and enjoy the companionship and atmosphere.

Wii Bowling

The center owns two Wii Bowling sets. A regular group comes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 pm. If you want to learn come watch and perhaps get a group going on your own.

Business Sponsored Bingo

United Healthcare will be the Bingo sponsor on March 11. Bingo is played from 1 to 3:30 each Thursday in the senior café. We are grateful to our sponsors who furnish the refreshments and bring a door prize.

Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR)

Four classes sponsored by ILR will be offered at the Community Center this spring. The courses will include a course on “Jazz”, “Practical Math Review”, “Owner’s Guide to Democracy” and one on “Oral Interpretation”. You must be a member of ILR to take these courses which are offered at very minimal fees. Other classes are taught at Albertus Magnus College and Whitney Center. For more information about joining ILR contact Linda Sheehan at 203-795-6902.

Friday Afternoon at the Movies

Join us on March 19 at 1 pm in the senior lounge to see “The Proposal” starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. This is an entertaining and funny movie about a pushy boss who forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. The movie is 108 minutes long. Popcorn and soda are served. Reservations necessary.

Griffin Hospital Community Outreach Program

The Valley Parish Nurse Program provides a monthly visit to the senior center every fourth Thursday from 10:30 to noon. Blood pressures are taken and health and wellness information available. No appointments are necessary.

Save the Date for a Senior Prom at Peck Place School

A Senior Prom and lunch is being planned for seniors by the Peck Place Student Council for Tuesday, April 27 from 11 to 2. Look in the April newsletter for more information.

CLASSES

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class: January 19 – April 6. 10:15. Class fee $50

Bridge Lessons: February 25 – April 1. Class fee $35

Computers I / Intro to the Internet – March 9 – April 13. 9:30 - 12:00. Class fee $35

Computers Level II – March 11 – April 15. 9:30 – 11:30. Class fee $35

Word Processing – March 10 – April 14. 9:30 – 11:30. Class fee $35

Organizing Digital Photos/Picasa – March 9 – April 13. 1:30 – 3:30 Class fee $35

Buying and Selling on eBay - March 11 – April 15. 1:00-3:00. Class fee $35

Boot Camp for the Brain/Maximizing Your Memory – March 12 – 26. Class fee $35

Fitness: January 5 – March 23. 8:45 and 9:45. Class fee $25

French Lessons: Call for April start date. Class fee $35

Tai-Chi: January 8 – March 26. 9:30. Class fee $50

Tap Dance: January 11 – March 29. 10:00. Class fee $50

Intermediate Watercolor: March 10 –May 19. 10:00. Class fee $50

Yoga: Mondays, January 4 – April 5. 9:15. Class fee $50

Yoga: Wednesdays, March 17 – June 2. 9:00 and 10:15. Class fee $50

TRIPS

Full payment must be made at the time of reservation for most day trips (with the exception of Broadway Plays and other trips that may be more costly). 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. Reservations for some trips that take place later in the year may start later in the year. 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.

“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.

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.

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 have offered seats to the Milford Senior Center, so sign up as soon as possible to assure a seat. Payment is due at the time of registration.

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. This trip has a waiting list.

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.

TOUR OF GRAND CENTRAL STATION AND LUNCH ABOARD THE RIVER CRUISE BATEAUX – May 25, 2010. See the most famous Terminal in the nation up close and personal. A historic, one-hour professionally guided tour will span from the Original 1800 depot through its dramatic restoration in the 1990’s to today’s New York

City destination for dining, shopping, gourmet fresh food, and public events, in addition to transportation. After the tour, we will have lunch on the luxury vessel Bateaux New York while enjoying a New York harbor narration as we sail along the city’s skyline. Cost: $99 pp includes transportation, luncheon cruise, guided tour of Grand Central Station, and driver’s gratuity. Payment in full with reservation.

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN – June 5 – 13, 2010. 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 June 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. This trip will leave from the Congregational Church.

LUNCH AND KITCHEN TOUR AT JOHNSON AND WALES CULINARY INSTITUTE WITH AFTERNOON LIGHTHOUSE CRUISE – August 10, 2010. Travel to Seekonk, MA to the Johnson and Wales Inn, home to Rhode Island’s famous Culinary School where we will have a guided tour of their kitchens before lunch. Then board the Millenium, a multi-million dollar catamaran, a state of the art vessel with plush climate control interior, outside sun deck and 3 viewing levels for a 90 minute narrated cruise of Narragansett Bay and 9 famous Lighthouses. Cost: $82. Full payment with reservation no later than June 30. 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.

CANADA CRUISE – September 6 -11, 2010. Enjoy six days and 5 nights aboard the Carnival Glory leaving from NY and stopping in Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Includes all meals, nightly entertainment and an exclusive cocktail party. Prices range from $499 pp double for an inside cabin to $729 pp double for a cabin with a balcony, plus $195 for port and government taxes. A $300 pp deposit is due with reservation and recommended by March 30 or earlier for the best cabins. Final payment will be due June 22.

“JOSEPH” AT SIGHT AND SOUND THEATER WITH PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART – 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.

ELISABETH VON TRAPP PERFORMING AT “THE KATE” – November 17, 2010. Enjoy lunch at a local Connecticut Shoreline Restaurant and go to the new “The Kate” Center, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, CT, for an afternoon of pre-holiday entertainment featuring the lovely and talented Elisabeth Von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria and Baron Von Trapp of the “Sound of Music.” Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to the Kennedy Center. Cost: $92 pp Orchestra seats. Registration begins June 1. Full Payment due at registration.

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 so you will be assured a spot. Separate checks are needed for separate trips. Prices for trips usually include all costs including driver’s gratuity, unless otherwise stated. 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 usually need to be paid at the time of deposit for overnight trips. No refunds can be issued for any cancellations made less than 30 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.