Tax Appointments
AARP tax appointments are currently being accepted for Thursdays during the months of February and March. Call the Senior Center to make an appointment.
Laugh Out Loud Wellness
Thursday, 2/2 at 10:30 a.m. Just in case the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, come enjoy a good laugh. Welcome Carolyn Finch, Licensed and Certified Health Care Practitioner with a medical background in speech/language pathology, Brain Gym, Vision Therapy and Nutrition. This program combines laughter, yoga, kinesiology, reflexology, and practical tips about aging. Please register.
Way To Go CT
Thursday, 2/9 at 10:30 a.m. You may be surprised at the transportation programs and resources available to you. Please join Danielle Herbert, Regional Mobility Manager at Way To Go CT, to learn how they help seniors and people with disabilities navigate transportation options by creating a point of access for all services available in the north central region of Connecticut.
Movies
Movies are FREE and open to the public. Popcorn and beverage is served.
February 6th at 1 p.m. –Genius (Rated PG-13; 1 hr 44 min)
February 13th at 1 p.m. – Love & Friendship (Rated PG 92 min)
February 14th at 1 p.m. – Young Frankenstein (1974) (Rated PG 1 hr 46 min)
February 27th at 1 p.m. – Café Society (Rated PG-13 96 min)
Kitchen Assistance Needed
We are currently seeking volunteers for a few hours per week to help us in the kitchen. Specifically, we are looking for one or two volunteers who enjoy cooking and would like to help out with planning and cooking for our soup lunch program on Mondays and Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (times are flexible). We would also like to find one or two volunteers who enjoy baking to help plan and make desserts for our weekly lunch program. Free Food Smart food safety training will be provided. See Paula or MaryLou for more details if you are interested.
Mini Bus Trips
All trips require five passengers and are weather permitting.
Thursday, February 2- Walmart shopping. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, February 3 Lunch at Jimmy Chan’s Restaurant celebrating Chinese New Year. Pick up begins at noon.
Tuesday, February 7- Holyoke shopping. Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Friday, February 10- Lunch at Four Seasons. Pick up begins at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 16- Walmart shopping. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, February 17- Lunch at Olive Garden. Pick up begins at noon.
Tuesday, February 21- Vernon shopping. Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Friday February 24 Flower and Garden Show at the Connecticut Convention Center. Pick up begins at 10:30 a.m. Ticket price is $16.
Health Benefits of Laughter
(Excerpted from SeniorHomes.com)
Research studies on the health benefits of laugher consistently demonstrate the connection between laughing and longevity. Researchers know that laughing lowers blood pressure while increasing blood flow and oxygen intake, all positive physiological effects that have been linked to a decreased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Losing the Ability to Drive
(Excerpted from National Caregivers Library, Copyright FamilyCare America, Inc.)
Currently, there are about 8.4 million senior citizens who depend on others for their transportation. In fact, according to the Administration on Aging, by the year 2030 the number of drivers over age 85 will be 4–5 times what it is today.
Generally, no individual plans for a time when he or she will no longer be able to drive. However, most never realize that it is time to stop driving. Instead, when faced with the lack of access to essential services, loss of social independence, reduced mobility, and isolation that come as a result of restricted or terminated driving privileges, an older adult often becomes defensive of his or her ability and right to drive. Even individuals who realize that driving may pose a threat to themselves and others struggle through the question of whether or not to give up the wheel.
Although giving up one’s ability to drive is a difficult decision, there are several options and services available to help keep one’s independence. Local transportation services are an invaluable resource to those who depend upon others for their transportation needs.
Suffield Mini Bus
The mini bus is a pre-scheduled transportation service designed to aid and supplement qualified Suffield residents in their transportation needs for activities of daily living. The service is designed to enhance the quality of life for our clientele in their quest to remain independent and self-sufficient. Transportation is provided to Suffield residents over the age of 60 and permanently disabled persons. An annual donation of $35 for a single person and $50 for a couple is suggested.
February Lunch Menu
Lunches are prepared on-site and served at noon for $3.50. Reservations are required by noon the day prior.
February 1 – Lasagna, tossed salad, dessert
February 2 – Fish sandwich with lettuce & tartar sauce, oven fries, dessert
February 3 – Shepard’s pie, roll with butter, dessert
February 9 – Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich, dessert
February 15 – Shake ‘N Bake Italian herbed baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, dessert
February 16 – Baked ziti, roll with butter, dessert
February 22 – Stuffed cabbage, rye bread with butter, dessert
February 23 – Parmesan crusted chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetable, dessert
Suffield’s Senior Center, Parks & Recs, and Kent Memorial Library are currently seeking seniors with talents or skills they would like to share or teach to our younger community. If you are interested, please call Paula at the Senior Center at 860-668-8830.