Happy New Year! New Programs!

Well, hello Folks,
Now that the holidays are over, the new year offers us a fresh start! This month we begin our monthly Day Trip Program! Yes, we will have a trip each month, utilizing the wonderful resources we have in our area.

On January 21st, we will sponsor a trip to Magic Wings butterfly conservatory.  What a lovely place to be on a blustery January day! The trip begins at the Senior Center at 12:30. We will carpool to Deerfield. The cost of entry is $10:50 for seniors on Wednesdays, ($15 regularly). Come and join us!

February will bring a trip to the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College (Free!)

March is the Smith College Bulb Show! (Donations)

Please call the Senior Center if you'd like to come on our trips. 268-8407.

Stay tuned for information on a Sewing Circle, Cooking Classes, Art Classes!

November Musings

November 4th, Election day! What a busy day here at the Senior Center when everyone stops in to say hi or ask about our programs. 

Monday, Nov 10th, we'll be serving Bread and Soup luncheon. This month it will be Butternut and Apple Harvest Soup-hearty and warming, Bread Euphoria bread, and a nice dessert... AND all for $2.00! 

Call for reservations or a take home meal at 268-8407. We are here every Monday-Thursday 8:30-1:30 or later, so stop by any time.

Please leave a comment if you visit! We hope to reach as many people as possible! 

Simple, But Elegant? Not so much!

On our last post I said we'd be making the simple but elegant leaf bowl at our Snacks & Crafts session in October.  Well!  One should never demonstrate something without trying it first.  What a mess it made-I blew up the balloon, covered it with mod-podge, which proceeded to drip all over me, started sticking leaves on it and they slid all over. I couldn't get them to stick down or stick to each other. All I thought was, "I can't ask my seniors to do this!" so at 9:30 Sunday night I dug out my washi tape and some old tin cans and brought them in for the class. 6 of us covered tins with colored and patterned tape.

Cookies and tea were served, and we all had a great time making our pencil cups.

Art is in the eye of the beholder!

Come and join us on November 17th, when we will be making beeswax candles and/or holiday cards!

Snacks & Crafts at the Senior Center

We have a new program at the Senior Center! Snacks & Crafts one Monday a month. October 20th class will feature leaf bowls. Come and learn how to make this simple but elegant bowl to display fall treats in or to give away as a gift. On November 20th, we will be making our own unique and original Holiday cards. Come and join us for this FREE class. Bring your ideas for future classes. 12:30 at the meal site.

This month, our Bread and Soup program was very popular. We served Broccoli Cheddar soup with bread from Bread Euphoria and Cake for dessert. Look in November's Newsletter (coming out by 11/1) for the soup of the month-rumor has it that it may be Butternut Squash Bisque!  

Come on down to the Williamsburg Senior Center, Where it is all happening!
 

Labor Day, a lovely weekend predicted!

Have a Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!
The Senior Center Newsletter is on it's way to ALL seniors (60+) in Haydenville and Williamsburg, giving each one of us the opportunity to sign up for the regular mailing list. We want to reach everyone to let you know what we have for you here at the Williamsburg Senior Center! If you would like to sign up for the regular newsletter mailings, call, email or comment!
 
Call: 268-8407 
Email: sloomis@burgy.org
or comment below!
Hope to see you soon at the Senior Center!

August! Can you believe it?

Here at the Senior Center, we have been serving Bread & Salad meals every Monday throughout the summer. These meals have been very popular, as we make the food that morning and it is fresh and, in many cases, local food. We have had a great variety and have served as many as 45 people. Some eat in and some get their meals to go or to be delivered.

We have Bread and Salad three more times in August. Call us by Thursday If you would like to sign up for this lunch on Mondays at 11:45. We usually have a green salad and a side salad, plus Bread Euphoria bread and a dessert for only $2.00!

In September, we will go back to monthly Bread & Soup meals. The first one will be September 8th.

You can also eat congregate lunches here Tuesday-Thursday. Meals from Highland Valley Elder Services are delivered hot! Let us know if you'd like to join us!

If you come to any of our meals you will now be able to have wonderful free-trade coffee from Elbow Room Coffee in Williamsburg! Thanks to Melissa Krueger for donating this delicious coffee to our Senior Center!

AND!

Look for the September Newsletter! We are revving up the staff to get out a newsletter to ALL seniors in Haydenville and Williamsburg. (we usually send to about 200 seniors.) We hope to reach people who have not taken advantage of our services in the past. We will ask that interested people sign up for the monthly newsletter and other services. If you haven't yet, Come on down to the Senior Center, where it is all happening!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

The Senior Center Staff

Hot Summer Daze!

Hello Folks,
We sure have had some hot days this past few weeks--Luckily, we have Air Conditioning here at the Senior Center! If you receive our newsletter, you know what is going on here. If you don't, you should sign up for our monthly newsletter (free) so you won't miss out on our programs and events. Call us any time for information, schedules, reservations, etc. at 268-8407.

On Mondays, we serve a lovely Bread & Salad meal for $2.00.
Congregate meals are served Tuesdays-Thursdays. Free, donations accepted.
We have free breakfasts that you can take home any time, along with a food pantry, also free!
Sign up for Brown Bag Program and get a free bag of groceries every month.

Tai Chi and Yoga classes meet on Thursdays.
A Quiet Meditation group meets at the Haydenville Library (time to be determined).
A podiatrist is available for appointments every other month.
And there is a Veterans' Services Officer who has hours (11:30-1:00 on Mondays and 6-8 PM on 3rd Tuesdays.

CALL US, There is so much more!

We are seeking people interested in taking craft classes--What would you like to do? We want to know, so we can offer it to you!

Come on down to the Senior Center, where it is all happening!

Eating "LITE" for the Summer!

Bread and Soup--It is a great program, a whole meal for $2.00. But who wants hot soup in the summer? ~ So for the months of June, July, and August, we will be serving Bread & Salad ~ EVERY MONDAY ~  for the LOW price of $2.00. There will be a Green Salad and a Protein (meat, egg, tuna, etc.), plus Bread Euphoria Bread and a Dessert.

You can also order them to go or to be delivered on Mondays! Call us to reserve a spot or a meal to go! 268-8407.

Another great program has been added at the Senior Center! If you or (someone you know) like to meditate, we have a small group of people who do one hour of Quiet Meditation on Tuesdays at 10:00 am at the Haydenville Library. Anyone is welcome! Please call to register! 268-8407. 

Come on down to the Senior Center, where it's all Happening!

Sherry 

Hi Folks,

Spring has Sprung! The Senior Center has been spiffed up with fresh new paints in pretty greens, just in time for Spring!

Please come to the Senior Center, Tuesday, May 6th at 12:15, for musical entertainment by Lindsey Trombley!  (Some of you may know Lindsey, she is Doris Delisle's daughter.)  She will be bringing her karaoke setup after lunch. Come down or stay after lunch and sing along! A great variety of songs will be sung. Lets welcome Lindsey!

Monday's Bread & Soup was a great success. Fresh pea soup didn't appeal to everyone, but they were surprised, and all raved at the fresh light soup. Next month we will have a tomato basil soup. It should be equally appealing! Consider coming on May 19th for that!

See you soon at the Senior Center!

February: Entertainment, Bread and Soup!

Happy February, Everyone.

Join us on February 20th for a great show from the Northampton High School Improv Group. Come for lunch if you wish (call us 2 days ahead for reservations) or just come for the show! The Improv Group will perform at 12:15 PM in the Auditorium (FREE)

Bread and Soup this month will be on Monday, February 24th. Come in for Bread (from Bread Euphoria or fresh made) Soup made fresh that morning, and a fresh made Dessert for only $1.00! This month we are serving a Vegetable Lentil soup.

Bread & Soup! Walking Group!

Bread and Soup will be served on Monday, Jan 27th--HEARTY VEGETABLE this month!  Bread Euphoria donated bread and a fresh dessert.  Where else can you get all this for $1?  Come on by at 11:45 or pick up some meals to go! ($2)

Are YOU interested in a Walking Group? Walking is such a basic exercise, and when we sit too long it gets harder and harder to walk.  Let's keep our health as long as possible!  Sherry is hoping to get a group of people who would like to take a weekly walk in the neighborhood or a Mall Walk when the weather is unpleasant. You set the pace-everyone can join. Call us!  268-8407.

A NEW program this month!

Don't have time or energy to send cards? 

Have you received nice newsy letters on pretty holiday paper and wondered how you could do your own?

Come in to the Senior Center and have your own HOLIDAY LETTERS printed up!---Bring in your handwritten Holiday letter (one page) and have it typed and printed on the holiday paper of your choice! Let us know how many copies you need for your holiday mailings.

Stop by the mealsite at 12:15-12:45 on Wednesday, Dec 4 or 11th and see Sherry for this new service! Or call 268-8407 and ask for Sherry.

Welcome to the Williamsburg Council on Aging!

Have you tried our BREAD & SOUP program? We are making soup here at the Senior Center on the third Monday of each month. 

Monday, December 16th at 11:45 you can come in and eat soup, bread from Bread Euphoria and a baked dessert for $1.00! Or come in at 9:30 and help us cook and bake. These meals will be available for take-out at $2.00 (covers the cost of containers).

The November soup day was a great success. Two senior volunteers worked with Marie and Nylda of the COA and served 8 seniors. The rest of the soup was sold to go within 2 days. 

Come down and try our BREAD & SOUP on December 16th or come in any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for Congregate meals prepared by Highland Valley Elder Services. These meals are free, donations gratefully accepted.  

We will be closed on November 27 & 28.  

See you soon!
Senior Center Staff

October Events!

Hi folks, 

October is serving up some events not to be missed:

We are starting a Senior Breakfast program on Tuesdays, beginning Oct 8th! Stop by the Senior Center at 9 and join us for coffee, muffins & other goodies and good company! FREE, donations accepted.

Also, "Name That Tune", with Steve Damon, which has been popular here at the senior center, will be returning on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd at 12:15!

SHINE rep, Lucille Temple will be here on Wed., Oct 23rd  at 12:15 to help us all figure out how to select or apply for insurance before the deadline in December. Come on down!

RIDE THE SENIOR VAN! On Tuesdays, The Senior Van is available to seniors (60 and over) for rides to Burgy Center, Haydenville Senior Center, The Big Y Plaza or Stop and Shop.   Round trip fee is $2.00.
Plan a weekly shopping trip or come to the Senior Center for Lunch and/or Entertainment! Call us at 268-8407.

Welcome to Williamsburg COA's Blog

If you are new to blogging, this is a simple way to communicate with each other. If you enter your email address into the "Follow by Email" button on the right, anything I post here will come up on your email. I only post important information here, usually once a month, so you won't get overwhelmed by emails.

You can also become a registered follower by using the "Join this site" button and following the instructions. You can use that with just your email too, if I remember correctly.

This month's newsletter is going out today. If you are 60 or older and want to get on the mailing list, give us a call at 268-8407.

I'll update this more next week! Thanks friends.

August!

OOPS,
I guess I didn't have much to say for August! Look for our Senior Newsletter at the end of the month.

Notice: No Tai Chi Friday 8/29.
Notice: Line Dancing will be cancelled for a while. We will keep you posted as to when it may begin again.

Tuesday, 8/20th, Fertile ground will provide a fresh tomato/basil salad along with the Congregate meal.  We have tons of basil out in the gardens behind the Senior Center. We'll have some bagged up so you can take it home.  It's wonderful on salads, or chopped on pasta with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese!

Remember, the Senior Center is open to anyone 60 and over.

Hope to see you soon at the Senior Center!

Next Event: AAA "The Older and Wiser Driver"

Hi Folks,

Well, the Ice Cream Social and Sing Along with Patrick Callanan was a great success! Thanks to The Village Green, who donated ice cream, hot fudge, cherries and whipped cream, we had a "really big" time. 32 seniors came to the event, most of them ate the congregate meal before Patrick's performance.

Patrick Callanan, of High Note Productions in Haydenville, brought in his karaoke equipment and everyone sang along. Patrick sang a few to the crowd too--Great old songs from the 30's-60's! A couple of people danced and there was a lot of swaying going on! We hope to have Patrick back soon.

Our next event is the AAA Safe Driving Presentation: "The Older and Wiser Driver," to be held on Thursday, July 25th at12:15 in the Mealsite. Please call us at 268-8407 for a reservation. As usual, if you would like to enjoy the congregate meal before the program let us know a few days ahead to reserve a spot!

AND!  In June the Intergenerational Garden behind our parking lot was planted by Fertile Ground staff, Senior Center staff & board members, Moms and Kids. Stop in and see the flowers and vegetables as all this rain soaks the soil. We hope to get a couple of benches in there soon. We are looking for a few people to do occasional weeding, watering (if ever needed) and harvesting! If you have a chance to check it out, please feel free to lend a hand--or call the Senior Center and let us know how you can help. 

We hope to see you soon at the Senior Center!

July! Ice Cream Social Event next week

Hi All!

July's newsletter hit the stands this week and we have copies available if you didn't get one. Or you can pick one up in the Burgy or Haydenville Post Offices or at Meekins Library. Call 268-8407 to get a copy or to add yourself to our mailing list or our electronic mailing list!

The big news is the Annual Ice Cream Social on July 10th at 12:15. Come and bring a guest or a friend. (Please call us for reservations--268-8407*) Our special guest is Haydenville's own Patrick Callanan, who will lead a sing-along with his karaoke set-up. With the words right there and all that great music, you can't resist singing!   * If you would like to come for lunch that day, call by Monday morning. Lunch starts at 11:45.

Hope to see you soon at the Senior Center!

Update and How to Join this Blog

Hi Folks,

The Annual Picnic at Nash Hill Place was a success! On the dark and rainy afternoon of June 13th, Larry West barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs, provided by TRIAD,on the porch. The senior Center staff made potato, macaroni and fruit salads. Cole slaw and desserts rounded out a great dinner. 40 people enjoyed that great meal and music by Group DeVille—a big THANK YOU to Fred Goodhue, Nick Dines & Rick Murname, who graciously donated their time and their beautiful music. Lots of conversation and a good time was had by all who attended!

One more presentation in June is the CDH talk on Palliative Care on June 26 at 12:15 pm. Palliative Care can help patients and their families cope with serious illness through a team approach to their physical, emotional, social and spiritual goals. The presentation also includes discussion about advance care planning considerations.  Come join in the conversation and learn how you or your family members can benefit from this valuable service.

AND! The senior center is looking for some people who like to garden. The gardens on the other side of our parking lot are in need of people to weed, plant, water and harvest! We hope that in addition to flowers, we could plant vegetables that people could come and pick at will. We can purchase plants to put in. Contact Sherry or Marie at 296-8032, email sloomis@burgy.org or comment below.

How do I join this blog? You can follow this blog in two ways: the easiest is by "Follow by email". You enter your email address and you get each new blog posts in your email. Or you can become a follower-in which you identify yourself by your blog or web address. Either way, you can comment below by entering your name and email (which is for id purposes only). Both of these options are in the right hand column.

Hope to see you all soon at the Senior Center!

June is Here!

June, finally! Just as we were wondering when the last frost would be. My first tomato plant is in the ground along with basil and marigolds to keep the pests away. Lettuce, bushy dill and parsley for my salads -. I'm even trying a couple of pepper plants this year. Not too bad for a container gardener.

The WCOA June Newsletter is out. If you would like to receive one by mail or email, give us a call at 268-8407. Otherwise you can pick one up at the two local post offices and the Meekins Library. One day I will figure out how to put it on line!

Two items not listed on the calendar are:

1. June 13, Thursday at 5 PM. The Triad/COA Outreach Committee Picnic at Nash Hill Place. It is open to all and free. (donations accepted) There will be a sing-along with Steve Damon at the picnic. Come and enjoy!

2. A talk on Paliative Care on June 26, 12:15. CDH Paliative Care will talk on how P.C can help patients and their families cope with serious illness in a way that stays true to the patient's goals. Join us in the Mealsite at the Williamsburg Senior Center/Town Office.

We hope to see you soon!

Name That Tune Again!

Hi All,
As a "younger senior" I realize the need to keep my mind active or I forget things too easily. Staying active and in touch with people has really helped me keep a youthful attitude. I love working at the Senior Center, and I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories! If you get our Newsletter, you may have noticed a new page called Memories and More. I would love to hear from YOU about your memories or your short stories, essays or poems! Do you have a favorite (tasteful) joke or cartoon? I could use it here. Call Sherry at 268-8407.

Williamsburg and Haydenville have grown so much over the years, that sometimes it seems like our old friends are gone and we don't know our neighbors any more. Come to the Senior Center and meet your neighbors. You may find an old friend or two there, you never know! We serve Congregate Meals from Highland Valley Elder Services (HVES)  3 days a week (Tues, Weds, & Thurs.) to a great group of folks. Come join us! (Call two days ahead to make a reservation:  268-8407.)

Last month, Steve Damon and his saxophone entertained folks at the Senior Center with great old tunes to guess and stories to tell. We had a great time and wanted to give more people the opportunity to Name That Tune!  What fun it is to think back on those great old tunes, what we were doing then and who we were with. Not only a great mental exercise, but also just plain fun!. Sing along with your friends at the Senior Center on May 15th at 12:15 PM.  If you would like to come early for lunch, give us a call.

Last, but not least, a BIG THANK YOU to all who volunteer for the Senior Center!

See you at the Williamsburg Senior Center!

Sherry, Fran, Nylda and Marie

Happy Spring!

Hello and Happy Spring to you all!

As I speak it is about 50 degrees out and the sun is shining. There are a few old brown snowbanks around the parking lot, but the rest in bare and warming. The maple trees are starting to bud, bringing my allergies to the fore, but all I can think of is digging in my many raised gardens. I love Spring!

I have not yet the technology to get the newsletter on here, so I will say, If you want a copy of it you can get one at the post offices in Haydenville and Williamsburg. If you are not on the mailing list and want to be, let us know, and we can add you to our mailing list or our email list (268-8407).

We have a couple of events here at the Senior Center that you might be interested in:

• On Wednesday, April 10th, 12:30-1:30, you can learn the "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's" in a talk by Melissa Grenier of the Alzheimer's' Association. Please call us to sign up (268-8407).

• On Thursday, April 18th, 12:30-1:30, we will host "Name That Tune" with Steve Damon of A Natural Music School. Steve says, "you choose the topic; I'll take care of the rest. Clues are cryptic; fun is contagious!" The show is open to all area seniors. Please call to sign up (268-8407).

On either day, you may come at 11:45 and eat lunch with us, if you'd like! Congregate lunches are free, though a donation is appreciated. We need reservations for lunch at least 2 days ahead.

We look forward to seeing you at the Senior Center! If you haven't ventured down, give it a try. We have many programs and services that may be if interest or help to you. Feel free to call Fran, Sherry or Marie and see how we can help you!

February Already!

Who can believe it is already February!  Well, I heard that Steve's Sugarhouse in Westhampton will open on Feb 22nd. That, to me is the first sign of Spring. After the sap starts flowing, the maple blossoms get my allergies going and Spring is surely going to make it! Sure as shooting, we will be planting pansies soon and seeing the birds come back.

Here at the Senior Center,our new commercial dishwasher is in and installed. We are now just awaiting the proper liquid soap and rinsing agent. I'm sure everyone will be glad to get back to real dishes!

The cooking class is not starting up at this time. We need a new person to teach it. Anyone interested?
Give us a call!

Also Kip Moeller, RN, will no longer be available for podiatric appointments in Williamsburg. You can make appointments for the Goshen Clinic by calling Liz Loven at 268-7122.  Kip does routine footcare for $25 per session.

Westhampton COA is inviting anyone to participate in their trip to the New England Air Museum on February 26th, with lunch following the visit. Admission to the museum is $8, the bus trip is $10 and lunch cost depends on you. Call Connie Dragon at 527-2958 for reservation. Be at the parking lot in the center of town at 9:00 AM.

Stay WARM and COZY!

Happy Holidays

Hello All,
We hope the holidays have been good for you so far . And a happy Christmas to those who celebrate it!

Thank you all who purchased holiday centerpieces from the Friends of the COA.  You helped us raise over $400.00 for the COA programming. Your donations are helping us to keep our valuable programs running, like the Companion Program, which is such a great service to elders who can not get out and may need some help or a friendly visit.

Look for our newsletter after January 1. If you are not already receiving it and want to get on the list, call us at 268-8407. Or you can pick one up on the bulletin boards of Meekins Library, Bread Euphoria, and the post offices.  

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Williamsburg Council on Aging will be closed 11/22 for Thanksgiving. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday, if you celebrate it, or a great day if you don't!

Needle Felting!

Did you ever try Needle Felting? Would you like to try? Call us to register for the Adult Creativity Class. Marie is teaching needle felting for 3-4 weeks on Tuesdays, 6-8 pm. $5 class fee covers materials. Do you have any old wool sweaters or blankets that you want to recycle? Bring them in. Needle felting is a great way to recycle old wool products. Call us with suggestions for other classes you might be interested in.
268-8407.

Meekins Library event!

The 5th Annual Meekins Market Holiday library tag sale AND a clothing drive to benefit the Survival Center and Dakin Animal Shelter will be held November 26th through December this year. Contact the library for more information. Come and shop locally! Bring your donations!

ADULT CREATIVITY CLASSES, MOVIES & GAMES

Hi Everyone,
Well, the election is over and cold weather will be settling in. TV is pretty boring. What to do? Join us for Adult Creativity Classes starting this week, Tuesday 6-8 pm at the Senior Center! Artist and COA Director Marie Westburg will be teaching a new art or craft every week. Come and learn something fun and new, or consider bringing your crafts in to work on. If you are wanting to learn a new craft, call the Senior Center at 268-8407 and pre-register. A $5 material fee may apply. Your suggestions will help us plan future classes. Hope to see you there!

IF you have a talent (an artistic method, a craft project, etc.) you would like to share, please consider teaching a class or workshop with us! The more people who get involved, the more creative we can be!

On Wednesdays, we plan to play a movie after lunch. Please consider bringing in one of your favorites to share, or see what we have to offer. Movies will set up at 12:15 (+-).

Then on Thursdays at 12:15, Fran will be hosting cards, puzzles & games. Want to play cards, start a bingo game, work on puzzles? Join us for lunch (call us 2 days ahead for reservations) and stay for the games. The Card Club will continue at this time, along with other activities. You set the pace! Let us know what you'd like to do.

And remember, you can get these posts as emails if you add your email address to the tab on the right. If you have your own website or blog, you can join as a follower. If not, just submit your email and keep up on the latest Williamsburg Senior Center news.

Free Flu Clinic!

Free Flu Clinic

At the Senior Center

October 22nd

10:00AM - 1:00PM

Age 65 and up

Welcome to Our Blog!

Today marks a new beginning at the Williamsburg Senior Center. We are in the process of going electronic! Blogging is a way to have an interactive website that you can comment on and contribute to. We hope to keep you informed about the programs and events happening at the Senior Center so more and more of you will be aware of, and participate-we can become a vibrant, active place to go.

We will be posting Newsletters and news of events and services. Please comment with any ideas or questions you may have. And stand by for more soon!

Sherry