the newsletter of the bigelow center for senior activities

1

The Newsletter of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities September 2021 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield CT 06824 203-256-3166 www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter

Here’s the link to sign up for your MyActiveCenter account: https://myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.CT.Fairfield.Bigelow

Click here to renew your membership online: https://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelow/membership

Lunch on the Lawn –September

Lunch includes main course, sides, dessert, drinks. $5 per person. Reservations and cancellations must be made by Monday at 12:00pm of each week.

Register at MyActiveCenter or call the Bigelow Center

Friday, September 3: NO LUNCH Friday, September 10: Deli Sandwich Friday, September 17: BBQ with Sausage & Peppers Friday, September 24: Chicken Caesar Salad Please consider joining us on the patio (or in the dining room for bad weather) with your lunch. Park your car, find a table with friends, and we’ll check you in and bring you lunch. If you don’t have time to stay and visit, please park. We’ll check you in bring lunch to you (collect your $5). Please cancel your lunch if you are unable to attend. If you are unable to afford lunch, please call Social Services to make an appointment to discuss options for assistance—203-256-3170.

The 34th Annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge will take place on Sunday morning, September 26, 2021 at Wakeman Boys & Girls

Club, Southport CT. The 5k Road Race and 3k Fitness Walk through scenic Southport Harbor & Historic District and Kids’ Fun Run are always a community favorite. We will also be offering our Virtual 5k Run again this year for those who are not local but wish to participate

Last year our event went fully virtual, but it is our sincere hope that this year we will be able to be together once again. As always, our focus remains on providing a safe and fun environment for our participants.

In addition to being fun for the whole family, the BTCC has become a major source of support to local non-profit organizations that find it increasingly difficult to compete with the more prominent national charities for significantly needed dollars. Since it’s inception, the BTCC has provided more than $2 million dollars to local charities in Connecticut.

By participating, you help ensure that 23 local charities can continue to deliver important programs that provide educational services, food, housing, safe places, crisis counseling, and after-school tutoring and recreational programs to the most vulnerable populations within our community. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting these non-profits over the past 34 years. With heartfelt thanks for your continuing support. If you would like

to sign up for the 5k Road Race and/or 3k Fitness Walk, go to Bigelowtea.com.

September is National Senior Center Month, sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), part of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Please join us as we offer several events highlighting this special month! Some events include… “Celebrate Senior Center Month with Mocktails and Painting!” on September 17th and Coffee & Donuts on September 22nd. Sign up at MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Brownie Donations

As in years past, the Bigelow Center is providing a treat for the runners after the race. If you would like to help by baking brownies for the runners, please pick up a box at the desk from Nora. We provide the mix, you provide the love. Brownies should be returned (baked!) by Thursday, September 23.

Spanish Language Classes

After Mexico, the country with more Spanish speakers in the world is the USA. Do you want to learn the basic grammar and structure of this beautiful language in addition to basic sentences and expressions to communicate for fun and travel? Wednesdays: Beginners from 10:00—11:00am, Experienced from 11am—12:00pm. Session 1: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29—Class fee $60 Session 2: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 25—Class fee $90 Sign up at MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance. Please mail in payment after registration is confirmed. Check payable to Bigelow Center for Senior Activities.

2

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpicommunities.com Fairfield Senior Center, Fairfield, CT 06-5012

A Campus of Personalized Care and Enriched Living

The Greens at Cannondale Assisted Living • Memory Care

Respite Stay

203-761-1191 435 Danbury Rd. Wilton, CT

www.thegreensatcannondale.com

Wilton Meadows Health CareShort-Term Rehabilitation

Long-Term Skilled Nursing

Outpatient Therapy Service

203-834-0199439 Danbury Rd. Wilton, CT

www.wiltonmeadowsheatlhcare.com

ATTORNEY JAMES M. HUGHES1432 Post Road, Fairfield, CT

203-256-1977Real Estate - Wills - Trusts - Estates

Probate - Elder LawTitle 19 Planning/Spend Down

Veteran’s Pension/Aid & Attendancewww.fairfieldctelderlaw.com

... because experience mattersLAW OFFICES OF

Eliovson and TenoreEstate planning • Asset protection • Wills & Trusts • Special needs trusts

Probate & conservatorships • Medicaid/Title XIX eligibility/planning & applications

(203) 259-7195 • ConnecticutElderlaw.com 117 Tunxis Hill Road • Fairfield, CT 06825

Making home ownership possible, affordable rates.Call Cindy Perham (203) [email protected]

NMLS #110424

Feel the Flow, LLCReiki and other Energy Healing

Claudia HoffmanReiki Master

In-person or Remote SessionsMobile: 203.260.3482

NOW is the BEST TIME to SELL Your Home Call Mark Today 203.254.1960

“Mark SOLD MY HOME in3 Days with 7 Offers!” - Victor D.

Hair on WheelsDEBBIE FONTANA

“Full Service Salon in the Comfort of your Own Home!”

Tel: 203-929-2109 | Cell: 203-913-2192

Providing: Elderly Care, Hourly, Companion,

Live-in Caregivers, WeekendsWe are taking long-term

life ins and state casesReg. # HCA0000732

745 Osborn Rd., Naugatuck CT 06770203-278-1436 • 475-439-3878

www.littleangels-homecare.comE: [email protected]

Ewa Grzymala

Little Angels Little Angels Home Care Home Care LLCLLC

Friday Movies at 12:45PM

*Join us for the return of Friday Foreign Film Festival with Frank DeStefano—taking place on the 2nd Friday of each month. *On September 10, the Fairfield Foreign Film Festival will present Arranged an American film from 2007 about the clash of seemingly foreign cultures in contemporary Brooklyn. “Arranged” centers on two young women-- one an Orthodox Jew, the other a devout Muslim-- who

learn that they share much in common, especially since both their families are arranging marriages for them. 1hr. 30 min.

September 17 – Luca (2021) A young boy exper iences an unforgettable seaside summer on the Italian Riviera filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the ocean's surface. Animated movie. 1hr. 35 min.

September 24 – Wild Oats (2016) Everything changes for Eva when she receives a life insurance check accidentally made out for five million dollars instead of the expected fifty thousand dollars. She and her best friend take the money and head out for the adventure of a lifetime. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange and Demi Moore. 1hr. 26 min

News, Activities and Events Monday at the Movies with Frank

at 1PM

Frank DeStefano presents a series of gritty film noir dramas from the 1940s and 1950s. Movies start at

1:00PM.

September 13—The Killers: Two hit men gun down a gas station attendant for no apparent reason. An insurance investigator tries to get to the bottom of the story with tragic results. Robert Siodmark, regarded by some as the greatest noir director, directed this 1946 classic based on a story by Ernest Hemingway. Burt Lancaster stars in his film debut along with Ava Gardner and Edmund O’Brien. 103 min.

September 20—The Strange Love of Martha Ivers: Barbara Stanwyck stars as the wealthiest and most powerful woman in a Midwestern factory town. However, she shares a dark secret with her unhappy, alcoholic husband, played by Kirk Douglas in his film debut. When an old acquaintance comes to town things fall apart. Directed by Lewis Milestone, this 1945 film also features Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott. 116 min.

September 27—Classe tous Risques: Lino Ventura, and Jean Paul Belmondo star in this suspenseful 1960 crime drama from French director, Claude Sautet. After hiding out in Milan for over a decade, a fugitive gang land chief, played by Ventura, returns to Paris even though a death sentence hangs over his head. He is accompanied by the young Jean-Paul Belmondo in a role that makes us see why he became such an international star. 104 min.

Lunch and Learn

Senior Provider Lunch and Learn events will be twice a month, on Tuesdays, from 12:00-1:30. Lunch will be served (free) followed by a presentation on various topics. On 9/14 Music Director from ComForCare, Steve Toll, will join us on the big screen and talk about the power of music and play nostalgic songs from the 30s to 60s. On 9/28 Sunrise Senior Living Chef will show you how to make “Chicken Fairfield”. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Membership Renewal Just a reminder that all members must complete a membership

form every year prior to September 1st, to participate or continue to participate in all Bigelow Center programs and activities. You can go to the Town of Fairfield website at www.fairfieldct.org/bigelow/membership to complete it online or stop by the Center and fill out a paper copy if you haven’t already done so.

Fairfield Senior Pacers Fairfield Senior Pacers is a Senior Walking Group under the auspices of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. The group

walks three times each week on Monday,

Wednesday, and Thursday beginning at 9:00 A.M. Mondays they meet at the Senior Center

and walk local streets. Wednesdays and

Thursdays they walk in areas around Fairfield,

Bridgeport, or Westport. After each walk is coffee at different locations. Each walk is between 1 1/2 to 2 miles.

Everyone walks at their own pace and the walks take approximately

1 hour. Copies of the fall schedule can be picked up at the Bigelow Center or call the Center for more information!

ART CHAT—Zoom Only Tuesday, September 21 at 1:00 PM Join Mastering the Masters instructor and artist Christine Goldbach for a Zoom art class dealing with everything from how to hold a pencil to art history. Chris Goldbach will talk about art in all its forms. This entertaining look into the wild and wide world of art will answer your questions and solve your art problems from a-z, abstraction to zinc white! Enjoy this special approach to art. Play along

with Chris, have your art supplies (any medium) handy and be ready to explore. All are welcome. Art Chat classes provided by the friends and loved ones of Maureen Chuga, artist and long-time member. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Watercolors with Sabine Bonnar Explore your creative side! Instructor Sabine Bonnar is a Trumbull artist who paints in watercolors, oils and pastels. Sabine studied at the “Kunst Hoch-Schule Essen” in Germany as well as the Art Institute of Chicago and at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Bring Your Own Materials – a list will be provided after registering for the class. Class size is limited to 12. Cost: $70 per five-week session. Check payable to Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance. Fall Session 1: Mondays 11:00am – 12:30pm – Continuation from last year - 9/13 – 10/18 (No class on 10/11) Mondays 12:30pm – 2:00pm – Beginner/Intermediate - 9/13 – 10/18 (No class on 10/11) Fall Session 2: Mondays 11:00am – 12:30pm – Continuation from last year - 10/25 – 11/22 Mondays 12:30pm – 2:00pm – Beginner/Intermediate - 10/25 – 11/22 A scholarship is available for Watercolors in remembrance of Maureen Chuga through the generosity of her friends and loved ones.

2021 Fall Semester Class/Event Schedule – September 7 – November 30

Exercise Classes Dates Max # of Participants

Zumba with Pauline – In Person & Zoom

Mondays at 10:00am, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29

24

Body Balance with Lauren (with re-sistance bands) - In Person & Zoom

Mondays at 11:00am, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29 30

Tai Chi with Jonathan – In Person & Zoom

Mondays at 1:00pm , Sept. 13 – Nov. 29

24

Morning Exercise with Nancy - *IN PERSON ONLY

Tuesdays at 9:00am, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30

24

Zumba with Germaine – In Person & Zoom

Tuesdays at 10:15am, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30

24

Yoga with Lisa – In Person & Zoom

Wednesdays at 9:00am, Sept. 15 – Nov. 24

24

Zumba with Pauline – In Person & Zoom

Wednesdays at 10:00am, Sept. 8 – Nov. 24

24

Weight Training with Diane – In Person & Zoom

Thursdays at 9:00am, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18

24

Zumba with Germaine – In Person & Zoom

Thursdays at 10:15am, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 24

Tai Chi with Jonathan – In Person & Zoom

Thursdays at 1:00pm, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 24

Body Balance with Lauren – In Person & Zoom

Fridays at 10:00am, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19 30

Zumba Gold-Toning with Pauline Zumba Gold-Toning is a fitness program specifically designed to take the exciting Latin and International dance rhythms created in the original Zumba Program, and bring them to the active older adult, the beginning participant, and other special populations that may need modifications for success. Created to emphasis the basics, this program is easy to follow so that people of any age will be able to do it! Adding Toning as a component to this class, gives the participant an opportunity to work all the major muscle groups and focus on increasing range of motion, good form and alignment. This class includes cardio work, balance, and flexibility. This class is guaranteed to provide a safe and effective total body workout. No previous dance experience is required. Bring a water bottle, one, two or three pound weights, (not required) and wear supportive sport sneakers. I will see you in class! Dates: Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 am

Body Balance with Lauren Body Balance is a gentle movement class designed to guide the student through their full range of motion in a majority of their joints. Focus is on core strength, mobility and balance with special attention paid to deep breathing. All classes can be done either standing or seated in a chair and each class ends with a guided relaxation (done either seated or lying down). The ultimate goal is to de-stress body and mind. Monday’s class includes resistance training with a Theraband - note: the class can be done without the band. For those who would like to do floor work, please bring your own mat. Bring your own Therabands (Red, medium weight, beginner level) to the class. Dates: Mondays at 11:00 a.m. and Fridays at 10:00 am

Tai Chi for with Jonathon You are invited to a guided Tai Chi practice on how to quiet and calm the mind with the natural flow of your breath and gentle movements. These powerful methods of exercising preserves health and regulates the body. The teaching style utilized is a safe, simple and effective traditional Chinese approach that enhances physical and mental fitness. Anyone can practice these exercises, no matter their level of fitness. Exercises can be performed seated or standing position. Dates: Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00pm

Morning Exercise with Nancy Jump start your day with a combination of stretching, balance, aerobic and strength exercises to help improve overall flexibility and physical endurance in a fun and non-competitive environ-ment. No charge. Dates: Tuesdays at 9:00 am

Zumba with Germaine ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music / dance themes that create a dynamic and exciting workout and is based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO." The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. It is wonderful for balance, coordination, memory, toning and to get a better sense of well-being. Grab your sneakers - no experience necessary! Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am

Yoga with Lisa Explore gentle yoga poses, mindfulness and yogic relaxation breathing - accessible to all levels including beginners. Super gentle stretches focus on opening and softening the hamstrings, hips, chest and low back. Class also includes balance poses to build strength, bone density and to help us feel more grounded. Bring your mat and a towel! Date: Wednesdays at 9:00am

Weight Training with Diane Weight training class uses heavy and light weights – weights are available to borrow for the class but bringing your own from home would be best. We work in and out of a chair listening to great music! In this class you will work your whole body! Dates: Thursdays at 9:00 am

5

2021 Fall Semester Class/Event Schedule – September 7 – November 30

Class / Event Dates

Max # of Participants

Bridge Mondays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29 16

Bunco Last Tuesday of Month, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30 16

Chess Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 16

Mah-Jongg Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00pm Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 16

Flying Aces Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00pm Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 10

Pinochle

Mondays, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29 Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19

16

Friday Lunch on the Lawn September 10th, Deli Sandwich ($5) 75

Friday Lunch on the Lawn September 17th, BBQ with Sausage & Peppers ($5) 75

Friday Lunch on the Lawn September 24th, Chicken Caesar Salad ($5) 75

Senior Provider Lunch & Learn Tuesday, September 14, 12:00 – 1:30 *In Person 25

Senior Provider Lunch & Learn Tuesday, September 28, 12:00 – 1:30 *In Person 25

Brain Games and Lunch Wednesday, September 8, 12:30-2:00 *In Person 25

Brain Games and Lunch Wednesday, October 6, 12:30-2:00 *In Person 25

Brain Games and Lunch Wednesday, November 3, 12:30-2:00 *In Person 25

Monday at the Movies with Frank Mondays, at 1:00pm, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29 40

Friday at the Movies Fridays, at 12:45pm, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19 40

Art Chat - *Zoom Only Tuesday, September 21, 1-2pm Zoom Only - Third Tuesday of the Month

75

Veterans Affairs - *In Person Wednesday, September 8, 12:30 – 2 pm, By Appointment only 10

Art with Sabine Bonner - *In Person

Mondays, 11:00pm – 12:30pm, and 12:30 – 2pm, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29

12

Spanish - *In Person Wednesdays, 10:00am – 11:00a, and 11:00 – 12:00pm Sept. 8 – Nov. 25

10

Quilting & Sewing Mondays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 13 – Nov. 29 20

Quilting & Sewing Fridays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19 20

Wood Shop Tuesdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30 6

Wood Shop Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 6

Wood Shop Thursdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 6

Ping Pong Tuesdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30 8

Ping Pong Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 8

Ping Pong Thursdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 8

Table Pool Tuesdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30 8

Table Pool Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, Sept. 8 – Nov. 24 8

Table Pool Thursdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 8

Pickelball Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Sept. 7 – Nov. 30 24

Pickelball Thursdays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 24

Senior Learning Network Tuesdays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Sept. 7 – Nov. 23 * In Person 40

Medicare Bootcamp Thursday, September 23, 1:00 – 3:00 * In Person and Zoom 40

Goodbye Bari! We say goodbye to Bari! Our amazing summer intern, Bari Lipper,

has left to go back to college where she will be a senior at Tulane

University. She was a tremendous help to us and many of you, and we

will miss her cheerful smile. She promises to come back and visit!

September is Senior Center Month and our theme is “Welcome Back”! We’ve loved seeing so many of you back at the Bigelow Center over the summer semester and continue to “Welcome Back” previous and new members. We hope you can join us to celebrate on

Friday, September 17th for lunch and “Mocktails” and glass painting and on Wednesday, September 29th at 9:30am for coffee, donuts, music & “selfies”!

We appreciate everyone following the new procedures and guidelines at the Center as we embrace this new “normal”. As of now masks

continue to be required as you enter the building and in common areas, but can be taken off when you get to your activity or event.

It’s hard to believe we are about to begin our fall session already--Registration for Fairfield residents begins on Monday, August 23rd at

9:00am and for out of town member s, Monday, August 30th at 9:00am. We are thr illed to be able to have added some classes and

activities this fall and hope we can continue adding. A few reminders:

If you registered for an activity and are NOT able to attend, PLEASE call and cancel.

Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled activity.

If an activity/event is full on Myactivecenter.com, please call to be put on the waitlist.

At this time there are NO walk-ins. Anyone visiting the center must be registered for something.

Masks MUST be worn as you enter the building and can be taken off once you arrive at the activity you are registered for.

You may bring your own water bottle but NO outside food or drink allowed at this time. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Brenda and Jennifer

News from Brenda and Jen

Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Staff Directory

Telephone Number: 203-256-3166 Human and Social Services Director: Julie DeMarco Ext. 3169 Bigelow Center Director: Brenda Steele Ext. 6455

Secretary: Janet Merando Ext. 3167 Activities Coordinator: Jennifer Henry Ext. 2926

Receptionist: Nora Cooper

The Bigelow Center and the Social Services department assembled and distributed hurricane emergency backpacks for our homebound seniors. Backpacks included suggested items from the American Red Cross hurricane safety checklist. A big THANK YOU to the Friends of The Bigelow Center for

providing the bags and to the following Senior Providers who very generously donated the items for the backpacks: Senior Helpers, National Healthcare, Southern CT AMR of Fairfield County, The Greens at Cannondale, Mark Markelz & Associates/William Raveis, O’Brien Care Management, ComforCare, Waveny LifeCare Network, Right at Home, Collins Medical, and Twenty Four Wealth

Veterans Affairs Ramon Agosto, from the CT Department of Veterans Affairs, returns to offer Veterans and their families assistance with benefits and services. By appointment only. Wednesday, September 8 from 12:30—2pm. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Celebrate Senior Center Month with “Mocktails” and Glass Painting!” on September 17th—sponsored by Senior Helpers of Upper Fairfield. Space is limited. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.


Lifelong resident, serving our community since 1996 | Never a fee or obligation

Lisa Krawczyk, CLTC • 860-529-0656 • [email protected]

Medicare Made Easy! Advantage, Supplemental, Prescription Drug Plans

You have choices!

7

Even More to Do! Programs from CT AARP

Virtual U Reflection of the Times: The Beatles & American History. Wednesday, September 1 at 1:00. Join us as we travel through time and reflect on the people who shaped our communities, across generations, through music. Professor Stephen Armstrong of CT’s first Age-friendly University, Central Connecticut State University, will transport you through the decades in this 6-part series. He will provide a look at how music impacted how we lived, mirroring our response to the times. You will also learn about how you can find ways to participate in creating an age-inclusive society from wherever you live, learn, and recreate. No other musical group had as much influence on American culture in the 1960s as the Beatles. In this session we will examine why Beatles music was so popular and how the music of the Beatles changed during the decade. We will also examine the impact of the Beatles on the way that many Americans dressed, wore their hair, and created communities that impacted social change. We will also examine why the Beatles are still so popular today. Registration is required. Email to register: [email protected], AARP CT is continuing with Musical conversations through the fall. Wednesday, September 29: A Reflection of the Times Elvis Presley and His Impact on Decade Wednesday, October 6: A Reflection of the Times Bob Dylan: The "Spokesperson of His Generation" Monday, October 18: A Reflection of the Times the British Invasion Monday, November 8:A Reflection of the Times The Singer-Songwriters Wednesday, December 15: A Reflection of the Times Jazz and American Society Stephen Armstrong is a long-time social studies/history educator and administrator at the high school and college level. He presently serves as the social studies consultant for the Connecticut State Department of Education. Caregiver Roadshow for CT Families. Wednesday, September 1 at 7:00. AARP Caregiver Roadshow for CT Families Vir tual Workshop in collaboration with Darien Library. This conversation is designed specifically for unpaid family caregivers who are the backbone of our health care system. Learn tools and options to support you in navigating the care for loved ones and yourself. Gain an understanding of available services, resources and care options while learning specific tools for staying informed on issues impacting family caregivers and their care recipients. This session is not recorded and allows for live interactive discussion at Q & A at the close of the session. Email to register: [email protected] AARP Presents a Virtual Concert with Melissa Etheridge. Wednesday, September 1 at 8:00. Learn more about the powerful connection between music and health during a virtual performance featuring rock icon Melissa Etheridge. Studies show that all kinds of music have benefits. Music can affect health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and inspiring movement. Melissa Etheridge is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and activist. In 1993, she won her first Grammy Award for the single, “Ain’t It Heavy,” and received the Recording Industry Association of America’s certification of 6x Platinum for her, “Yes I Am,” album. In April 2019, Etheridge released a new album entitled, The Medicine Show. Email to register: [email protected] One Day University Lecture Series, Presented by AARP - How Music Shapes the Brain. Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30. Learn how the process of making music can affect your brain. In this lecture, neuroscientist and opera singer/director, Dr. Indre Viskontas, will illustrate the wide-ranging power of music to shape our brains, heal our pain and strengthen our communities. The musician’s brain is hailed as a model of neuroplasticity, because of the many ways that learning and performing music changes it. But even listeners’ brains are altered, as brainwaves entrain to rhythms and brain activity and neurochemistry track the rise and fall of the music. Dr. Viskontas will explain the magical way in which music can bring us together. Email to register: [email protected] AARP Presents A Conversation with Richard Lui. Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30. Richard Lui, MSNBC/NBC News journalist, joins AARP to discuss his book, Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness. Lui discusses how caring for his father helped him learn to find meaning and compassion in his everyday choices in his book Enough About Me. Lui shares his experience of choosing to leave his career to care for his father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and equips you with the practical tools to find meaning and compassion in even the smallest of everyday choices. Join us LIVE for a conversation and Q&A where you can ask him your questions! Email to register: [email protected] One Day University Lecture Series, Presented by AARP: What's So Great About Dogs? Wednesday, September 22 at 6:30. What's So Great About Dogs? The Science of Canine Love. Why do humans love dogs? Every dog lover knows there is something special about dogs. But what is it exactly that makes them so great? Some scientists claim that dogs possess special forms of intelligence. They argue that over the course of thousands of years living alongside human beings, they have developed ways of understanding human intentions that no other animal shares. It is dogs’ unbounded desire to form strong emotional bonds with people, and not their really quite pedestrian intelligence, which is the key to understanding their success in a human-dominated world. A grasp of the true essence of their relationship will help both to live more satisfying lives together! Email to register: [email protected] Virtual U: Frank Sinatra: The History of A Storied Singer. Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00. Join us for a walk through history and a sampling of what is offered by an Age-friendly University as Dr. Gilbert L. Gigliotti, Professor of English and Latin at Central Connecticut State University (an Age-friendly University) will dive into the Sinatrauma of the Bobbysoxers, through his iconic fall-and-rebirth, to his becoming the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra embodied the "American Century." During "A Storied Singer," we'll examine his most entertaining and significant performances in song and film – as well as look behind the scenes at his wives, lovers, friends, and politics. Dr. Gilbert L. Gigliotti, is the host of "Frank, Gil, and Friends" Tuesday mornings on WFCS 107.7 FM. Dr. Gigliotti earned his PhD in comparative literature at The Catholic University of America. Email to register: [email protected] AARP Presents A Conversation with W. Bruce Cameron. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00. In A Dog’s Courage, #1 New York Times bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron once again captures the bravery and determination of a very good dog in the gripping sequel to A Dog’s Way Home, the acclaimed novel that inspired the hit movie! Celebrate National Dog Week with W. Bruce Cameron, who Email to register: [email protected] be discussing A Dog's Courage, the sequel to his hit book and movie A Dog's Way Home.

8

What’s New and Things to Do!

Programs at the Fairfield Public Library VIRTUAL: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK CLUB (INTERNATIONAL AUTHORS) Monday, September 13th from 6:30 pm - 7:30p m PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE LINK TO BE EMAILED THE DAY OF THE EVENT.—Email: [email protected] Join us monthly for A Different Kind of Book Club. We focus on a single genre each month. No required book reading. Just an interest in learning more and/or sharing your favorite books from the genre. 2021 Schedule: Sept 13: African-American Authors (#Own Voices) Oct 4: Asian/Pacific-American Authors (#Own Voices) Nov 1: Latinx/Hispanic Authors (#Own Voices) Dec 6: Best of 2021 - Our Favorite Books Librarian Philip Bahr leads the program with occasional guests. After we cover the genre - history, favorite authors, seminal work - the group opens up, inviting participants to share their favorite books from the genre. If you're new to the genre, sit back and enjoy. You're guaranteed to leave with a great new list of books. VIRTUAL SENIOR LITERARY SOCIETY Wednesday, September 15th 11:00 am—12:00 pm Please join us by Zoom for a virtual session of the Senior Literary Society book club that usually meets in-person at the Bigelow Center.

We will be discussing September's selection Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain. Please sign up with your email address and you will get the Zoom link to join the meeting. If you have any questions please email Mary Coe at [email protected].

VIRTUAL INTRO TO METAL DETECTING WITH JOE ORTEGA Wednesday, September 15th 6:30 pm—8:00 pm Have you ever thought about taking up metal detecting as a fun and fascinating hobby? Long-time water hunter and Library employee Joey "PI Joe" Ortega will share experiences from his many years of metal detecting. He'll talk about how some of the basic equipment works, share stories of his great finds and answer your questions about this interesting pastime. Joe has been an employee at the Library for 31 years. He has been water hunting since 2001 and is well known in metal detecting circles worldwide. Email: [email protected] to sign up.

TALKING ABOUT BOOKS WITH DR. MARK SCHENKER: Stories by North American Writers You May Not Know—But Should

Thursday, September 23 6:30 pm—7:30 pm, Main Library, Rotary Room

This fall Mark Schenker joins us for another discussion series on the short story, focusing on a work by each of these four women writers: Mavis Gallant (1922-2014), Sandra Cisneros (b. 1954), Edith Pearlman (b. 1936), and Lucia Berlin (1936-2004). Born respectively in Montreal, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; Providence, Rhode Island; and Juneau, Alaska, these writers present a variety of narrative styles that again illustrate the remarkable range of the contemporary short story. What one critic said of Lucia Berlin might be said of most of these fiction writers: “she’s one of America’s best-kept secrets.”

September 23 The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street by Mavis Gallant October 7 Excerpts from The House on Mango Street (1984), by Sandra Cisneros October 21 Honeydew by Edith Pearlman November 4 A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin Registration: When you register for one event, it will register you for all four. Due to limited seating this Fall, please let us know if you

are unable to attend any of the four weeks, so we can open up to others on the waitlist. Email: [email protected] Thank you

9

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 No classes today

2 No classes today 3 No classes today / No Lunch

6

LABOR DAY—THE BIGELOW CENTER IS CLOSED

7

9:00 Morning Exercise with Nancy—In Person Only

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:15 Zumba with Germaine– In Person & Zoom

1:00 Pickleball

2:00 Mystic Seaport Museum—Presented by The Senior Learning Network, In Person

8

*9:00 NO YOGA with Lisa

9:00 Pacers

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 Zumba with Pauline — In Person and Zoom

10:00 and 11:00 Spanish 12:30-2:00 Veterans Affairs with Ramon Agosto 12:30 Brain Games

1:00 LLL

1:00 Flying Aces / 1:00 Chess 1:00 Mah Jongg

9

9:00 Pacers

9:00 Weight Training with Diane—In Person and Zoom

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 LLL

10:15 Zumba with Germaine— In Person & Zoom

1:00 Tai Chi with Jonathan— In Person & Zoom

1:00 Pickleball

1:00 LLL

10

9:30 Sewing/Quilting 10:00 Body Balance with Lauren—In Person & Zoom

10:00 LLL

12:00 Lunch on the Lawn ($5) 12:45 Fairfield Foreign Film Festival will present Arranged 1:00 Pinochle

13

9:00 Pacers 9:30 Sewing/Quilting

10:00 Zumba with Pauline– In Person & Zoom

10:00 LLL

11:00 Body Balance with Lauren—In Person and Zoom

11:00 and 12:30 Watercolors with Sabine

1:00 Monday Movie Matinee—The Killers

1:00 Tai Chi with Jonathan– In Person & Zoom

1:00 Bridge 1:00 Pinochle 1:00 LLL

14


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong


12:00 Lunch & Learn

1:00 Chronic Disease and Diabetes Support Group

1:00 Pickleball

1:00 LLL

2:00 Smithsonian Portrait Gallery—Presented by The Senior Learning Network, In Person

15

9:00 Yoga with Lisa—In Person & Zoom

9:00 Pacers

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 Zumba with Pauline- In Person & Zoom

10:00 and 11:00 Spanish

11:00 VIRTUAL SENIOR LITERARY SOCIETY—Zoom Only

1:00 LLL

1:00 Flying Aces 1:00 Chess 1:00 Mah Jongg

16

9:00 Pacers


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 LLL

10:15 Zumba with Germaine- In Person & Zoom


1:00 Pickleball

17

9:30 Sewing/Quilting

10:00 Body Balance with Lauren-In Person & Zoom 10:00 Mark Albertson: Hiroshima and Nagasaki—Zoom Only

10:00 LLL

12:00 Senior Center Month BBQ ($5) 1:00 Mocktails and Glass Paining sponsored by Senior Helpers of Upper Fairfield 12:45 Friday Movies—Luca 1:00 Pinochle

20


10:00 Zumba with Pauline— In Person & Zoom

10:00 LLL

10:00 Member Council Meeting



1:00 Monday Movie Matinee- The Strange Love of Martha Ivers

1:00 Tai Chi with Jonathan— In Person & Zoom


21


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:15 Zumba with Germaine—In Person & Zoom

1:00 ART CHAT: ZOOM ONLY

1:00 Pickleball

1:00 LLL

2:00 FDR Presidential Library—Presented by The Senior Learning Network, In Person

22

9:00 Yoga with Lisa—In Person and Zoom

9:00 Pacers

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

9:30 Genealogy with Kevin Cleary



1:00 LLL


23

*Drop off Brownies for Bigelow Tea Challenge Road Race

9:00 Pacers


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 LLL

10:15 Zumba with Germaine— In Person and Zoom


1:00 Pickleball

1:00—3:00 Medicare Bootcamp 1:00 LLL

24

9:30 Sewing/Quilting

10:00 Body Balance with Lauren-In Person & Zoom

10:00 LLL

12:00 Lunch on the Lawn ($5) 12:45 Friday Movies—Wild Oats 1:00 Pinochle

September 2021 Calendar *Underlined Events are Newly Added

27


10:00 Zumba with Pauline- In Person & Zoom

10:00 LLL



1:00 Monday Movie Matinee—Classe tous Risques

1:00 Tai Chi with Jonathan- In Person & Zoom


28


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong


12:00 Lunch & Learn

1:00 Pickleball

1:00 Bunco

2:00 Buffalo Bill—Presented by The Senior Learning Network, In Person

1:00 LLL

29

9:00 Yoga with Lisa—In Person and Zoom

9:00 Pacers

9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

9:30: Senior Center Month Coffee, Donuts & Selfies



1:00 LLL


30

9:00 Pacers


9:30 Table Pool

9:30 Wood Shop

9:30 Ping Pong

10:00 LLL

10:15 Zumba with Germaine- In Person & Zoom


1:00 Pickleball

1:00 LLL

***Calendar subject to change due to

Covid.

10

Transportation Information Fairfield Senior Transportation has resumed with limited transportation services. Rides are by appointment only. Our buses will take Fairfield residents to medical appointments and has re-sumed grocery shopping trips for residents of Senior and Disabled Housing to the supermarket each week. Transportation Guidelines for Grocery Shoppers: -Reservations must be made at least one week in advance. -A maximum of four people are allowed on the bus at one time, excluding driver. COVID screening required before boarding. -Masks must be worn at all times on buses—even if you have received your vaccine. -Please cancel your ride if you are feeling sick or have a fever. -Limit two (2) grocery bags per rider. Drivers may not exit the bus to carry or to load groceries on or off the bus. Grocery Shopping: Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides Tuesdays and Thursdays. Medical Appointments: Senior Transportation will provide rides for medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Do not schedule any appointments before 9:00 AM or later than 1:30 PM. Reservations for rides, which are first-come, first-served for appointments, must be made no less than one week in advance. Dial-A-Ride: Dial-A-Ride supplements the town-provided Senior Center Transportation and the GBTA-provided fixed route buses and the ADA service. Service is available seven days a

week. 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please call Social Services for

more information 203-256-3170 or GBT at 203-579-5777.

Social Services Information, Support and Resources

CHOICES Medicare Counseling:

The Southwestern Connecticut Area on Aging (SWCAA), offers free Medicare and Health Insurance benefits explanation and enrollment assistance for Medicare and other related health insurance options. Call the center to make an appointment with our CHOICES volunteer: 203-256-3166.

Human and Social Services Department Staff Directory

Telephone Number: 203-256-3170 Human and Social Services Director: Julie DeMarco Social Services Coordinator: Malinda Johnson Social Services Secretary: Carol Hubbard Social Workers: Eileen Fickes, Eileen Gombos, Amy Luciano, Mila Rodrigues Drivers: J J Metviner , Ron Metzger , Frank Prokaly, Jack Burns. Paul Lytwyn, Bob Seirup

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM: Get aler ted about emergencies from the Town of Fairfield. To register go to https://www.fairfieldct.org/alerts or call us at 203-256-3166.

Back to School Program If your family needs financial assistance to purchase back to school supplies for any school age children in your household, please contact the Department of Social Services at 203-256-3170. Eligibility criteria apply.

Mental Health Support & Resources Transitions can be tricky, and with ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID protocols and procedures, the back to school season may well be provoking some mixed feelings. If you or your children need help managing any mental health challenges at this time, Fairfield Counseling Services and Child and Family Guidance are among the nearby agencies with a special commitment to provide timely and affordable care to our community members in need. For details, please see below: Child and Family Guidance Center provides children and families with culturally-informed mental health care and complementary supports. When a child struggles emotionally, the reasons why can be complex. Its team of mental health experts help children and teens address a range of emotional and behavioral issues. Whether it is anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, ADHD or something else effecting your child’s emotional well-being, it offers answers and support. It provides individual and family therapy (both in office, or your home), psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Call 203-394-6529 for more information or to make an appointment. Fairfield Counseling is located in the white house behind Town Hall and is part of Lifebridge Community Services. It offers a continuum of comprehensive, mental health and substance abuse services to adults, youth, and families. It is a licensed substance abuse facility and offer individual and family therapy as well as recovery, relapse prevention and sober living groups. Call 203-255-5777 for more information.

HOUSING RESOURCES - Rental & Utility Assistance Tenants and property owners may be eligible for up to $10,000 towards overdue rent and $1500 towards utility payments through UniteCT. Apply online at www.bit.ly/UniteCT, or call 1-844-864-8328 for assistance. UniteCT will now:

Cover arrears accrued since March 13, 2020, rather than only those accrued in last 6 months

Pay landlords for 100% of covered arrears, rather than only 85%

Cover 3 full months of prospective rent Protect tenants from evictions for nonpayment of rent during

the months covered by the prospective rent payments Continue to consider waiving the $10,000 limit on rent

assistance, on a case by case basis, for households with extenuating circumstances

Rely where possible on information about an applicant’s enrollment in other state programs to streamline the application process

Please Note: Anybody without a social security card or ITN number may call CIRI (Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees) for rental assistance at 203-336-0141. - Additional Utility Assistance Through CEAP Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is underway for 2021/2022. Alliance for Community Empowerment, Fairfield’s local Community Action Agency (CAA), is now accepting early intake applications. Contact Alliance at 203 384-6904. You may explore their website at www.AllianceCT.org If you are unable to apply for energy assistance on your own, you may also apply with the help of the Fairfield Social Services beginning September 1. Please call 203-256-3170 to make an appointment. - Eviction Help For those facing the possibility of eviction, legal services are available at 1-800-453-3320 (toll free). - Foreclosure Help BTN (Building Neighborhoods Together) offers both Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, and also Foreclosure Prevention Clinics. For more information: [email protected]/class-descriptions or call 203-290-4255. - Mortgage Assistance - Contact Michelle Walker, Housing Coordinator at Operation Hope for help at 203-292-5588, x. 218. - Emergency Broadband Benefits For a monthly discount on broadband service up to $50, eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting getemergencybroadband.org. Check website regularly for latest information: www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

11


Breakfast & LunchDine in or Take Out

170 Post Rd., FairfieldLuigi’s Center

Tel: 203-259-2509

Loose Dentures? Missing Teeth?Improve Your Quality of Life withMini Implants• Affordable• No major surgery• No more glue• Mini Implants in 1 hour• Financing Options Available

Call for FREE Consultation!Fairfield • (475) 282-4551 | East Haven • (203) 469-5644

12monthsmiles.com

RIGHT CHOICEBarbara SreckovicREALTOR®

CELL 203.451.5313OFFICE: 203.268.1118 X346

[email protected]

105 Technology Drive, Suite 1A, Trumbull, CT 06611

Kathleen Bunting

Bunting Appraisal ServicesReal Estate Valuation Services

Probate • Estate Planning • Divorce • PreListing

203-243-6009 • [email protected]

Contact Duane Budelier to place an ad today!

[email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2525

12

A Beginner’s Guide to Claiming Social Security for the First Time: Key Questions to Ask. Friday, September 17 at 1:00

How can you make informed decisions about claiming Social Security benefits? Approaching retirement? It can be tough to know where to start when it comes to your Social Security benefits—from understanding the process and your eligibility, to learning how continuing to work could affect your benefits. Program is designed especially for those who have not yet claimed their Social Security benefits. Get a free local resource guide and learn more about topics that interest you in breakout sessions. Topics we’ll cover include: Eligibility for Social Security, spousal and survivor benefits; How Social Security benefits are calculated; Ways work history or marital status weighs impacts your Social Security benefits; What you can do with a My Social Security Account. Email to register: [email protected].

More Activities and Events! The Senior Learning Network will be a series of presentations at the Bigelow Center on Tuesdays at 2pm in the Fall. We are sharing the program with senior centers across the nation. The speaker will be live on our big screen in the multipurpose room (speaker is not in person.) This is NOT a Zoom from home program. Space is limited. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Tuesday, Sept 7- Mystic Seaport Museum “As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.” Herman Melville, Moby-Dick or, the Whale Come sail with us and

learn about the true tale that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick. Explore the history of 19th century whaling through the lens of the last wooden whaleship in the world, and one of the star artifacts at Mystic Seaport Museum, the Charles W. Morgan. Learn how and why Americans went to sea for more than a century, in search of the great leviathans and see rare artifacts from the Museum’s collection that connect to American whaling history.

Tuesday, Sept 14-Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Highlights of the National Portrait Gallery Permanent Collection Experience portraiture beyond the frame. Our collections present people of remarkable character and achievement. These Americans—artists, politicians, scientists, inventors, activists, and performers—form our national identity. They help us understand who we are and remind us of what we can aspire to be. Get to know us at the National Portrait Gallery. We look forward to sharing

the faces and stories of inspiring Americans with you.

Tuesday, Sept 21- FDR Presidential Library and Museum / Jeff Urbin “Books, Boots and Bridles: The Story of the Horse Back Librarians” Join one of our favorites, Jeff Urbin- as he shares the story of the Pack Horse Library initiative, a little known program of the

Roosevelt Administration's WPA. Its mission, carried out almost entirely by women, was to deliver and distribute reading materials to the far off corners of Appalachia during the darkest hours of the Great Depression.

Tuesday, Sept 28- Buffalo Bill Center of the West “What’s all the hoot about owls?” (Yellowstone Park) Many humans have a fascination with owls. Found across the globe, in almost every type of habitat, owls have managed to survive as a group

for more than 80 million years. What has allowed owls to thrive and become a vital part in the balance of nature? Using visual aids and a real, live owl, this program will explore the adaptations such as hearing and silent flight that make owls some of the top predators in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the world.

Medicare Boot Camp—*In Person/Zoom Are you turning 65 this year or in the near future? You must have a lot of questions about Medicare. Lisa Alhabal, Senior Medicare Pa-trol Coordinator, at the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, will discuss: when to enroll to avoid penalties; what are Parts A,B, C, and D? what are the Medicare Savings Plans; and Alternative Medicare options. Registration required. Thursday, September 23 at from 1—3pm. The speaker will be live on our big screen in the multipurpose room (speaker is not in person). You can also sign up to see this presentation on zoom from home.

Chronic Disease and Diabetes Support Group On the second Tuesday of every month, the Fairfield Health Department will be hosting the Chronic Disease and Diabetes Support Group. Join us on Sept. 14 at 1pm, space is limited. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Genealogy Are you interested in researching your family history? Join us for an in person event facilitated by Genealogist Kevin Cleary on Wednesday, September 22 from 9:30—11:30 am—in person. Space is limited to 8 participants. To register go to www.MyActiveCenter.com or call the Center for assistance.

Medicare Initial Enrollment: Key Questions to Ask Friday, September 10 at 4:00 How can you make informed Medicare decisions for your needs? Turning 65 often means the start of a new chapter—not to mention new health care coverage. But where should you start when it comes to enrolling in Medicare for the first time—and how can you ask the right questions to help make informed decisions that work for you? You’ll discover scenarios that will help you consider what Medicare coverage fits your needs. Topics we’ll cover include Key questions to ask to make an informed decision; and Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D. Email [email protected].

the newsletter of the bigelow center for senior activities

Documents