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2001 .' 2001 ANNUAL REPORT TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER ~, TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER STAFF: Kathi DeLisa, Director Regina Waldron, craft instructor, recreation assistant Maria Borges, craft instructor, recreation assistant Eileen Manning, recreation assistant, chorus leader, osteoporosis progressive weight training leader Sue Borchardt, exercise and line dancing instructor TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER 2001ANNUAL REPORT The Town of Wappinger Senior Center is open five days a week Monday through Friday from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. As of December 2001 there were 197 members registered at the Center with 324 on the waiting list. DAIL Y /wEEKLY ACTIVITIES: 1. Arts and crafts activities are held daily. 2. Oil painting classes are held Tuesday from 10a.m. to Noon under the direction of Kathi DeLisa 3. Aerobics/Exercise classes are held Wednesday from lOa.m. to lla.m. under the direction of Sue Borchardt. 4. Aerobics/Exercise classes are held on Thursday from lOa.m. to lla.m. under the direction of Sue Borchardt 5. Line Dancing classes are held on Friday from 10a.m. to lla.m.under the direction of Sue Borchardt. 6. Osteoporosis progressive weight training classes are held Tuesday and Thursday under the direction of Eileen Manning. 7. Cards, chess and other board games are played from 12:30p.m.to 3p.m. 3-4 days a week. 8. Bingo is played weekly. When possible, bingo is played twice a week, as this is so popular. Bingo is offered on Mondays allowing many on the waiting list to attend An average of78 seniors play bingo. 9. The photo club meets at Schlathaus on Monday and is under the direction of Bob English, a senior. Bob volunteers to head the Photo Club. There is a dark room set up for developing and printing photos. The majority of the equipment has been donated. 10. A Bridge Group meets at Schlathaus on Tuesday. 11. Spanish classes are taught by Elena Garrido, a senior originally from Panama. . She speaks fluent Spanish and has taught for Adult Education. Elena volunteers her time and knowledge. 12. A senior chorus meets on Wednesdays at 11 :a.m. The "Golden Tone Singers" sang at our Center Christmas party and plan on "Going on the Road" to other centers and nursing homes. Chorus is lead by Eileen Manning. 13. "Wappinger Seniors On the Road Again" is a group of seniors who go on short trips to various local historical houses and other sites. The excursions are planned by Larry Petersen and open to any senior who wishes to go. The seniors who participate pay transportation and expenses. 14. Videos/movies are shown usually once a month. 1 MONTHLY ACTIVITIES: 1. There is a monthly birthday party to celebrate birthdays of that month. A special party is given to any senior turning 80,85,90 or 100. (5 seniors turned 80, 6 turned 85). 2. The Heart Association provides a montWy blood pressure screening on the second Thursday of each month from 10a.m. to Noon. GUEST SPEAKERS/PRESENT A TIONS/HEAL TH CLINICS: 1. In January the Dutchess Co. Health Dept. held a flu clinic. 2. In April, a Family and Friends CPR Class for seniors was held at ScWathaus. Sue Borchardt conducted this class. 3. In May, Attorney Shari Hubner spoke on Power of Attorneys and health proxies and what is necessary for a "legal checkup." 4. In October, The Hughsonville Fire Dept. spoke to the seniors on Fire Prevention. 5. Also in October, Dr. Brown D.C. spoke to the seniors on "Exercise and the Body." 6. In November the Dutchess Co. Health Dept. held another flu clinic. SPECIAL EVENTS: Funded by the seniors from their dues fund and craft sales: January: Travel log from the Vassar Institute on Jerusalem was shown giving the seniors the opportunity to '"travel" in the comfort of the Center. February: Valentine's Ball was held at Christo's Restaurant. Johnny Dell provided the music. Everyone received a "special" Valentine Card. Those with a "lucky" number on their card received a prize. Wheel of Fortune: A great game of Wheel of Fortune. All contestants won prizes and of course a grand prize for the bonus round winners. Nana White and "Say Jack" were host and hostess of the game. Wheel of Fortune went "On the Road" to the seniors at the Zion Church. Washington's Birthday Party: After a morning of Wheel of Fortune, the seniors enjoyed cherry pie and ice cream in honor of this President. Travel log from the Vassar Institute on The Oregon Trail was shown. Each travel log features a different country, state or region. 2 March: April : May: St. Patrick's Day Gala was held at Villa Borghese. Music by Johnny Dell St. Patrick's Day Party on the 16th: Held at the Center. Green bagels and cream cheese were served. And to fInish the day the seniors enjoyed bingo. Bowling party: at Holiday Hoe Bowl. Coffee and Danish were available on arrival. Pizza was served for lunch. The Fishkill Senior Center and the Zion Church Center joined us for this combined Center activity. Travel log from the Vassar Institute was shown on Tahiti and the surrounding islands. Bingo! Bango! Bongo! Three Centers, Wappingers, Zion Church and the Fishkill Center combined to enjoy a day of Bingo at the Fishkill Senior Center. Over 135 seniors attended this event. They had pizza, McDonald's orange drink and a good time. Easter Luncheon: The luncheon was held at Mamma Marissa. Music by Larry Hazzard on keyboard. The "Easter Bunnies" delivered eggs ftlled with candy and prizes for the seniors. "Easter Bunnies" were Regina, Maria, Eileen and Kathi. The Golden Tone Singers the Center's own chorus performed for the all of the seniors. The following week, the chorus performed for the children at Evan's Elementary School. The Chorus is under the direction of Eileen Manning. Wappingers Seniors on the Road Again took a "fIeld trip" to Lyndhurst and Sunnyside in Tarrytown. A Mexican Celebration was held at the Center in honor of Cinqo de Mayo. Lunch included tacos and other Mexican/Spanish snacks. Seniors then broke the Pinatas that were hanging. Mother's Day was celebrated at the Center with a Chinese food buffet. Senior Citizen Day Celebration: This is a day of appreciation for all our seniors. Each senior received a red carnation as a thank you for all they do and have done for their community and country. Hero sandwiches and salads were served for lunch. 3 JUNE: 13th Anniversary of Senior Center: The seniors celebrated with the annual anniversary barbeque. Our recreation Maintenance Dept. cooked burgers and hot dogs for the seniors. Seniors brought salads and desserts. A great day to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate. Father's Day Breakfast: Seniors celebrated Father's Day at the Dutchess Diner. Game Day: Seniors had a choice of several different board games to play. The "in" game is Rumicube. A quiz was also handed out and those with the correct answers received a prize. July: "Music in the Morning" featured Msg. Martin and Ed Husted. These talented gentlemen entertained the seniors with beautiful and uplifting songs. Pizza and soda were served after this lovely performance. Do Nothing Day (by special request): Seniors wore their Wappinger T-shirts (it's easier to "do nothing in a T-shirt.) Ice cream was served for lunch dessert and then a few games of bingo were played to end the day. Wappinger Seniors On the Road Again went to the Vanderbilt Mansion and then to lunch. August: Office of the Aging Picnic: Provided by the OF A at Robinson Lane Recreation Park. Food included chicken, potato salad, baked beans and fruit. The Town provides the location, the tables and the chairs for this event. Fun in the Sun: Puzzles and games were played in the morning. After a lunch of hot dogs and salads the seniors had a chance to build sand castles. Each table was given a box of sand, some "tools" and water to build unique sand castles. Wappinger Senior On the Road Again went to Mills Mansion and then to lunch. September: Walking Club Luncheon: Lunch at the Cornerstone Restaurant for those who participated in the Walking Club. Awards were presented to those who walked the most miles. All receive a certificate of achievement. The purpose of the Walking Club is to promote health and exercise. 4 COMMUNITY DAY: The "On the Road Again Seniors designed and built a float and participated in the parade. Mr. Humeston volunteered his flat bed and time for this event. The float won third prize! A Special Birthday Party was given for Regina Waldron, recreation assistant for her 70th birthday. The surprise party was held in the large meeting room. Johnny Dell provided music. Pizza and soda were served for lunch. October: Bingo! Bango! Bongo! Three Centers, Wappingers, Zion Church and the Fishkill Center combined to enjoy a day of Bingo at the Fishkill Senior Center. Over 140 seniors attended this event. They had pizza, McDonald's orange drink and a good time. Annual Craft Fair: Sale of crafts, books, baked goods, Granny's attic, coffee and donuts, raffle prizes and much more. (open to public.) Halloween Party: Seniors came in costume. Donuts and cider were served, pizza for lunch. Prizes given for best costumes. Treats for all in costume. "Wheel of Fortune" went On the Road to the McClelland House in Beacon. The residents of the adult home were thrilled to be entertained by the Wappinger Seniors who participated. Wappinger Seniors On the Road Again went to Montgomery Place and then to lunch. November: Thanksgiving Luncheon: This luncheon was held at Steak and Stein to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Wappinger Seniors On the Road Again went to the Brotherhood Winery and then to lunch. December: Christmas luncheon at Villa Borghese: Johnny Dell provided Music. Santa arrived with gifts for all the seniors. "Little" Christmas Breakfast/Brunch: Served bagels, cream cheese, fruit, muffins, cheese and crackers and cake. Instead of a Christmas grab bag, the seniors donated poinsettia plants to be given to our Homebound/Nursing home 5 seniors. Our "Golden Tone Singers" performed at the Center with its Christmas Show. Santa arrived with gifts for all. A special Christmas Bingo was played to fmish the day. Extra Events: The seniors at the Center, have started a "Seniors on the Road Again" club open to all the Center seniors. They plan field trips to historical mansions and other places of interests. Each individual is responsible for his/her own transportation and any costs for the day. This has become a popular activity. It is planned that "Seniors on the Road Again" will include more community service in 2002. They plan to go to nursing homes and other senior centers. The Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission in cooperation with the Wappinger Elks Lodge held two Christmas dinner parties for 280 seniors. (140 at each party.) The dinner was open to ALL town seniors. Donations from local community businesses and professionals helped to make this possible. Each senior received a gift of a small box of candy, a snowman candleholder, candy cane and small bottle of wine handed out by Santa. The dinner consisted of salad, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and pumpkin pie and coffee. There were numerous raffle prizes awarded. Johnny Dell provided music at the both parties. The parties are a great success. This holiday event is very popular and the seniors look forward to a positive start to the holiday season. We hope to continue to provide two such parties in 2002. Intergenerational Activities: Students from Evans School and R.C.Ketcham went to the homes of several seniors and did a "spring cleanup". They raked leaves, put away lawn furniture and other odd jobs for the seniors. The Golden Tone Singers performed for the students at Evans Elementary School. There are plans for the chorus to perform at other schools in the area. Tole Painting Classes were offered to the seniors. MaryLou Chiparri instructed this six- week class. Basic Computer Classes were held at the beginning of the year. Advanced classes for computer will begin as soon as the new computers are set up. There are numerous requests for classes on using the Internet, how to set data bases and much more A Photo Club meets at ScWathaus every Monday. Members of this "club" also take photos at special Recreation events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween, Summer playground picnic, Christmas and much more. A Bridge Group meets at Schlathaus every Tuesday. This is open to all Town seniors. 6 Senior Citizen Bus Trips: Foxwoods Casino Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum Westchester Dinner Theater Lighthouse Cruise Julius LaRosa at Villa Baglieri Erie Canal Cruise Hu Ke Lau Dinner Theater Big Band at Hunts Landing Sally Jess Raphael Show (cancelled due to lack of interest) A lottery system is used for our sign up procedure to ensure that all seniors have a fair chance to participate on these trips. These trips are open to ALL senior residents in the Town. Miscellaneous Information: Once again seniors in the oil painting class and photo club won prizes at the Dutchess Fair. Basic Computer classes continue. Over 100 seniors have taken these basic 3-2hour classes. The response has been overwhelming. There are still seniors on a waiting list to take these classes. There are several requests for advanced computer classes including internet. Future Needs. The 2000 Census shows a 22% increase in the 60+ populations between 1990 and 2000 for the Town of Wappinger. The Town of Wappinger according to the 2000 Census has 3781 sen io rs in comparison to 3101 in 1990. This growth needs to be addressed and planned for. Projections show an even larger growth in the senior population in the next few years. Our population is living longer and healthier lives. Seniors want the activities and services that a Senior Center and the Town provides. We have an excellent program and need to make this available to ALL Town seniors. I recommend a Committee to look at the growing needs of the senior population and to advise the Town Board of possible solutions. There are over 300 Town seniors on a waiting list to join the Senior Center. To accommodate as many seniors as possible, our outside activities such as our luncheons and bowling are open to any senior on the waiting list. Also the exercise and line-dancing program held in the large meeting room is also open to some on the waiting list. As the Senior program continues to grow, more diverse programs are added to enable the Town to accommodate and meet the needs ofthe senior population 7 Needless to say, we have outgrown the designated space for our Senior Center. Many special events must be limited to 80 seniors leaving many on "another waiting list." many events must be held at restaurants allowing more seniors to attend. We continue to "burst at the seams." All efforts are made to accommodate as many town seniors as is possible in this limited space. An activity such as exercise held in different space allows those on the waiting list to participate. Our "satellite" at Schlathaus is used almost to it's maximum. It is used for our Photo Club, Bridge Club and Computer Classes as well as other recreational uses Transportation: Beginning in January 2001, an additional Dial-a-Ride bus was added on Tuesday allowing the seniors a choice to come to the Center. Those using this service are very grateful for this addition. It also allowed more participation of activities on this day. The Wappinger rider ship is close to 600 passengers per month including the use of two buses on Tuesday and Wednesday. Even with the addition of the second bus on Tuesday, seniors are still being turned down for transportation because of the lack of space on the bus. The growing senior population will continue to increase the demand of this service. I recommend an annual review of these transportation needs. .. ./ "'~/.. / '-!-..'~ . f / .i, L- k^- ;(/ /1 ..j ~~'/,-v';'-c( Kathi DeLisa Director Senior Citizen Center 8