2002
ANNUAL REPORT
2002
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
2002 ANNUAL REPORT
The Town of Wappinger Senior Center is open five days a week, Monday through
Friday from lOa.m. to 3:00p.m. Over 220 seniors attend the Center in any given
month. Many of the seniors participate in specific programs only such as exercise,
photo, oil painting etc.
Due to the crash in April, the seniors were moved to Schlathaus Park and then to the
Oak Grove Grange and returned to the Town Hall in September. Attendance at the
Center was very low during this time. Exercise classes continued to be held at the
Town Hall while other activities were at the Oak Grove Grange. The seniors were
delighted to be back "home" at their Center in the Town Hall. Attendance has
increased especially on days there are special activities.
DAILY /wEEKLY ACTIVITIES:
1. Art and Craft activities are held daily.
2. Oil painting classes are held Tuesday from 10a.m. to Noon under the direction of
Kathi DeLisa
3. AerobicslExercise classes are held Wednesday from lOa.m. to lla.m. under the
direction of Sue Borchardt.
4. AerobicslExercise classes are held on Thursday from 10a.m to lla.m. under the
direction of Sue Borchardt
5. Line Dancing classes are held on Friday from lOa.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 12:3Op.m. to 2p.m. three to
four days a week.
8. Bingo is played twice weekly, usually on Monday and Friday from 12:3Op.m. to
2:00p.m. An average of70 seniors plays bingo.
9. The photo club meets at Schlathaus on Thursday and at the Center on the 2nd
Thursday of each month. At Schlathaus, there is a dark room set up for
developing and printing photos. The majority of the equipment has been donated.
10. The Bridge Club meets at Schlathaus on Tuesday.
11. A senior chorus meets on Wednesday at l1a.m. under the direction of Eileen
Manning. The "Golden Tone Singers" go to other Centers, schools and nursing
homes to perform.
12. Tai Chi classes were held on Wednesdays under the direction of Jim Mercer from
March to the end of September.
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MONTHLY ACTIVITIES:
1. There is a monthly birthday party to celebrate birthdays of the month. A special party is
given to any senior turning 80,85,90 or 100. (7 seniors turned 80, 2 turned 85and 1 turned
90).
2. The Heart Association provides a monthly blood pressure screening on the second
Thursday of each month from 10a.m. to noon.
3. A travel log or movie video is usually shown once a month. Travel logs are on loan from
the Vassar Institute.
4. Pizza is available to buy on the last Friday of the month.
GUEST SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONSIHEALTH CLINICS:
1. In January Nina Lynch from the Office of the Aging spoke on Medicare changes in 2002.
2. In February, Dr. Steven Moskowitz a podiatrist spoke on "Diabetes and Footcare."
3. In October, Dr. Steinberg spoke to the seniors on "Eye Health"
SPECIAL EVENTS: Funded by the seniors from their dues fund and craft sales:
January:
Hat Day: a fun day for the seniors. Most seniors wore hats, funny ones, pretty ones,
and unusual ones. There were prizes for the best. Hot dogs, sauerkraut, chips and
soda were served for lunch.
Soup Day: seniors brought in an item to be added to the soup pot. By lunchtime the
soup was done and everyone had a delicious bowl of soup served with crackers and
rolls.
February:
Valentine Wheel of Fortune: seniors enjoyed great games of Wheel of Fortune. The
seniors were split into groups so all could participate in the games. Each group won a
box of candy to share with each other.
Fabulous Fifties "At the Hop" was held at Villa Borghese. Johnny Dell provided
the "Fabulous Fifties" music. There was even a surprise visit from Elvis Presley who
sang and gyrated for the seniors.
The Golden Tone Singers the Center's own chorus performed for the residents at
McClelland House.
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March:
St. Patrick's Day Party: Held at the Center. There were green bagels and cream
cheese and green punch for all. And to finish the day, the seniors enjoyed bingo.
Easter Luncheon: The seniors enjoyed an Easter Luncheon at Umberto's Mamma
Marissa's. The "Easter Bunnies" delivered eggs filled with candy and prizes for the
seniors. "Easter Bunnies" were Regina, Maria, Eileen and Kathi.
April:
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.
Because of the car crash, the senior center was closed and then moved to Schlathaus
Park and then to the Oak Grove Grange. The German Fest scheduled for the 18th was
postponed to a later date.
The Golden Tone Singers performed at the Taconic Pines Retirement Home on
April2Sth.
May:
Mother's Day was celebrated at Chan's Chinese Buffet 2000.
German Fest: was rescheduled and was held at Oak Grove Grange. One ofthe
seniors made sauerbraten, red cabbage and noodles for everyone. (this all had to be
frozen as it was scheduled for April). It was a fun day for everyone. The homemade
food was delicious. The large kitchen facility at Oak Grove made this event much
easier to do than at the Town Hall Center.
Senior Appreciation Day: was held at Oak Grove Grange. 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. Large hero
sandwiches and salads were served for lunch.
The Golden Tone Singers performed at Wingate in Beacon.
4
June:
Father's Day Luncheon: Seniors celebrated Father's Day at the Dutchess Diner.
14th Anniversary of Senior Center: The seniors celebrated with their annual
Anniversary barbecue at Oak Grove Grange. Our recreation Maintenance Dept.
cooked burgers and hot dogs for the seniors. Seniors brought salads and desserts.
July:
Rummikub Tournament: Our friends from the Fishkill Senior Center joined us at
Oak Grove Grange for a friendly Rummikub competition. There were prizes for the
winners, pizza for lunch and Italian ices for dessert.
August:
Coney Island Dog Days: The seniors enjoyed this "Coney Island" day at Oak Grove
Grange. There were several different games to play, ring toss, indoor golf, a fishing
game and much more. For lunch there were hot dogs with a variety of toppings to
choose from. It was a fun day.
Office of Aging Picnic: This annual event sponsored by the Office of the Aging and
the Town of Wappinger is held at Robinson Lane. Barbecued chicken and salads are
served. The weather was extremely hot this day (high 90's) but the seniors enjoyed
the day.
The Golden Tone Singers performed at McClelland House for the residents.
September:
Seniors are back in Town Hall
"Wappinger Seniors on the Road Again" went to Norrie Point. This included a
seminar on the local habitat, river and a tour of the aquarium. 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 their own transportation and expenses.
The Golden Tone Singers sang on the Senior Float on Community Day.
The Senior Salute Float won first prize for their float on Community Day.
5
October:
Walking Club Award Luncheon: Lunch at the Cornerstone Restaurant for those
who participated in the Walking Club. All received a certificate of Achievement and a
small token gift. The purpose of the Walking Club is to promote health and exercise.
The Golden Tone Singers performed at Wingate in Beacon for the residents.
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 those in costume.
November:
Thanksgiving Luncheon: this luncheon was held at Cappucino's
Rummikub Tournament: held at the Fishkill Senior Center. One of our Wappinger
Seniors won the championship.
The Golden Tone Singers performed at Hudson Haven Nursing Home.
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, muffms, fruit,
cheese and crackers and cake. Our "Golden Tone Singers" performed at the Center
with Christmas music. Santa arrived with gifts for all. The Center was bursting at the
seams this day. This event will need either be moved to the large meeting room or
changed to accommodate so many participants.
Extra Events:
The Town of Wappinger Recreation Committee in cooperation with the Wappinger
Elks Lodge held two Holiday dinner parties for 300 seniors. (150 at each party.) The
dinner is open to ALL town seniors. Donations from local community businesses and
professionals help to make this possible. Each senior receives a gift bag of a small box of
candy, a snowman ornament, candy cane and a small bottle of wine from Santa. The dinner
consists of salad, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and pumpkin pie,
coffee or tea. There are numerous raffle prizes awarded. Johnny Dell provides music for
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 2003.
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Extra Events (cont.)
A Photo Club meets at Schlathaus every Monday. Members of this "club" also take photos
at special Recreation events.
A Bridge Group meets at Schlathaus every Tuesday. This is open to all Town seniors.
Intergenerational Activities:
The Golden Tone Singers performed for students at Evan Elementary School as part
of a Thanksgiving Feast program.
Senior Citizen Bus Trips:
Woodloch Pines, Hawley, PA
Mohegan Sun Casino
Polkafest, Matamoras, P A
Club Getaway, Kent, CT
"A Time to Remember", Kingston NY
Evergreen Theater, Mountain Lakes, NJ
Kykuit, Union Church, Tarrytown, NY
Griswald Inn, Train Ride and Cruise, Essex, CT
Platzlbrauhaus, Pomona, NY
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 top prizes at the Dutchess
County Fair.
The Community Day Float was designed and constructed by several of our senior men. They
started on this project in May. The "Senior Salute Float" won first prize. The seniors also
had a booth selling crafts and raffle tickets on Community Day.
The "Float Crew" did such a super job they were asked to make a Christmas display for the
Town Hall. Once again, they designed it and constructed a spectacular display.
Future Needs:
The 60+ population continues to grow. The "baby boomers" will rapidly boost the numbers
ofthe senior population in the next few years. This newer senior generation will demand
more services such as transportation, housing, supportive services, active programs,
educational programs, and much more. Our population is living longer and healthier lives.
Senior Centers help seniors maintain their physical and mental health, often delaying and/or
keeping them out of nursing homes and assisted living homes. Seniors want the activities and
services that our Senior Center and the Town provides. We have an excellent program and
need to make this available to ALL Town seniors.
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Last year I recommended a Committee to look at the growing needs of the senior
population and to advise the Town Board of possible solutions. The committee would
look at transportation and housing needs, supportive services and other potential needs
of the future. The proposed new Community/Municipal Center will certainly address the
needs of the Senior Center in the Town and will provide opportunities to address the growing
needs of the 60+ population.
In 1992, we began issuing a "Town of Wappinger Senior ill Card" and created a database of
seniors. In that first year, we registered 325 seniors. (many of who are no longer with us.)
This database is kept current, adding new seniors and deleting those who have moved or are
no longer here. There are currently 931 seniors who have these ill cards. Over 200 of these
seniors attend the Senior Center within a month. Other seniors choose to go on Town
sponsored bus trips, or to Senior Center activities outside of the Town Hall. And then there
are some seniors that do not use any of our programs or services.
In the past year, rathe~t)'putting a senior on a waiting list" we have encouraged seniors to
attend the Center on slower days, to participate in exercise programs and our outside
activities such as our luncheons, bowling etc. This has proved to be a workable solution for
now. However, a "party" type function at the Center brings too many seniors in. Any future
Center "party type" event will have to be moved to the large meeting room.
The senior program continues to grow. 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. More diverse programs are added to enable the Town to accommodate and
meet the needs of the senior population. In the New Year, we will begin a "Volunteer
Seniors in Education" program encouraging seniors to volunteer at Evans Elementary
School. We hope to then expand the Volunteer program.
Transportation: The Wappinger rider ship on Dial a Ride continues to grow. The
expanding senior population will put more demand on this system in the near future. There
are still complaints from the seniors regarding the long period of time they are on the bus,
from door to destination. I recommend an annual review of these transportation needs.
Kathi DeLisa,Director
Senior Citizen Center
8
Last year I recommended a Committee to look at the growing needs of the senior
population and to advise the Town Board of possible solutions. The committee would
look at transportation and housing needs, supportive services and other potential needs
of the future. The proposed new Community/Municipal Center will certainly address the
needs of the Senior Center in the Town and will provide opportunities to address the growing
needs of the 60+ population.
In 1992, we began issuing a "Town of Wappinger Senior ill Card" and created a database of
seniors. In that first year, we registered 325 seniors. (many of who are no longer with us.)
This database is kept current, adding new seniors and deleting those who have moved or are
no longer here. There are currently 931 seniors who have these ill cards. Over 200 of these
seniors attend the Senior Center within a month. Other seniors choose to go on Town
sponsored bus trips, or to Senior Center activities outside of the Town Hall. And then there
are some seniors that do not use any of our programs or services.
In the past year, rather than "putting a senior on a waiting list" we have encouraged seniors to
attend the Center on slower days, to participate in exercise programs and our outside
activities such as our luncheons, bowling etc. This has proved to be a workable solution for
now. However, a "party" type function at the Center brings too many seniors in. Any future
Center "party type" event will have to be moved to the large meeting room.
The senior program continues to grow. 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. More diverse programs are added to enable the Town to accommodate and
meet the needs of the senior population. In the New Year, we will begin a "Volunteer
Seniors in Education" program encouraging seniors to volunteer at Evans Elementary
School. We hope to then expand the Volunteer program.
Transportation: The Wappinger rider ship on Dial a Ride continues to grow. The
expanding senior population will put more demand on this system in the near future. There
are still complaints from the seniors regarding the long period of time they are on the bus,
from door to destination. I recommend an annual review of these transportation needs.
Kathi DeLisa,Director
Senior Citizen Center
8