1998
1998 ANNUA0 REPORT
TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
The Town of wappinger senior Center is open five days a
week MOnday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AS
of December, 1998 there were 190 members registered at the
center with 274 on the waiting list.
DAI0Y/WEEK0Y ACTIVITIES:
1. Arts and crafts activities are held daily.
2. Oil painting classes are ngld TU~5day from 10:a.m. to
Noon under the direction of Kathi De0isa. An average of
6 seniors participated in this program weekly. (Total of
240 for 43 weeks.)
3, Aerobics/Exercise Classes are held wednesday from 10:00
to 11:00 a.m. under the direction of Sue Borchardt. An
average of 18 seniors participated in this program
weekly. (Total of 833 for approx. 46 weeks.)
4. Aerobics/Exercise Classes are held on Thursday from
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. under the direction of Sue
Borchardt. An average of 14 seniors participated in
this program weekly. (Total of 655 for approx. 46 weeks
5. 0ine Dancing Classes are held on Friday from 10:00 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m. under the direction of sue Borchardt. An
average of 11 seniors participated in this program
weekly. (Total of 396 for approx. 36 weeks.) The 0ine
Dancing Class performed at the 10th Anniversary party
and a picnic on the grounds at Town Hall.
6. Videos are shown on request on Fridays from 12:30-3:00
p.m.
7. cards and pokeno are played from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
daily.
8. Bingo is now played weekly. When possible, Bingo is
played twice a week as this is so popular. Bingo is
offered one or two Mondays a week allowing many on the
waiting list to attend. An average of 78 seniors play
Bingo.
9. The photo club meets at schlathaus on Monday (Thursday
in the summer) and is under the direction of Bob
English, a senior. Bob volunteers to head the photo
club. An average of 6 seniors participate in this
program weekly.
10. A Basic Bridge class meets in the large meeting room due
to lack of space in the center room An average of 8,
seniors participate in this class weekly.
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11. A Bridge Group (not for lessons) meets at schlathaus on
TUesdays. An average of 8 seniors participate in this
group.
12. Spanish classes, 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. An average of 7 seniors participate
in this class.
13. Jig Saw puzzles are set up to work on. several seniors
work on these periodically.
14. Basic computer classes began in December. John Macek,
who is quite knowledgeable with computers, volunteers to
teach seniors the basics of using a computer. An
average of 6 seniors are able to take this three part
course at one time. classes are held at Schlathaus.
MONTHGY 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. (6 seniors turned 80; 3 turned
85; 2 turned 90.)
2. The Heart Association provides a monthly blood pressure
screening on the second Thursday of each month from
10:00 a.m. to Noon. An average of 60 people participate
in this program monthly.
GUEST SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONS/HEAGTH CGINICS:
1. Ginda Tasadfoy, Town Assessor spoke to the seniors about
the star Program in January.
2. Frank Breen, formerly of the NYPD spoke on scams and
safety issues especially those targeted towards seniors.
3. wayne Gersen, school superintendent spoke on the school
budget.
4 Nancy Knifel & connie Fury, Nutritonists spoke on
nutrition especially for seniors.
5. Shari Hubner, attorney spoke on health proxy and power
of attorneys in June.
6. Kathy Godwin from senior Advantage spoke about
HMO/Medigap coverage for seniors in october.
7. The Dutchess co. Dept. of Health provided a Flu clinic
in oct.
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SPECIAL EVENTS: FundQd by thQ SQniors from thQir dUQS fund
and craft salQs.
January: Hat Day: sQniors worQ a funny, prQtty, silly or
unusual hat for thQ day. There WQre prizes for
thQ bQst hats and pizza for all. (69 SQniors
attended.
clash Day: sQniors worQ thQ worst combination of
clothes. Yukr TherQ WQre prizes for the worst.
Also, had a B B GUQ with burgQrs, hot dogs and
sal.:3.ds. (61 seniors attended)
FQbruary: VALENTINE'S DAY: ChildrQn from JamQS Evans
School gave seniors handmadQ valentines that were
handQd out. Had pizza as a valQntinQ trQat. (30
sQniors attended)
HOLLYWOOD GALA OF LEGENDARY STARS: 80 sQniors
attended thQ Gala at the Holiday Inn. Music from
famous and favoritQ moviQs plaYQd by Johnny DQII.
Each senior received a "tickQt" at the Gala with
thQ namQ of an Oscar winning moviQ or actor,
actress etc. "Os cars " werQ then awarded to those
lucky sQniors who hQld thQ "oscar winning tickQt".
March: st. patrick's Day party: Had grQQn bagels and
crQam chQQSQ and grQQn cakQ. Each sQnior
received a grQen carnation. (30 Seniors presQnt)
PENNY SOCIAL: ThQ first annual PQnny Social.
items WQre donated, was VQry successful, HOWeVQr,
PQoplQ and sQniors WQrQ turnQd away bQcausQ of
lack of spaCQ. ( over 85 seniors attended + othQrs)
BREAKFAST AT MYERS CORNERS SCHOOL: BrQakfast of
muffins, coffee, bagQIs etc. servQd by the
studQnts at school. EntQrtainmQnt by studQnts and
reading together with seniors. (42 seniors
attendQd)
Bowling Party: at Holiday HOQ Bowl. CoffQQ and
danish served. Pizza served for lunch. The
Fishkill Senior cQnter and thQ Zion church CQntQr
joined us for this combined Center activity. (90
Seniors (40 of ours) attQndQd.)
April: Easter Luncheon: at Mamma Marissa. Music by Larry
Hazzard on kQyboard. (100 SQniors attQndQd)
EASTER SURPRISE: Three Easter bunnies (Maria,Mich
and Kathi) surprised thQ sQniors with special Qggs
filled with candy, and prizes. seniors enjoyed the
trQat, those with a prizQ tickQt in their egg won
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May:
June:
July:
Easter baskets, bunnies and other prizes. (70
seniors present)
GIANT BINGO BANGO!: Three centers, the Wappinger
Fishkill and the Zion church Centers combined to
enjoy a day of Bingo together. This Giant
Bingo was held at the Fishkill center. Over 130
seniors attended this event. We had pizza,
MCDonald's orange drink and a good time.
Mother's Day Luncheon: seniors celebrated
Mother's Day at Hudson's Ribs and Fish Restaurant.
(97 Seniors present.)
senior citizen Appreciation Day Celebration:
This year Anna and Jim Orefice were awarded the
4th Annual Wappinger senior center senior Award of
the Year! The seniors previously voted and
selected these seniors to receive the awards for
their outstanding service to the center.
sandwiches, cake and coffee were served. The Town
Supervisor, connie smith presented the awards.
Cable News center 6 and southern Dutchess News
covered this story. Each senior received a
carnation. Chinese food was served. (60 Seniors
attended)
WHEEL OF FORTUNE: The first Wheel of Fortune game
played with our new Wheel made by Steve Thompkins
and Paul (Rec. maintenance) This was played like
the TV game with host "Say Jack! and Nana white!
Prizes for all contestants.
10th Anniversary of senior center: To celebrate
the decade, the anniversary barbeque was catered
by the Quail country Inn. Music was provided by
Johnny Dell, the line dancers danced, everyone had
lots of fun and food. Raffle prizes were awarded.
This was opened to those on the waiting list.
Over 140 seniors plus other guests attended this
event. (over 140 seniors present.)
SOUND OFF DAY: A day for seniors to speak up. Can
give a suggesstion or complaint. Many seniors
requested this to voice opinions etc. regarding
center activities.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE: a repeat of May activity.
Seniors enjoy this game and want to add it to our
monthly activities. (65 seniors attended)
office of the Aging Picnic: Provided by the OFA.
at schlathaus Park. Food included B-B-Que
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chicken, potato salad, baked beans and fruit.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE: a repeat of May & June
activity. wheel game is improved and now has
buzzers to indicate when letter not in puzzle.
Seniors enjoy this game and want to add it to our
monthly activities. (52 seniors attended)
August: ENTERTAINMENT BY MSGR. MARTIN AND ED HUSTED: A
beautiful hour of song and inspiration. Seniors
enjoyed the wonderful music. (42 seniors attended)
WHEEL OF FORTUNE: a repeat activity. Seniors
enjoy this game and want to add it to our monthly
activities. (45 Seniors attended)
September:GIANT BINGO BANGO!: Three centers, the Wappinger
Fishkill and the Zion Church centers combined to
enjoy a day of Bingo together. This Giant
Bingo was held at the Fishkill center. Over 130
seniors attended this event. We had pizza,
McDonald's orange drink and a good time.
walking club Luncheon: Lunch at Bocci's Restaurant
for those who participated in the Walking club.
Awards presented to those who walked the most
miles. All receive a certificate of
achievement. Al Laurino walked 1100 miles (around
the Town Hall)(42 seniors attended.)
TRIVIA CHALLENGE: A game similar to Jeopardy.
seniors have devised buzzers, bells amd lights to
make this another exciting game. There were
prizes for all contestants. (25 seniors).
GRANDPARENTS DAY: students from James Evans school
visited with the seniors, brought hand made cards
to hand out. We had cake and juice for the
children. seniors and children conversed and "got
to know each other."( 44 seniors participated)
october: Craft Fair: Raffle prizes, coffee/donuts
served. crafts, bake sale, Granny's Attic, Book
sale and much more. (opened to public.)
Halloween party: all came in costume; donuts,
cider, and Pizza for lunch; prizes for costumes.
Treats for all. students from Evans sent treats
over to seniors as well. (65 seniors present.)
TRIVIA CHALLENGE: An encore for this game similar
to Jeopardy. There were prizes for all
contestants. (24 seniors).
November: Thanksgiving luncheon: Bocci Restaurant(92 seniors
attended. )
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WHEEL OF FORTUNE WITH EVANS SCHOOL: Students from
Evans school played "Wheel" with the seniors. All
games had a Thanksgiving theme. Students &
seniors helped each other. A very successful day
for all. (30 seniors participated.)
December: Christmas luncheon at Villa Borghese: Music by
Johnny Dell, Santa arrived with gifts for all.
(125 seniors attended).
Christmas Breakfast/Brunch: served bagels, cream
cheese, fruit cake, muffins, cheese and crackers,
cake. Instead of a Ohristmas grab bag, the
seniors donated food items and gifts to be given
to our Homebound/Nursing Home seniors. Played a
speci.3.1 Christmas Bingo. (85 seniors present)
Students from Evans School came to sing oarols and
sing-a-Iong with the seniors. A small gift was
given to each student. students gave each senior
a card and candy.
EXTRA EVENTS:
The Town of Wappinger Recreation Oommission in cooperation
with the Wappinger Elks Lodge held two Christmas dinners
for 260 seniors. ( 130 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, an ornament and
small bottle of wine handed out by Santa. The dinner
consisted of fruit cup, salad, turkey, dressing, mashed
potatoes and gravy, green beans and pumpkin pie and coffee.
There were several raffle prizes awarded. Music was
provided by Johnny Dell. The parties were a great success.
This holiday event has become very popular. It is our hope
to continue to provide two such parties in 1999.
SENIOR CITIZEN TRIPS:
Westchester Dinner Theater
Foxwood Casino
Spring Lake, NJ
Ellis Island, Chinatown
Hunts Landing, Pa.
ttlt. Haven, Pa.
Waterfront at Earhardts
Vi lla Bagl ieri
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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
1. Eight seniors in the oil painting class and photo club
won prizes at the Dutchess Co. Fair this year. One
senior was awarded chairman's Choice and Excellence award
for his 3-D diorama. A total of 16 awards to our oil
painters, photographers and Diorama maker.
2. A Basic Computer Course began in December for seniors at
Schlathaus. There are over 50 Town seniors signed up to
take this course. Seven seniors can take this course at
a time. We hope to accommodate all seniors signed up for
this course in 1999. John Macek volunteers his time and
knowledge for this course. It is also in our plans to
have access to the internet so seniors will learn to
access this.
3. INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS are finally coming together
with the help of paul Tobin, principal at James Evans
school. We have several activities planned to bring
students and seniors together.
It is also possible to begin a computer workshop with
students at R.C. Ketcham in 1999.
FUTURE NEEDS:
1. We have outgrown the designated space for a Senior
center. Many special events must be limited to 80 people
leaving many on "another waiting list." Many events must be
held at restaurants allowing more seniors to attend. The
growing senior population has us "bursting at the seams."
It may be necessary to look for other sites and/or
additional space. There are 274 seniors waiting to be
members at the center. All efforts are made to accommodate
as many town seniors as is possible in this limited space.
Activities such as exercise held in different space allows
those on the waiting list to participate. The bridge groups
bring more town seniors as does the oil painting and photo
club and computer classes.
2. The senior population is growing and is projected to
continue growing. This population is living longer and
healthier lives. They also want the activities and services
that a senior center can provide. We have an excellent
program but are not able to make this available to ALL town
seniors. I recommend space large enough to accommodate ALL
Town seniors wanting to be a part of the activities,
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services and information available at the Senior Center.
3. TRANSPORTATION: A growing number of Wappinger Seniors
are using the Dial-A-Ride service. They are very grateful
for this service. However, as the senior population
continues to grow transportation problems increase. The
Loop Bus is overbooked causing many seniors to be turned
away from this service on certain busy days. This also
effects those coming to the Center. Many times they arrive
late <after 10:30) and then are picked up by 2:00p.m. Many
have suggested that another LOop Bus be provided on these
problem busy days to help this situation. I recommend this
option be considered to ease the overcrowding and to service
more seniors.
Dial-A-Ride drops seniors off only on Wed., Thurs, and
Fri. at the center. I recommend the service to include
"drop off" at the Center on Monday and Tuesday as well.
Kathi DeLisa
Director
Senior Citizen center
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