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1996-03-19 RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA-MARCH 19, 1996 CALL MEETING TO ORDER PRESENT: RJ.H, K.D., RR, lC., lE., RF., RG., E.K., S.M. APPROVE MINUTES - FebruaI)' 6, 1996 Approved Corrections Seconded CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter of resignation from Robert Weber Recreation Maintenance 2. Letter from Peter P. Mack, D.C. Dept of Health - re: Revisions to Code Regulating Camps 3. Letter from Eleanor Croshier,Dist Sec'ty Hughsonville Fire District re: Use of their facility 3. Letter from Deer Hill Conference Center: re: Use of their facility 4. Request from Sunday Morning League for use of Robinson Lane 5. Notice from Hudson Valley Leisure Services re: "Summer Rec" Leaders Workshop 6. Letter from T/O/W Little League re: Opening Day 4/20 at 9:00 a.m. & request for portajohns 7. Letter from John Hess re: maintenance position 8. Letter from Devitts Supply re: price of clay. 9. Letter from D.C. Youth Bureau re: Nomination for Youth and Adults IO.Letter from Central Hudson re: Tree Work in area ofSchlathaus Park II.Request from RC.K. Tennis for use ofPye Lane Courts 12.Letter from Tim Fisher re: 18 and over adult baseball league REPORTS K.D. E.K. RR RG. J.C. S.M. lE. RJ.H. RF. NEW BUSINESS - Year-end report OLD BUSINESS - Playground Registration & Dates MEETING ADJOURNED NEXT MEETING " RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 19, 1996 NEXT MEETING APRIL 9, 1996 AT SCHLATHAUS PARK AT 7:30 P.M. The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Committee was held March 19, 1996 at Schlathaus Park, All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairman Ralph J. Holt. Others present were Kathi DeLisa, Senior Citizen Director, Bernie Reimer, Recreation Director, and Committee Members James Chappas, Joseph Ennesser, Ronald Friedman, Barbara Gutzler, Ellen Korz, and Stephen Miller. The minutes of the February 6,1996 meeting were approved on a motion by Miss Gutzler seconded by Mr. Chappas with all in favor. CORRESPONDENCE A letter of resignation was received from Robert Weber of the Maintenance Department effective March 8, 1996. A letter was received from Peter P. Mack of the Dutchess County Health Department with revisions to the N.Y. State Sanitary Code regulating Children's Camps. This has been given to Mr. Reimer for his infonnation. A letter was received from Eleanor Croshier, District Secretary for the Hughsonville Fire District indicating approval for the use of their facilities at the Firehouse for the Summer Playground. It was also noted that we must do the following: Spray for insects, swing sets /sliding board must be inspected, more strict supervision of children and nonnal clean up of papers, lunch boxes, wrappers etc prior to leaving for the day. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he will go down to the Firehouse and make an inspection prior to our going in there just in case they say that we have done something that we haven't. A letter and contract was received from Deer Hill Conference Center for the use of their facilities for the swim program for 1996. The cost to the Town has increased to $7,500.00. They indicated that they were to modernize the pool with the purchase of a new filtration and backwashing system before they open in June. Mr. Reimer was asked to contact them to find out about this increase and to let them know that our budget is formulated in July of the previous year and that we need to know at that time if there is to be such an increase. As it is, this will cause a hardship on us for this year because the budget is already dOIie. Mr. Reimer asked what would happen if we are unable to get the needed staff for the swim program - would we be able to get out of the contract? He said that he wasn't being pessimistic but he has only received one application to date for the swim program although he noted that they are usually late in getting applications in. He has also asked Red Cross for help in getting qualified instructors. Mr. Ennesser suggested that he contact Dutchess Community College. He will have to look into this. A request was received from Pete Benes of the Sunday Morning Softball League requesting the use of Senior League Field #1 at Robinson Lane on Sunday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon beginning April 21 thru August 25. Upon approval of this request a Certificate of Insurance will be sent to us along with the fee due. Mr. Holt mentioned that he would really like to get them out of Robinson Lane but at this point we don't have any place to put them. Until we can get them out, we should remind them that there is to be no drinking. Their complaint about Castle Point field is that the field is too short. It was suggested that maybe we should go down and measure the Castle Point Field and if it isn't any shorter than the field at Robinson, we should talk to them and strongly suggest that they use Castle Point. A memo was received from the Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association regarding a Summer "Rec" Leaders Workshop to be held in Nyack N.Y. on Saturday, June 24th. This information was given to Mr. Reimer for follow up. A letter was received from Rose Kozak Vice President of the Big Boy League of the Wappinger Little League notifying us that the Opening Day Ceremonies were scheduled for April 20th at 9:00 a.m. In her letter she also requested that we place some additional porta johns at the Robinson Lane complex for Opening Day. A resume was received from a John H. Hess for a position in the Maintenance Dept. Mr. Holt will review the resume but felt after quickly looking at it that it wasn't what we would need. A quote was received from Devitt's Supply for Baseball Infield Mix at $35.00 per ton delivered.. Although we requested two prices one for the clay and one for the delivery that is not how they quoted it. A letter was received from Dutchess County Youth Bureau seeking nominations for youth and/or adults to be publicly recognized in the youth development field on a county wide basis. The awards will be presented to the winners at their May 29, 1996 Annual Luncheon at Vassar College. A letter was received from Central Hudson stating that during the period March 1996 to June 1996, Central Hudson tree trimming crews will be working in the area of Schlathaus Park. 2 A request was received from Bill Pauldine for the use of the Town Tennis Courts by the Roy C. Ketcham Boys Tennis Team. He indicated that the Tennis Coach was Jim Allen. He indicated that they would like to use the facility from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. for practice and that the matches usually begin at 4: 15 p.m. He also sent a schedule of the matches. This request was approved. It was also noted that we have had a good relationship with Ketcham and Mr. Reimer noted that they have been quite cooperative in approving our requests. A letter was received from Tim Fisher, President of National Adult Baseball Assoc. for the use of fields at Robinson Lane starting in May until September 1996. In his letter he mentioned that the N .A.B.A. is a national organization and that they have been in the Hudson Valley for four years. Mr. Holt noted that the Rookie League also uses Robinson Lane and that we will have to coordinate the schedule with them. It was also stated that the Town just cuts the grass and that they would be responsible for maintaining the infield. We were told that the league was very strict in regard to alcohol and profanity. They consider themselves as a family oriented league. We will work with them in setting up a schedule. Mr. Friedman's son, Dave, attended the meeting to discuss this request and to answer any questions that the Committee members might have. He did have a list of the Wappinger Residents that are involved in the league. Usually they only played on Sundays but they are looking into expanding this year. They would like to use the Big League Field on Sunday Mornings similar to what the Softball League has and possibly SL-2 on occasions. At this point they don't have a schedule until they have tryouts which will take place the second week in April. Mr. Holt said that we will come up with a decision as quickly as we can. We will have to work with the Rookie League just to make sure one is away while the other is home. Dave said that they would be willing to work with us in any way they can. SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT Mrs. DeLisa handed out a report on the Senior activities for the month of February which is attached to these minutes. She indicated that there were approximately 40 names on the waiting list for the bus trip to Foxwood and suggested that if we have enough money in the budget that we look into getting a second bus. This suggestion was approved. Mrs. DeLisa mentioned that the Senior Center has received a $500.00 donation which is to be used for a fixture for the Center. She is in the process of compiling a list to be given to Supervisor Smith. If any of the Committee Members have any suggestions, please let her know. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Reimer noted the following: 1. The Saturday a.m. basketball program has had some problems between the snow cancellations and the instructor being ill. There has been so much inconsistency with the program that many of the parents have called to request a refund. It was suggested that we go through the month of March with the substitute instructors and request to the Town Board that refunds be given for the program. 3 2. He has been in contact with Denise Schirmer regarding the Babysitting Course which was approved by the Town Board. At this time he has scheduled a course for May 21 and May 28 to be held at Schlathaus from 4:30 to 6:30. Mrs. Schirmer will be paid $25.00 per hour for the course. Depending on the turnout for the first course, a second will be scheduled for June 3 and June 10th. The course is for children 11 years and up. The $3.00 materials fee will be paid directly to Mrs.Schinner. 3. He mentioned that he has a list of the Town meetings for the month of April and May and that he would like to get permission from Supervisor Smith to use the Town Hall as we did last year for the registration for the playgrounds. We all felt that the Town Hall was the better place to hold it because of the parking accommodations. The letter will be sent to Supervisor Smith as soon as possible so that we may start to advertise the dates. 4. He has spoken to representatives of the Poughkeepsie Journal about getting information into the paper regarding our programs. He said he has received positive response. 5. A one week basketball clinic has been scheduled for the third week in July at VanWyck School. 6. He is busy working on setting up the summer calendar. They are not all finished yet but as soon as they are completed he will hand them out to the members. 7. Applications are in with about 45 applicants which is down from the previous year of about 65. Of the 45 applications, 18 are returning. We have had only one application for the swim program and that applicant is not a returning one. Hopefully, they are late. As far as hiring a summer director, we have had two applicants. He has spoken to one of them. She is a mother of one of the counselors but she has a full time job. She said that she could work out some hours but after talking with her we can't see it working. The second one is a possibility but he hasn't spoken to her yet. Mr. Reimer mentioned that no one from within the program has expressed an interest in it. One of the problems is the salary. We have $2,400. In the budget but we are under the impression that we would not be able to use that. Also, there will be no payment for mileage. 8. He is in the process of obtaining prices for the staff shirts. 9. Mrs. Korz brought in a proposal from Cindy Mouris of C.& J. Catering for the West Point Concert which is similiar to the buffet we have had before. Mr. Reimer mentioned that we are advertising on 8 radio stations, Cable T.V., Poughkeepsie Journal (in two sections), and Southern Dutchess News. Mr. Reimer asked if we were going to buy an ad in the Southern Dutchess. Mr. Holt mentioned that he would try to contact Mr. Parsons. 10. The Youth Bureau Spring training will be on June 21 st which is a good date for our kids. Mr. Reimer has filled out a questionnaire and they will get back to us about this but they indicated that we would be able to take all the Directors and maybe another person from each 4 , .' playground which would be 12 people. SOCCER Opening day for the Spring season will be April 13th. It was mentioned that they will need 2 porta johns for each location (Airport Park and Rockingham). Mr. Chappas mentioned that soccer has been speaking with the Town and the engineers regarding some further work on Airport Park. Mr. Holt mentioned that Supervisor Smith told him that $20,000. will be spent doing some landscaping and fixing up of the low spots. They will also need paint and chalk. Mrs. Roe will see about ordering these supplies. Mr. Chapp as mentioned that they will need more trash cans placed around the area and that there is a console T.V. that was left by the snack bar which needs to be picked up. He said that he was over there and was checking out the overpasses and felt that they may need some work. Mr. Holt said that he would have the maintenance guys go over and look at them. We will also have them take some picnic tables over and place them by the concession stand. We still have to straighten out the key situation which regard to the building and the gate. BOAT RAMP Mr. Ennesser mentioned that per a request from Supervisor Smith, he has filled out an Empire State Waterway Revitalization Program grant request in relation to the Boat Ramp Enhancements at Chelsea. He has set up a couple of meetings to work up some estimates on new docks at Chelsea. These would be aluminum docks in 25' sections that are 5' wide. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that it is our hope that we won't have to rely on any pilings but that we would hook into the wall. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the wall at Chelsea is now finished. The engineer will give us a couple of options of either hooking into the wall or using the pilings. The estimate of $15,000. would be to just replace the ramps. ASTM STANDARDS Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he has finally received the ASTM Standards. Now that the weather is good, he will be going out to finish up the safety inspections. ROBINSON LANE Mr. Friedman mentioned that he and Steve Tompkins had gone out to Robinson Lane to check on the floor in the concession stand and both felt that it would be senseless to put in a new floor. The floor that is there should be cleaned, stripped, sealed and then waxed. If they do this and then keep it clean, it should be okay. He also said that Mr. Tompkins had asked him to go over and check the inside of the building. He said that it was in terrible shape. Mr. Friedman did 5 . . . check it and found that they left the cookers with grease in them and the freezers running all winter. There was grease on the floor and walls and food left in the freezers etc. Mr. Holt will go out and look over the situation. Mr. Friedman mentioned that he had spoken to Mr. Provost about the Debs using the Fields at Robinson Lane for their tourn~ent in July and they agreed that they could use 6 fields. At that time we still have the 9 and 10 year old boys and girls in All Stars and we won't know where they will be. We won't know until a few days before the tournament if we can give them the additional fields that they requested. Little League has also been notified of the date for the Road Runners Race in September and since it is a week earlier, it will be better for the Fall Ball program. Mr. Friedman mentioned that Dr. Manassar has a contract with A-I Fence for the additional batting cage but time ran out in the Fall and it was not completed. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Mr. Holt mentioned the following: 1. There was no insurance coverage on the dugouts at Robinson Lane but Supervisor Smith has been working with the two companies involved regarding this matter. At this point we are looking to both companies to split the cost of repairing the dugouts. The estimate to repair the dugouts came in at $33,500. The contractor was Pettinella Construction. As far as we know the paper work went out to the Insurance Company last Friday. It is our understanding that they will also do the cleanup. Our first concern regarding this is the safety of the people who are out there. 2. The DEC has requested that more test wells be done at the Castle Point Rec. Area and right now the area is a mess. They have put some test wells in by the swings. The plan for this year is that they will put in 18" of fill and top soil in that area. 3. When we submitted our budget, we asked for a tractor to replace our 1974 tractor. This tractor has been repaired a number of times and the clutch is really bad. This request was denied so we asked Mr. Tompkins to take the tractor to Pine Plains Ford Tractor to get an estimate for repairs. Mr. Holt mentioned that he was in Supervisor Smith's Office, and from their conversation thought that we might be able to purchase the new tractor. In addition to that, there is another piece of equipment that we really need. That is a chipper. We have requested to use Highway's chipper but they are usually using it at the same time. We may be able to get one and are in the process of getting some specs together. 4. The Christmas Tree was put up several times after it was blown over by the wind. After this last time Mr. Baisley told us that he didn't think that the tree would live. He, 6 therefore, has agreed to come in and put in a new tree approx 20 to 25 ft tall. He is doing this for the $375.00 that was agreed upon to restake the old one. 5. Mr. Holt has discussed with Supervisor Smith the new hire and agrees that this person would be a Part Time position. This will go before the Town Board at the end of this month and if approved an ad will be placed in the newspapers. 6. On All Angels Hill Road, the pole that supplies the power to the monument was knocked down sometime in January. Chris Bar hooked up a temporary line for $70.00 but the pole needs to be fixed as soon as possible. We have determined that the pole is ours but we have been unable to find out who was involved in the accident that took it down. Mr. Tompkins and Bob Smith from Chris Bar found a lot of flares and some car parts at the scene but so far no police authority knows anything about an accident. We have an estimate from Chris Bar. D. Silvestri told Mr. Tompkins that he wasn't going to give us any quotes because he can't out bid the other companies. We will try and get a bid from A. & B. Electric. A copy of the Annual Recreation Report was handed out to all Committee Members. Mr. Holt requested that each Committee Member be given a copy of the 1995 activity report which was given to the Town Board Members. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 on a motion by Mr. Miller seconded by Mr. Chappas. Peggy Roe Secretary 7 BILLS PAID DURING MARCH 1996 A-1620040 CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC Tennis Courts Schlathaus Park Robinson Lane Tennis Courts 7690-0425-00-0 7808-0400-01-9 7690-0760-00-0 7690-0435-00-0 55.76 58.75 139.08 52.44 A-162004l FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS Robinson Lane 227-9434 20.84 NYNEX Martz Field 297 -9928 4.28 Schlathaus Park 297-4752 24.94 Quiet Acres 297-7780 5.59 Spook Hill 297-9861 5.59 Barn-Montfort Rd. 297-3692 A-711Oo4 A & B. Electric Red Cedar Tree and Landscaping Bottini Fuel Bottini Fuel Royal Auto Parts, Inc. Pine Plains Ford Tractor Centurion Security NOCO Lubricants Encumbered 1,125.00 700.00 167.75 203.51 612.74 467.84 199.50 577.80 A-762004 Hobby Hut 49.62 K-Mart 47047 Petty Cash 95.57 Coffee System of Hudson Valley 52.00 B-731004 Roberts Boice Paper Company 302.50 A-1990.5 NYS Recreation & Parks Society, Inc. 360.00 Hotel Syracuse Radisson Plaza 295.48 ( . ~ MARCH 1996 REPORT TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1996 SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER February activities at the Senior Citizen Center included the regualr schedule of arts/crafts, oil painting, exercise, line dancing, photo club, videos, bingo, puzzles, cards and games. The Center was closed on the 19th for President's Day. Over 90 Seniors enjoyed a Sadie Hawkin's Day Country Hoe Down at the Holiday Inn in Fishkill. Music was provided by Johnny Dell. It was a great day full of foot stompin' country music and dance. Prizes were given to those in best country clothes. Valentine's Day was celebrated with pizza, soda and a came of Bingo! The Seniors celebrated Washington's Birthday with cherry pie and ice cream in honor of his chopping down the cherry tree. A representative from Miracle Ear spoke to the seniors on hearing loss and answered questions of concern on the 7th. Diana Weibrecht from the Office of the Aging was at the Center to assist several seniors and answer questions regarding taxes, Medicare and other issues of concern to the Seniors on the 8th. Blood pressure screening was provided by the Heart Assoc on the 14th. Birthdays were celebrated on the 23rd. A special celebration was given to one of our seniors who turned 85. There are 200 seniors registered at the Center and 175 seniors on the waiting list. (Many seniors on the waiting list are now members. Also, many on seniors who had been on the waiting list have moved or are deceased.) ITEMS TO BE NOTED: 1. One of our seniors, Angelo Sarno took ill at the Center. An ambulance was called and Angelo was taken to the hospital. His blood pressure had dropped very rapidly causing cold sweats, weakness and dizziness. Fortunately, Angelo was stabilized and was released from the Emergency Room. I went to the hospital with Angelo's wife. Sue Parliman, craft teacher, stayed at the Center. Sue was a great help and was able to calm the seniors remaining at the Center. She did a good job. 2. The schedule for Senior bus trips for 1996 is now available and attached to this report. 3. March events include Bowling at the Holiday Hoe Bowl and an Easter luncheon at Mama Marissa's .. " TOWN OF WAPPINGER .ftENIOR CITIZEN BllS TRIPS FOR 1996 DATE PI.ACE SIGN lIP DATE COS.I 4/17/96 Foxwood 3/6/96 $ 6.00 Aristocrat Tours 5/22/96 Hunts Landing, Pa. "Dixieland Riverboat Festival" 3/20/96 $31.00 Aristocrat Tours 6/13/96 Candlewood Dinner Theater "Evita" 4/11/96 $35.75 Coaches, Inc. 7/16/96 Gillette Castle, Riverboat Cruise, Steam Boat and Train Ride With Lunch at Griswald Inn 5/10/96 $34.00 Coaches, Inc. 8/8/96 Saratoga Races With lunch at The Firehouse 6/5/96 $29.00 Aristocrat Tours 9/10/96 Mystic Seaport with Y2 hour boat ride And Lunch at Seaman's Inn 7/10/96 $34.50 Canterbury Tours 10/8/96 Platzel Brau Haus, Pomona, N.Y. "Octoberfest" 7/31/96 $34.50 Aristocrat Tours 11/6/96 Westchester Broadway Dinner Theater "Phantom of the Opera" 9/4/96 $40.00 Canterbury Tours ALL DATES AND/OR TRIPS SUBJECT TO CHANGE PAYMENT DUE WHEN RESERVATIONS ARE MADE. MARCH 1996 -, TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER: OPEN 10:00A.M.-3:00P.M. 20 Middlebush Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY. 12590 Phone:297-3670 Director: Kathi DeLisa MON. WED. FRI. TUES. MARCH BIRTHDAYS: 125 Stella Boldrin 1 Peter Burgazzoli 125 Marie Trost 1 Evelyn Goranson 126 George Brannen 1 Aileen Cooke 128 Dora Doxey 5 Louisa Burgazzoli*ll1 Shirley Empleton 9 Susan Ulisse 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO 20 Madeline Masciola I ALL! ! ! ! 4 I 151 I I I 10:PHOTO CLUB!!! 110-Noon:OIL PAINTING 10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon:arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH 12:30-3:cards/games 112:30-3:cards/games 1 112 I 13 110-NOON:BLOOD I I I PRESS IRE 110-Noon: OIL PAINTING I 10-11: EXERCISE 110-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH CLOSED! 112:30-3: cards/games 112:30-3: cards/games I I 18 1St. Patty's Day 119 I 120 111:JOHN BUTLER I "Irish Bagels" I I I___INYNEX INFO! 10: PHOTO CLUB!! 110-Noon:OIL PAINTING 110-11: EXERCISE 10-Noonn: arts/craftsll0-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH 12:30-3: cards/games 112:30-3: cards/games 112:45-2: BINGO! BINGO ! I 1 126 1 1 271 I I I I 110-Noon: OIL PAINTINGII0-ll: EXERCISE 110-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH 112:30-3: cards/games 112:45-2: BINGO!BINGO! I I I I I MARCH NAT'L NAT'L IS: CRAFT MONTH WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH NAT'L PEANUT MONTH RED CROSS MONTH 6 I I 10-11: EXERCISE 10-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH 12:45-2:BINGO!BINGO! 11 I I BOWLING AT THE HOLIDAY HOE BOWL l1a.m.- THE CENTER IS 251 PECAN DAY! I 10: PHOTO CLUB!!! 10-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH 12:30-3: cards/games THURS. 7 I I 10-11: EXERCISE 10-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH 12:30-3:cards/games 12:30-3: VIDEO 14 I I 110-11: EXERCISE 110-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH 12:45-2: BINGO!BINGO! 21 I MEMORY DAY! I 10-11:EXERCISE 10-Noon: arts/crafts NOON: LUNCH 12:45-2: BINGO ! BANGO ! 281 SIGN UP WITH I KATHI BY 3/19 EASTER LUNCHEON AT MAMMA MARISSA'S AT NOON! ! ! ! ! THE CENTER IS CLOSED! I 1 INAT'L PIG DAY! I I 110-11: LINE DANCING I 110-Noon: arts/crafts I INOON: LUNCH I 112:30-3: cards/games I I I 8 I I I 110-11:LINE DANCING I 110-Noon:- arts/craftsl NOON: LUNCH I 12:30-3:cards/games I I 151 I I I 10-11: LINE DANCING I 10-Noon: arts/craftsl NOON: LUNCH 12:30-3: cards/games I 12:30-3: VIDEO I 22 I I I I 10-11:LINE DANCING I 10-Noon:arts/craftsl I NOON:LUNCH BIRTHDAY I PARTY! ! ! ! I 12:30=3:oarda/gamea I 291 I I I 10-11: LINE DANCING I 10-Noon: arts/craftsl NOON: LUNCH I 12:30-3: cards/games I I I rii VJ.A.l?l?IISrG-E.R. S EISrI OR. ISr :E VJ S By Kathi DeLisa, Director MARCH 1996 Spring is just around the corner! Ah! Fresh air! Warmer windy days! Time to get back to walking, gardening, flying kites! B B Ques! Easter Bonnets! Am I rushing this? Oh well, on with show.... On Monday, March 11th, for the first time ever, our Center, the Center at Zion Church and the Fishkill Center will combine to have a bowling party at the Holiday Hoe Bowl in Wappingers on Rt. 9. Marie Weber, Cindy Starke and I agreed that it would enhance our groups to get together. Bowling will be from 11a.m. to? There will be danish and coffee upon arrival. At lunch, there will be pizza and soda. Included in the package is three games, shoes etc. The cost for this for current dues paying members is $3.00. For those not current with dues, the cost is $5.00. Many of you attend both the Zion and the Wappinger Center. Please sign up at only ONE site. Dial-a-Ride passengers, the bus will take you to the bowling alley and pick you up. Should be a fun day for all. Sign up and pay for this by March 4th. Are you receiving mail regarding better phone rates, pick the best rates, pick our company etc.? The new Telecommunications Bill passed by Congress has opened up competition amongst phone companies. Sure gets confusing doesn't it? I received five different offers from five different communication companies. Well, to help us with some questions and explain what is happening, John Butler from NYNEX will be at the Center on March 20th at 11 a.m.to help all of us sort through this. John has been at the Center in previous years updating us on changes, additions and advances in the communication and telephone industry. So if you are as confused as me and others, mark your calendar. LUNCHEON HOT LINE: Since Easter is the first week of 1 .. , April, our Easter luncheon will be held on March 28th at Noon at Mamma Marissa's. The menu includes chicken soup, salad, a choice of Veal Parmagiana, Umberto's Stuffed Chicken Breast (stuffed with shrimp and/or cheese), or Broiled Filet of Sole. All entrees are served with pasta. Dessert, coffee or tea are included. A cash bar is available. The cost for current dues paying members (6 months dues must be paid by new members) is $8.00. For those not current the cost is $16.00. This is also open to those on the waiting list who would like to attend. Reservations (sign up with me) must be made and paid for by March 19th. No refunds after this date. Now for other March news.. .Blood pressure screening is the 13th. On the 18th we will have a small St. Patty's Day Celebration of bagels and snacks. Birthdays will be celebrated on Fri. March 22nd. Remember, those with birthdays are asked to bring a cake for the party. We will all help you celebrate. Bingo days are Wed. the 6th, 20th, 27th and Thurs. the 14th, & 21st. Please note exercise is cancelled this winter if the schools are closed due to inclement weather. COKING IN APRIL: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt, Wheel of Fortune brought to you by the Fishkill Center, nominations for Town of Wappinger Senior Center Senior of the Year and much more! The WALKING CLUB continues especially now that the weather is better for us fair weather walkers. We have a few new walkers. Welcome to our Club!! If you haven't started walking and would like to join our walking club, let me know and I'll put your name on the chart and explain the rules. I'm looking into club as well as for about $8.00 and up. me know! If anyone is interested in helping to plan different Center events and help with the planning, please let me know. Suggestions are always welcome. As you know, our Center is really too small to do big parties or events. But with some good ideas and help from you, we can do things outside the Center or plan smaller events for inside the Center. I welcome any ideas and help you can give. Maybe we,can have party committees, idea committees or whatever. Please give me some feed back on this. Thank you. The Wappinger Lions Club needs old eyeglasses or hearing a teeshirt or sweatshirt for our walking the Center. Prices will range from If you are interested in having one let 2 , aids. If you have any you no longer want or need, bring them to the Center. I will see to it that they are given to the Lions Club. Enjoy the poem by Sue Bush. The Creative Corner was started so you all have the opportunity to share your creative writing, thoughts, drawing or cartoon. Come on Seniors, let's see what your thoughts are! Don't be shy! Share your thoughts and creativity with us!!!!I will include these in the newsletter. We have many talented seniors at the Center. Some do crafts, some paint or draw, some write poetry and/or stories, some have wonderful and creative ideas. You may submit your "writing" or even a drawing or cartoon to me at any time. Please do not submit preprinted articles etc. from other sources. I am sure we will all enjoy reading or seeing the creativity of our fellow seniors. In regard to paying dues. Many of you are now paying your dues on a yearly basis and for that I thank you. This has made bookkeeping much easier and efficient. Many have chosen to do this as they cannot be at the Center every week and want to participate in our special events. Yearly dues is $25.00. Many of you pay on a monthly basis and that too makes it easier to keep track of. However, there are still few who insist on paying on a weekly basis. As of January,1996 those paying on a weekly basis will be asked to pay $1.00 a week instead of the previous 500 a week. The reason for this is fairness. There are many who pay monthly or yearly and do not come every week, but still pay their dues. Therefore it is only fair for those who pay weekly to compensate for the weeks they are not there. However, if this is a financial hardship for anyone, please see me. For those paying dues by the month, March dues is $2.00. Those on the waiting list are welcome to pay dues. This entitles you to join our "out of Center" activities at a reduced cost. A big hug to you all! Smile!!! 3 "..,I:' , CREATIVE CORN"ER REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE by SUE BUSH Reach out and touch someone, Let them know that someone cares. It never hurts to put your arms around them, And let your love show too. Never put it off for another day, For how very sad it is to hear, There was no one there When they passed away. You look back to the many things That you wanted to do and all the many words That you wanted to say, but they are gone now There is nothing more to do or to say. Try to make someone's load a little bit lighter As they travel along life's highway So please, oh please reach out And touch some one. Try doing it today. Don't put it off for another day. 4