1999-01-04
AGENDA - RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 4,1999
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PRESENT: RJ.H., KD., S.L., J. C., J.E., RF., E.K, S.M., J.V.
APPROVE MINUTES: 12/7/98
Corrections:
Approved:
Seconded
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Letter from Dan Zoller - re: permits for day camp and swim program
2. Copy of letter addressed to Supervisor Smith from Norman Whittemore re: Tennis Courts
3. Letter from Jim Seifts, Hudson Valley Express for use of Robinson Lane 7/23-25
4. Letter to Steve Lowery from June Ellen Notaro, Youth Bureau re: 1999 grant applications
5. Copy from County of permit for Work on County Road re: Rymer
REPORTS
KD. RF.
S.L. E.K
J.C. S.M.
J.E. J.v.
RJ.H.
OLD BUSINESS- Proposal for dedication
Elks Christmas Party
1999 Budget
NEW BUSINESS - New proposed fee schedule
Chelsea Bluffs Subdivision
New position
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING
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RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JANUARY 4,1999
NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 1999 AT SCHLATHAUS PARK AT 7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission was held
January 4, 1999 at Schlathaus Park, All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Ralph 1. Holt. Others
present were Kathi DeLisa, Senior Citizen Director, Stephen Lowery, Recreation Director and
Commission Members James Chapp as, Joseph Ennesser, Ellen Korz and Joanne Vazquez.
The minutes of the December 7, 1998 meeting were approved on a motion by Mrs.
Korz seconded by Mrs. Vazquez with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Daniel E. Zoller of Dutchess County Health in answer
to our question regarding permits for summer day camps and swim programs. In his letter he
mentioned that based on the information submitted and our previous conversations, he has found
the following:
1. The summer day camp program fits the definition of a summer day camp
program as contained in the N.Y. State Sanitary Code Part 7, and will require a permit. All
previously enforced requirements must continue to be met.
2. The swim program may not require a permit if it is operated separately from the
day camp, including separate registration and supervision, and if it is operated as a single purpose
(swimming) activity. Single purpose means that no other activities such as trips, arts and crafts,
sports etc. can be offered as part of the swim program.
He also stated that "even if the swim program does not require a Health
Department permit as a day camp, the regulations regarding a public swimming pool regarding
lifeguards, safety equipment etc. would still apply". Mr. Lowery mentioned that we should see if
we can do something to get around this permit for swim.
We received a copy of a letter which a resident Norman Whittemore wrote to
Supervisor Connie Smith. In his letter he stated that "on behalf of myself and the several hundred
people who enjoy the use ofthe Town tennis courts each year, I would like to thank you for the
support and maintenance of the courts at Pye Lane. Specifically, we'd like to commend the work
of Steve Tompkins and his crew at the Town recreation building adjacent to the courts. During
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Recreation Minutes
January 4, 1999
the year they made many improvements to the facilities in addition to maintaining the nets,
constantly removing the leaves, etc. These fellas go out of their way! We sincerely appreciate
your support of these very fine public tennis facilities which enable players of all ages and skill
levels to enjoy the friendly competition and comradery of our favorite sport."
A letter was received from Jim Seith, General Manager of Hudson Valley Express.
In his letter he requested permission to utilize the Robinson Lane Fields for their planned 1999
Invitational Tournament to be held the weekend of July 23-25, 1999. This letter has been given
to Mr. Miller for follow up. He is already checking on when Little League will be holding their
Castellano Tournament and we have already received a request from the Dutchess Debs for that
same weekend.
A memo was received from June Ellen Notaro, Youth Program Analyst regarding
the 1999 Grant Application. She forwarded to Mr. Lowery a copy of the grant application which
they forwarded to NYS Office of Children and Family Services. This is the corrected copy which
we will be responsible for in 1999.
The Commission received from Supervisor Smith's office a copy of the Permit for
work on County Road for the Rymer subdivision.
OUTGOING LETTERS
A letter was sent to the Planning Board stating that on the map received 12/4/98
for the Meadowood Subdivision there was no dedication for recreation and the Commission was
under the impression that there was to be a land dedication.
A thank you was sent to Ed Kleinbaum for the cards and 1999 calendars that he
donated to the Senior Center.
A letter was sent to Melissa Geichenhaus, Choral Director of the Roy C. Ketcham
Chamber Choir for the entertainment provided at the Tree Lighting Ceremony held on December
6, 1998.
A memo was sent to the Town Board from Joe Ennesser regarding the
recommendation of Donald Swartz for the C. D. work to be done at Schlathaus Park. (This was
approved at the 12/28/98 Town Board Meeting.)
A letter was sent to Paula Mitchell of Trinity Broadcasting regarding the senior
computer program. She has indicated that she would like to interview Mr. Holt and the instructor
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Recreation Minutes
January 4, 1999
of the senior computer program which we are holding at Schlathaus. Mr. Holt mentioned that
we held the first session in December and it went well. Each session consists of 3 classes which
run from 1:00 p.m. to at least 3:00 p.m. Since we are still in the process of setting up the
Internet on the computer, we were unable to hold that class but will have it as soon as we are set
up. The Town Board has okayed our request for a new line for the Internet. Mr. Holt said that
he will be speaking with Mr Reinhardt to get this in the works.
A letter was sent to Paul Tobin, Principal of James Evans School, thanking him for
the cards, candy and bringing the children who came to the Town Hall to perform for the Senior's
Christmas festivities on December 17th.
REPORT ON SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Mrs. DeLisa handed out a report on the senior activities for the month of
December. This report is attached to these minutes.
RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Lowery handed out a booklet which is his attempt to put together information
on recreation activities for the Town of Wappinger. The surrounding Towns already provide this
service for their residents and we get many calls for such information for Wappinger. Attached is
a copy of the proposed format which still needs to be corrected and additional information added
to it but will give an idea of what we are trying to do. We had intended to put together a
professionally printed booklet but since the money for this project was removed from the 1999
budget, we will just copy a few to hand out as requested. Maybe he will put a notice in his
column that the Guide is available at the Town Hall. It was also noted that the funds for the
printing of the guide for Reese Park were also removed from the 1999 budget. Presently we do
not have a guide for Reese Park and at this time we don't know if we will be able to get this
project done. Mr. Holt mentioned that what Mr. Lowery has put together is a great start in
getting the information available to the residents.
Mr. Lowery asked what we will be planning to do with the Hughsonville site for
1999. He asked if we would be holding the playground at the Hughsonville Fire house or if we
should check with Evans School to see if we could again use their site and move the Hughsonville
Playground there. Since the Castle Point landfill is completed and the new building is now
complete we will be moving the Castle Point summer program back to that site. It will be a
good opportunity to get out ofHughsonville until the Rymer site is ready. Mr. Lowery will
follow up with Mr. Miller regarding permission to use the Evans School site again this year. The
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January 4, 1999
question also arose regarding the equipment that is currently at the Hughsonville Fire House. Mr.
Ennesser said that we should write them a letter and ask them if they want us to leave the
equipment and if so that they would take over the responsibility of it. Mr. Ennesser asked about
the placement of the playground equipment at Castle Point and Mr. Holt mentioned that Mr.
Tompkins will be working on that toward the end of March. Mr. Ennesser asked if we would be
able to place it where it was and Mr. Holt said that he thought that if that is where we decide to
put it there should be no problem. At one time it was suggested that the equipment be placed on
the hill across the street but Mrs. Roe questioned that since the children would have to go across
the road and it would not be handicapped accessible. Mr. Holt said that we have time for this
and it will be addressed with Mr. Paggi's office in March.
Mr. Holt asked if thank you letters had been sent to Soccer and Little League for
the part they played at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mr. Holt said that soccer brought in trays of
cookies, candy and did the hot chocolate. Little League also gave out something to the children.
These letters still have to be sent.
Mr. Lowery asked about the possibility of holding an Easter Egg Hunt at
Schlathaus for the Town's children. Mr. Holt mentioned that we had discussed this a few years
ago and we decided not to do it because the New Hackensack Fire Company held one. Mrs. Roe
said that they have not done it in quite a while and so it was decided that we will look into holding
one. It will be held at Schlathaus and the children will be broken down into age groups such as 1-
4, 5-7 and 8-11. Mr. Holt said as long as it is controlled with discipline and not everyone running
all over and with some children getting nothing. Mr. Lowery said that the park will be divided
into sections and someone (Commission Member/volunteer) would be in charge of that section.
Mr. Lowery will work on this.
SCHLATHAUSPARK
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the architect was approved for the C. D. Grant for
Schlathaus Park. Mrs. DeLisa said that she needs to know when the work will be done so that
she can make arrangements for the programs that are currently held there. Mr. Ennesser said that
she would have plenty of time since we still have to do all the layout work. We still need to have
a contract signed and then we will have to go through a bid process. Weare also on a time frame.
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the bid is for $21, 750.00 and $4,200. is earmarked for the
architect. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the original estimate was to do the blacktopping, ramp
and the inside of the building. Based on the amount of the grant he was able to cut back the work
to just involve the ramp and the work inside the building. Mr. Holt mentioned that we have
$3,000. in the 1999 budget for work at Schlathaus Park. Mr. Ennesser said that he went out to
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Recreation Minutes
January 4, 1999
get preliminary estimates and the bathroom work was $2,500. The ramp work was for $8,000.
plus the architect. We are hoping to get one person to coordinate all the work. Mr. Ennessser
mentioned that when you do grant the labor rate goes way up.
DOCK
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that tomorrow he is scheduled to meet with Murphy Sand
and Gravel to discuss the upgrading of the boat ramp. He will be looking into a pre-casted
concrete runway to be placed in the water. He mentioned that they have done this at Rogers
Marina and it has been there for 3 years and has worked well.
ROAD RUNNERS
Mr. Ennesser said that he has checked with the Road Runners and found that the
dates for their race is September 18 and 19th. The person in charge this year will be Pat DeHaven
and his number is 473-3204. September 18 will be for set up and the actual race is on the 19th
REESE PARK.
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that the park really looks great. The sign is up and the
parking lot has been leveled and item 4 put in. He is planning on putting an article in the Southern
Dutchess News regarding the Park. Mr. Ennesser also mentioned that if the weather is
cooperative, we should open it up for ice skating. He mentioned that Mr. Tompkins has the signs
to be put up. He also suggested that we place signs at Rockingham and layout the section for
open skating and hockey play.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Holt mentioned the following:
Chelsea Bluffs Subdivision. Mr. Holt mentioned that we will be looking at a
subdivision plat for the above subdivision and that the property abuts our Castle Point Recreation
Area. If the Town gives Mr. Humeston the okay to build 4 houses up to the front, he will give
the Town for Recreation purposes approximately 15 acres. It is estimated that between 75 and
80% of this land is dry and that it might be a nice addition to the current Park. The subdivision
plat was reviewed and it was recommended that a letter be sent to the Planning Board
recommending that recreation take land instead of money .
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Recreation Minutes
January 4, 1999
Mr. Holt mentioned that we are unable to play baseball on the new field at Castle
Point and it will be years before we will be able to do so. What Mr. Holt is proposing is that we
put in 3 holes for golf as soon as the grass comes in. Mr. Holt said that all we will be doing is
cutting the grass a little lower and put a flag in the ground. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he has
tried to get in touch with someone at Montrose V.A. about additional property.
There was a discussion regarding the several proposals for expansion for the
Senior Center including Greystone, building a new facility at or near the barn on Montfort Road
and Pizzagalli property.
We have 8 computers available for the computer class and Mr. Holt has been
speaking with a Harry Reinhardt of Infinity regarding the hookup of the Internet on at least one
of the computers. Mr. Holt also mentioned that we have submitted a request to the Town Board
for permission to run a new line to Schlathaus for this hookup.
Mr. Ennesser asked if Conservation has cleaned out the desk in the office at
Schlathaus. Mr. Lowery is trying to set up the office in there and it is a mess. Mr. Ennesser
would also like to use some space for Greenway.
A discussion was held regarding the 1999 Budget. Mr. Holt mentioned that a
number of items were taken out of the budget i.e. backhoe attachment, vacuum to attach to a
mower, a trailer to hold two of our mowers. (Mr. Holt mentioned that the one we have really is
not in good shape safety wise.), basketball court at Robinson Lane, paving and work at Spook
Hill, money for the Recreation Guide and Reese Park Guide, advertising money was cut. The
hope to do many additional things with Recreation is not there this year. Mr. Holt mentioned
that with the super workforce that we have, we will manage to make some progress. Mr. Holt
mentioned that at budget time there was some discussion about us cutting the grass at Town Hall.
Since then we have not been told anything. Ifwe were to do that we would need a walk behind
mower which is needed to get close to the building. We also don't have the manpower to do a
lot of extra work.
In past few months we have been called upon to do work at several Town right of
ways and we were wondering why this has come under Recreation. If it is a right of way into
recreation we can understand it coming under our purview but if it is some other right of way we
don't know why we get called upon to do the work. It was decided that we should write a letter
to the Town Board to discuss this issue.
Mr. Holt noted that the $75,000. that was put in the 1999 budget for lights for
Robinson Lane was removed but that he was told that we could use Parkland funds for this
purpose. In looking at the current Parkland Fund, we don't have enough in there to do this
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Recreation Minutes
January 4, 1999
project at this time. Mr. Holt mentioned that he has received two quotes from Musco Lighting -
one for a 200' field and the other for a 300' field which would be a girls field and a boys field at
Robinson Lane. Mr. Holt mentioned that he will be calling Musco Lighting to get information on
a 325'/350' field with current prices. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he has a name of a company
that he had talked to several years ago and will try to get some updated information from them.
Mr Holt indicated that he will be calling a meeting around the third week in January to discuss
this project and feels that everyone would like the lights but there is no money. He will include
in the meeting Mr. Ennesser and Mr. Friedman from Recreation, a representative from Central
Hudson and Little League and he will invite Mr. Foster of the Highway Dept. Maybe if we can all
work together we can move forward on a plan such as what Little League can do, what Mr.
Foster could do etc.
A letter is ready to go to Mrs. Irvin regarding the duties of the Summer Director
but we have not yet found out what her salary will be. Mr. Holt noted that last year (1998) she
had been promised by a previous director $3,500. but we could only give her $3,000. so Mr. Holt
put in the 1999 budget $3,700. which he thought was approved. Now we understand that all
salaries whether part time, seasonal, consultant or full time were a 5% raise. If that is the case she
will receive the 5% on the $3,000. which is approximately $150. We don't know if she will take
the job at that salary.
Mr. Holt mentioned that we have received the okay from the County to go
forward to make the entrance off of Old Hopewell Road. The maintenance guys have been
working to clear some of the area. A few years ago $20,000. was set aside from Parkland Trust
to build a road into the park area. Mr. Holt mentioned that we have got to keep working on this
project so that we can have a workable park there. We will be writing a letter to the Town Board
to request permission to use the $20,000. to start working on the entrance to the Park.
PROPOSAL FOR FIELD DEDICATION
The proposal for the amendment for the field dedication was presented to the
Commission Members for their approval. This propoasl was approved and it suggested that it
now be forwarded to the Town Board for their approval.
ELKS CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNERS
Mr. Holt mentioned that the two Christmas Dinners for the Town's Seniors were
great and the local businesses and professionals were just super with financial support and gifts to
raffie. We had approximately 50 raffies to give at each of the parties, the meal provided by the
Elks Club was outstanding and of course everyone enjoyed the music provided by Johnny Dell.
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January 4, 1 999
1999 BUDGET
Copies of the 1999 budget were handed out to the Commission Members. It was noted
that just because a figure is in a salary line it doesn't mean that this is the amount that was set for
that position at the reorganizational meeting.
FEE SCHEDULE
A copy of the proposed fee schedule was received and the commission reviewed
the changes. The Town Board is proposing to raise the playground fees to $30.00 for the 1st
member of the family and $10.00 for each subsequent member of the family. The tennis,
basketball, aerobics, volleyball programs remained the same $15.00 and $10.00. Single use of
fields was raised to $50.00. We thought that this was quite high. Weare talking about a family
using the field (pavilion) for a reunion, birthday party etc. This we feel will be too high and no
one will use it for that cost. The teams use on a regular basis is now raised to $100.00 from
$50.00 and again that seems high. We feel that $100.00 will deter people from using our
facilities.
NEW POSITION
Mr. Holt mentioned that in the 1999 budget there is a new position which will help
out both Mrs. DeLisa and Mrs. Roe. A list was given of some of the duties which the new
person will be given. If anyone has any further suggestions, please let either Peggy or Kathi
know. The purpose of this position is to provide support to both the Senior Center and to Mrs.
Roe. We need to see how to proceed. Mrs. DeLisa mentioned that there may be a Recreation
Assistant position with the County and that maybe this should be explored. We may have to ask
the Supervisor for some direction for this position.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 on a motion by Mr. Ennesser seconded by Mr.
Chappas.
Peggy Roe
Secretary
8
JANUARY 1999 REPORT TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THE MONTH OF December 1998
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
December activities at the senior citizen Center included
the regular schedule of arts/crafts, oil painting, photo
club, exercise, line dancing, bingo, puzzles, bridge,
spanish class, cards and games.
On the 4th, 125 seniors enjoyed their annual Christmas
party at Villa Borghese. There was great music by Johnny
Dell, a visit from santa with a gift to all, good food and
fun for all.
On the 17th the seniors had a "Little Christmas" party at
the center. Over 80 seniors attended. There was bagels and
cream cheese, fruit, eggnog, juice, cookies and lots more.
seniors brought in a variety of cookies, cheeses and snacks.
The students from Jame Evans joined the seniors this day.
Due to lack of space, the seniors moved to the large meeting
room with the students. The students sang Christmas songs
and gave each senior a card and candy. The seniors in
return gave each student a little "bear in a bag." It was
great fun and a wonderful opportunity for seniors and
students to share in the Holiday season.
The seniors prepared gift baskets for our "Home bound"
seniors. Several of the members are now in nursing homes or
truly homebound. The baskets were delivered to each of
them. All were really happy to be remembered during this
festive time. There was some food items left over from this
that were than taken to R.C. Ketcham H.S. to be included in
their baskets for the needy.
Blood pressure was cancelled this month. Our monthly
birthday party was held on the 30th.
A computer class was held in December. This was a
"trial" class. participants included two seniors, Ralph and
sylvia Holt, peggy Roe and myself. The class went great, we
all learned many different computer functions. Classes well
resume in January.
The two Elk's Christmas parties were a big success. Each
party accommodated about 130 seniors. This has become a
very big event for ALL the Town seniors, as this is open to
Town senior residents. Music was provided by Johnny Dell,
and santa stopped in at both parties to hand out gifts and
to be photographed with numerous seniors. We hope to
continue to provide two parties or more to accommodate all
Town seniors who wish to attend these gala events. These
Christmas parties are sponsored by the Town of Wappinger
Recreation commission in conjunction with the Elk's Lodge
#2609. Contributions from local businesses and professionals
make this a wonderful event leading into the holiday season.
Many thanks go to Ralph Holt, Sylvia Holt and peggy Roe for
all their help and hard work in putting this together.
There are 190 seniors registered at the center and 280 on
the waiting list.
ITEMS TO BE NOTED:
1. Computer classes will continue in January,
J A l'JUAR Y
/1999
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
~/lON .
WED.
'rUES.
THURS.
FR I .
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS: 1 8
1 Chickie cohen 113
1 Dorthea Dombrowski**15
1 Elena Garrido 118
1 Martha Cho 119
3 America Terralavoro**
4 Herman London 20
4 1 5
_I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45: BINGO!BINGO!
I 1 I I
I_I 1999!!!!!!!! I
NEW YEAR'S DAY!! 1
THE CENTER IS CLOSED I
A I
HAPPY & HEALTHY YEAR 1
1
8 IELVIS'S 1
___I BIRTHDAY! 1
10-11: LINE DANCING I
10-Noon: arts/crafts 1
NOON: LUNCH 1
12:30: cards/games 1
1
1
12 1 13 1 14 111: BRIDGE 151HAT DAY! WEAR I
_I 1 _110:BLOOD PRESSURE _IA SILLY HAT!!! 1
10-Noon: OIL PAINTING 10-11: EXERCISE 10-11: EXERCISE 10-11: LINE DANCING 1
10-Noon: arts/crafts 10-Noon: arts/crafts 10-Noon: arts/crafts 10-Noon: arts/crafts 1
NOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH 1
12:30: SPANISH 12:30: cards/games 12;30: cards/games !112:45: BINGO!BINGO! I
12:30-3: cards/aames I 1
19 IEDGAR ALLEN POE'S 20 110: EXERCISE 211NAT'L HUGGING DAYI22 1 I
I I BIRTHDAY!! _110-11:arts/crafts IHUG A FRIEND!!! 1 1 I
KING 110-Noon: OIL PAINTING 11:Kathy Benham from 10-11: EXERCISE 110-11: LINE DANCING
110-Noon: arts/crafts Rite Aid: PRESCRIPTION10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts I
INOON: LUNCH AND PREVENT IONI SAFETY 1 NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
CLOSED 1 12:30:SPANISH NOON: LUNCH 112:45: BINGO!BINGO! 112:30: cards/games
1 12:30: cards/aames I 1
1 261 27 I 128 I I 29 I
II _I II II
110-Noon: OIL PAINTING 10-11: EXERCISE 110-11: EXERCISE 110-11: LINE DANCING 1
110-Noon: arts/crafts 10-Moon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts I
INOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH/BIRTHDAY I
112:30: SPANISH 12:30: cards/games 112:45:BINGO!BINGO! 1 PARTY I
1 I 112:30: cards/games I
1 1 1 I
11 1
_I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/aames
18 1
1
MARTIN LUTHER
DAY!!!!
THE CENTER IS
25 1
I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/games
Adele Miro
Anna Temmple
Rita Florence
Rudy Monaco
Joe Repke
21 Mary Tammaro
24 Vinnie Jonigan
24 Nicki Silvestri
24 LaVerne Kowalchuk
26 Victor Tesan
28 Angelo Sarno
Carmela cascio
I
I
10-Noon: OIL PAINTING
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: SPANISH
12:30-3: cards/games
6 1
I
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/games!
7 111: BRIDGE
I
10-11:EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45: BINGO!BINGO!