Third Graders Partner Up With Senior Citizens

The Enfield Senior Center has had an amazing partnership with Third Graders, first at Nathan Hale, and now at Eli Whitney School.  This year the students have made some pictures for display and they have written “Dear Senior Citizen” letters.  The book of letters is on display at the front desk.  Please take a look at the book to see the inquisitive and enthusiastic student letters.  Their teacher has told the students that they may get a response from the seniors.  If you would like to drop a note off at the front desk for the students, I will see that they get it. 

In January of 2007, the Enfield Senior Center became the sixth nationally accredited senior center in Connecticut.  After five years, a senior center may choose to be re-accredited.  Only nine senior centers in the State of Connecticut are nationally accredited and it is a very rigorous process.  There are nine standards that each senior center must meet.  The standards are Purpose and Planning, Community Connections, Governance, Administration and Human Resources, Program Development and Implementation, Evaluation, Fiscal and Asset Responsibility, Records and Reports and Facility and Operations.  Documents must be collected to show how the senior center meets each standard including emergency plans, policies and procedures, marketing plans, and fiscal reports. Groups have been meeting to perform a self-assessment.  A peer reviewer will visit the Enfield Senior Center to evaluate our readiness for accreditation. It is a thorough process that results in our meeting these high standards.  Enfield residents deserve nothing less.  

There are some great photos on the Enfield Senior Center Facebook page.  Be sure to look at them.  “Like” us on Facebook and see the latest news and pictures of Senior Center events.

If you have not applied for a scan card, we would appreciate it if you would complete a brief form in the office and we will make one for you.  The scan cards are a very easy way to track how many people use the facility.  The statistics can be used for measuring attendance over time, evaluating program success, tracking volunteer hours and could potentially help us with grants.  You just waive your card in front of the scanner and use the touch screen to tell what activities your are participating in.  We appreciate your help.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs until December 7.  The Enfield Senior Center has CHOICES trained volunteers who provide information about options available for Medicare supplemental insurance and Part D. Please call the Senior Center to make an appointment.  Additionally, the pharmacy manager from Walgreens will provide a presentation on Medicare Part D on Monday, November 7, at 4 p.m.  You can also find information at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The Enfield Senior Center will celebrate the service of veterans at our Veterans’ Patriotic Tribute on Thursday, November 10, at 1 p.m.  Dave Colucci will perform popular and traditional American music.  Coffee and cake will be served. There is no charge for this event.

If you enjoy country music, you won’t want to miss “An Evening of Nashville Sounds” on Thursday, November 3, at 6 pm.  The incredible vocals and the guitar strummin’ of Ray Scott and his country music show highlight music of Hank Williams and Eddie Arnold through today’s big names like Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson.  Tickets for this event, with dessert and coffee, are on sale in the Senior Center office for $7 per person.

Get into the Holiday spirit a little early this year by shopping for unique, handmade and reasonably priced holiday gifts at our Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 5, from 8 am to 1 pm. Browse through an array of decorations, ornaments, household treasures, jewelry, hand-knitted scarves, sweaters, mittens and more.  After picking up items for others on your list, then treat yourself by bringing home a delicious homemade cake, some cookies or other sweet treats.

The Lions Club will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 5, from 8 am to Noon, in conjunction with our Holiday Craft Fair.  All proceeds from the breakfast will be used for community programs.

Join the Friends of the Enfield Senior Center on a 6 Day/5 Night round trip to Las Vegas, April 22-27, 2012.  Fly Southwest Airlines from Bradley Field to stay at Bally’s on the strip.  Bally's has some of the largest rooms in town, and is located across from Bellagio's and Caesar's, and next door to Paris and Flamingo.  Trip includes bus transportation from Senior Center to airport and from airport in Las Vegas to Bally's.  Price includes trip cancellation insurance, a day trip to Laughlin, baggage handling and all taxes and gratuities.  Pick up a flyer at the Senior Center or come to the sign-up night on November 7, at 7 pm. The cost is $784 per person, double occupancy.

Please register in the Senior Center office for these learning opportunities  

Heart Healthy Eating – Wednesday, November 2, at 1 pm.

What Your Public Library Can Do For You - Monday, November 7, at 5 pm.

Community Support Services for Seniors – Wednesday, November 9, at 1 pm.  Presented by Attorney Marilyn Denny from Greater Hartford Legal Aid.

DAY TRIPS -Trip Flyers are available at the Senior Center

November 16, 2011

Woodbury Commons Outlet Shopping

December 1, 2011

Festival of Trees & Salem Cross Inn

December 13, 2011

“Greatest Generation” Holiday Luncheon  

AIR TOURS

April 23-May 2, 2012

“Reflections of Italy” 

May 12-23, 2012

“Ultimate Alaska & Yukon Experience”

Meal reservations can be made by calling 860-763-7428.  I can be reached at slather@enfield.org, as well.  We look forward to hearing from you.