The Senior Spirit Newsletter of the Amherst Senior Center/Council on Aging

No. 2, Volume 37 April-May 2008 April 1, 2008 MEALS ON WHEELS FOR ―VISIONS‖ ANIMAL COMPANIONS Thanks to contributions from the May 24th, 8 PM Dakin Pioneer Humane Society, food for Nacul Center, 592 Main St. cats and dogs is now available through (corner of North Whitney) the Senior Center‘s Meals on Wheels “VISIONS” is a dance suite choreographed and program for recipients who have pets. If you receive performed by Alicia Morton in celebration of MOW and have a cat or a dog you wish to obtain food for, her 70th birthday. She will be accompanied please contact Ferne Finger at the Amherst Senior Cen- by classical guitarist Phillip de Fremery. ter 259-3164 so she can arrange to include it with your VISIONS honors delivery. the 40th Anniversary Cat and dog food is also available at the Senior Center of the Amherst Senior Center. food distribution program each Wednesday morning. Suggested donation at the door is $10 AMHERST FIRE DEPARTMENT to benefit the Senior Center. OFFERS FREE SMOKE DETECTORS Alicia Morton is a dancer and choreographer TO AMHERST SENIORS based in Amherst. Her training is in the Mod- ―Recently members of the Amherst Fire ern Dance technique of Martha Graham and Department applied for a grant that would she has studied many world dance forms, such allow us to offer fire safety and prevention programs specifically for seniors. Unfortu- as Classical Japanese, as well as Butoh, Fla- nately, we did not receive this grant. But, in lieu of receiving the menco, Middle Eastern, African and Indian grant we were given approximately two hundred battery pow- Dance. She is the founder and director of the ered smoke detectors to distribute to seniors. Having operating performance company Aurora Dance, through smoke detectors in your home can double your chance of sur- which she teaches classes in modern dance, viving a fire in your home. Half of the civilian fire related deaths as well as the exercise classes she has devel- that occur in the U.S. take place in homes not protected by smoke detectors. Smoke detectors provide the early warning oped: Dance and Stretch, Soothing Stretch, that you need to escape a burning house before dense smoke, Stretch and tone and Meditative Movement high heat, and toxic gases accumulate. When every second and Dance. counts, smoke detectors save lives. Fire deaths in homes have Phillip de Fremery is well known to area au- been cut in half since the introduction of smoke detectors in the diences and has performed throughout Can- early 1970‘s. Older adults (65 and above) still account for twice ada, the U.S.A. and Europe. He is presently as many fire deaths than any other age group. Many of these fires were started by the improper disposal of smoking materials on the faculty of Mount Holyoke, Smith and and overloaded electrical outlets. Amherst College. ―The smoke detectors available are the battery operated type No advance tickets, admission for installation an older homes, homes that do not have a hard- collected at the door. There will be a wired smoke detector system. Give your name, address, and birthday/anniversary telephone number to Nancy Pagano at the Amherst Senior Cen- ter if you are interested in taking advantage of this great pro- celebration following the gram. Or call the Center at 413-259-3060. Firefighters from the performance. Amherst Fire Department can help you with the correct place- ment and installation of the smoke detectors upon request. Thank you.‖ COUNCIL ON AGING MEMBERS ~Dave Martell of the Amherst Fire Department Doris Holden, Elsie Fetterman, Barbara Sutherland, Rosemary Kofler, David Yaukey, Dan Clapp, DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA OR CONCERN THAT Stephanie O’Keeffe and Janet Gorth YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO A COUNCIL

Editors of THE SENIOR SPIRIT: ON AGING MEMBER ABOUT? Nancy Hirsh Pagano, Karen Erman Long-time COA member, Doris Holden, will be available 259-3060; 259-2413 (FAX) at the Senior Center on Tuesdays, April 8th and WEB SITE: www.amherstma.gov/seniorcenter May 13th, from 10-11 AM, if you want to drop in to chat. EMAIL: [email protected] The COA wants to hear from you! Deadline for next issue is 5/5/08 Page 2 The Senior Spirit THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER Presents MUSICAL SHOWCASES Fridays (as listed below) at 2 PM Bangs Community Center, Amherst

FREE ADMISSION — FREE REFRESHMENTS For more information, call Nancy at 259-3114

April 11th, 2008

Moonlight/Morning Star Moonlight Davis is known for the intense emotional impact and mature musicality that he brings to the many genres his mastery encompasses: Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Pop, World Music. Pioneer Valley residents, Moonlight and his wife, Morning Star Chenven, who are frequently funded by the Mass. Cultural Council, perform origi- nal songs, spoken word/musical compositions, arrangements of traditional music of the African American and Jewish traditions and choral arrangements. May 2nd, 2008 Greenfield Community College Dance Troupe: “Mixed Company” This will be a spring recital for the dance students.

May 9th, 2008 Raymond and Rosemary Lavoie Ware residents, Raymond and Rosemary Lavoie are well-known performers at our Senior Center and around the Pioneer Valley. They sing standards by great vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin, as well as patriotic songs. The audience is encouraged to participate with them in sing-a-longs as well..

AMHERST SENIOR CENTER/COA ID CARD Photo ID cards are available for Amherst residents who are sixty years old or older. PVTA ID Cards Will Be Made at the Amherst Senior They are designed to be used to receive dis- Center counts with local merchants. (Holders should The PVTA will be at the Amherst Senior Center on ask for the discount BEFORE the sale is rung Wednesday, April 9th and May 12th, from 10 AM– up.) 12 PM to take photo IDs. The IDs are a statewide ac- Amherst Sr. Center IDs have emergency (optional) cess pass for fixed-route buses—these are not used on contact information included on them in the event of an ADA paratransit vans. accident or other medical event. To arrange for your card, contact Nancy Pagano at ANYONE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PAR- 259-3114 to make an appointment. There is a TICIPATING ON PVTA’S RIDER ADVISORY COM- $2 donation asked. MITTEE? Ask Nancy Pagano for more information, Over 100 area merchants give senior discounts! 259-3114. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday Take advantage—every penny helps! monthly 4-5 PM at different sites around the region.

Amherst Senior Center Staff The Senior Spirit is published bi-monthly Nancy Hirsh Pagano, Director/Program Director by the Amherst Senior Trust Maura Plante, Program Director/Social Worker 70 Boltwood Walk Karen Erman, Administrative Assistant Amherst MA 01002 Ferne Finger, Amherst Lunch Site Director The subscription price is $10 yearly, although Amherst residents Lisa White, Senior Health Services Director 59+ are entitled to receive it at no charge. Giovanna Mix, Admin. Assistant, Lunch Site Sub Director Deadline for the next Spirit is May 5th, 2008. The Senior Spirit Page 3

THE NEW OPTIONS COMMUNITY GROUP

We explore the pros and cons of a wide variety of research findings, concepts, practices, and ideas for more integrally conscious, healthful, wise, mutually empathetic living, aging, dying (and thereafter?) as they newly emerge from scientific, humanistic, and spiritual com- munities worldwide. No topic is out of bounds.

April 2 - Origins: Back to the Beginning. How did the colossal forces of our early universe make it possible for habit- able worlds to emerge? We will view this WGBH NOVA program on line.

Thursday, April 3 - SPECIAL MEETING: Heresy and the Fact Collective; Syphilis and Aids. Our presenter, Distin- guished University Professor Lynn Margulis says, ". . . in today's practice science seems as much a matter of consensus building as does politics. An example of a well-supported truth is that the symptoms of AIDS overlap entirely with those of syphilis. Although all spirochetes tested in growth cultures in vitro are sensitive to penicillin, syphilis patients are not cured by penicillin itself, its derivatives or by any other antibiotic. Seating for this special presentation is limited by the Sr. Center to 40. To reserve a seat call 413-259-3060. Meeting time is 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

April 9 - Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream. In this SUN magazine article Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley Professor Jeremy Taylor discusses dreams as a tool for social change. Inspired by the work of pioneering psychologist Carl Jung, Taylor believes that our dreams can not only connect us to our authentic selves, but also foster healing in society. He estimates that he has helped people work with more than a hundred thousand dreams.

April 16 - What the Bleep!? Down the Rabbit Hole. This is a Shift in Action DVD from the Institute of Noetic Sciences featuring Dean Radin, IONS Senior Scientist. He introduces the concept of 'entangled minds' -- what Albert Einstein called "spooky action at a distance." This is an introduction to the movie by the same title. IONS member for twenty-six years, Bob Johnston will recount his 'trip down the rabbit hole' and his findings to date.

April 23 - When Morality is Hard to Like. How do we juggle evidence and emotions to make a moral decision? In the past decade or so cognitive scientists have begun examining what happens in the brain when we struggle with moral and ethical decisions. Co-authors Jorge Moll and Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza are director and researcher, respectively, at the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Unit at Labs D'Or in Rio de Janeiro.

April 30 - The Unquiet Ice. Scientific American writer Robin E. Bell states, "Abundant liquid water newly discovered underneath the world's great ice sheets could intensify the destablilizing effects of global warming on the sheets. Then, even without melting, the sheets may slide into the sea and raise sea level catastrophically."

May 7 - Cracking the Code of Life. Through this WGBH NOVA online program we will follow the race to decode the human genome and see how this newfound knowledge is already changing medicine.

May 14 - Laws of Nature, Source Unknown. "Gravity," goes the slogan on posters and bumpers stickers. "It isn't just a good idea. It's the law." "And what a law. Unlike, say, traffic or drug laws, you don't have a choice about obeying gravity, says New York Times writer Dennis Overbye, about obeying gravity or any other laws of physics. Jump and you will come back down. Faith or good intentions have nothing to do with it."

May 21 - How We Think About Animal Mentality. Retired Sociology professor Joanne Lind will lead us in a discus- sion focusing on stereotypes about animals in Western culture and in science. She will review theories of animal telepa- thy, empathy, clairvoyance, clairsentience and precognition, together with anecdotal evidence which conflicts with all the theories.

May 28 - Animal Communication. As a professional telepathic animal communicator specializing in dogs, cats and horses, Caroline McNerney will share stories illustrating the remarkable ways animals and other nature beings gently nudge humans toward balance, well-being and expansion. She will offer basic guidelines to help participants develop their telepathic abilities. Please come ready to share your own telepathic experiences.

Coordinated by Bob Johnston all our meeting, unless otherwise designated, are on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Bangs Community Center, Room 101. While our discussions are limited to twenty people, visitors may sit on the periphery and listen. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Bob at 665-8920, or you may Email him at: [email protected] Page 4 The Senior Spirit NEW CLASSES COSMOLOGICAL EVOLUTION Tuesdays, May 13th—June 17th, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be providing free tax return 1-2:30 PM except June 3rd 1-2 PM preparation at the Amherst Sr. Ctr. Thursdays 9 AM-1 PM In this next course Professor van Luik through April 10th. Please call 259-3060 to make an appoint- continues his exploration into how the ment. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers work in conjunction with the IRS to bring you this service. Please look over the list below to universe got to be the way it is from its be sure you bring all you need with you to your appointment. smallest parts to its largest. Also, why is it that If filing a joint return, both spouses should attend the appoint- that there are cosmological constants in the uni- ment unless impossible. verse? One such constant would be the speed of Last year‘s tax return (please look over before your appoint- light. ment with us). There is no charge for this class, but please SSA-1099 – Social Security Income (with pink box near top of register in advance at the Senior Center so Jim form) or RRB-1099 (for Railroad Pensions). can prepare enough materials for all. 1099 Series Income – Pensions, Annuities, IRAs (1099-R); Interest (1099-INT); Dividends (1099-DIV); Unemployment UNDERSTANDING & DISCUSS- (1099-G). ING THE CURRENT &FUTURE 1099B – Sale of stock or mutual funds (you will need to sup- U.S. & WORLD ECONOMIES ply the purchase date and the cost basis of the sold items). Fridays, 12:30-2 PM, 4/11, 1099-Consolidated – From your brokerage company – in- 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 cludes 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and 1099-B (you will need to supply the purchase date and cost basis of items on 1099B). The first session will include a 1099-MISC – We only do Schedule C-EZ. presentation and discussion of ex- W-2 – Wages; W-2G – Gambling Winnings. change rates between currencies, Health Insurance Card (can be Medicare Card) – needed for the U.S. deficit in the balance of the new Massachusetts regulation that requires everyone to payments and U.S. policy options. The second have health insurance or lose their tax exemption on their session will include causes of inflations and reces- Massachusetts tax return. sions and policy options to mitigate a recession Rent paid in 2007. and the consequences. The third meeting will Circuit Breaker Info for Homeowners – Original Property Tax consider the shifts in the distribution of income bills and amounts paid in 2007; Property Tax Abatements, before and after taxes from lower to higher in- Water and Sewer amounts paid (not necessary in Hadley, comes. The fourth session will discussion supply Hatfield or Easthampton). and demand and the prices for products, wages Estimated Taxes paid in 2007 (or January 2008). and salaries in the labor force and prices for Bank routing and account numbers if you want direct deposit of refund. stocks and bonds. Then we will contrast the mar- If you itemize deductions – bring in totaled sums of expenses ket economy with a centrally command-based to itemize (refer to Schedule A in your last year‘s tax return). economy. The fifth meeting will focus on how Include 1099-G (State Tax Refund), if you receive it. demographic changes will affect social security Any other tax documents you may have. and medicare, and the resources to avoid starva- tion in some countries. The last session will focus “FRIENDS OF THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER” on the alternative policy approaches for the U.S. SENIOR SPIRIT SOLICITATION IS GOING WELL and the World economy for the 21st century. Af- A new fundraising corporation has recently been established ter we define the characteristics of the ideal U.S. to help support the Senior Center in the face of dwindling Town and World economy, we will discuss the combining funding. ―Friends of the Amherst Senior Center‖ is a 501C-3, which means that monies it raises are tax-deductible. of a free market economy with government inter- Donors to the Friends since our last Senior Spirit: vention to reach the ideal outcome. Bea Dragon, Lillian B. Silver, Jonathan Hanke, Peter & Valerie George Treyz is Professor Emeritus from the Econom- Ivy, Suzzy Morin, Georgia Westervelt, Sarah Thomson, Wini- ics Department at the University of Massachusetts in fred D. Sayer, Herbert Homme, Catherine Parker, Marc & Carol Amherst, where he worked for 27 years. He received Silver, Ereda & Phil Jones, Betty & Win Bernhard, Elizabeth M. his BA with honors from Princeton University and his Kelly, Edward W. Stutsman, Joseph & Mary Tarallo, Beverly A. Ph.D from Cornell University. He has authored or co- Chang, Allan Byam & Carol Belliveau, Aileen O‘Donnell, Cath- authored 24 articles and has published a book on Re- erine M. Peterson, Phyllis S. Hastings, E.A. Gnaedinger & D.J. gional Economic Modeling. He founded Regional Eco- Lufkin, Caroline G. Arnold, Kay F. Butler, Augie Tidlund, Mary nomic Models in 1980 that has expanded and provided Catherine Phinney, Frank Smith, Edward & Barbara Levine, customized regional economic models to a majority of Jacqueline K. Duca the states and to governments in Europe. Thank you so much for these generous contributions! Please register in advance for this free class. They are very much appreciated and needed. Since “The Friends” incorporated last fall they have raised $5,820 !!! The Senior Spirit Page 5 SENIOR CENTER WINTER LINE-UP OF FITNESS CLASSES TAI CHI—Mondays 3-4 PM— Instructor Bailing Li Bailing Li‘s weekly TAI CHI classes are held Mondays from 3-4 PM at the Bangs Center. The charge is $7 per session. Students are asked to pay for the 10-week series at the first class or, if joining after the first session, pay a prorated amount for the number of classes left in the series. Beginners and advanced students may join at any class. A new series began March 31.

GENTLE FITNESS CLASSES—Mondays, Wednesdays + Fridays, 11-11:30 AM—Instructor Dona Motts Gentle fitness classes continue Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11-11:30 AM at the Bangs Center. Either Dona Motts or Alice Klayman are the instructors. All exercises are done in a standing or sitting position and are set to music. There is no fee— participants donate what they can afford.

STRENGTH TRAINING—Mondays 9-10 & Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 AM— Instructor Sue Roitman These exciting classes offer resistive weight training, with or without the use of hand weights. Students begin with a 3-5 minute aerobic warm-up following a stretch segment. The strength conditioning phase will consist of a variety of exercises working each muscle group, to build and strengthen the muscles. Hand held weights are optional; dumbbells are preferred. This class will enhance your ability to lift and carry objects and to perform other daily activities. The use of hand weights will also increase your metabolism so your body will be burning more calories. These classes are ongoing, stu- dents can join the classes at any point. Class fee is $5 each session payable to the instructor.

FOLKDANCING—Tuesdays 1-2 PM—Instructor Eva Goldwater Exercise your mind as well as your body with INTERNATIONAL FOLKDANCING. Folk dancing is a gentle, weight- bearing activity that engages your brain as well. Best of all, it‘s FUN! If you can walk, you can do these dances. All dances are taught. The folkdance group meets Tuesdays, 1-2 PM in the Bangs Center‘s Large Activity Room. Newcom-

ers can join at any time, and there is no fee.

YOGA FOR SENIORS—Wednesdays, 9:30-10:45 AM—Instructor Sue Roitman A gentle yoga class tailored for seniors that can be done sitting in a chair or lying on a cushioned mat on the floor. Susan Roitman, certified yoga instructor and Exercise Physiologist, taught yoga at the Senior Center for several years and is happy to be back. Please join her for a fun class that will increase flexibility, breathing capacity, energy and overall sense of well-being. The class will be ongoing. There is a $5 daily participation fee payable to the instructor.

NOT JUST ANY LINE DANCING—Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 AM, Instructor Anastasia Christie Anastasia teaches an ongoing fitness class entitled NOT JUST ANY LINE DANCING Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 AM. The cost is $4 per class (payable to the instructor). Classes are ongoing. About your instructor: Anastasia Christie, originally from Russia, has been teaching Dance throughout New England in Senior and Wellness centers. She has a 17-year dance training in Ballroom Dancing and was a prize winner in a number of competitions in Europe and Russia. She was on a one year world tour with the international group ―Up With People‖ where she performed folk and line dances. Beginners can start at any class, advanced registration is not necessary.

BALLROOM DANCING CLASSES —Fridays, 9:30-10:30 AM, Instructor Anastasia Christie What can be better than starting out your morning to the tunes of big bands while getting a great workout for your body and soul? This course covers the basics of Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-cha, Rumba, and Mambo. Sign up for Anastasia‘s class for eight weeks or take it one at a time. Anastasia instructs on the DVD companion to the book, The Complete Idiot‘s Guide to Ballroom Dancing. No experience or dance partner necessary. Friendly atmos- phere. Did you know...new research indicates that Ballroom Dancing may minimize the onset of dementia. Learning the intricate steps will keep your mind sharp and your body strong. Newcomers can join anytime. The fee per hour lesson is $6 per couple, $4 single. The Amherst Senior Center is proud to announce that it is offering a new, low-cost fit- ness class, EnhanceFitness®, designed for older adults. This hour-long class is based on sci- entific research and input from older adults and combines three key components of fitness: strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning. To ensure safety, each exercise was developed by experts in the field of physical therapy, in conjunction with agencies serving older adults. The result is a fun and lively program that works! At all times you work at your own pace, your instructor provides individual attention, demonstrates variations and modifications and the atmos- phere is casual. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 4-5 PM beginning May 28th. Expect an energetic, certified instructor. For opti- mal results, it is suggested you attend classes three times a week. The cost is $1 per class (plus a one-time $2 registration fee) and space is limited to 25. Please pre-register ASAP by calling 259-3060 or drop in to the Senior Center. Spaces are already filling up. An informational meeting will be held at the Senior Center on Friday, May 23rd, at 3 PM. This special class is made possible by a grant from Highland Valley Elder Services in association with the CDC(Center for Disease Control). Page 6 The Senior Spirit AMHERST SENIOR TRAVEL CLUB BUS TRIPS Contact Nancy Pagano at 259-3114 for further information.

SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY FOXWOODS CASINO LUNCHTIME CONCERT DATE: Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 DATE: Friday, April 25th, 2008 LEAVE: 8 AM RETURN: 7:30 PM LEAVE: 10:30 AM RETURN: 2:30 PM COST: $30 (bus, tip) COST: $25 (ticket, van) NOTES: The usual food and gambling coupons. NOTES: Featuring Rossini‘s Overture to Silken Stair- case, Chopin‘s Piano Concerto No 2 and selections from Brahms‘ Symphony No. 3. PROVINCETOWN CRUISE

“MUSEUM IN BLOOM” AT THE DATE: Thursday, July 17th, 2008 BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS LEAVE: 5 AM RETURN: 7-7:30 PM COST: $90 (bus, ferry, tip) DATE: Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 NOTES: We will take the HIGH SPEED FERRY which LEAVE: 8 AM RETURN: 6 PM approx. takes 1.5 hours. Five hours in P-town. COST: $35 (motorcoach, tip) You pay your own $15 admission. MAGGIANO’S RESTAURANT & NOTES: Celebrate spring at this annual festival of fine BOSTON DUCK TOUR art and fresh flowers! See the MFA‘s galleries trans- formed by more than sixty extraordinary arrangements DATE: Monday, July 28th, 2008 inspired by magnificent works of art—from Asian sculp- tures to world-renowned European paintings. LEAVE: 9 AM RETURN: 6-6:30 PM COST: $ 75 details soon (lunch, tour, bus, tip) PICKITY PLACE HERB FARM SPRINGTIME NOTES: Participants are in for an amazingly great day LUNCHEON with another marvelous family style Italian luncheon and an hour and 1/2 Duck Tour. DATE: Thursday, May 15th, 2008 LEAVE: 9:30 AM RETURN: 4-4:30 PM PAWTUCKET, RI RED SOX GAME COST: $39 (van, luncheon) NOTES: For more than 200 years, DATE: Saturday, August 2, 2008 Pickity Place‘s quaint little cottage has LEAVE: 1:30 PM RETURN: 11-11:30 graced the countryside, seemingly untouched by time. COST: $30 (van trans., ticket) The peaceful gardens and elegant five course gourmet Hey folks...it‘s Red Sox vs. Yankees! That is, herbal luncheons have been drawing visitors from NOTES: throughout New England (and beyond), for more than the Pawtucket Red Sox vs. the Scranton/Wilkes Barre three decades. Visit the bookstore and ―Red Riding Hood Yankees. Also, it‘s ―Dustin Pedroia Bobblehead Night.‖ Museum‖ to learn about how the 1786 cottage was used So round up the grand kids, bundle the gloves, pack the for the illustrations of the childhood classic Little Red Rid- crackerjacks and ―….we won‘t care if we ever get back.‖ ing Hood (Little Golden Books, 1948). Browse through You pay for your own food; but prices are very reason- the rustic gift and herb shop and discover 1000s of truly able. Check it out on-line at www.pawsox.com. unique items. FOXWOODS CASINO SENIOR TRAVEL CLUB NOTES Next business meetings are 4/4/8 & 5/13 at 2 PM DATE: Friday, August 22nd, 2008 2008 Long Trips: LEAVE: 8 AM RETURN: 7:30 PM Northern Nat‘l. Parks (featuring Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Crafters of the Moon National Parks June 27-July 4, ‗08 COST: $30 (bus, tip) Sunny Portugal (Estoril Coast & Algarve) Oct. 24-Nov. 2, ‗08 NOTES: The usual food and gambling For more info., visit the Senior Travel Club desk. coupons. Notes: We are having problems with people waiting so long to sign up for a trip (that they really do want to take) that the trip gets can- celled b/c of insufficient registration. Please sign early. It is also equally important that you pay two working weeks prior to the trip so we know you really are going to participate. The Senior Spirit Page 7 SENIOR CENTER SOCIAL PROGRAMS Audio Book Club GROCERY BINGO DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO CAN NO Monday, April 7th, 1-2 PM LONGER READ BOOKS? Monday, May 5th, 1-2 PM Please tell him or her about the wonderful world of Bangs Community Center’s books on cassettes and CDs. The Perkins Library South Meeting Room 101 and the public libraries offer tapes on every possible No charge. Refreshments will be served. subject, all FREE! With the Perkins Library, every- CHINESE MAH-JONGG thing is easily done by phone and mail. Tuesdays 12:30-2:30 PM. OUR AUDIO BOOK CLUB MEETS Bangs Center ~ Lower Internal Room All are invited to come join the fun any week. THE FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH at the Beginners are welcome! BANGS COMMUNITY CENTER 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst BRIDGE Upcoming Meetings: April 1st & May 6th, 2-3:30 PM Wednesdays 12:30-3 PM BRIDGE is FOOD for the BRAIN, the Our friendly group chats about our favorites and scientists claim! We call it FUN and passes along useful tips to cope FRIENDS! No JEERS, just CHEERS! with diminished vision. We’d love to have you join us. For more information call Alva at 256-4514. Ethel Moore Gallery

SCRABBLE NEW CLASSES Tuesdays 1-4 PM Keep your mind active & enjoy the SHAKESPEARE’S THE WINTER’S TALE camaraderie! Instructor: Mrs. Dorothy Canciglia Ethel Moore Gallery What the world needs now is definitely love, Sweet love—it‘s always uplifting to look to one of FEEL FOR FOOD COOKING CLASS Shakespeare‘s most delightful romances, The Win- Monday, April 14th, 2 PM ter‘s Tale. We see here forgiveness, reconciliation and love triumphing over rejections and tragedy. (That‘s certainly worthy Janice Denton has agreed to make two our consideration.) Please bring a copy of the play with you to of her most popular cabbage recipes! the first class. (The Folger Shakespeare Library edition is rec- 1.Braised RED cabbage, which is a sweet ommended.) and sour cabbage dish. Thursdays, 10-11:30 AM, on 2.JCD Special GREEN Cabbage recipe with bacon. April 17, May 1, May 8, May 15 and May 29th

AMHERST SENIOR CENTER “CINEMA” INTRO TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER: Computers Made Easier Than Ever Where? Sr. Ctr’s Garrabrants Room This gentle course, taught by Irene Starr, is for the Date/Time? Thurs., April 10th, 1 PM: technically terrified. No previous computer or typing “Ocean’s Twelve” with George Clooney, experience is necessary. It will cover such topics as how to: Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Catherine Zeta-Jones Use the mouse and the senior center computers Tuesday, May 27th, 2 PM: Browse and search the Internet (also called the world-wide “The Green Mile” starring Tom Hanks web) and its amazing resources Set up and use a free email account. Irene will give answers to participants‘ questions and interests. This class will meet weekly for 4 Thursdays starting May 22nd, from 10-10:45 AM. Practice time is 10:45-11:15 AM. Class is You are invited to a…... limited to five. Call 259-3060 to reserve a space. $10 registra- SPRING SOCIAL tion fee refunded at last class those who complete the course.

When? Friday, May 23rd, 2008

Time? 2-3:30 PM Hello. My name is Kerri Nelson and I am a licensed Entertainment by hair stylist willing to travel to your home at your Yuri Tupikow and Elaine Fligman convenience. Services include: hair cuts, wash & set, perms, color- Meet your friends for a little R&R! ing, waxing, blow dry and curling iron. R.S.V.P. 259-3060 Please call 413-267-9015 and make your appointment today . Reasonable rates!! References. Page 8 The Senior Spirit SENIOR CENTER WELLNESS CLINICS HELD AT THE BANGS COMMUNITY CENTER

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS HELD SENIOR FOOT CARE: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM at the Amherst Senior CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT Center in the Senior Center‘s Ethel Moore Gallery. No We have two registered nurses who staff advance appointments are needed to participate. This our Friday clinics—Debra Sullivan and clinic is run by retired or semi-retired nurses who volun- teer their time. Sharon Beaulieu. Debra Sullivan, a professional foot care nurse who lives MASSAGE CLINICS AT BANGS in Huntington, handles the 1st and 2nd Fridays of the Licensed Massage Therapist, Talya Solomon, is month and Sharon handles the remaining Fridays. scheduling head and neck and full body massages Sharon‘s clinics are from 9:40-2 PM and cost $25. Deb‘s at the Bangs Center by appointment. Her charges are 9-3 PM and cost $27. For an appoint. call 259-3060. are reduced for seniors and are $35 for one hour Foot care includes nail clipping, callous removal, and $20 for a half hour. Clinics are held Tuesdays therapeutic foot massage and hygienic foot bath. A $15 from 9 AM-3 PM. Call Talya to make your wellness grant is available upon request. appointment at 256-8225. Home visits are also available. Our foot care nurses are willing to do home visits for foot Talya‘s web site is ww.massagewithtalya.com. care, if that is necessary. Call Deb at 413-667-5363, or SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES w/ Lisa White, RN Sharon at 534-9085, to schedule a treatment in your “Helping seniors to help themselves stay healthy.” home (home visits are $40). Mondays (walk-in), Thursdays (by appointment) (call 259-3060) 10-12 NOON & 12:30-2:30 PM EAR IRRIGATION CLINICS Screening & Monitoring Symptoms of Health Problems with Sharon Beaulieu, RN blood pressure, blood glucose level, weight measurements, The Senior Center offers ear irrigation clinics etc. SHS seeks to promote health and monitor ongoing with Sharon Beaulieu. Each appointment is health conditions; 20 minutes long and may be scheduled for First aid for minor trauma two sessions. Patients need to use Debrox Wax Assessing Effects of Meds. & Treatments Softening drops at home two days prior to their Education re: meds, diet, health conditions/concerns, better appointment for hardened wax problems. The cost is $25 healthcare, etc. We can help you identify and possibly total for the entire treatment. change risk factors for developing health problems such as Dealing with ear wax is a continual problem for many high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc. people, particularly seniors, and we have had several Assistance with Health Care Referrals to and from other requests to offer this particular clinic. health care providers. Sharon offers ear irrigation or foot care on Fridays, April THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER WILL BE CONDUCTING 18th & 25th and May 16th, 23rd, and 30th . Please call TWO EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS ON DIABETES JUNE 5 & the Senior Ctr. at 259-3060 to schedule an appointment. JUNE 19TH, 1:30-2:30 PM. SESSIONS WILL BE LED BY SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTOR LISA WHITE, RN HEARING AID REPAIR CLINICS AND WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING Courtesy of the Avada Hearing Care Center, AVAILABLE DIABETES EDUCATION AND TREATMENT hearing aid repair service is available regularly at SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE AMHERST SENOR CTR. & the Bangs Community Center. Walter Nowak, a IN THE HAMPSHIRE COUNTY REGION. Hearing Instrument Specialist, provides hearing aid

repair clinics and hearing screening once a month June 5—Diabetes Basics. Diabetes is a disease in which the at the Senior Center. He will be available Wednesdays, April body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that 16th & May 21st, from 1-4 PM. is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into en- The following services will be provided at no cost: ergy needed for daily life. This workshop will discuss the signs and symptoms of diabetes, routine medical care including Hearing screenings for those who think they may have a blood glucose monitoring, related health goals and methods to hearing loss and would like to know if it‘s wax or an actual reduce complications. A tool to assess risk for diabetes will hearing loss. This will include an otoscopic examination also be provided. Hearing aid cleaning and service for current hearing aid users June 19—Making Connections: Diabetes and Heart Health. Testing for hearing aid performance Did you know there is a link between diabetes and heart dis- If there is an internal problem with the hearing aid, Walter will ease? Your cardio-metabolic health is a measure of your risk assist you with returning it to the factory for repair. There will be for diabetes and heart disease and is determined by a set of a factory charge for all aids that need to be repaired at the conditions known as risk factors. Luckily, some risk factors are factory unless the aid is still under factory warranty. modifiable—we can do something about them! With a few Please call the Senior Center at 259-3060, if you wish to make small changes we can reduce risk factors for diabetes and an appointment, or if you wish information on hearing health, heart disease such as uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood call 1-800-247-5666. pressure, cholesterol and being overweight. Learn some ways How is your hearing affecting your life? Do you have to to get started. ask people to repeat what they say? Are you confident in what you hear? See Walter for a free screening!! The Senior Spirit Page 9

ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR YOUR INFORMATION

PAINTING WORKSHOPS AMHERST S.A.L.T. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9 AM COUNCIL NEWS: till about 12 PM, free self-run workshops for Seniors and Law Enforcement painters are held at the Bangs Community Together (S.A.L.T.) Council Center. Artists provide their own supplies. members work with the Police, There is no charge and newcomers are always welcome. Fire and Sheriff’s Departments on projects that increase Wednesday‘s group focuses on watercolor, while Thurs- the safety and the well-being of our older residents. day‘s group primarily is comprised of oil or acrylic paint- WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MEMBER? ers. If requested, constructive critiques of one‘s work are Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month (except provided by fellow artists. Bring your work in progress the months of July and August) at 10 AM at the Amherst Police and enjoy good company. Department. New members are always welcome to join. Call Bob Joy at 253-7059 for more information about EXHIBIT OPENING AT BANGS S.A.L.T. Council programs or membership. For the months of May and June, a painting exhibit by Alia Starkweather will be featured in the Senior Center’s MONTHLY “MONEY TALK” WITH Ethel Moore Gallery. HOWARD SINGER Alia, age 72, has been painting for eight years Howard Singer, CFP, a local, fee-only after a 45 year lapse, working almost exclusively advisor, conducts monthly seminars for the with the Senior Center’s painting group at the Amherst Senior Center. Howard leads a meeting the second Tuesday of the month at the Bangs Bangs Center. Alia says, “I paint in oils, acrylics Center for soon-to-retire and retired individuals who want and some watercolors. At first, I copied other the facts, not the fantasy, about money matters. You are beautiful art, but now paint from nature or my invited to attend Howard‘s informative meetings, whether own photos. Subjects are landscapes, birds, you are a first-timer or a long-timer. Some of the topics to animals and people. Painting is a joy and a medi- be discussed are: cash flow planning, low risk investment tation, and I paint what I love, usually in bright strategies, income investments (without commissions), colors.” Please come to see Alia’s exhibit which long term health care issues, estate taxes, gifting, will open May 2nd! strategies, and more. Tuesdays, April 8th & May 13th, 2008, 10-11:15 AM. EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO DRAW! ALL YOU NEED IS TO BE SHOWN HOW!!! Mondays 9-11 AM, Apr.14 & 28, May 5,12,19, & June 2 Instructor: Carolyn Bruneau This six week class for beginners, or for anyone who wants to improve their drawing skills, is loosely based on Betty Edward‘s Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. You will learn to see as the artist sees. Through a series of exercises and drawings focused on specific tech- niques, using still life and the human figure, you will learn to draw what you see. Come and surprise yourself! Find out how well you really can draw!! Drawing well is the basis of any other art form. Students will need a drawing pad at least 9-12‖, and a pencil and an eraser. All other supplies will be pro- Stocks Bonds CDs vided. Please register in advance at the Sr. Center. The Mutual Funds IRAs fee is $10/wk. For further info. call Nancy at 259-3114. Jim Becker / Rich Friese QUILTING ANYONE? 17 Pray Street, Amherst, MA 01002 A new quilters group has now formed and (413) 549-1979 they are meeting Mondays from 9:30-11 AM www.edwardjones.com in the Bangs Center‘s Garrabrants Room. Member SIPC Newcomers are always welcome. For fur- Edward Jones ther information, contact Bea Dragon at 253-0933. Serving Individual Investors Since 1871 Page 10 The Senior Spirit FOR YOUR HEALTH DR. THOMAS PLAUT SPEAKS ON ―PROSTATE CANCER: DIAGNOSIS ASTHMA Thursday, April 17th, AND TREATMENT IN THE 21st 1:30 PM CENTURY‖ Thurs., May 8th, 1:30 PM Dr. Plaut will talk about the basics of Dr. Kick, who has been in practice in asthma and the medicines and devices the Pioneer Valley for eight months, will used to treat it: be talking about current trends in diag- Asthma should not slow you down nosis and treatment of localized prostate cancer. Signs of asthma trouble Dr. Kick will also highlight robotic prostatectomy Triggers of an asthma episode and use of the de Vinci surgical robot. Dr. Kick is a member of the Urology Group of Western New Exercise and asthma England which is a group of five physicians Monitoring your asthma specializing in prostate cancer and comprehensive Three types of asthma medicines urology care. Getting the most out of your medicines Dr. Phillip S. Kick, M.D. is practicing with the Urology Group of Western New England, P.S. in Florence. His Senior medicines that make asthma worse undergraduate studies were at Ohio State University He will give each attendee a copy of his 64 page where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a Presi- book, One Minute Asthma: What You Need to Know. dential Scholar. His General Surgery and Urology Resi- (2,000,000 copies in print). dencies were with Case Western Reserve University in Dr . Plaut has cared for thousands of people with Cleveland, Ohio. asthma. He is a nationally known asthma specialist and the author of several books for patients, parents and PREVENTION & TREATMENT OF STROKE professionals. To learn more about him visit Thursday, May 22, 2008, 1:30 PM www.pedipress.com. Dr. Jill Griffin of Baystate Medical Center will discuss the following topics: what a PALLIATIVE VS HOSPICE CARE stroke is, 3 different kinds of strokes, how Thursday, April 24th, 1:30 PM to help prevent a stroke, stroke symptoms, “I’ve heard Dr. Zesiger will compare and con- that I can get a drug in the ER that can stop my trast Palliative and Hospice Care and stroke—is this true?” and “How quickly should I get to a discuss options for care in Cooley hospital if I think I am having a stroke?” Dickinson Hospital and in the commu- Dr. Griffin is presently the Baystate Medical Director of nity. Hear examples of how the type of care cho- On Call Urgent Care. She was attending physician of the Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical sen can make a difference. Dr. Zesiger will dis- Center 2001-2006 and before that was Emergency Phy- cuss sites where different care options are avail- sician at Cooley Dickinson Hospital from 1999-2001 and able: home, nursing home/rehab, hospice resi- Chief Resident of Emergency Medicine at Baystate 1997 dence or hospital. -1998. Dr. Jeffrey Zesiger is Medical Director of the VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital and VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR Medical Director of Palliative Care at Cooley Dick- ENERGY HEALING SESSIONS inson Hospital from 2005 to the present. He is Seven UMASS Honors students would like to Board Certified in Internal Medicine, as well as in offer an energy healing method called Therapeutic Hospice and Palliative Care. Touch that can be helpful in reducing physical pain and discomfort, and increase relaxation and well-being. Last year, a number of Amherst Seniors received Therapeutic ―SUMMERTIME EMERGENCIES‖ — Touch and reported benefiting from, and enjoying the treat- A PRESENTATION BY UMASS ments. Therapeutic Touch is done in the energy field around the body, with the recipient fully clothed, and sitting, standing or STUDENT NURSES lying down comfortably. The method takes 15-20 minutes. The Thursday, May 1st, 2008, 1:30 PM students would like to offer their healing skills to 14 Amherst Summer’s coming—are you ready? Seniors who would like to try the method out by volunteering for Please come to a presentation by UMass-Amherst up to six sessions from February 1 to April 15, 2008. Students School of Nursing students and learn how to take and volunteers will work out the details of time and place for the care of yourself during the summer months. Top- energy healing sessions. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nancy ics to be discussed will include: heatstroke, dehy- Pagano at 259-3114. For further questions about Therapeutic dration, burns, gardening disasters and lightning Touch, please contact the students‘ Professor and Supervisor, injuries. Handouts will be available. Mary Anne Bright, at 413-219-8038. The Senior Spirit Page 11 FROM THE DESK OF MAURA PLANTE ~ 259-3213 ~ [email protected] SENIORS MUST FILE FEDERAL TAX EARNED INCOME TAX CREDITS RETURN TO RECEIVE STIMULUS The earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Mas- CHECKS Many Americans who rely primar- sachusetts Earned Income Credit (EIC) are federal ily on Social Security retirement benefits for and state credits for working people with low to moder- income will qualify for an economic stimulus ate incomes. For those who qualify, these credits can check from the federal government. If a senior’s income from their Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, cause a significant reduction in taxes that can poten- and railroad retirement benefits adds up to at least $3,000 an- tially lead to a refund. Among the qualifications for nually, they will qualify. Seniors need to file a 2007 federal tax these credits are that you must have income from em- return, either the IRS Form 1040 or the 1040A-short form, in ployment and have one or more qualifying children. If order to receive their stimulus checks. Even if the senior’s in- you do not have a qualifying child, you must be be- come has been low enough that they were not required to file in tween the ages of 25 and 65. You must file federal previous years, they must file for 2007 in order to receive the stimulus check. Filing a return by the regular April 15th deadline and/or state tax returns to claim either the EITC or the will get you your rebate check in May of this year. Those who EIC. The following table provides the income qualifica- file later than April 15, with or without a tax-filing extension, may tions and potential credits available: delay receipt of the rebate. Those who qualify for a stimulus check will receive one by the end of 2008 if they file by October Qualifying Income Income EITC EIC 15, 2008. However, no rebate checks will be issued after 2008. Children (Single) (Married (federal) (Mass.) filing PENSION ACTION CENTER jointly) The Pension Action Center at the University of Massachusetts Boston assists elderly individuals, 0 $12,590 $14,590 $428 $64.20 who were not poor during their working years, but 1 $33,241 $35,241 $2,853 $427.95 became poor in retirement because they have no pension or do not receive the pension they have earned. The 2+ $37,783 $39,783 $4,716 $707.40 world of pensions and retirement income is a complex maze of government and corporate pension policies, Social Security, OMPUTER UTORS AND ESOURCES federal regulation and financial investment. The Pension Action C T R Center secures retirement income for New Englanders by pro- The computer support specialist who comes to you. viding comprehensive assistance on private or public pension 15 years exp. teaching elders to use computers. issues at no cost; unraveling complex pension plan documents Learn what you want to learn: e-mail, send and and calculating benefit amounts; digging in to search for lost pensions (a pension becomes lost when a company moves, is receive pictures, use the internet. acquired or merges), spending the necessary time that others Senior Citizen’s discount every day. just can not give to sort it all out. If you have questions about CALL MAGGIE MAGRATH AT (413) 253-0629 your pension call the toll free number: 1-888-425-6067 or go to: FOR YOUR www.pensionaction.org for more information and assistance. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION MASSACHUSETTS “CIRCUIT BREAKER” The Massachusetts ―Circuit Breaker‖ is a tax credit for seniors 65 and older who pay more than 10% of their income on prop- erty taxes. For those who rent, if 25% of your rent exceeds 10% of your annual income, you qualify for the Circuit Breaker. If you qualify, each dollar of taxes or rent that you pay over 10% of your annual income provides you with a credit on your state income taxes. To claim this credit, you must file a state income tax return (even if you do not owe any taxes). Basic eligibility requirements are: Must be a MA resident, age 65 or older; Must own or rent residential property in MA; Annual income must be below $48,000 (single) or $72,000 (joint filers); May not be married and filing separately; Assessed property value must be lower than $772,000; Must not receive a federal or state rent subsidy directly, or live in property tax exempt facility; and Must not be dependent of another tax filer. For more information contact the state Dept. of Revenue at 800 -829-4477 or go online to www.irs.gov or www.mass.gov. The Senior Spirit Page 12

FOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFOMATION IN CASE OF EMERGENCY PROGRAM OUTREACH SURVEY It’s a problem police and firefighters face The Senior Center is presently interviewing every day: Someone is hurt in an accident, Amherst elders, ages 80—89, who live in their can’t talk, and isn’t carrying family phone own apartments or homes. Our goals are two- numbers or medical information. fold; 1. To identify unmet needs and determine if we can In developed countries some 80% or more implement programs to meet those needs; and 2. To make of people carry a cell phone, and the police or paramedics often use them to identify victims at road traffic accidents or other sure Amherst seniors are aware of the range of services incidents. The idea of the In Case of Emergency or “ICE” and programs available through the Senior Center. As this program is that everyone should put an emergency contact is a very large undertaking we are looking for people who name and number into their cell phone under the headword would be interested in being an interviewer. The time com- “ICE”. This gives the emergency services personnel and first mitment is flexible. For more information please contact responders (paramedics, firefighters, police officers) a standard Maura Plante at 259-3213 or Willie Eaton at 253-2329. place to look to identify people and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information. The popularity of this pro- gram has spread across Europe, and has started to grow into North America. How do you ICE your cell phone? 1. CHOOSE a responsible person to be your In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact. 2. INFORM your ICE contact that you have chosen them as your designated contact and provide them with information that may affect your treatment. (Remember the acronym ―MAD‖: Medicines, Allergies, Doctors). 3. ADD this contact as a new entry, with their phone number, in your cell phone address book under the heading ―ICE‖. Example: ICE-William or ICE-husband. (When entering multiple ICE contacts, put a number directly behind the word ―ICE‖ in each one to prioritize them for emergency responders. Example: ICE1-husband , ICE2-Mary). 4. APPLY an ICE sticker to the back of your cell phone. This will serve both as a visual alert for and an invitation to emergency responders that you have established a com- munication protocol. ICE stickers are available at the Amherst Senior Center Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst.

WHALEN’S “SINCE 1958”

Stationers and Office Furniture Company, Inc.

Tel: (413) 584-3208 584-3794 Fax: (413) 586-3670 59 Service Center Road 586-6279 Northampton, MA 01060 Email: whalens.com The Senior Spirit Page 13 Amherst Senior Center Activities April 2008 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 3 4 9-3 Massage 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-10:30 COA Meeting 9-12 Craft Workshop 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 Watercolor 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-3 Footcare with 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing Workshop 9-1 AARP Tax Debra 9:30 Free Bread Program 11:45 Lunch Preparation 9:45-10:45 Ballroom 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 Dancing 1-2 Folkdance 10-11 Peace of Mind 1-4 Scrabble 11:00-11:30 Gentle Fitness Senior Health Services 11:00-11:30 Gentle 2-3:30 Audio Book Club 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch Fitness 12:30 Bridge 12:30-1:30 BP Clinic/ 11:45 Lunch 2-4 New Options UMass Students 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness 2-4 Brown Bag

7 8 9 10 11 9-10 Strength Training 9-3 Massage 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Workshop 9:30-11 Quilting Group 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9-11:30 Watercolor 9-1 AARP Tax 9-3 Footcare w/ Debra 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 10-11 COA Office Hours Workshop Preparation 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Senior Health Services 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Free Bread Program 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 Dancing 11:45 Lunch 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness Senior Health Services 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 10-11:30 Peace of Mind 11:45 Lunch 1-2 Folkdance 10-12 PVTA ID Cards 11:45 Lunch 12:30-2 Understanding 1-2 Grocery Bingo 12:30-1:30 BP Clinic/ 1-4 SHINE 1-2:30 ―Heroes in the 11:00-11:30 Gentle Fitness U.S.. & World Economy Sciences‖ 11:45 Lunch UMass Students 2 Musical Showcase: 3-4 Tai Chi 1-4 Scrabble 12:30 Bridge 1-3 Senior Cinema: Moonlight/MorningStar 4-5 EnhanceFitness 2 Travel Club Meeting 2-4 New Options “Ocean’s Twelve” 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness

14 15 16 8:30 Strength Training 17 18 9-10 Strength Training 9-3 Massage 9-11:30 Watercolor Workshop 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Workshop 9-11 Learn to Draw 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:30 Free Bread Program 10-11:30 Shakespeare’s 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 9:40-2 Footcare & Ear 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30-11 Quilting Group 10-11:30 Peace of Mind ―The Winter Tale‖ Irrigation w/ Sharon 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Senior Health Services 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 11:45 Lunch Senior Health Services Dancing 1-2 Folkdance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30 Bridge 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 1-2:30 ―Heroes in the 1-4 Hearing Aid Repair 12:30-1:30 BP Clinic w/ Sciences‖ 1:30 Boxes of Food 11:45 Lunch 2 Feel For Food UMass Nurses 4-5 EnhanceFitness 3-4 Tai Chi 1-4 Scrabble 2-4 New Options 1:30 Asthma Health 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness Seminar/Dr. Plaut

21 22 23 24 25 PATRIOTS’ 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Workshop DAY 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Free Bread Program 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 9:40-2 Footcare & Ear 11:45 Lunch 9-11:30 Watercolor Workshop Senior Health Services Irrigation with Sharon 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 11:45 Lunch 9:45-10:45 Ballroom 1-2 Folkdance 10-11:30 Peace of Mind 12:30-1:30 BP Clinic w/ Dancing 1-2:30 ―Heroes in the 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness UMass Nurses 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness Sciences‖ 11:45 Lunch 1:30 Palliative Care vs. 11:45 Lunch 1-4 Scrabble 12:30 Bridge Hospice Care Seminar 12:30-2 Understanding 2-4 New Options U.S. & World Economy 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness

28 29 30 9-10 Strength Training 8 Departure Museum in 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-11 Learn to Draw Bloom-Boston 9-11:30 Watercolor Workshop 9:30-11 Quilting Group 9-3 Massage 9:30 Free Bread Program 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga Senior Health Services 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 10-11 Peace of Mind 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 11:45 Lunch 1-2 Folkdance 12:30 Bridge 3-4 Tai Chi 2-4 New Options 1-4 Scrabble 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness

The Senior Spirit Page 14 Amherst Senior Center Activities May 2008 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 2 9-10:30 COA Meeting 9-12 Craft Workshop 9-3 Foot care w/ Debra 9-12 Painting Workshop 10-11:30 Shakespeare’s 9:45 Ballroom Dancing ―The Winters Tale‖ 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch Printer’s space 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 12:30-2 Understanding U.S. Senior Health Services & World Economy 11:45 Lunch 2 Musical Showcase: GCC 1:30 Summertime Mixed Company Dance Emergencies Seminar Troupe 2-4 Brown Bag 4-5 EnhanceFitness

5 6 7 8 9 9-10 Strength Training 9-3 Massage 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Workshop 9-11 Learn to Draw 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 9-11:30 Watercolor 10-11:30 Shakespeare’s 9-3 Foot care w/ Deb 9:30-11 Quilting Group 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Free Bread Program ―The Winters Tale‖ 9:45 Ballroom Dancing 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 11:45 Lunch 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness Senior Health Services 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 10-11:30 Peace of Mind Senior Health Services 11:45 Lunch 11 Gentle Fitness 1-2 Folkdance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 12:30-2 Understanding 11:45 Lunch 1-4 Scrabble Games 11:45 Lunch 1:30 Prostate Health U.S. & World Economy 1-2 Grocery Bingo 2 Audio Book Club 12:30 Bridge Seminar 2 Musical Showcase: 1-4 SHINE 2-4 New Options Ray & Rosemary Lavoie 3-4 Tai Chi 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness

12 13 14 15 16 9-10 Strength Training 9-3 Massage 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Workshop 9-11 Learn to Draw 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 9-11:30 Watercolor 9:30 Departure for 9:40-2 Foot care & Ear 9:30-11 Quilting Group 9:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Free Bread Pickity Place Herb Irrigation w/ Sharon 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 10 Singer/SALT Council 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga Farm Luncheon 9:45 Ballroom Dancing 11:45 Lunch 10-11:30 Peace of Mind Senior Health Services 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 10-12 PVTA ID Cards 11:45 Lunch 11 Gentle Fitness 1-2 Folkdance Senior Health Services 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-2 Understanding 11:45 Lunch 1-2:30 Cosmological 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch U.S. & World Economy 3-4 Tai Chi Evolution 12:30 Bridge 4-5 EnhanceFitness 4-5 EnhanceFitness 1-4 Scrabble Games 2-4 New Options 2 Travel Club Meeting 4-5 EnhanceFitness

19 20 21 22 23 9-12 Craft Workshop 9-10 Strength Training 9-3 Massage 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-12 Painting Workshop 9:40-2 Foot care & Ear 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 10-11:15 Intro. To The Irrigation w/ Sharon 9-11 Learn to Draw 9-11:30 Watercolor 9:45 Ballroom Dancing 9:30-11 Quilting Group 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Free Bread Program Personal Computer 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 11:45 Lunch 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 10-11:30 Peace of Mind Senior Health Services 12:30-2 Understanding U.S. & Senior Health Services 1-2 Folkdance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch World Economy 11 Gentle Fitness 2 Spring Social 1-2:30 Cosmological 11:45 Lunch 1:30 Prevention & Treat- 4 EnhanceFitness Orientation 11:45 Lunch Evolution 12:30 Bridge ment of Stroke Seminar 1-4 SHINE 1-4 Scrabble 1-4 Hearing Aid Repair 24 APM Visions Senior Ctr.

3-4 Tai Chi 1:30-2:30 Boxes of Food Benefit Dance Concert

26 MEMORIAL 27 9-3 Massage 28 29 30 DAY 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 8:30-9:30 Strength Training 9-11:30 Shakespeare’s 9-12 Craft Workshop 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9-11:30 Watercolor ―The WinterTale‖ (Movie) 9:40-2 Foot care & Ear 11:45 Lunch 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Painting Workshop Irrigation w/ Sharon 12:30 Chinese Mah-Jongg 9:30-10:45 Senior Yoga 10-11:15 Intro. To The 9:45 Ballroom Dancing 1-2 Folkdance 10-11:30 Peace of Mind Personal Computer 11-11:30 Gentle 1-2:30 Cosmological 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10-12 & 12:30-2:30 Evolution 11:45 Lunch Senior Health Services Fitness 2-4 Senior Cinema: 12:30 Bridge 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch “The Green Mile” 2-4 New Options 4-5 EnhanceFitness 1-4 Scrabble 4-5 EnhanceFitness The Senior Spirit Page 15

FOR YOUR INFORMATION TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM VAN ACCESSIBLE PARKING With the start of the new year, eligible Amherst elders can SPACES NEAR BANGS CENTER once again work in a Town department to work off up to $750 of Members of the Disability Access Advi- their property taxes. The Tax Work-Off Program enables single residents age 60 and above, who have an annual adjusted sory Committee (DAAC) have found it gross income of $36,531 or less ($54,797 or less for a couple), very difficult to find ―van accessible‖ park- to work off up to $750 in property taxes a year at a rate of $7.50 ing spaces near the Bangs Community an hour. There are presently slots available to work in various Center. Folks driving regular cars with Town departments. You can check out the variety of positions handicapped placards often park in the on the Town website at www.amherstma.gov/departments/ van spaces to attend Senior Center or Senior_Center/tax_workoff or you can call Maura Plante at 259- other functions, and may park there sev- 3213 for more information. eral hours at a stretch. Regular cars with handicapped placards can park in any of AGING & MUSCLE FUNCTION STUDY the other parking spots in the Boltwood garage area at Researchers in the Exercise Neuroscience Laboratory no charge, but vans cannot. There may be a need for in the Kinesiology Department, at the University of Mas- more designated accessible parking spaces for the Bolt- sachusetts, Amherst, are seeking individuals between the wood garage area, which the DAAC has brought to the ages of 65-80 to participate in a study on the effects of attention of the Department of Public Works. In the aging on the communication between the nervous sys- meantime however, the DAAC respectfully asks seniors tem and the muscles. The study is designed to examine that, unless they drive a handicapped van, they not use how the nervous system contributes to age-related de- the ―van accessible‖ spaces near the Bangs Center. clines in muscle strength, and the changes in the nervous Thank you on behalf of your fellow citizens who are in system that occur with strength training. If you are inter- wheelchairs! ested and would like more information, please contact Anita Christie by phone at 413-577-0392 or by email at [email protected].

AGING RESEARCH STUDY Participants 60 and older are needed for an aging re- search study in the Psychology Department at the Univer- sity of Massachusetts, Amherst. The study will be looking at personality factors that contribute to successful aging in older adults. There will be a variety of tests investigating personality, health issues and thinking. Compensation is provided. Please leave a message at 413-687-4708 or email [email protected] for more information.

Center for Extended Care at Amherst 150 University Dr. Amherst MA 01002 (413) 256-8185 / WWW.CECAA.COM

“A family tradition for life’s transitions”. We strive to enhance the dignity of each resident, enabling independence in a structured program of nursing care, activities, and social needs. Throughout the past 30+ years as a family owned-and-operated, skilled nursing facility, we provide a comfortable continuum of care… Respite care...hospice care...long-term care… Restorative care...rehabilitative care… From our family to yours. The Senior Spirit Page 16

SENIOR TRUST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AMHERST SENIOR CENTER U.S. POSTAGE PAID 70 BOLTWOOD WALK AMHERST, MA AMHERST, MA 01002 PERMIT NO. 64

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FROM THE EDITORS Since 1991,The Senior Spirit has been completely funded by donations and advertisers. A special thanks to the Senior Travel Club for funding the travel page of The Senior Spirit. We consider the following people to be Friends of the Spirit: Ann Kieser, Vlasta K. Greenbie, Susie & Arnold Friedmann, Joel & Pamela Gordon, John & Faith Conlon, Herb & Betty Holden, Harriet B. Naughton, Margaret B. Anderson, Evelyn G. Newton, Angel G. & Carmen E. Ramirez, Kay F. Butler, Betty & Win Bernhard, Martha J. Waldron, Paul & Jean Ross, Casey & Dick Clark, Andy French, Pamela Hafner, Alfreida & Robert Thrasher, Allan & Barbara Carpenter, Victor W. Patnaude, Jane Blankenship, Barbara Puffer & Philippe Garnier, Isabelle “Billie” Callahan, Alice & Seymour Epstein, Kent & Scottie Faerber, Peter & Joann Griswold, Helen Armentano, Hannelore Brunner, Joanne Scott, Nettie Tamler, Ruth Krafft, Melanie & Gordon Fletcher-Howell

DONATE SUBSCRIBE to The Senior Spirit as a ―Friend of the Spirit‖ Under 60 OR live outside Amherst? Enclosed is $ ______To receive The Senior Spirit by mail for 1 year Please make check payable to (6 issues), please make check for $10 payable to “Senior Center Program Account” “Senior Center Program Account” and mail to: and mail to: Amherst Senior Center Amherst Senior Center 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002 Name ______Name ______Address______Address ______Town ______Town ______State ______ZIP ______