BEST January 2018 Newsletter

YEARS Center 780 South 4th Street — (409) 838-1902

Manager’s Notes …

Lots of new and exciting adventures will be available at the center during 2018! For those in retirement years, our programs are designed for positive aging and will assist you in maintaining a happy lifestyle!

Senior Mardi Gras will be held February 8, 2018 at the ! We are proud to announce this year’s King and Queen Neil and Mary Early! The Early’s have shared numerous ways to have lots of fun through learning Music and Theatre Art at the center. For every Baby Boomer who knows what comes next after, “Here we come, walkin’ down the street…” The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. Whether it’s Beethoven’s contents “Moonlight Sonata,” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” or Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” music Notes pg.1 strikes a chord within just about all of us. Studies show that people in every age group benefit from music therapy, which relaxes the body, reduces muscle tension, boosts productivity; decreases stress New Year pg.2 levels, and strengthens memory and learning. Neil and Mary have brought years of happiness to our community. You may find them every Tuesday at the center from 10 am – 1 pm as they teach music Krewe pg.3 theory and practice songs of the decades with the Volunteers Voices of Beaumont. A program to use News pg.4-5 your talented voice! In this newsletter we are excited to announce all of the 2018 Senior Mardi Gras Royalty Krewe! Dates pg.6

Party pg. 7 7 Tips to Help All Stay Positive: French pg.8 1. Decide to have a positive attitude. We are responsible for our own happiness. Tech pg.9 2. Surround yourself with positive people. Their attitude is contagious. Recipes pg.10 NOLA pg.11 3. Use positive affirmations. Instead of “I hate getting up.” say, “I am grateful for a new day.”

Billards pg.12 4. Be very selective of the music and news you listen to. GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT! Contest pg.13-14 5. Help other people. Service gets us out of our own misery & positively impacts our world. Day Trip pg.15 6. Get in touch with your spiritual source. Faith fuels hope, hope fuels a positive attitude. Mardi Gras pg.16 Comm. pg.17 7. Don’t stop; never give up. Do not give in to the negativity around us.

Paris pg.18-19 Stay Engaged! Stay Positive! Have a Happy New Year! Extended pg.20 Trivia pg.21-22 Lynn Huckaby, Manager Menu pg.23 BEST YEARS CENTER Schedule pg. 23 1 Designed by Breanna Pollard NEW YEAR AFFIRMATIONS

It takes time to form a new habit, and repetition is the key to doing so. It will feel clumsy at first, but if you use these positive affirmations to counteract any nay-saying your inner critic comes up with, your inner dialogue will change for the better. You will have developed the habit of positive self-talk. Write down new affirmations as they occur to you, and keep adding to the list.

1. I can try new and exciting things. It doesn’t matter what age you are – new, exciting opportunities await all who are brave enough to try them. Let your adventurous side out.

2. I can learn new things to broaden and strengthen my mind and abilities. Maybe you’ve been wanting to try a new activity or visit a new place. What’s holding you back? Go for a challenge and see what happens!

3. I will be refined by age instead of declined by age. To be truly refined by age, one must be intentional about working on the seven dimensions of wellness in their lives: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social/cultural.

4. I expect to feel good physically. Pain is a clue that something is wrong, not a sign that you’re aging. If you feel pain, see your doctor to get a diagnosis and proper treatment.

5. I am a relatively happy person unless there is good reason not to be. Emotional health is important to be refined by age. If you are down for several weeks for no apparent reason, it’s time to see a doctor.

6. I am strong and capable. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet will keep you strong and healthy. When you are strong and healthy, you can continue to enjoy your independent lifestyle.

7. I am confident and deserve respect. We all deserve to be respected, even if we don’t always agree with others or are different from them. Show your confidence and don’t let anyone treat you otherwise, regardless of your age or abilities.

2 2018 MARDI GRAS ROYALTY KREWE

Royalty | King & Queen Neil and Mary Early

Royal Krewe Diana Sanchez, Urie Lee, Maggie Labove, Mary Kaltenbach, Carrie Rideau, Benny Caesar, Kenneth Maxson, Bettie Nixon

Vendors: Registration forms can be found at http://beaumonttexas.gov/departments/parks-recreation/best-years-center/ under the Annual Senior Mardi Gras tab. Late fees have been waived due to Hurricane Harvey!

3 BYC NEWS

55+ Luncheon Monday, January 8th, 2018 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Olga Wiess Auditorium 3555 Stagg Drive Beaumont, 77701 MENU: chicken & sausage jambalaya, green beans, corn bread, coconut cream pie, coffee, water, tea $4.00 per person PLEASE RSVP TO (409) 212–6145 ***LIMITED TO THE FIRST 100 CALLERS***

Book Club: The Alice Network Kate Quinn January 12, 2018 10:00 a.m.— 11:00 a.m. BYC Library

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

STAP Session January 17, 2018 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.— BYC Library The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program helps people who have a disability that interferes with their access to telephone networks purchase basic specialized assistive equipment or services.

4 BYC NEWS

NOLA PICTURE VIEWING PARTY!!! Monday, January 22, 2018 12:00 p.m.—1:30 p.m. Computer Room

Feel free to bring food and drinks!

New Year, New You!

Makeovers with Tammy Mouton Tuesday, January 30, 2018 10:00 a.m. Computer Room

5 IMPORTANT JANUARY DATES

BYC CENTER CLOSURES January 4, 2018| National Trivia Day

 Monday, January 1, 2018 Trivia Day is a fun day. It is an New Years Day opportunity for us to share those many little trinkets of knowledge. It doesn't matter how big or how trivial. Dazzle your friends and family with  Monday, January 15, 2018… generous portions of trivia! Martin Luther King Day

January 15, 2018 | Hat Day January 19, 2018 | Popcorn Day

National Hat Day is set aside to wear and While no one knows the true origins of this day, it enjoy a hat of your choice and style. Isn't it has not stopped us from celebrating it! Do you great that hats come in all shapes, sizes, remember the amazing smells as you stepped colors, and styles? There's one to fit every into a movie theater? Maybe you are thinking size head and personality. It’s not about being in the comfort of your own home and intended to just keep your noggin warm. having a movie night with your family. Its a chance to make a statement and to display you favorite headgear.

6 HOLIDAY PARTY RECAP

7 BEGINNER’S FRENCH

Interested in the gift of knowledge?! Join an exciting new 6–week French class starting in the new year!

Instructor: James Tyler January 4, 2018 9:00—10:00 a.m. Please sign up in the front office or call

8 WINTER TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint Instructor: Bettie Nixon and Myra Emerson Wednesdays, January 10 — March 7 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Android Phone, Tablets, IPhone Androids and I-phones are welcome! Instructor: Fred Young Mondays, January 22 —February 19 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Technology Classes are $5.00 one time fee and some classes require a book ($5.00). Sign up 838-1902 – Max 12 per class!

9 WINTERTIME RECIPES

Apple Squares Broccoli-Cheddar Soup Dip in a Bread Bowl  1 cup sifted all-purpose flour   1 teaspoon baking powder 1 head broccoli, florets removed  2 tbsp. butter  1/4 teaspoon salt  2 cloves garlic  1/4 teaspoon ground  1/4 c. all-purpose flour  cinnamon  1/4 c. heavy cream  1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted  2 c. shredded Cheddar  1/2 cup packed brown sugar  1 boule, top round cut out  Tortilla chips, for serving  1/2 cup white sugar  1 egg Directions:  1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bring a large pot  1/2 cup chopped apple of water to a boil and blanch broccoli  1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts until bright green, 2 minutes. Drain  2 tablespoons white sugar and let cool, then chop.  2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour, stirring constantly until golden, 1 minute. Add cream and simmer un- til thickened, then remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted. 3. Add broccoli and stir until combined. Transfer mixture to bread bowl and place on a baking sheet. Directions: 4. Bake until mixture is warmed through and bubbling, 15 minutes. Serve hot  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 with chips. inch pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon; set aside.

 In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of white sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Blend in the flour mix- ture until just combined, then stir in the apples and walnuts. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and sug- ar; sprinkle over the top of the bars.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven; finished bars should spring back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan, and cut into squares.

10 NEW ORLEANS TRIP

11 2017 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BILLARDS TOURNAMENT

Our Christmas Billiards Tournament was held on December 20—22, 2017. We had eighteen participants. The guys had an awesome time. Good competition, exercise, food and fellowship was had by all. Tournament winners: Billiards 8 Ball Singles—1st Place, Jim Breda; 2nd Place, Joseph Wingate; 3rd Place, Thomas Comte. Billiards 1 and 15 Singles—1st Place, Thomas Comte; 2nd Place, Melvin Jackson; 3rd Place, Richard Johnson. We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for the tournament; Nancy Seegers at Genesis Healthcare, Ferrah Young at Total Home Health, Paula Baxter at Compassion Hospice, Angel Roberts at Beaumont Health Care and Callie Dover at Texas Total Healthcare. A SUPER YAY AND HOORAY to these wonderful ladies for their food, desserts and service for the luncheon on Friday: Phylicia Chaison, Ruby Garlington, and James Etta Mouton. A thank you also to Hattie, Amber, Breanna, Evelina and James from the Best Years Center for their help. I enjoy coordinating the Billiards Tournament. These are a wonderful group of men who I love being around. I appreciate them! Myrtle Maxson Tournament Coordinator

12 BYC CHRISTMAS CRAFT CONTEST

Underglaze—1st Place Underglaze—2nd Place Underglaze—3rd Place Cynthia Harland Eleanore Mitchell Wanda Shariff

Glazed—1st Place Karen Eddy Glazed – 2nd Place Glazed—3rd Place Diana Sanchez Maudry Bridgers

Stain—1st Place

Rita Gobert Stain—2nd Place Stain—3rd Place Christine Millard Donna Burge

13 BYC CHRISTMAS CRAFT CONTEST

Decal—1st Place Decal—2nd Place Decal—3rd Place Vi Griffin Ruth Nevils Vi Griffin

Crochet—1st Place Amanda Gums

Crochet—2nd Place Crochet—3rd Place Mary Ellison Deloris Poullard

14 JANUARY DAY TRIP

Trip Planning Meeting Are you interested in helping to plan the day trips for 2018? Come join us for an important topic!

Thursday, January 18, 2018 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Ben Rogers Visitors Center Transportation will be provided Lunch is optional at Cracker Barrel

Call 409-838-1902 or sign-up in the front office

15 SMG 2018

Meet the Royal Court! Enjoy an array of vendors, food samplings, entertainment, and learning new things while having lots of fun!

16 COMMUNITY EVENTS

Downtown Beaumont Junk Days ’s 117th Anniversary January 6, 2018 January 13, 2018

BAW Resale & Spindletop Gladys Interiors City/Boomtown Museum 280 Orange Street 5550 Jimmy Simmons Beaumont, TX , 77701 Blvd Beaumont, TX 77705 (786) 209-9712

7:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. (409) 880-1750

Held on the first Saturday of every month (rain or shine), Junk Celebrate the anniversary of the Lucas Days brings together antiques, collectibles, Gusher with live reenactments, architectural salvage, old doors and win- blacksmithing and printing dows for a treasure trove of shopping demonstrations, crafts, games, music, options. Patrons will enjoy easy access to food and more. And, of course, an shopping, free admission and free parking anniversary celebration would not be on the street and in nearby lots. complete without blowing the gusher!

A Night With Janis Joplin Harlem Globetrotters January 25, 2018 January 28, 2018

Lutcher Theater for the Arena Performing Arts 5115 Interstate 10 South 707 W. Main Beaumont, TX 77705 Orange, TX 77630 4:00 p.m. (409) 886-5535 $18-$90 7:30 PM $35-$65 The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is Fueled by such unforgettable songs, a unrivaled in the world of family remarkable cast, and breakout entertainment. Every game will showcase performances, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, incredible ball handling wizardry, rim- written and directed by Randy Johnson, is a rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy musical journey celebrating Janis and her and unequaled fan interaction. After the greatest musical influences! game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

17 PARIS & LONDON 2019!!

ATTENTION! We are developing a interest list to see how many participants we have that are interested in this trip before we launch . If interested, place your name in the front office, with Jessica Prescott, or call 838-1902. More info on page 15. The deadline to place name on the interest list is January 31, 2018. Please place name if there is a serious interest. We are trying to create the most accurate census as possible.

Serious Inquires only!

18 PARIS & LONDON 2019!!

Highlights.... Best Years Senior Center Arc de Triomphe ● presents.. 10757 Eiffel Tower Dinner● Seine River Cruise ● Eurostar Train ● Big London & Paris Ben ● Pub Dinner Departing March 13, 2019 — March 20, 2019 8 Days ● 9 Meals: 6 Breakfasts ● 3 Dinners – IAH air and tax Hometown Roundtrip Transfers included Versailles, Louvre, and Windsor all included as well Per Person Rates: Double $3,529; Single $4,129; Triple $3,729

Included in Price: Roundtrip Airfare, Attractions, Presold Option, Air Taxes, Hotel Transfers Not included in price: Insurance ($290.00), Presold Option

Day 1: Overnight Flight Take two! Experience two of the world's most captivating cities: Paris and London! To help you make the most of your getaway, you’ll unpack just once in each city.

Day 2: Paris, France - Tour Begins Your tour opens in Paris, the “City of Light,” a sophisticated metropolis featuring style, culture and history. Its bustling city streets are filled with color- ful history, regal pageantry, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, celebrated monuments and grand theatres. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Paris Enjoy a truly Parisian experience, take in some of the most iconic sights by Metro. Either way you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notr e Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome with a local guide.

Day 4: Paris

Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and witness breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. End the perfect day with a romantic Seine River cruise set against Paris’ glittering skyline. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Paris - Eurostar Train - London, England Hop the sleek, futuristic Eurostar High Speed Train to London. Arrive in London, the United Kingdom's cosmopolitan capital. Settle into your hotel for a 3-night stay. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take a walk to Tower Bridge, stroll along the Thames River, or visit the London Eye. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: London This afternoon, it’s your choice! Return to wartime Britain while exploring the Churchill War Rooms, the secret underground center of Britain’s govern- ment during WWII. Or tour Westminster Abbey,* the coronation church of Britain’s monarchs from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: London After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a day to explore at your leisure. You may take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle: originally built to guard the city of London, Windsor Castle has been the home of kings and queens for nine centuries and is the oldest royal residence still in use today. This even- ing, experience a classic British tradition during a special farewell dinner at a traditional pub, complete with an ale tasting. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: London - Tour Ends You depart today, but Paris and London will remain in your heart forever. Today breakfast will be included.

19 EXTENDED TRIPS

20 JANUARY TRIVIA

21 MENU

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780 S. 4th Street — (409) 838-1902 BEST

YEARS Center WEEKLY SCHEDULE MONDAY TUESDAY 8:00 am Low Impact Aerobics 9:00 am Jazz And Tap 10:00 am Water Aerobics, Spanish 8:45 am Walking Club Holiday Inn Walden Road

9:00 am Ceramics, Crochet, Zumba 10:30 am Music Theory Golden Inspirations 11:00 am Tai Chi 10:00 am Android Phones, Tablets, 12:00 pm Volunteer Voices Choir iPhones 12:30 pm Line Dancing– Beginners 12:00 pm Bridge 2:00 pm Line Dancing-Advanced WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

8:00 am Low Impact Aerobics 10:00 am Water Aerobics, Spanish Microsoft Office 365 8:45 am Walking Club 10:00 am Stepping Stones 9:00 am Ceramics, Crochet, Zumba, 11:00 am Tai Chi Golden Inspirations 12:30 pm Line Dancing– Beginners

1:00 pm 42 Dominoes 2:00 pm Microsoft Excel, Word and 2:00 pm Line Dancing-Advanced PowerPoint FRIDAY MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

2nd Book Club 8:00 am Low Impact Aerobics Friday 10:00 am 10:00 am Water Aerobics 3rd Low Vision Support Holiday Inn Walden Road Thursday 1:00 pm

12:00 pm Bridge 1:00 pm Duplicate Bridge Monday – Daily Dominoes, Friday Pool Hall, Gym

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