The Center's May & June 2019 Newsletter- UPDATED

Please note that this version has updates and corrections. Please refer to this copy and not the previous version that was sent out! Thank you!

May & June

2019 Newsletter

Greetings!

As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2020, I've been reflecting about the Center and celebrating its three decades of service to the greater community. In the records and photos, I see not only thousands of smiling faces but notes of the programs that have been provided for the engagement of our vibrant members. I've found lists of volunteers going back as far as the 1990's and the thousands of volunteer hours documented of giving service to isolated seniors. If you'd like to continue the tradition of volunteerism at the Center, we are always looking for more FISH drivers and fundraising volunteers with opportunities to work at the race, auction and kitchen tour.

Over the decades some of our programming remains the same, however most has evolved to serve our current membership's interests. This spring we are launching a regular walking club and, beginning in June, look out for our talented Center artists' work to be featured in the Village Art Walk on the second Friday evening of every month. I meet regularly with the membership advisory and individual members to learn what programming they would like to see at the Center. Some of our best ideas come from you! Feel free to offer suggestions to myself, Carol, or Natalie.

The traditional gift for a 30th anniversary is pearls. Although considered old fashioned today by the younger generation, I've always wanted a genuine pearl necklace, but settled for my costume jewelry. I think about the care required to keep a real pearl necklace intact - it’s not easy. If worn often, the necklace must be restrung every few years. Care must be taken to reduce contact with perfume and natural oils. Pearls must be stored and cleaned properly to protect their luster. The luster is the reflective quality or brilliance of the pearl and no two pearls are alike. I think of our Center as a pearl necklace with each pearl being a member and having its own radiance and beauty. Every pearl contributes to the piece with its unique history of where it has been, and it reflects its own beauty into our organization. Thank you to all our members who continue to bring their brilliance and reflect what the Center truly is into our greater community. Although I still don't have a real pearl necklace, I've been honored to be a part of this one.

Best,

Pat Schwebler

Executive Director

Staff

Pat Schwebler

Executive Director

Carol Bousquet

Marketing & Communications Manager

Natalie Kfoury

Membership & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Center Hours

Monday-Thursday:

9:00-4:00

Friday :

9:00-1:00

Volunteer With Us!

The Center is always in need of dedicated volunteers. If interested, please click here to contact Natalie Kfoury.

FISH Ride Program

Our FISH Transportation Program volunteer drivers provide rides to area residents who need to get to medical appointments. To register for the program or sign-up as a driver, please call us at 207-967-8514.

Monthly Calendars

To find monthly calendars, go to seniorcenterkennebunk.org and click on "Newsletter/ Calendar" at the top.

May Events

Please remember to sign-up for any of the following programs that you are interested in attending. This will help us accurately plan for every program.

Please note that the Center will be closed on Friday, May 3 for a special volunteer event, on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day, and on Friday, May 31 to prepare for the Kennebunk Beach Classic 5K on Sunday, June 2.

Keep it Legal - Monday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.

Meet privately with Milda Castner of Bergen Parkinson Attorneys to discuss your legal questions. Free. Sign-up required.

Mornings in Paris Spring Coffee Social - Tuesday, May 7, 11:00 a.m .

Join us at Mornings in Paris for a special spring coffee, complete with delicious fresh roasted coffee and treats from their bakery. The last one was a hit. Don't miss it. $7 per person. Sign-up required.

Coffee Talk: Watercolorist Diane Lent - Wednesday, May 8, 10:00 a.m.

Diane started watercolor painting at 15-years-old and 40 years later she has made her passion a career! Join us for an inspirational coffee talk with this local artist and hear Diane's story while you look at some of her lovely works. Sign-up required.

Nvest’s Famous Shredfest – Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Nvest Financial Group (69 York Street, Kennebunk)

Come shred your documents for free at this public event! All shredding will be performed on the premises while you wait by Without a Trace Mobile Shredding. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by Hot Diggity Dog. For more information, please call 1-888-683-7834.

Medicare 2019 Aetna Advantage Plans Seminar - Tuesday, May 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn how to get more Benefits with Aetna’s Medicare Advantage! If you are turning 65, planning to retire or have recently relocated to the area you will want to attend. Please join us for an informative meeting with Kathy Kotakis, our local licensed insurance agent, to learn about Part C Medicare Plan Options and “Why Aetna” for 2019! There are lots of exciting benefits that you won’t want to miss! Now more then ever you need to hear the news for 2019 and your options when you are new to Medicare. Sign-up required.

SMAA - Wednesday, May 15, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Meet privately with a representative from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Call 800-427-7411 to make an afternoon appointment.

May Luncheon: Duffy's - Tuesday, May 21, 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious meal provided by Duffy's and served at the Center! Garden salad, chicken marsala, and rolls are on the menu. $8 per member, $10 for non-member guests. Si gn-up required.

Saco Bay PT Class on Hips & Knees - Wednesday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.

Tim Lira, PT, DPT discusses h ip and knee function and promotion of longevity. Free. Sign-up required.

Book Club: "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones

Wednesday, May 22, 12:00 p.m.

All members welcome to discuss "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones. "Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. As Roy’s time in prison passes, Celestial is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together. "

May Movie: "A Star is Born" - Friday, May 24, 1:00 p.m.

Join us for a showing of the hit, Oscar nominated and winning film "A Star is Born" starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Seating is limited, sign-up required.

Grandparents Group - Tuesday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.

Whether you're a grandparent or a great-grandparent, all are welcome to enjoy coffee, conversation, and connections by the Center's fire as you discuss the challenges and joys that come with being a grandparent in 2019. Please sign-up in advance.

Nvest Financial Group Discusses Elder Scams - Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m. Nichole Raftopoulos, Nvest President & CEO, will discuss the latest Elder Scams operating and what you can do to protect yourself. Free. Si gn-up required.

Conversational French Group - Wednesday, May 29, 3:00 p.m.

New to the Center! Join Center members Michèle and Bevan Davies for conversations in French! Michèle is a native French-speaker, born in Normandy. She has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. Her husband speaks French as well. Come make conversation, dust off your French speaking skills, and enjoy free coffee and treats! Si gn-up required.

Walking Groups- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.

New to the Center! The weather is getting warmer and physical activity is so important to our health! If you are looking for a walking buddy or group, look no further than the Center. Members are welcome and encouraged to meet at the Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 12:30 to go on walks together. Meet new friends and stay active! Walking group members will receive a free pedometer, water bottle, and exercise backpack courtesy of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. See Natalie to pick yours up! If interested in joining one or all of the walking groups, please sign-up so we can anticipate number of participants.

Grief Support - Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.

The Grief Support Space is sponsored by the Bibber Family and Bibber Memorial Chapel. The Center is grateful for their support and Carol's leadership of this program that helps so many in need.

June Events

Please remember to sign-up for any of the following programs that you are interested in attending. This will help us accurately plan for every program.

28th Kennebunk Beach Classic 5K - Sunday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m.

$15 for Center members. Sign up at The Center. How about a Center Team? We'd love to have one. Or, if you'd like to volunteer at this fun community event, see Natalie.

Alexa Class - Friday, June 14, 1:00 p.m.

Did you know that Alexa can be an amazingly helpful tool for seniors? Hosted by Gerhard Schwebler, technology wiz, join us for an informative class and presentation on how to use Amazon's Alexa device in everyday life. Sign-up required.

Art Walk - Friday, June 14, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Enjoy a summer evening stroll while popping in and out of the galleries of Lower Village. The Center will be a featured gallery this season and we will be showcasing a collection of paintings and other work by accomplished Center artists. Stop by, have some refreshments, and see what your fellow members are creating!

June Luncheon - Tuesday, June 18, 12:00 p.m.

Menu to be announced! Join us for our monthly luncheon and enjoy conversation, connections, and a delicious meal. $8 for members, $10 for nonmember guests. Sign-up required.

SMAA - Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Meet privately with a representative from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Call 800-427-7411 to make an afternoon appointment.

After Hours Author Talk Ken Janson - Wednesday, June 19, 5:30 p.m.

Come to the Center after hours to enjoy an inspirational author talk with Ken Janson of Saco, president of Nimlok Maine, fundraising volunteer for Mary's Walk and the Maine Cancer Foundation, and author of "Charting a Course Against Cancer." The book details his journey of being diagnosed with esophageal cancer after years of supporting those battling the disease. Refreshments will be served. Sign-up required.

June Movie: "Green Book" - Friday, June 21, 1:00 p.m.

Join us for a showing of the hit, Oscar nominated and winning film "Green Book" starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Seating is limited, sign-up required.

Grandparents Group - Tuesday, June 25, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Facebook Class - Tuesday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.

Join Natalie for an informative presentation and workshop on Facebook and the world of social media. Learn tips on how to stay safe and connect with others. Come with your questions, there will be plenty of time to get answers and have one-on-one help if needed. Sign-up required.

Book Club: "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens

Wednesday, June 26, 12:00 p.m.

All members welcome to discuss "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. "In late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens."

Conversational French Group - Wednesday, June 26, 3:00 p.m.

Walking Groups- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.

Grief Support - Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.

We all have or will lose someone we love. As we age, loss becomes a more common experience and the grief that comes with it becomes a part of us. Self-care at this time includes having the support of others experiencing grief. Carol MacLeod, a retired advanced practiced nurse in psychiatry, has background in this area and leads the group. The Grief Support Space is sponsored by the Bibber Family and Bibber Memorial Chapel. The Center is grateful for their support and Carol's leadership of this program that helps many.

Upcoming Events

American Mah Jongg Lessons - We will hold another 3-week session of two classes per week July 9, 11, 16, 19, 23, and 25 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Pricing to come. We will need 8 players to run the class. Sign up with Carol by June 14.

Beach Bocce Summer League - We have three Wednesdays to play: July 31, August 14, and August 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Gooch's Beach with a tournament in Sept. We will need at least 4 players to run a league. More details to come. Sign up with Carol by July 22.

Summer Art & Craft Show - Are any creative members interested in renting a table at the Center for a summer arts and crafts sale? Open to the public, the show would be a great way to showcase talent and sell works. If interested in participating, contact Natalie at info@seniorcenterkennebunk.org. We will be in touch with details based on interest!

Featured Sponsors of the Month

Volunteer Spotlight

Pen Pal Program

Some of the Center’s members have been busy volunteering their time as cursive writing pen pals! In a program started by member and volunteer Maureen McKenzie, 10 volunteers are writing to a third-grade inclusion (half the students are special education and half are general education) class at Linden S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Academy in Malden, Massachusetts.

The teacher of the class, Ms. Katie Spakowski, wanted to set up this pen pal program in order to emphasize the importance of and teach cursive writing. She writes that “I can’t even begin to tell you how excited the kids are to have pen pals!” In addition to their letters, the students included drawings of themselves in their introductory letters. The plan is to continue the pen pal program until the end of the school year in June.

Our pen pal volunteers have received the first round of letters from the students. In their letters, the students asked our members questions like, "What did you do for fun when you were my age without the internet?", What do you like to eat for lunch?", and "Do you have grandchildren?" These questions were a lot of fun to answer!

“I think it’s so important for the Center to expand its inter-generational activities as much as possible because it is a huge benefit to both sides of the spectrum. So, this has been a great project for us to take part in,” said Maureen. “The connection is so worth it, we can learn from these kids’ lives and they can learn from ours’.”