Bolton Senior Center
Primetime Online
May & June 2022
Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
860-647-9196 


Director: Carrie Concatelli, MSW


Administrative Assistants: Karen Frost & Pam Wentworth
Directors Note

Dear Senior Center Friends,

May is Older Americans Month. This year the National Council on Aging selected the theme: Age My Way! We are all aging every day – but how that looks or feels may be different depending on how life turned out. We may have an idea of what we wanted by this time in our life. Did it come true? Did you change your mind along the way? There is still time to take on a new accomplishment or pursue a dream you had– what will be yours?

Think about what your relatives looked like when they were your age. Aging seems to look very different these days. People are living longer, working longer, are more active, and want to explore different interests and hobbies. At this point in life you know what you like, know who you are and what you value and believe. While this can lead to some stubbornness or feeling set in your ways, it can also lead to a freedom to explore new interests without regard for what other people think! Around here, we try to offer as many different types of activities as possible with the hope that something will strike your interest and make its way into your busy schedule. Keep the suggestions coming and we will continue to broaden our horizons – and yours!

Carrie
WELCOME
There is no membership to participate.

Transportation - Call to schedule in advance; subject to availability.
We travel to Hartford County, Tolland County and Willimantic for all errands.
 
 Food Pantry - Mon/Wed/Thurs. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Open for all ages. Non-perishable food, toiletries, kitchen supplies and paper goods available. Ask about other local food resources.

All Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day. We will close one hour early (2 p.m.) on Friday, May 13 for a private event.
Thank you

Tax season has ended. Thank you to Vince, Jim, Penny, Lisa and Ayako for their dedication to the Bolton Senior Center and surrounding community.

We are enjoying pansies blooming at the front door. The flowers were donated by Cropley’s Garden Center. Thank you Ruth Hoffman for your green thumb.

Speaking of flowers – we are pleased to announce that we raised $257 for the Bolton Food Pantry from the Blooming For Good flower program at Stop N Shop in February and March!  

In April we said goodbye to our friend, Rudy Coralli. Rudy visited the Senior Center five days a week for many years, so he was a dependable presence for anyone stopping by. He loved setback and bocce, but was most referred to as the Puzzle Man – sitting in the Senior Center library for hours, playing music, and talking about Italy, soccer, and opera. He was a friend to all – and he will be missed.
Here’s What's Been Happening
A look back at spring events

In March we welcomed Michelle Puzzo from UR Community Cares. She discussed some accessibility equipment, including a phone with captions to better understand your phone conversation. 

We also had a tremendous St. Patrick’s Day luncheon catered by Grady’s Tavern. The food was delicious and we appreciate all of the volunteers who helped serve refreshments. Pictured: Joyce Holland and Barbara Kiernan.

And it may have been a windy and overcast day, but several players got out on the bocce courts – does that count as the “first pitch” for the season? Luckily the next Bocce game was warm and sunny! 

Finally, we want to give a big thank you to Pam and Bruce Wentworth for sharing their travel stories during April’s luncheon. Thanks to all who attended these spring events!

P.S. We also wish to send good cheer to Dot Krause who celebrated her 105th birthday on April 13! WOW!
Bocce
Bocce players: Denise Budrick, Peter Casarella, Dave Malley, Joan Spera, Annie Schade, Bill Schade, Barry Stearns, Kathy Stearns, June Thompson, Cheryl Udin.
Regularly Scheduled Activities

Chair Yoga
   Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. $5 per class

Set Back
Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.

 Poker
Tuesdays at 12 p.m.

Quilting
Fridays at 11:00 a.m.

Dominoes
Mondays at 1:00 p.m.

Mah Jongg
Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.

Bridge
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month

All regularly scheduled programs do not require advance reservation.

New! Board Games
Many of you mentioned wanting to play some of the classic and not-so-classic board games. In fact – it may not even have a board! Join us on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to try out the game of the week.

Meetings
Seniors Inc. Meeting – Thursday, May 19 at 1 p.m.
Senior Commission Meeting –Tuesday, June 7 at 1 p.m.

Foot Care
Foot Care appointments are scheduled the fourth Tuesday of the month unless otherwise specified. The charge is $30 per appointment. 
Special Events
COVID Guidelines are ever changing and we will continue following all recommended guidelines from the state, CDC, and the health district.

All Special Events Require Registration. Call or RSVP with Office Staff.

BINGO
Join us Thursday, May 12 and Thursday, June 9 at 1 p.m. Only $1 a card to play multiple games. The more players, the bigger the jackpots! RSVP due one week ahead.

BOCCE
Try the sport of bocce – every other Thursday at 2 p.m. (weather permitting). May and June dates are: May 12, May 26, June 9, and June 23.

CASINO
We resume our trips to the Mohegan Sun Casino on Friday, May 27 and Friday, June 24. The van leaves at 9:15 a.m. to spend the day. The cost of the casino trip is now $5 for all passengers; limit 20 participants. RSVP due a week prior. Please note: Mohegan Sun has eliminated all incentive packages. 

PAINT NIGHT! (NEW DATE)
Due to an emergency, our instructor needed to postpone April’s Paint Night. The good news is – there is still a chance to sign up if you would like to attend the new date. Paint a beautiful Springtime Stream on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP due May 4. All supplies are provided. $10 per person. 

SHOPPING SAFETY
You told us you would like to hear more about what to do to stay safe while shopping. There have been several stories in the news and we want to make sure we are doing our best to stay safe. Bolton Resident Trooper Dan Richman will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, May 3 at 9 a.m. with helpful suggestions and to answer any of your questions. RSVP due April 29. 

SENIOR LUNCH – HIGH TEA
The Bolton Women’s Club is hosting a delightful luncheon – in the fashion of a high tea! Wear your best hat or gloves if you want to dress up – either way, come to have some fun on Thursday, May 5 at 12 p.m. Members of the BWC will serve homemade finger sandwiches, salads, quick breads, and plenty of goodies along with your favorite cup of tea/coffee. And yes gentlemen, all are welcome. RSVP by April 28.

CANDLE BAR
We are taking a trip to a new local business – All Love Candles Bar in Manchester. Here you can learn about the candle making process, pick your favorite scent and make your own custom creation. The class is on Friday, May 20 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; the van will leave the Senior Center at 2:30 p.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. $36 per person. RSVP by April 29; due to the size of the establishment this event has a limit of 10 people. Note: All participants must be comfortable with bar height chairs.

CENSUS FAMILY TREE
Where were you in 1950? Some of you remember it, some of you weren’t born yet. The 1950s Census data was just released due to the 72 years rule. Come on Thursday, May 12 at 10 a.m. to look up relatives and work on creating a family tree with the new information this may provide. RSVP by May 9.

GIFT BAG CRAFTING
Learn a unique craft – making gift bags out of calendars.  Bolton Senior Center participant Myrle Goff will teach us. Many calendar pages are available to choose your favorite designs. Join us Tuesday, May 24 at 10 a.m. RSVP by May 17.

LUNCH OUT – MAIN MOOSE
On Wednesday, May 25 (rain date May 26) we will travel to Andover to view the Veterans Memorial Park including the new Agent Orange Memorial. Then we will enjoy lunch out at the Main Moose in Columbia. Seating is outdoors with indoor restrooms. Menu available at the front desk – order what you wish. Van leaves the Senior Center at 11 a.m. RSVP by May 18.

ICE CREAM & CROQUET
Come for an ice cream treat. By special request – come play or watch a good old fashioned game of croquet! Join us Thursday, June 2 at 2 p.m. RSVP by May 31.

DRIVER SAFETY
We are happy to host AARP Driver Safety for an in-person class on Tuesday, June 7 at 9 a.m. This is a three hour class designed to remind you of the rules of the road. Many car insurance providers offer a discount for completion of this course. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. RSVP required by May 27. Payment due the date of the class (cash or check only).

ELIZABETH PARK
We’ll enjoy the fresh air and scenery and hopefully catch some blooming roses at Elizabeth Park on Thursday, June 16 (rain date June 17). We will provide a picnic lunch and cold beverages. You can choose the level of activity you would like - sit and chat with friends, take a stroll or view the roses and other gardens. We strongly encourage you to bring a folding lawn chair (please label with your name) and a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms are available at the park. Van leaves the Senior Center at 11 a.m. RSVP required by June 9. $5 per person.

SENIOR CENTER LUNCHEON – BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH
We were reminded that for many years we served a “Men’s Breakfast” for Father’s Day. Along the same lines – all are welcome to enjoy some breakfast for lunch. On Thursday, June 23 at 11 a.m. we will enjoy a few breakfast classics. $5 per person. RSVP by June 15.

LUNCH OUT – CORNER PUG
Enjoy some pub classics at the Corner Pug in West Hartford on Thursday, June 30. The van leaves the Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. Menu available at the front desk – order what you wish. RSVP by May 23. Limited to 20 participants.

SAVE THE DATE!
Even more great events are coming in July. You don’t want to miss this - we will be creating wooden flower keepsakes in the colors of your choice on Thursday, July 7. And watch a local professional teach you a few tricks about flower arranging on Thursday, July 21. Plus shoreline lunches out and more… stay tuned!
Then & Now - Exploring the 1950s Census
Social Services Corner

Homeowners Tax Credit
Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program applications must be filed out with the Assessor’s Office before May 13, 2022. Income limits are $38,000 (single) or $46,400 (couple). Call 860-649-8066 x6100.

Affordable Connectivity Program
There is now an income based program to help offset the cost of home internet. Check out the Senior Center bulletin board for more information or ask for a paper application.

Information on 3G Phones
If you own an older cell phone or lifeline device, please check if your phone will become obsolete. Please see our bulletin board for more information.
Library Passes

Don’t forget the Bentley Memorial Library has passes to many local museums. Call 860-646-7349 to determine availability.
Light Laughter

“I had oatmeal for breakfast. It just came in the form of a cookie.” -Myrle Goff
Just for Fun - Daily Games

Many of you have told us you are enjoying the game Wordle. How do you play? It is very similar to the game of Mastermind. You guess a word and it will tell you if you have any correct letters in the correct location or any correct letters in the wrong location. 

Did you know there are even more variants? Even more challenging is Quordle: guess four Wordles simultaneously. Then there is Worldle – test your geography skills by guessing a country by its shape. If you like math instead, there is Nerdlegame, where you solve an arithmetic equation. Like music? Guess a tune through Heardle. And believe it or not, there is even Birdle! Yes, the object is to guess a five letter bird! What will they think of next?
Bolton Senior Center May & June Calendars

Check out our calendar of events!