Brookfield Senior Center Announces Upcoming Events

From the Brookfield Senior Center:

National Volunteer WeekApril 10-16, 2016 National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize people doing extraordinary things in their community through service. Thank you to the many volunteers who contribute to Brookfield and to our greater community every day in so many ways - both great and small. Our Senior Center could not do all that we do without the time and talent that so many of you give so generously every day. Our schools and agencies rely on your cheerful and dependable presence. You are truly role models for our younger generation. Thank you for all you do! Ellen, Jeanette and Amy

AARP Safe DrivingFriday, April 29 from 9:00am - 1:00pmThe AARP Driver Safety Class provides a refresher of driving rules and teaches valuable defensive driving skills, safety strategies, and tips for adapting your driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that come with aging,etc. By law, Connecticut residents age 60 and older who complete this class will qualify for a minimum of 5 percent automobile liability insurance discount for at least two years. Please sign up and pay in advance. Cost is $15/AARP members and $20/nonmembers (checks only).

Garden Club Spring Event

Wednesday, April 27 at 12:30pm Join the Brookfield Garden Club for our very special spring event. We will be making a beautiful fresh herb container for the kitchen! This is always a fun afternoon with this group and you go home with something special. Please sign up.

Brookfield Film Festival April 8-The Brookfield Arts Commission presents the 8th Annual Brookfield Film Festival to be held at Brookfield Senior Center April 8-10. All seniors are invited to a free preview on Thursday, April 7 at 7:30pm.

Tech Assistance with Brianna April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9:00am-11:20amiPads? iPhones? Kindle? Internet? E-mail? If you find yourself struggling with technology, I'm here to help! Friday mornings throughout the month of April from 9-11:30am, I will be offering my assistance with any of these devices and more. Technology can be tough. Join me for these learning sessions to make life easier! Please sign up.

Movie Matinee Friday, April 1 at 1:00pm: The Big Short. Before the housing and credit bubble of 2007 triggers an international economic meltdown, a handful of financial outsiders sees the crash

coming and bets against the big banks in a daring play that could reap them huge profits. (Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and more).

Friday April 8 at 1:00pm: Creed. Putting a new twist on the Rocky Balboa legend, this spinoff drama follows young boxer Adonis Johnson Creed, the grandson of Rocky's onetime nemesis Apollo Creed. (Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson).

Friday, April 15 at 1:00pm: Spotlight. Revealing a string of cover-ups stretching back decades, a team of Boston Globe reporters exposes the Catholic Archdiocese's history of keeping reports about child molestation and other priest-initiated abuse under wraps. (Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and more). Rated R.

Friday, April 29 at 1:00pm: Brooklyn. After emigrating from Ireland, Eilis Lacey readily adapts to the vastly different New York City. But when tragedy pulls her back to her hometown, she finds her loyalties divided between two nations -- and two men. (Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, more...)

Are you from the Bronx? Monday, April 25 at 11:00am
We often hear "Are you from the Bronx?" around Brookfield Senior Center. On Monday, April 25 at 11:00am, we are calling all of you to join us for coffee and a c hance to chat and reminisce. Join us as we share memories and experiences and meet other "Bronx transplants". We may live in Connecticut now, but our hearts will always be in the Bronx!

Friends of Brookfield Senior Center Friday, April 8 at 11:00am

All members of Brookfield Senior Center are considered members of The Friends of Brookfield Senior Center ("Friends"). Our Friends group holds annual fundraising events to supplement our town budget. The Friends group also advises the Director on future events, issues and other items of interest. All members are invited to monthly Friends meetings to discuss programs, issues, problems and concerns.

The Friends group has a Board which is elected each May. It is made up of a President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer, and two members at large. Members can always discuss problems or issues with any Board member.

Fabulous Friday Hot Dog & Bingo LunchFriday, April 22 at 12:00noon
Join us for an exciting afternoon of Bingo and hot dogs. Lunch starts at 12:00noon followed immediately by Bingo. Cost is $5.00 per person. Sign up required by April 19

The talented quilters at the Brookfield Senior Center have been hard at work creating quilts for the community. Last month, quilters banded together and made 14 quilts for the children of Amos House and Harmony House in Danbury.Amos House and Harmony House are two transitional Homes that serve as a temporary safe shelter for women and their children. The goal is to assist the women to once again become independent by providing them housing, clothing for the workplace and child care. Bravo to the quilters who made these 14 quilts that the children can call their own!

Mark your Calendar - don't forget

NEW TIME:

Friends of Brookfield Senior Center meeting is Friday, April 8 at 11:00am. Meeting and bagels and chat! Note the new time.

Men's Breakfast - Join us Friday, April 1at 9:30am for our April Men's Breakfast. Please sign up so that we know how many to expect.

Bingo - Monday, April 4 at 10:30am. Join us for laughter, fun and games!

Farkle - Mondays at 1:00pm. An afternoon of fun and laughter. Blood Pressure Screening (New Milford VNA) - Tuesday, April 26 at 11:30am.

Book Club - Monday, April 18 at 10:30am. Books are available at the Center. This month we will be reading The Blossom Sisters by Fern Michaels.

Let's Talk is Wednesday mornings at 11:00am. Join this friendly group that will introduce you to everything at Brookfield Senior Center.

Ask an Attorney Round Table - Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30am. Join lawyers from Kuss and Liguori for an informal round table discussion on topics of Elder Law. Space is limited so please sign up early.

Housatonic Probate Judge Martin Landgrebe - Friday, April 22 at 9:30am.This is your opportunity to meet with and ask questions of our local Probate Judge. He will answer your questions about wills, probate, conservatorship and more in confidential one-on-one sessions. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Brookfield Trekkers will be starting our 2016 Season this month. In order to plan for hikes and carpools where necessary, we are asking that everyone register for each hike. All hikes will have a $3 registration fee that will help cover costs of carpooling, entrance fees and instructor time. Please sign up and pay fee at least 2 days in advance so that we know who to expect.

Tuesday, April 5 at 9:00am - Orzech Family Preserve. Let's start off the hiking season by following the rail trail of the former Shepaug Valley Railroad, along the Shepaug River, in Roxbury. This is a flat, easy, well-maintained trail through the woods with many views of the river. 2.8 miles (Raindate: April 26).

Thursday, April 14 at 9:00am - George Waldo State Park. Join us for an easy yet windy 3.5 mile hike in Southbury at George Waldo State Park. This is a single file loop trail that takes us through wide open woods, dense hemlock forests, and a variety of rock outcroppings. The highlight of this hike is stopping for a rest at the calm eastern shore of Lake Lillinonah. (Raindate: April 28)

AARP FREE Tax Preparation Assistance:Tax-Aide counselors will assist you with income tax preparation at Brookfield Senior Center. Sign up is required and it is free of charge for low and middle-income taxpayers. If married, both spouses should be present. Please bring the following:

• Copy of last year's Federal and CT income tax forms.
• Proof of identity (picture or other documentation).
• Social Security 2015 End-of-year Benefit Statement for taxpayer and spouse and social security number.
• Personal check, if available, with bank checking account & routing number if you wish to have your refund directly deposited or payment made directly.
• All income statements that apply to the taxpayers 2015 Federal and State income taxes.

Contact the Senior Center (203-775-5308) to schedule an appointment.

AARP Safe Driving Classes 2016:Friday, April 29; Friday, June 10; Friday, August 26; and Friday, October 14. The AARP Driver Safety Class provides a refresher of driving rules and teaches valuable defensive driving skills, safety strategies, and tips for adapting your driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that come with aging, etc. By law, Connecticut residents age 60 and older who complete this class qualify for a minimum of 5 percent automobile liability insurance discount for at least two years. Cost is $15/AARP members and $20/nonmembers.

Alzheimer's Support Groups:Wednesday, April 13 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm and Wednesday, April 27 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm: For caregivers, family members or friends of people affected by Alzheimer's disease or Dementia. This ongoing educational group meets in a safe and caring environment twice a month. Please join us as often as you like!

Brookfield CARES Hope and Support Group meets weekly at Brookfield Senior Center on Monday evenings at 7:00pm. This group is for all those with loved ones affected by substance use or abuse or other at-risk behaviors and is facilitated by an experienced Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor.

Escape With Us! Lunch and Kitchen Tour Culinary Institute of America: Wednesday April 20: We will be enjoy a full course luncheon at the American Bounty Dining Room followed by a special behind-the-scenes tour of the CIA kitchens. Cost is $91pp.

Fourth Annual Mystery trip:Tuesday, May 24: Join us for a day of surprises, laughter and friends. This trip fills up fast, so make your reservations early! Cost is $75pp.

SAMSON at The Sight & Sound Theater: June 20-21. Day 1- stop at the Sands Casino; then on to your hotel - the Double Tree by Hilton. That night you will enjoy a wine and cheese reception followed by a sit down dinner and a musical show. Day 2 - After a buffet breakfast you will travel into neighboring Lancaster County. Then take your seats SAMSON"...the world's first superhero! You will stop for dinner on the way home. Cost: $281pp (double occupancy).

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat: Wednesday, June 29: Enjoy a 3 course lunch aboard the restored 1920's Pullman Diner followed by a Riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River. Cost is $94pp.

Texas Tenors: August 3, 2016: Back by popular demand at the Fox Theatre at Foxwoods. Your ticket includes Gold Seating and Foxwoods Bonus Package. Cost is $89pp. In order to secure front row seats, we are already accepting reservations and payment at this time.Connecticut Lighthouse Cruise: Wednesday, August 24: Board the comfortable high-speed Sea Jet in New London and travel to see eight Lighthouses. Enjoy a late lunch-early dinner at The Steak Loft in Olde Mystick. Cost is $97pp.

Wednesday, September 28 - we're heading to Broadway to see Beautiful the Carol King Musical. This Broadway show will give you everything you love - classic songs, dancing and performances you won't forget. Lunch will be at DaRosina's on Restaurant Row. Cost is $185pp. In order to secure tickets to this popular show, we are accepting payment now.

Thomaston Opera - Dream Girls: Sunday, October 16. Follow the music and lives of the music trio The Dreamettes! Pre-lunch show will be at Black Rock Tavern in Thomaston, CT. Cost is $81pp. We will begin accepting reservations May 1.

Saturday Night Fever - The Musical at Westchester Broadway Theatre: Thursday, November 10.Saturday Night Fever is a mega-musical based on the film that became a cultural phenomenon. Cost is $98pp. We will begin accepting reservations June 1.Note: it is the policy of Brookfield Senior Center to load buses in the order in which final payment is received.

Improve Your Mind & Body: Zumba Gold with Miriam is on Mondays at 9:30am. This easy-to-follow program teaches everyone to perform the Zumba Gold dance moves. Come and join the fun!

Yoga with Mimi on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30pm - 3:45pm. Join us for a gentle Vinyasa flow class. This is a playful yoga class that will focus on proper alignment, movement modifications (if needed) and your breathing

Strength/Balance with Claudia is on Mondays at 1:00pm. Join Claudia and friends for a workout that will leave you feeling stretched and stronger. Class is appropriate for all levels.

Low Impact Aerobics with Dee is on Tuesdays at 9:30am. You will love Dee's enthusiasm and music.

Tai Chi with Susan is on Wednesdays at 9:30am. Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises to strengthen balance and reduce your risk of falls. Also join us for Advanced Tai Chi at 6:45pm on Thursdays.

NEW TIME: Chair Yoga is on Tuesdays at 1:00pm. It's a great class for those who have hip or knee limitations. Please note the day and time change.

Functional Strength and Balance with Cassie on Wednesdays at 1:00pm. We will bring our walking, balance and functional mobility program with Cassie inside for the winter. Join this great program and start moving again!

Low Impact Aerobics is on Thursdays at 9:30am with Claudia. Great for all levels from beginner to advanced.

Muscle Sculpt Chair Class with Miriam is on Fridays at 10:45am. This class is designed for all able-bodied participants. Exercises will be done seated and/or standing.

Zumba with Coleen is on Saturday mornings at 9:30am. It's the perfect way to start your weekend!Please consult your personal physician before beginning any new exercise class. Don't forget to bring your water bottle to class.

Ongoing Classes/activities:

Wood Carving Group meets Mondays at 1:00pm. Join this group and learn something new! Bring your friends.

Quilting Group meets Tuesday mornings at 10:00am.

Wii Bowling is Tuesdays from 9:30am to 12:00 noon and Thursdays from 10:30am to 12:00noon.

Knitting group meets on Wednesdays at 10:00am. This fun group knits, laughs, and shares ideas.

Painting and Drawing with Adele meets Thursdays at 10:00am. Explore your talents and expand your skills with this group. Cost is $3 if you pay by the month or $5 for drop-in.

Sharps & Flats band and singing group meets Thursdays at 10:30am. Join this fun group of musicians and sing.

The 4-Strings Ukulele Group meets Thursdays at 1:00pm.

Senior Center Membership: Those wishing to use Senior Center services must register as participants. Brookfield residents age 60+ can join the Senior Center and participate in activities. Underage spouses may become members and participate in activities with their spouses who are registered members.

Only participants with current registrations are allowed to partake in Senior Center activities. Please sign in at the front desk upon entering the Senior Center and before participating in any activities. This is a safety measure so staff is aware of who is in the building. This also allows us to track how many seniors we serve.

Personal Conduct: The Brookfield Senior Center is a facility where people age 60 and older meet to participate in social, educational and other activities in order to enhance and enrich lives. It is therefore necessary to establish standards of behavior. Everyone has the right to expect others to act respectfully towards them and each is responsible to act respectfully towards others. Courtesy will be shown to all persons at all times. Personal problems between individuals should not be addressed at the Center. Discrimination towards any person for any reason will not be tolerated. Town of Brookfield employees are here to serve you. They should be treated with respect and courtesy. If any senior does not adhere to this policy, the Director of the Senior Center will determine if any action is to be taken to preclude recurrence. Everyone is responsible for maintaining the premises in a neat and orderly fashion and cleaning up after themselves. Please leave the room in the same manner that you found it.