BenningtonSenior & Community News
July – August 2026
Senior Center 124 Pleasant St | The Sports Center 230 Gage St
All BFYMCA affiliated facilities will be closed on Fourth of July
Adult Program Offerings
Available Monday-Saturday
Check program calendars for times & location
To our Senior Community…
It is the mission of the Berkshire Family YMCA and Town of Bennington to engage persons 50+ in the lifelong learning process; promoting their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being by providing social, recreational, creative and cultural programs and enabling active participation in the center and community. Program costs are founded on a not-for-profit basis.
Sponsored by:
ADVERTISEMENT
Green Mountain Lines Presents CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET ISLAND
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS & PRICING:
• 3 Nights of Accommodations at the Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
• Round Trip Luggage Handling (one bag per person)
• Guided Tour of Plymouth
• Admission on a Plymouth Harbor Cruise
• Guided Tour to Provincetown along Scenic Route 6A
• Visit to the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor’s Center
• Admission on a Whale Watch or a Dune Tour Excursion
SINGLE
September 8 – September 11, 2026
• Guided Escort to the Island of Nantucket
• Round Trip Ferry Passage to Nantucket
• Admission on a Sightseeing Tour of Nantucket
• Guided Tour of Hyannis
• Admission to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
• 3 Full Breakfasts
• 3 Dinners
• Meal Taxes, Meal Gratuities, Room Taxes and Maid Gratuities
$1,340/pp DOUBLE $1,040/pp TRIPLE $960/pp
Sign up and $100 non-refundable deposit due at sign up. Full Payment due by August 7, 2026
Please make checks payable to Eleanor Mattison
For more information, call Eleanor at (802)379-7216 or (802)442-1052
PICKUP TIMES: Times and locations to be determined **We do not offer travel insurance, but it is suggested you check out various options.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS AT THE SENIOR CENTER
MONDAYS
*Based on Volunteer Hours
Painting Group: This informal group meets on Mondays & Fridays, but painters are welcome to work on their own at any time. The group works from photographs, calendar art, and old masters. Bring your own painting materials; group size limited to 8-10 participants. Come when you can, get ideas from each other, and enjoy some good conversation! 9am – Noon No Fee
Cards & Games: Group decides the game, or multiple groups can play different games. Games available here include the following:
Board games: Parcheesi, Trivial Pursuit, Backgammon, Mancala, Clue, Payday, Ticket to Ride, Go, Chess, Checkers, Battleship Word games: Balderdash, Pictionary, Taboo, Scattergories, Scrabble, Smart Mouth, Upwords, Whatchamacallit Card, Dice, and Tile games: Yahtzee, Farkle, Cribbage, Mille Bornes, Dominos, Mahjong, Rummikub, Uno, Bohnanza, all manner of traditional card games… or bring your own game to share. The possibilities are nearly endless! 1:00 pm No Fee
TUESDAYS
Bone Builders: This low impact
Watch for activities that might happen after the newsletter is printed. Check online or give us a call at the BFYMCA: (802) 500-2770 (Main line), (802) 442-1052 (Senior Center).
exercise, run through RSVP, promotes strength through weight training, plus helps with both balance and bone density. Class may include open discussion about nutrition, disease prevention, and alternate exercises. Class leader varies. 8:30AM & 9:45AM Tuesday & Thursday. More space available at 9:45 classes. No Fee Hand & Leg Weights available contact Eleanor 802-379-7216 or 802-442-1052
THURSDAYS
Bone Builders: See class description on Tuesday list. Craft Corner: Bring whatever craft project you are working
on. Quilting, crocheting, knitting, weaving, decoupage, coloring, stitching, the options abound! Sewing machines are available for use, and can also be used any other day of the week. For quilting, we also have cutting boards, cutters, rulers, etc. 1:00pm. Volunteerled. No Fee
FRIDAYS
Painting Group: See group description on Monday list.
BINGO: Come play low stakes, high energy BINGO! 2 cards for $2, additional cards 50 cents each, 6 card maximum. Beverages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 pm
We have a TAG SALE room available, which can always use donations. Additionally, we are always taking donations for quilting supplies!
GROUP FITNESS OFFERINGS
Berkshire Family YMCA | Bennington Branch
MONDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
8am Hatha Melisa C.
9am Silver Sneakers with Sam! Sam
9am Active Walk Tracy
10am Tai Chi - Advanced Tracy
10:30am Qigong Tracy
11am Pilates Sam
11:30am Beginners Tai Chi Tracy
12pm Muay Thai Foundations Sam
12pm Silver Sneakers Melissa S.
4:15pm Zumba Jasmine
5pm Cardio Drumming Michaela
5:30pm Hatha Yoga Jasmine
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
10am Gym Orientation Sam
11am Dancefit Wendy WILLOW PARK
5:15pm Outdoor Walking Workout Tracy
TUESDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
8am Yoga Flow
Melisa C.
9am Tracy’s Be Strong: Advanced Tracy
9am Spin with Melissa Melissa S.
10am Tracy’s Be Strong: Beginners Tracy
10:15am Floor Yoga Jasmine
11am Chair Yoga Jasmine
11am Strength & Balance: Intermediate Melissa S.
11:30am Cardio Drumming Michaela
12pm Tracy’s Be Strong: Intermediate Tracy
12pm Yoga Sculpt Jasmine
12:30pm Interval Training with Melissa Melissa S.
4:15pm Restorative Yoga Jasmine
5:30pm Zumba+Lift Jasmine
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
8:10am Aqua Zumba Jasmine
9am Water Joint Health & Mobility Jasmine
10:15am Dancefit Wendy
WEDNESDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
8:30am Balance, Stability, & Core Melissa S. 9am Active Walk Sam 10am Pilates Sam
10:15am Silver Sneakers with Wendy Wendy 11am Full Core Melissa S. 11am SilverSneakers Yoga Sam 12pm SilverSneakers Melissa S.
4:30pm ABSolutely Core Taylor
5:15pm Cardio HIIT Taylor
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
9:30am Cardio Splash Michaela 12pm Gym Orientation Sam 5:15pm Aqua Aerobics Judi
THURSDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
8am Silver Sneakers: Intermediate Melissa S. 9am Tracy’s Be Strong: Advanced Tracy 9am Intro to Interval Training Melissa S. 10am Spin with Melissa Melissa S. 10am Tracy’s Be Strong: Beginners Tracy 11am Tracy’s Be Strong: Intermediate Tracy 11am Chair Yoga Jasmine
12pm Zumba+Lift Jasmine
5:30pm Let’s Dance Judi
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
9:30am Deep Water Aerobics (Summer Splash) Jasmine 6pm Pickleball Noreen
FRIDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER 9am SilverSneakers with Sam! Sam 9am Active Walk Tracy 10am Beginners Biking Tracy 10am SilverSneakers Yoga Sam 11am Floor Work Tracy 12pm SilverSneakers Melissa S. 12pm Muay Thai Foundations Sam
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER 11am Dancefit Wendy
– COMMUNITY RESOURCES –
Bennington Town Clerk/ Town Offices (802) 442-1037
Bennington Recreation Center/YMCA (802) 500-2770
Meals on Wheels of Bennington County (802) 442-8012
VNA & Hospice (Bennington Home Health) (802) 442-5502
Bennington Project Independence (802) 442-8136
Bennington Rutland Opportunity Council (BROC) (802) 447-7515
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (802) 442-5436
Retired Senior Volunteer Project (RSVP) (802) 447-1546
Social Security Administration (Rutland office) (866) 690-1944
Green Mountain Community Network (802) 447-0477
Support And Services at Home (SASH) (802) 442-9920
– HOUSING –
Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000
Shires Housing (802) 442-8139
THM (office in Manchester) (802) 362-4663
OUT TO EAT
The Marina in Brattleboro, VT
Thurs. July 23rd, 11:00a-2:00p
Kay’s Pizza in Averill Park, NY
Thurs. August 13th, 11:00a-2:00p
Proprietor’s Lodge in Pittsfield, MA
Thurs. August 20th, 11:00a-2:00p
DAY TRIPS
PICNIC & CRAFTING AT LAKE PARAN
Thurs. July 2nd, 10:30a-2:00p
$30 Non-member | $25 BFYMCA Member
Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon at the pavilion on Lake Paran. Enjoy a picnic lunch with friends while taking in the lakeside scenery, then get creative with a guided craft activity. Lunch will be provided.
ROGERLAND GARDENS & LUNCH
Tues. July 14th, 10:00a-2:00p
Explore this hidden treasure nestled within Arlington, VT, home to over seven gardens that can be toured. We will be eating lunch on site.
BIRD SANCTUARY
Thurs. July 30th, 10:00a-2:30p
Spend a peaceful day exploring the Berkshire Bird Paradise, where you can enjoy scenic walking paths, observe a variety of native and migratory birds, and learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. Lunch to follow.
SAINT SACRAMENT LUNCHEON CRUISE ON LAKE GEORGE
Thurs. August 27th, 8:30a-4:00p
$80 Non-member | $70 BFYMCA Member
Enjoy a relaxing lunch as you cruise across the scenic waters of Lake George, surrounded by stunning mountain views and wilderness. The buffet lunch features a salad bar, soups, sandwiches, chicken, fish, and vegetarian entrées, with dessert served at your table. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the cruise, and a cocktail bar will be available for additional purchase.
Payment is due at the time of registration.
SHOPPING TRIPS
Hobby Lobby & Uncle Mario’s Garage
Thurs. July 9th, 9:30a-3:00p
Rotterdam Mall & Via Aquarium
Thurs. August 6th, 9:30-3:00p
SPECIAL EVENTS
Stay on the lookout for pop-up events throughout the months of July & August! Information on what’s new can be found on our website, our social media, or by getting in touch with one of our membership associates!
FOURTH OF JULY BRUNCH
Fri. July 3rd, 9:00a-11:00
A special “Coffee with Wendy” held at the Bennington Sports Center to celebrate the Fourth of July - feel free to bring a pastry or breakfast dish and celebrate America’s 250th amongst friends!
HEALTHY MEAL PREP
Friday, July 10th & Friday, August 14th, 11:30-2:00
Join Noreen at the Bennington Sports Center to learn about healthy meal prepping! Each session will focus on a different topic. In July, we’ll be learning the Seven Day Fresh Method for preparing mason jar salads. In august, we’ll explore the Sunday prep system and how it can simplify healthy eating throughout the week.
MOVIE MONDAYS
July 13th and August 10th, starts at 12:00pm
Join us for an afternoon movie at the Bennington Sports Center! Popcorn will be provided, but feel free to bring your own snacks! July movie: Mr. Church. August movie: Unfrosted.
MIDSUMMER BBQ POTLUCK
Thurs. July 16th, 12:30-?
Join us for a fun BBQ potluck at the Bennington Sports Center! In honor of national hot dog day, we will be grilling hot dogs! Feel free to bring a yummy summer salad or side and socialize amongst friends.
NATIONAL ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY
Tues. August 4th, 12:00p-2:00p
Join us at the Bennington Sports Center for a fun afternoon where we will be making root beer floats and creating vision boards! Supplies will be provided.
NATIONAL BANANA SPLIT DAY
Tues. August 25th, 12:00p-2:00p
Join us for a fun afternoon at the Bennington Sports Center where we will be making banana split sundaes!
IN HOUSE PROGRAMS
COFFEE HOUR AT THE SENIOR CENTER
A time to socialize with friends over coffee. Feel free to bring a snack or pastry to share! Takes place Monday-Friday 9:00-11:00am.
COFFEE WITH WENDY
Join Wendy, our adult wellness coordinator, at the Bennington Sports Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for coffee, snacks, good chats, and lots of fun!
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOPS
Hosted at the Senior Center
Upcoming workshops on July 14 & August 11 at 1:00pm
This community workshop series walks through the VT Ethics Network Short Form Advance Directive one section at a time. Each session focuses on a single topic, allowing participants to learn at a comfortable pace, ask questions, and reflect on what matters most to them. You may attend one workshop or the full series. No medical or legal background is required. Sponsored by VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Bennington VT. For more information or to register, please contact Ed Keating. Email: ed.keating@vnahsr.org | Phone: 802-445-5520
GET MOVING!
Mondays, 1:30-2:30 and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm - Pickleball @ the Rec Center
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:00-2:00pm - “Muscle Hustle” @ the Rec Center
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00am-9:00am - Couch to 5k meet at Park McCollough
July 11th, 9:00am - Community Meet up: Hike Paran-Frost Trail. Meet at the trail.
July 17th, 11:30am-1:30pm - Family Fun Friday: Hike the Mile Around the Woods + BYO lunch
July 24th & August 21st, 11:30-2:00 - Adult Outdoor Games @ the Sports Center
Please contact the BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA to register.
TYPICAL POOL SCHEDULE June
655 GAGE STREET, BENNINGTON | 802-500-2770
FOR OUR MOST ACCURATE AND UP TO DATE POOL SCHEDULES
PLEASE VISIT: https://www.bfymca.org/schedules/pool-schedules
Pool schedules are subject to change and should be checked before arriving.
MONDAY
6am-11am Lap/Open
11am-12pm DanceFit
12pm-1:30pm Lap/Open
1:30-3pm CAMP SWIM
3pm-5pm Lap/Open
5pm-7pm Marauders Swim Team
7pm-8pm Lap/Open
TUESDAY
8am-10am Aqua Zumba/Lap Swim
10:15-11am Dancefit
11am-1pm Lap/Open
1pm-1:30pm (Reserved) Oak Hill
1:30-2pm CAMP SWIM
2pm-4pm Lap/Open
4pm-6pm Swim Lessons
6pm-7pm Marauders Swim Team
7pm-8pm Masters Swim Team
WEDNESDAY
6am-9:30am Lap Swim
9:30am-10:30am Cardio Splash
10:30am-11:30am Tots Swim/Lap Swim
11:30am-1:30pm Lap/Open
3pm-5:15pm Lap/Open & Private Lessons
5:15pm-6pm Water Aerobics
6pm-8pm Marauders Swim Team
THURSDAY
8am-9:30am Lap/Open
9:30am-10:30am Deep Water Aerobics
10:30am-1pm Lap/Open
1pm-2pm (Reserved) School Group
2pm-4pm CAMP SWIM
4pm-6pm Swim Lessons
6pm-7pm Marauders Swim Team
7pm-8pm Masters Swim Team
FRIDAY
6am-11am Lap/Open
11am-12pm Dancefit
12pm-1:30pm Lap/Open
1:30pm-3pm CAMP SWIM
3pm-5:30pm Lap/Open
5:30pm-7pm Marauders Swim Team
7pm-8pm Family Swim
SATURDAY
8am-10:30am Lap Swim
10:30am-12pm Masters Swim Team 12pm-1pm Pool Rental
1pm-3pm Family Swim 3pm-4pm Lap Swim
BFYMCA YOUTH POOL POLICY: We care about youth safety!
All children 12 & under are required to take a swim test administered by a Bennington Y Certified Lifeguard prior to being able to swim lifevest free and have access to the deep end of the pool. Children who have not taken the test must wear floatation. Swim test can only be given if more than one lifeguard is on duty during your swim. Swim test is noted by membership staff after completion for future visits to the facility.
Children who have not taken the test must
22nd-August
Revised 6/12/2026
Locker room access! Bring your own lock and take with you when you leave. Dry Saunas Available!
*Note dry saunas close 15 min prior to facility closing time.
Certified Lifeguard!
Come prepared to:
Check in at front desk. Guests will need about 10 minutes to check in if never visited before. Wear a swim cap if hair your hair is longer than chin length. With your own towel. Ready to shower off before entering pool area.
Please exit the pool area early if you require extra time in locker rooms prior to closing times.
PLEASE NOTE: Our annual shutdown for maintenance and pool cleaning is coming up at the end of August! POOL DEPTH: 10FT POOL LENGTH: 25 YARDS
Our !
