Bennington
Senior & Community News September – October 2026 Stop booth by our and vi sit us at the C o g gins Trunko on Sat r-Treat Even t urday 24th b , October et 5:30 -7 ween :30pm !
Senior Center 124 Pleasant St | The Sports Center 230 School St Rec Center 655 Gage St Bennington Rec Center Facility Shutdown: August 24th-September 7th Bennington Sports Center Facility Shutdown: October 5th-October 12th
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:
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Bennington Senior & Community News
t e G s ' t e L cinated c a V
Vaccines Offered: Standard Flu High Dose/Adjuvanted Flu COVID Shingles Pneumococcal RSV
Pumpkin Splash & Dash PUMPKIN SPLASH FUN RUN SWIMMING COSTUME CONTEST YARD GAMES FACE PAINT TRICKS AND TREATS
Monday, September 21th, 10 am to 1 pm at the Sports Center Thursday, October 8th, 9 am to 12 pm at the
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
Rec Center on Gage St Registration is required and can be done online, over the phone, or at the Y
MONDAYS
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STARTING AT 9 AM
There will be two free adult vaccine clinics at the BFYMCA
For more information: call 802-500-2770 or visit the BFYMCA
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 T H
Register online, over the phone, or in person at the Y
BRING YOUR INSURANCE CARD
WEEKLY PROGRAMS AT THE SENIOR CENTER
*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. Volunteer-led. 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!
Berkshire Family YMCA | Bennington Branch Membership and registration are required for class participation.
WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER 8am 9am 9am 10am 10:30am 11am 12pm 12pm 4:15pm 5:30pm
Hatha Silver Sneakers with Sam! Active Walk Tai Chi - Advanced Qigong Pilates Muay Thai Foundations Silver Sneakers Zumba Hatha Yoga
Melisa C. Sam Tracy Tracy Tracy Sam Sam Melissa S. Jasmine Jasmine
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER 10am 11am
Gym Orientation Dancefit
Sam Wendy
WILLOW PARK 5:15pm
Outdoor Walking Workout
September 2026
Tracy
TUESDAY
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
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
8am
Silver Sneakers: Intermediate
Melissa S.
9am
Intro to Interval Training
Melissa S.
9am
Tracy’s Be Strong: Advanced
Tracy
10am
Spin with Melissa
Melissa S.
10am
Happy Feet Seated Dance & Tabata Fun
Judi
11am
Strength Training
Noreen
11am
Chair Yoga
Jasmine
8am
Yoga Flow
Melisa C.
9am
Spin with Melissa
Melissa S.
9am
Tracy’s Be Strong: Advanced
Tracy
10am
Strength & Balance Intermediate/Advanced Melissa S.
10:15am
Floor Yoga
11am
Chair Yoga
11am
Strength & Balance Beginner/Intermediate Melissa S.
12pm
Zumba+Lift
Jasmine
11:30am
Cardio Drumming
Michaela
5:30pm
Let’s Dance
Judi
12pm
Strength Training
Noreen
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER
12pm
Yoga Sculpt
Jasmine
8am
Couch to 5k
Noreen
12:30pm
Interval Training with Melissa
Melissa S.
1pm
Muscle Hustle
Noreen
4:15pm
Restorative Yoga
Jasmine
5:30pm
Zumba+Lift
Jasmine
FRIDAY
Jasmine Jasmine
BENNINGTON SPORTS CENTER
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER Aqua Zumba
Jasmine
9am
SilverSneakers with Sam!
Sam
9am
Water Joint Health & Mobility
Jasmine
9am
Active Walk
Tracy
10:15am
Dancefit
Wendy
10am
Beginners Biking
Tracy
8am
Couch to 5k
Noreen
10am
SilverSneakers Yoga
Sam
11am
Floor Stretch
Tracy
12pm
SilverSneakers
Melissa S.
12pm
Muay Thai Foundations
Sam
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FITNESS SCHEDULE! CHECK OUT THE APP
Download the app on your mobile device Use the e-mail associated with your Y account!
BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER 11am
Dancefit
Wendy
7am
Muscle Hustle
Noreen REVISED 8/20/26
Bennington Banner
8:10am
DOWNLOAD:
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, August 29, 2026
GROUP FITNESS OFFERINGS
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Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Bennington Senior & Community News
SPECIAL TRIPS & ADVENTURES: BIRD SANCTUARY
Thursday, September 10th, 10:00-3:00
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 more about local wildlife and conservation efforts. Lunch to follow.
– 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 Banner
Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000
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Shires Housing (802) 442-8139 THM (office in Manchester) (802) 362-4663
DAYS OUT WITH THE Y!: SHOPPING & LUNCH TRIPS
• Thursday, September 24th, 9:00-3:00 - Shopping @ Colonie Mall • Thursday, October 15th, 9:30-4:00 - Crossgates Mall • Thursday, October 22nd, 11:00-2:00 - Out to Eat @ The Plum Blossom, Troy, NY
SCHAGHTICOKE FAIR
Thursday, September 3, 9:30-4:00
Spend the day with the Y at the Schaghticoke Fair! Enjoy a wide variety of local food vendors, animal exhibits, live music and circus acts, and craft displays! $5 BFYMCA member | $10 non-member for transportation; admission prices paid individually at the front gate
TOUR OF PARK MCCULLOUGH HOUSE Monday, September 14th, 1:00-3:00
Join us for a tour in North Bennington of the Park McCullough Historic Governor’s House–one of Vermont’s most wellpreserved Victorian mansions.
APPLE PICKING @ PINE HILL ORCHARDS, COLRAIN, MA
Thursday, September 17th, 10:00-3:00
Get first pick of this year’s apples at Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain, MA! Deli & country store on site, where you can get your hands on some deliciously cozy treats—apple cider, fresh baked pies, bread, produce, and more!
GONDOLA RIDE ON STRATTON MTN (PRICE TBA) Thursday, October 1st, 10:30-3:00
Enjoy stunning autumn views while riding a gondola to the top of Stratton Mountain! From atop Southern Vermont’s tallest peak, witness the breathtaking colors of fall. Lunch to follow. $30 BFYMCA member | $42 non-member
LAKE GEORGE OKTOBERFEST Friday, October 9th, 10:30-4:00
Celebrate Oktoberfest with the BFYMCA in Lake George! Artisan vendors, contests, tasty German food, and polka music galore!
Special Events at the Sports Center
FALL POTLUCK & APPLE PIE CONTEST Monday, September 21, 12:30-2:00
FLU CLINICS -
Monday, September 21, 10:00-1:00 & Thursday, October 8th, 9:00-12:00
Please sign up for the clinic by visiting or calling us at the Bennington Sports Center.
PUMPKIN PICKUP, CARVING WORKSHOP & HALLOWEEN SNACKS Tuesday, October 27th, 12:00-2:00
Pick up your pumpkin for the pumpkin carving contest on the 29th! We will be hosting a workshop for those who want to carve, socialize, and enjoy fun Halloween snacks.
HALLOWEEN POTLUCK
Thursday, October 29th, 12:30-2:00
Join us for a spooky Halloween potluck, and don’t forget to dress up! We will be having both a costume contest and a pumpkin carving contest.
Leave at 9:45 from the Bennington Fire House $125 per person Choose dinner at sign up
Payment Due by September 16th Checks made out to Eleanor Mattison
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, August 29, 2026
SPECIAL EVENTS / IN HOUSE PROGRAMS
All trips include transportation fee. $10 non-member, free for BFYMCA members unless otherwise stated.
Special Events at the Senior Center
MONTHLY POTLUCK
September 16th & October 21st, beginning at 12:00pm
SENIOR CENTER CRAFT FAIRE October 17th, 10:00-2:00
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Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Bennington Senior & Community News
SOCIAL SCHEDULE SEPT-OCT 2026 BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA | BENNINGTON
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Tues
Mon
Wed
Thurs
SPORTS CENTER 9:00 Coffee with Wendy
8:00-4:00 Open Lounge
9:00 Coffee with Wendy
8:00-4:00 Open Lounge
9:00 Coffee with Wendy
8:30 Bonebuilders 9:00 Coffee Hour 9:45 Bonebuilders
9:00 Coffee Hour 9:00 Painting 1:00 BINGO!
SENIOR CENTER No YMCA activities at this location
8:30 Bonebuilders 9:00 Coffee Hour 9:45 Bonebuilders
No YMCA activities at this location
VOLUNTEER HOURS AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:00 Card Games
12:00-4:00 Drop in Hours
DAY TRIPS SCHAGHTICOKE FAIRE Thurs. September 3 | 9:30-4:00
12:00-4:00 Drop in Hours
1:00 Quilting
SPECIAL EVENTS
Please refer to community newsletter for additional details. (V) = Volunteer-run. Please contact the Senior Center.
SPORTS CENTER
PARK MCCULLOUGH HOUSE TOUR Mon. September 14 | 1:00-3:00
Monthly Potlucks (V) September 16th & October 21st | Starts at 12:00p
Fall Potluck & Apple Pie Contest Mon. September 21 | 12:30-2
PINE HILL ORCHARDS Thurs. September 17 | 10:00-3:00
Senior Center Craft Faire (V) Sat. October 17 | 10:00-2:00
SHOPPING @ COLONIE MALL Thurs. September 24 | 9:30-3:00 GONDOLA RIDE @ STRATTON MTN Thurs. October 1 | 10:30-3:00
Special Guest Coffee Hours (V) See newsletter for dates & times
LAKE GEORGE OKTOBERFEST Thurs. October 9 | 10:30-4:00 Bennington Banner
Refer to YMCA hours.
SENIOR CENTER
BIRD SANCTUARY Thurs. September 10 | 10:00-3:00
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Fri
SHOPPING @ CROSSGATES MALL Thurs. October 15 | 9:30-4:00 LUNCH @ THE PLUM BLOSSOM Thurs. October 22 | 11:00-2:00
FLU VACCINE CLINIC
Mon. September 21 | 10:00-1:00 @ the Sports Center
Thurs. October 8 | 9:00-12:00 @the Rec Center
Pumpkin Pickup & Carving Workshop Tues. October 27 | 12:00-2 Halloween Potluck, Costume Contest, & Pumpkin Carving Contest Thurs. October 29 | 12:30-2 For all the latest updates, and event info connect with us on social media, download our app YMCA360, or watch for our weekly email newsletter in your inbox. 802-500-2770 | WWW.BFYMCA.ORG
Bennington Senior & Community News | Saturday, August 29, 2026
IMPORTANT YMCA360 INFO Is the app up and running? YES! You can download the app on the Google Play store, App Store, or use the webiste on a desktop computer.
When do group fitness reservations open?
What is on the app? The Group Fitness schedule and reservations are available on the app. The pool schedule and open gym schedule can also be found on YMCA360. Eventually, all adult and youth programming will also be available on YMCA360.
Bennington Banner
Class reservations open one week prior to the class. If reservations are not open, the app will tell you the exact time and date you will be able to reserve your spot. Please remember that reservations are only for one class. If you would like to sign up for the same class next week, that is an additional reservation.
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Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Bennington Senior & Community News
POOL INFORMATION
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 The Pool Schedule is also available on the YMCA360 app and website. Pool schedules are subject to change and should be checked before arriving.
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 from August 24 through September 7.
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POOL DEPTH: 10FT POOL LENGTH: 25 YARDS
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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.