Bennington Senior Community News September -October 2025

September – October 2025 BenningtonSenior & Community News

Please note that the Senior Center will be closed from Friday, August 29th, until Monday, September 1st. 124 Pleasant St, Bennington 802-442-1052

Bennington Senior Center

Hours of Operation

Our regular hours of operation are Mon – Fri from 8am – 4pm

To our Senior Community…

Stop by our booth and visit us at the Trunk-or-TreatCogginsEventon Saturday, October 25th 5:30-7:30pm!between

It is the mission of the Bennington Senior Center 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:

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

MONDAYS

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 di erent 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 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 No Fee

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, the options abound! We have sewing machines available to use. You bring the materials (or peruse what has been donated here), we supply the space, co ee, tea, and socialization. 1:00 pm 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 maxi-

mum. Beverages provided; feel free to bring snacks to share! 1 pm

OUT TO EAT!

Wed, Sep 24 The Mill at Round lake, Saratoga, NY 11:30-3:00PM

Thu, Oct 23 Oktoberfest @ Olde Forge Restaurant Lanesboro, MA 11-3:00PM PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NEW FEES FOR BUS TRIPS, PLEASE CALL OR VISIT FOR PRICING. Discounts up to 100% o with BFYMCA members

– COMMUNITY RESOURCES –

Bennington Town Clerk/Town O ces (802) 442-1037

Bennington Recreation Center/YMCA (802) 442-1053

Meals on Wheels of Bennington County (802) 442-8012

VNA & Hospice (Bennington Home Health) (802) 442-5502

Bennington Housing Authority (802) 442-8000

SHOPPING

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

– HOUSING –

Shires Housing (802) 442-8139

Shopping trips are 9:30am – 4pm unless noted otherwise. Sign up at the Senior Center for these shopping trips. FEE MUST BE PAID WHEN YOU REGISTER.

September 16th | Colonie Mall, Albany, NY

October 28th | Rutland Craft Stores, Rutland, Vermont

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NEW FEES FOR BUS TRIPS, PLEASE CALL OR VISIT FOR PRICING. Discounts up to 100% o with BFYMCA membership!

Social Security Administration (Rutland o ce) (866) 690-1944

Green Mountain Community Network (802) 447-0477

Support And Services at Home (SASH) (802) 442-9920

THM (o ce in Manchester) (802) 362-4663

POTLUCKS

at the Senior Center

September 10th & October 8th 11:30am - ???

Bring a dish and socialize! We aim to start serving at noon. Please sign up so we know how many places to set!

POTLUCK TIP: If you don’t know what to bring, ask us! There is always something you can bring, even if you don’t cook or are low on funds.

IN HOUSE PROGRAMS

September 11th 10:45-11:45INVESTING BASICS WITH GREENHILL FINANCIAL PLANNERS

A plain English overview of how investing works, what to consider & how to get started.

October 7th 9:30-11:30AM FLU VACCINE CLINIC

Seasonal flu vaccine, regular and high dose (over 65) will be available. Additionally, COVID boosters (the most current release as of Sept 2025) will be available. All vaccines are administered by certified immunizers from Hannaford Pharmacy. Pre-registration is recommended but walk-ups are welcome. You can schedule three vaccines every ten minutes with adjustments as needed. Questions? Please call Hannaford Pharmacy at (802) 442-3642.

October 8th 1PM-2PM WOMEN & INVESTING WITH GREENHILL FINANCIAL PLANNERS

A thoughful look at the unique challenges and opportunities many women face in building financial security.

Mondays & Wednesdays 9AM-10AM COFFEE HOURS

These meetings give you the opportunity to learn about di erent local places, programs, activities, and businesses you may not know about, and give you the opportunity to ask questions and give direct input. Socialize over co ee and pastries on Monday morning. Wendy will host her own co ee hour on Wednesday.

Greater Bennington Interfaith Community

Services, Inc.

serves people through:

Kitchen Cupboard - The Kitchen Cupboard provides free food to individuals and families in need and teaches them how to eat better on a budget.

Emergency Needs Fund - The Emergency Needs Fund helps families pay for shelter, utilities and other basic needs to low-income families experiencing a financial crisis due to unexpected events like layo s and injuries.

You First - The You First Bennington program provides eligible individuals in Bennington County personalized support to pay for breast, cervical and heart screenings, diagnostic tests and heart healthy lifestyle programs.

The Dr. G. Richard Dundas Free Clinic - Primary medical care, care coordination, and referrals for uninsured or underinsured adults living in the Bennington County area. More information can be obtained by calling (802) 4473700.

BERKSHIRE SATELLITE REEF

LOVE TO CROCHET? LOVE THE SEA? JOIN US!

The Senior Center holds coral reef crochet workshopsThursdayevery at 1:00pm

The Berkshire Satellite Reef—part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef by artists Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute for Figuring—is a communal art project entailing the creation of a life-size coral reef made entirely out of crochet. It will be exhibited at Williams College in the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance as an immersive installation in the spring of 2026.

All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate!

Use your phone to scan the code

TRIPS & PERFORMANCES

YMCA TRIPS

APPLE PICKING AT PINE HILL ORCHARDS IN COLRAIN, MA

October 1st | 10AM-3PM

Join us for a day of apple-picking at Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain, MA! As well, visit the Pine Hill Deli right on site to get your hands on some deliciously cozy treats–apple cider, fresh baked pies, bread, produce, and more! Lunch options are available from the deli, but from their own food truck on site as well.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR PRICING

Maximum 12 participants.

GONDOLA RIDE ON STRATTON MOUNTAIN,

VT

October 9th | 10:30-3PM

Enjoy a scenic ride above Southern Vermont’s tallest peak–Mount Stratton. From up above, you will be able to gaze out at four di erent states and four di erent Mountain ranges, all while taking in the breathtaking colors of Autumn in Vermont. We will be stopping at a restaurant (TBA) during the trip where you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch if needed.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR PRICING

Maximum 12 participants, 6 people per gondola

POOL SCHEDULE

Please note that the pool will be closed from August September25th-7th for annual maintenance.

BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER

www.bfymca.org 655 Gage St., Bennington, VT 05201 P: 802-500-2770

Typical Sept - Oct Pool Schedule

Please note that the pool schedule is subject to change and should be checked before arriving. Check online schedules for accurate pool schedule, group exercise, and more: www.bfymca.org/schedules

Sign up for classes, learn about special events, and more on our website!

Below are general schedules for each day of the week.

PLEASE LOOK ONLINE FOR ACCURATE SCHEDULE WITH HOLIDAY CLOSURES & EVENTS!

Monday

6-9 am: Lap/Open Swim

9-10 am: School Group

1030-11 am: Lap/Open Swim

11-12 pm: DanceFit Class

12-5 pm: Lap/Open Swim

5-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Lap/Open Swim

Tuesday

8-10 am: Lap/Group Exercise

10am-4pm: Lap/Open Swim

4-6pm: Swim Lessons

6-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Masters

Wednesday

6-8 am: Lap/Open Swim

8-9am: Lap/Deep water Aerobics

9-1030 am: Lap/Open Swim

1030-1130 am: Lap/Playgroup

1130am-1230pm: Swim Lessons

12:30-515 pm: Lap/Open Swim

5:15-6 pm: Water Aerobics Class

6-8 pm: Marauders

Thursday

8-10 am: Lap/Open Swim

10-11 am: Lap/Open Swim

11am-12 pm: Cardio Splash

12-1pm: Lap/Open Swim

1-2 pm: School Group

2-4 pm: Lap/Open

4-6pm: Swim lessons

6-7pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Masters

Friday

6-9am: Lap/Open Swim

9-930am: Step into Swim

930-1030 am: School Group

1030-11 am: Lap/Open

11-12 pm: DanceFit Class

12-12:30 pm: Lap Swim

12:30-130pm: School Group

130pm-5:30: Lap/Open Swim

5:30-7 pm: Marauders

7-8 pm: Family Swim or Kids Night Out

Saturday

8-10:30 am: Lap/Open Swim

10:30-12 pm: Masters

12-2 pm: Swim Lesson

2-3 pm: Family Swim

3-4 pm: Lap Swim

4-5 pm: Pool Rentals

Sign up for classes, learn about special events, and more on our website!