Leonora C. Rodreguez

Dear Members,

As the weather changes from the hot Summer days to the crisp Autumn nights, the days shorten and the leaves change into their vibrant seasonal   colors of red, orange and yellow, we are reminded that with these changes comes a host of new programs and events at the Milford Senior Center. Several key events that I would like to highlight are the Holiday Harvest: Celebrating the Holiday Table, Mindfit- a six part series cognitive/brain health  learning program and Trick or Treat: History of Halloween.  

In October, we like to remind people to schedule their  annual flu shot.The Center of Disease Control an Prevention shares, “While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. So, influenza is often quite serious for people 65 and older.(www.cdc.gov) You can receive your flu shot at the Milford Senior Center for your convenience. You have a choice of where you  receive your flu shot. However, by having it done at the  Milford Senior Center you help support your Center at the same time. Please contact our Insurance Specialists, Laura Daneault or John Cornelius at (203) 877-5131 any time   between     9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please have your insurance information available when you call. 

As many of you know, the Milford Senior Center houses the Milford Food Bank. Last month, we received a generous donation of meats from Wellspring Community Center, formally the Turkish Cultural Community Center. It is with large donations like these, we are able to help serve people. Our unofficial motto, “Feed People” is at the heart of what we do and feed people are what the Food Bank does. By helping to support individuals, families, children and older adults who are lacking foods or are experiencing food  insecurity we are helping decrease hunger one person at a time- meal by meal. Every year at this time, we see the  number of people needing food rise. We are asking for your help in keeping our shelves stocked. Also needed are gift cards to local supermarkets. If you are able to help or are in need of assistance, please reach out to Sharon Brown, Food Bank manager, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   in person or by phone at (203) 877- 5131.

In other news, as the new Executive Director, I have had a wonderful time getting to know the members attending the Milford Senior Center as well as trying out a few of the  classes and programs myself. Classes are led by some of the ‘best of the best’ the Milford area has to offer of professionals in their fields. The staff members at the Center are all so much invested in ensuring the members are happy and engaged in the multitude of activities happening at the Center. The kitchen staff, which also has volunteers from both the Milford community and several social service   agencies, serves a delicious lunch at an affordable rate to our members. What’s not to like? This place is amazing! If you’re not a member yet, what are you waiting for?  Membership starting age is 55+ and includes many great  opportunities to socialize and engage. I hope to see you soon!

FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR, ELEANORE MYERS TURKINGTON

A very special welcome to our new Executive Director Leonora Rodriguez who provides us with  a very special message on page one of today’s bulletin. We are all excited and happy she is joining our family. Can you believe it? It is October! It’s pleasant to think of fall foliage, chilly nights and chubby pumpkins.  This month we celebrate Columbus Day, October 14^th and National Chocolate Day, the 28^th of the month. Yummy. With the approaching Halloween holiday this month, Program Director Amanda Berry has some exciting, fun filled plans for the season.  Thursday, October 10^th you will have the opportunity to learn how to construct a colorful buffet, tablescaping techniques 101, helpful recipe handouts , recommendations, cheeseboard  primer plus chocolate samples and much more. Sounds like fun and it will be! Then, on October 31^st Trick or Treat and Ghosts and Ghouls!  Check out page 4 of this bulletin for a month full of interesting, fun and educational programs.  By the way, our Travel column on page 5 will continue to offer you an opportunity to view the many fascinating trips and tours that are available in our Travel Department.  To be a Milford Senior Center member opens doors to fascinating, educational, fun filled adventures.  If you are not already a Center member, and you are 55 of years and older and a Milford Resident you are eligible to join us! Questions, call 203 877-5131 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Come on down and sign up!  The Center is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Helen Andrasko, Linda Baumgarten, John Bellavita, Sherri Belden, Diane Brown, Agnes DeNello, JoAnne Falcone, Ellen Frost, Antonette Gigantino, Henry Gigantino, Adele Haas, Sharon   Humphreys, Darlene  Lohnes, Aurelio Lucas, Rosita Lucas, , Jaquelinie Macisco  and Tom Maguire.  Also, Sarah Masso, Janice Matarazzo, Michael Maurutis,  Roseanne Meyer, Thornton Meyer, Terry Minahan, Mary Molloy, Diana Monteleone, Joseph Monteleone,  Russell Schultz, Samantha Schultz, Holley Slauson and Eloise Wallace. Welcome to our family!

FLU CLINIC PROGRAM

On October 23^rd and October 30^th, the Milford Senior Center and Milford Health Department will be conducting a flu clinic program at the Center between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The Health Department is again recommending for those over 65, the high dose influenza vaccine.  A low dose vaccine will also be available.

Senior Center members planning on attending the clinics are requested to contact Insurance Specialist,                    Laura Daneault or John Cornelius in our insurance office at 203 877-5131, before October 23rd to complete the required paper work.  In order to take part in this program, it is important to bring your Medicare Card and supplemental insurance cards with you

As in the past members who require transportation to the clinics  must advise the insurance office before October 23rd. The Milford Senior Center is located at 9 Jepson Drive.

WE ALL WISH YOU A HAPPY RETIREMENT JANICE!

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

You can protect yourself from fraud and scams.  According to the FTC, 16.7 million Americans were victims of identity theft.  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Scammers operate in communities large and small across our nation and vigilance against scanners is our number one weapon. 

 REMEMBER WHEN?

Back in 1929, the average cost of a loaf of bread was 10  cents, pound of bacon 47 cents, a ½ gallon of milk 28 cents, first class stamp 2 cents and a gallon of gas, 25 cents.?  How about 7 UP was invented, the first car radio was installed, the average annual income was $6,132.00.  The Oscars started in 1929, Wall Street crashed, the number one song was “Makin Whoopee,” The World Series was between Philadelphia and Athletics, the NCAA Football team was Notre Dame.  Lastly, President Coolridge was president until March 4 in 1929, then Herbert Hoover. 1929 was quite a year.