What's New

Serve New England
Food Serve is a small alternative to food shopping. Everyone, regardless of age or income can participate. The only requirement is 2 hours of volunteer service per month. If you already help in the community, or if you are helping someone other than a family member with chores, then you already qualify. Food Serve will also be happy to assist you in finding a volunteer project that interests you.

As a reward for this effort, you can participate in Serve's food co-op, which offers you top quality food at a discount of up to 50%. The basic package costs $22, for which you receive $35 to $40 of fruit, meat, and vegetables. The sign-up date for the month of April is Thursday, April 3, 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Senior Center Library. For more information about Food Serve please call Jane Perrin at 643-7342, Ann Kibbe at 649-6971, or go to www.servenewengland.org.

Municipal Retiree's Association
The next meeting of the Municipal Retiree's Association is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2008, 2:00 p.m. in the Senior Center cafe. The speaker for this month will be Manchester Mayor, Louis Spadaccini.

Manchester Matters E-mail
This service is designed to inform you of important information and events happening in the Town of Manchester. Residents and those who work in town are invited to sign up to receive periodic emails about holiday closings, trash collection delays, road construction, and more! Sign up online at www.townofmanchester.org or call 647-5235.

Property Tax Relief
It's time again for the Property Tax Relief Program for homeowners. This program runs through May 15, 2008 and provides a reduction in property taxes for qualified residents. The property owner must be age 65 (as of December 31, 2007) or disabled according to Social Security criteria. The widow or widower of a previously approved applicant may also apply if at least 50 years of age. Proof of 2007 income is required including a copy of your 2007 Federal Income Tax Return if filed and Social Security 1099 or statements verifying all income sources. Please note that this is a two-year program and you must re-apply every other year. Applicants may also file for the Additional Veteran's exemption at the same time. If you want to apply for the Tax Relief Program, you are welcome to stop by and see a representative from the Assesor's office at the Senior Center any Tuesday through April 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. You may also apply at the Assessor's Office in Town Hall, 41 Center Street, from 8:20 a.m. through 4:40 p.m. weekdays. Please call 647-3016 if you have questions.

Puzzles
There is a table set up in the library for individuals to work on jigsaw puzzles. Use one of the puzzles in the coat room, or bring you own and enjoy this mind-stimulating activity for hours.

Community Garden
The garden plots behind the building offer members the opportunity to get their hands "dirty". The plots are a very popular part of the programming offered here at the Senior Center. If you are interested in having a plot this summer, please leave your name at the office. Returning gardeners who have already sent in plot forms do not have to call. In order to better manage and coordinate this program, a Garden Committee is being formed. If you are interested in being a part of the committee, please stop in and see Kathleen McGuire or contact her at 647-3211.

Greenhouse
The greenhouse opened during the cold days of March, 2008 with seeds and small cuttings. As we entered the spring season, flowers were blooming, seeds were sprouting, the vegetables were growing and the herbs smelled wonderful; the transformation was evident. This years’ sale took place on Saturday, May 10, in the parking lot outside the greenhouse. This was a DO NOT miss event. The Greenhouse is now closed for the winter. If you did not have the opportunity to stop in and gaze into the Greenhouse at all the beautiful plant life growing around, keep your eye on our Newsletters and look for its reopening later in the winter.

Open Computer Lab Time
Don't forget about Open Lab time in the computer room. The computer lab is open for drop-in use for members. A knowledgeable volunteer will be available to assist, or answer questions you may have. The lab is open on Thursday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Red Hat Society
Our local chapter of the Red Hat Society, the Royal Scarlet Gadabouts, will hold their November meeting on TBD, in the Senior Center Library.

Men's Group
The newly formed Men's Group will meet on TBD , in the Senior Center library. This group socializes, discusses current events, and often has a speaker to talk on a variety of subjects. This group is open to men only. New faces welcome!

Advisory Committee
The next Senior Center Advisory Committee meeting will be held on TBD, in the library. You are cordially invited to attend.

Volunteers
A meeting with all Senior Center volunteers will take place on TBD. in the library. All those interested in volunteering, or currently volunteering at the Center are encouraged to attend.

Newcomer's Meeting
More and more new members are attending the monthly Newcomer's Meetings to learn about our Senior Center. At this meeting members will receive introductions to programs, take a tour of the facility, and enjoy lunch on us. We ask that you please register with the office ahead of time so we can properly prepare for your visit. The Newcomer's Meeting, open to those 60 and over, will be held on TBD in the library.

Book Group
The Book Group will meet TBD in the Senior Center Library. The group will review TBD.

Driver's Education
The next Driver's Education class will be held on TBD. Seniors 50 and over attending both sessions may receive a reduction in their insurance premiums. The class fee is $10.00, and is limited to 25 people. Please register with payment at the front office.

Introduction to Computers Class
Don't know a mouse from a monitor? What is the internet? This practical class teaches the basics of computer use. You will leave this class with all the tools necessary to get started on your own. No previous computer experience required. This six week class meets on Tuesday, May 6-June 10 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The cost of the class is $30.00. Space in the class is limited. Please register in the office.

Body Sculpt
Resistance training to strengthen and sculpt the entire body. This is a low impact class designed for all fitness levels.
Meets: T/Th, 6:00-7:00 p.m., 9/09/09 thru 10/30/08- Auditorium

Ceramics
This class will allow participants of varying abilities to create beautiful ceramic pieces. Students will learn to clean greenware, paint, fire and glaze their creations. Participants may bring in their own piece to work on or purchase from a catalog or from pieces in stock.
Meets: T, 6:00-7:30 p.m., 9/08/08 thru 12/12/08 - Ceramics Room

Trips - WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - TRIPS FORTHCOMING - THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE

Space is limited on all trips. Please register in the office to attend.