THE SENIOR SCENE JANUARY 2022 - Town of Ludlow
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THE SENIOR SCENE ~ JANUARY 2022
Jammin with Jodi...
“Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, care and
concern are words associated with kindness. Being kind often requires courage and strength.”
2021 was not exactly the year we thought it was going to be. We started 2021 with the hope that just maybe COVID would
become a thing of the past. Wow were we wrong! It has been 1 step forward and 2 steps back. We are still in a time of such
uncertainty. Along with that comes more isolation, fear, anger and at times, not being very kind. We have felt that a lot at the
Center over the past 6 months. With a new building comes very high expectations. Expectations of new programming, of activ-
ities for all, of the return of what we “used” to have and plenty of room for all. The reality is many of the staff are new, we have
added no additional staff, we are still learning the building and our new participants and class sizes have exceeded our expec-
tations and we are still dealing with a pandemic. As we head into 2022, let’s please remember to be kind to each other, staff
and volunteers. We appreciate constructive criticism but, at times, frustration has been communicated in a disrespectful man-
ner. We are aware of people’s concerns, frustrations and desires, but it is not as simple as “adding another session” or “just
change the room”. There are so many moving parts to running a Senior Center. There are so many things to take into consid-
eration. The other reality is we have been open only 6 months! The new building has brought in so many new older adults from
different generations. This is exactly what we had hoped for with our new building! Each generation has its own needs and
wants and, as a staff, we are trying to satisfy all. So as we say hello to 2022, let’s be just a bit kinder to each other and look
forward to all 2022 has to offer. The Center is starting off 2022 with new programs, so keep reading. Happy New Year all! Stay
Ring in the New Year with a Little Less Clutter…
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, take some time each week to clear out clutter from your life. This may
mean cleaning out that long neglected junk drawer, taking unused clothes to the Salvation Army/Goodwill, throwing out expired
toiletries from your bathroom or it can mean clearing the clutter from your mind.
What tasks do you put off because of frustration? What tasks do you forget to do because you have too much on your mind? A
cluttered mind is more common than you might think and there are easy tips to combat it!
Write a list of things you have been putting off. Work on the easy tasks that take no more than an hour or so of your time and
then cross those tasks of your list. Keep your list visible. Each time you cross something off, feel a note of accomplishment and
give yourself a pat on the back.
If you are still feeling the burden of being forgetful, register for the next UCLA Memory Training starting on January 26th at
1:30pm. Jodi, Maria, and I will guide you through four fun and valuable sessions designed to help you sharpen your memory
skills. In the mean time, start enjoying 2022 with less clutter ~ that junk drawer isn’t going to clean itself!
1 Ludlow Senior Center (413) 583-3564 www.ludlow.ma.us
Get to Know The Ludlow Senior Center
The Staff Council on Aging Board
Diane Peacey- Chair
Executive Director Clerk Janice Grimaldi- Vice Chair
Jodi Zepke Deb Borecki Karen Martin– Secretary
Program Coordinator Cook John DaCruz– Treasurer
Heather Jolicoeur Christine Toelken Fred Lafayette– Member
Activities Director Maintenance Rosalind Forti– Member
Maria Ardolino Jorge Fialho Sheena Santolini– Member
Kara Ribeiro– Member
Outreach Coordinator Dispatcher Helen Grabowski– Member
Debbie Johnson David Snyder
Frank Krzanik– Member
Receptionist Van Drivers Debbie Johnson– Member
Naomi White Jack Alves
John Garcia Mission: The Ludlow Council on Aging was created by Town
of Ludlow by Laws to act as an advocate for town citizens over
60 years old, those with disabilities, and their families and
caregivers, ensuring that they are represented before the town
Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center leadership, the Senior Center Director and the greater
community. The Council works to identify the changing needs
Kathy Green, President of this population and advises on policy making and program
Margaret Hinckley, Vice President design. We focus on optimizing independence and quality of
Stephanie Tyburski, Treasurer life, both physically and emotionally, in a way that is accessible
Carla Roberts, Secretary to all.
Jackie Doyle, Assistant Treasurer Dignity*Independence*Inclusion
Staff Spotlight
What is a Senior Center?
Jodi Zepke, Executive Director
Senior Centers exist to help aging adults enjoy the
company of their peers and participate in activities that are Jodi is about to begin her 20th year at the Center. According to
healthy, engaging and fun. her, 20 years has flown by and there have been so many
Recognized and funded through the Older Americans Act, changes! Jodi received her BA in Psychology from Boston
(OAA) as a community focal point, Senior Centers have University and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and
become one of the most widely used services within the Services from Springfield College. Jodi’s love of older adults
Aging Services Network. began in high school when she worked at a local nursing home.
Senior Centers aren’t just a place for great programs and This led to schooling, an internship at Greater Springfield Senior
activities. Many Centers such as the Ludlow Senior Center Services which then became a full time position. Jodi then
also offer volunteer opportunities, provide outreach for applied for the position in Ludlow over 20 years ago. Jodi says
programs such as Fuel Assistance, SHINE services, Brown that her biggest accomplishment is building a new facility and
Bag, indoor and Grab and Go meals, exercise programs, also increasing the numbers of participants over the years. She
recreational programs, and other programs to further help hopes the new Center continues to grow, offers more programs,
older adults within our communities age in place.
is a meeting place for friendships to grow and improves the lives
There are approximately 10,000 Senior Centers in the of area older adults.
United States which serve more than one million older
adults every day. Visit us or one of the surrounding Jodi resides with her husband Mark and daughter Sarah. She
communities today! also has fur-babies, Sammie and Rosie.
Page 2 Ludlow
LudlowSenior
SeniorCenter
Center (413) 583-3564 www.ludlow.ma.us
WITH MUCH APPRECIATION...
On Veteran’s Day, Christ the King Church Prayer Shawl Members from Ludlow presented sixteen
red, white, and blue hand-knitted Prayer Shawls to Veteran’s. Our Veteran’s Day lunch was so well
attended, some of our Veterans didn’t receive a Prayer Shawl. The Prayer Shawl Members have
already committed to making more Prayer Shawls for 2022. Prayer Shawls are infused with prayer
while they are being crafted. This process soothes the crafter and then that energy is passed on to
the recipient of the Prayer Shawl.
It seems the Ludlow Senior Center is never far from other service oriented agencies. On December
10th, we received many beautiful holiday wreathes from the Ludlow Boy Scouts. The wreathes
were free to anyone who wanted to take one home.
WELLNESS...
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS AND FILE OF LIFE FOOT CARE WITH ANGELA KRAMER, RN, BOH
Tuesday afternoons from Thursdays by Appointment
12:30pm–2:00pm Foot Care has returned. Pedicures are $20
Christine is here to check your and comprise a foot soak and nail trim (no
blood pressure, update your File polish). Appointments are required and can
be made by calling the Center. Diabetics are
of Life or complete a new one required to provide a note from their doctors
for you. A File of Life is a before foot care can be given.
document with your medical information for A mask is required at your appointment.
emergency personnel just in case you are not able to
*Sign ups for January appointments begin January 3rd*
provide it in an emergency. Update it for 2022!
MASSAGE THERAPY FACIALS WITH DIANE
Meaghan Murphy: Mondays, January 10th Diane Neill: Wednesday, January 26th
and 24th
Diane Neill, MA Licensed Esthetician, provides facials and
Enjoy a 30 minute massage for just $25. Appoint- additional skin care services starting at $35. Light therapy
ments are required. At this time, appointments are
and waxing services available. Appointments are required.
limited to once per month. Please wear a mask to
your appointment. *January appointments are now available.
February appointments are available
*Sign ups for January appointments begin
beginning January 3rd.*
January 3rd*
WINTER STORM CLOSINGS BROWN BAG PROGRAM
If the Ludlow Schools are closed or delayed, the Tuesday, January 18th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ludlow Senior Center is also closed or delayed. Be Offered through the Food Bank of
sure to check channels 22 or 40 before you leave to Western Massachusetts, Brown Bag
come to the Center when there is bad weather. In the helps those older than 55, who meet
income guidelines. Pickup is the third
case of a delay, any activities that were scheduled
Tuesday of each month. Call the
during the delayed opening time frame Center for more information and application.
will be cancelled.
3
INDOOR ACTIVITY
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Opera Group
Knitting Group Wednesdays, January 12th & 26th at 10:00am
Mondays at 9:00am This is a great way to learn about the stories and music that
Join the knitting group to learn to knit, get help with your make up the genre of Opera.
project and start your week with good friends and a lot of
laughs! National Bagel Day
Friday, January 14th at 9:00am
Pitch
Join us in the Corner Café for a bagel of your choice...plain,
Mondays at 1:15pm
poppy, cinnamon raisin...what is your favorite?
Join us in the Game room for some exciting games of Pitch!
Watercolor Pencil Class January Craft
Every Other Monday, Starting January 31st 2:00pm Wednesday, January 19th 1:00pm
Kim Lawler will have a new project each week and will show Join Sunshine Village and decorate a Winter Wonderland Oven
you how to paint with watercolor pencils. Pencils and paper are Mitt. Sign ups are required for this free activity.
provided. Please be sure to sign up!
“Meet the Author” ~ Rescuing an Angel
Quilting Thursday, January 20th at 10:00am
Tuesdays at 9:00am Peggy Lovelock, a compassionate dog trainer, is joining us for
Come to create a beautiful masterpiece, learn a new technique an hour of reading and signing of her book, Rescuing an
or simply enjoy time with friends! Angel. Peggy owns a personal dog training business with a
specialty of one-on-one training. She will share experiences
Bingo and talk about the second chance, twelve-year partnership with
Tuesdays at 1:30pm her special Shih Tzu, Mr. Sims. This story is a blend of dog-
Try your luck at this fun game of chance. training instruction, camaraderie, and humor that ends with the
Ceramics ultimate act of selfless love.
Wednesdays at 9:00am and Fridays at 1:00pm TED TALK Hour
Bring your own pieces to paint or restore. Mike will be available Thursday, January 27th at 10:00am
to help and has new pieces for purchase. The kiln is working!
Join Jodi for the return of this discussion group. “Ted Talk” is
Dominos the latest way to have discussions about everything from
Thursdays at 10:00am current events to everyday life situations. You will watch a short
Join us for a friendly game of Mexican Train! No experience video (less than 20 min) and then the group will discuss how
necessary. they feel about the subject involved. Pre-registration is
appreciated.
Mahjong
Thursdays at 1:00pm Book Club
Come join us for a fun and lively game of Mahjong. No Thursday January 27th at 2:00pm
experience necessary!
Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
JANUARY EVENTS: Every Last Fear is a psychological thriller about an entire family
Jewelry Class who dies while on vacation in Mexico. Were their deaths
Wednesday, January 5th - 9:30am-11:00am accidental, or was foul play involved?
Jewelry returns! Come and create your own jewelry. The class Upcoming books…
is $3.00, plus the cost of your supplies. February-The Unwilling by John Hart
Trivia March- Where the Light Enters by Jill Biden
Fridays, January 7th & 21st at 10:30am April-State of Terror by Louise Penny, Hilary Clinton
Join Kathy Green as we break into teams to answer questions NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME!
ranging from current events to geography and history.
Page 4 4 Ludlow Senior Center (413) 583-3564 www.ludlow.ma.usEXERCISE...
Thank you for your patience and kindness as we Line Dancing Class
navigate our new Center, new classes and many new Tuesdays at 9:15 am
participants. We have added new exercise classes and Lynn Connolly provides instructions and music for this fun
we hope you will give them try. and active class! Free Class!
Please remember to continue to sign up for Boomer Gentle Yoga—NEW!!
Bootcamp. Tuesdays at 10:30 am
This gentle practice incorporates the principles of Hatha Yoga
Exercise Room and provides approaches of slow gentle movements with
Monday—Friday 8:00am—3:00pm breathing, mindfulness, and stress release. Please bring
The exercise room contains treadmills, recumbent bikes and an your own mat. $1 or punch from your punch card per class.
elliptical. You must have your medical provider sign a new medi-
cal form prior to utilizing the equipment. There is a $10 lifetime
Swing Dancing
fee. If you paid it at the old building, you are all set. Tuesdays at 1:00pm
Couples West Coast Swing! This is a six count dance class
PLEASE NOTE THE EXERCISE ROOM WILL BE CLOSED
for beginners. Bring a partner or we will have one for you. Try
JANUARY 14th-19th AND WILL REOPEN ON THE 20TH.
something new and have some fun! This class is FREE!
OUR NEW EQUIPMENT WILL BE ARRIVING!
Walking Club Zumba Gold—NEW!!
Wednesdays starting January 19th at 10:00am
Monday-Friday 7:00am and 8:00am
A modified Zumba class for active older adults with easy-to-
Now meeting in the rear of the parking lot of the new building. It
follow choreography to music that focuses on balance, range
is a great way to start your day, meet new friends, and get some
of motion, and coordination. $1 or punch from your punch
exercise! Join us! New members always welcome.
card per class.
Boomer Bootcamp
Mondays at 10:00am & Fridays at 8:45 and then 10:00 am
Tai Chi
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Have fun while using weights and light aerobic exercise to in-
This class leads you through exercises of slow, flowing move-
crease tone and endurance. Thanks to a generous donation to
ments to help improve concentration, coordination, flexibility
the Friends of Ludlow Senior Center from The Joseph and Anna
and balance while relaxing the mind. Free Class!
Dias Family Foundation designated for exercise programs we
are able to offer this class for $1 or punch from your punch card. Active Yoga (Intermediate Practice) NEW!!
Thursdays starting January 13th at 2:30pm
*Sign ups are required for Boomer Bootcamp* This class provides poses and a flow of postures with
Please call ASAP and cancel if you cannot make class so emphasis on body awareness, alignment and coordination of
that some else can enjoy class! Thank you! breath and movement. Please bring your own mat.
$1 or punch from your punch card per class.
MEETINGS...
DECORATING COMMITTEE FRIENDS OF THE LUDLOW SENIOR CENTER
Tuesday, January 4th at 1:00pm Thursday January 13th at 10:30am
*NOTE THE NEW DAY and TIME*
Do you enjoy decorating large areas and dining rooms or
The Friends play a very important role at the Ludlow Senior
creating center pieces? If so, join us as we plan for upcoming
events. New members always welcome. Center by financially supporting services and activities. Stop
in the second Wednesday of each month and find out what
VETERANS’ SERVICES you can do to help.
Wednesday, January 12th at 10:00am COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEETING
Meet with Eric Segundo, Director of Veteran's Services, to Wednesday, January 19th at 4:30pm
discuss any issues concerning benefits and/or services. Held the third Wednesday of every month, this meeting is
open to the public. Come see what the COA is all about!
7SUPPORT...
TIP OF THE TONGUE GUIDENCE BY LI
UCLA Memory Training Program Comfort and Support After Loss
Wednesdays, January 26th, February 2nd, 9th and 16th Friday, January 21st 1:00-2:00pm
1:30pm-3:00pm
Losing a loved one can be one of life’s hardest
Can’t remember where you parked? Forgot why you walked challenges. While it is inevitable that we all face loss,
into the room? Word stuck on the tip of your tongue? Join society has not done a great job teaching us how to
Jodi, Heather and Maria for four brain-stimulating, fun-filled work through all of the emotions that are associated
sessions where you will learn about developing good with grief.
memory habits and techniques to improve your memory.
Owner and Founder of Guidance By Li, Liane Smola,
Methods are based on research and proven to be beneficial will join us monthly to discuss topics such as the nature
long-term. You must attend all four sessions for of grief, managing difficult emotions, self-care,
optimal results! remembering the person who has passed, coping with
the stress of change, handling special occasions,
Space is limited. Don’t forget to register early!
reaching out for support, and sharing ideas how to
support others in your life who also may be faced with
grief.
FORGET ME-NOT CAFÉ Share the story of your lost loved one and receive soft
Welcoming Place for People with Memory Challenges and guidance and support for your continued grief journey.
their Care Partner *Please register for this session*
Monday, January 31st 1:30-2:30pm Sponsored by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
A calm and welcoming meeting place where those with
memory challenges and their caregivers can enjoy a change of
scene and routine. Meet other care partners and learn about
resources and experience respite and renewal in your role of
caregiver.
Each month we will enjoy pleasant activities to improve senses
and evoke good memories. This program is supported by a
grant from WestMass ElderCare and the Older Americans Act.
*Please register both caregiver and loved one*
OUTREACH... “Hurry! Our New Year’s Resolutions start
in ten minutes!”
FUEL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS 2021 – 2022
*Fuel Assistance starts November 1, 2021 and you can apply through April 2022*
• Application assistance will be by Appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Appointments will only be made for residents of Ludlow 60 years and older.
• Please do not drop off any applications or paperwork with the front desk. Ask for Debbie.
• Everyone must have an appointment. Drop ins will not be accommodated. Thank you for your understanding!
It is very important that you bring all of the following paperwork, which pertains to your household, to your appointment in order
for the application to be complete: I.D., proof of income; electric, water, sewer, heat, gas bill(s);
To make an appointment to complete your Fuel Assistance, please call 583-3564.
8Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center
Donations have been made in the memory of the following Friends:
Who are "The Friends”?
• In memory of Frances Germain:
We are an IRS 501c3 nonprofit organi- Kathleen Hill • In memory of Olga Lozyniak:
zation created in 1984. Our goal is to • In memory of Raymond Colby: Miriam Stone
financially assist the Ludlow Senior Virginia Esteves Lisa Hetzel Salomon
Center by raising funds which are used • In memory of Claire Bachand: Mary Howansky
to supplement programs at the Center Janice and Donald Grimaldi • Building Fund
for our community. David and Betty Socha
• Café Donation: • General Donations:
Sam and Marlene Trahan Virginia Bourdeau
Country Bank
**NEW DATE AND TIME ALERT**
The Friends’ January Meeting will be Thursday, Thank you!
January 13th at 10:30am. That’s right…. We are ~Thank You to everyone who supported our Calendar Raffle
changing our monthly meeting, day, time and place! Fundraiser. We’ll be drawing a winner every day at lunch in
Starting in January, our meeting will be held on the January. A list of winners will be posted outside the
2nd THURSDAY of the month at 10:30am in the Boutique. Good Luck to all!
Conference Room. ~Thank You to Uncle Bob’s General Store for holding an
Please be flexible as we try this change for a few impromptu fundraiser for us on Dec.16th!
months and evaluate how it’s working. ~Thank you to Daisy Troop 65032 of Somers for the
Remember New Members are always welcome! Christmas ornaments!
Country Bank recently gave the Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center a sizeable and generous donation.
This donation will certainly go to good use for programs, activities, and more. Thank you Country Bank!
DONATION to the “FRIENDS OF THE LUDLOW SENIOR CENTER”
Donation from ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
(Circle one) Contribution in Memory / Honor of:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Send acknowledgement to (kindly indicate name, address & relationship):
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Donation Amount ___________________ Check here to remain anonymous ______
Please make check payable to:
Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center
228 State Street, Ludlow MA 01056
Phone (413) 583-3564
The Friends are a non-profit 501(c)(3)
Thank you to the families that think of us when requesting memorial contributions. Please know we
appreciate this and are pleased that the memory of your loved one will live on at the Ludlow Senior Center.
9THE SENIOR SCENE
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
228 STATE ST, LUDLOW, MA 01056
2022 AARP Tax Assistance
AARP Tax Assistance—SAME DAY DROP OFF/PICK UP
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Beginning in February, once again we will be using a drop-off/pick-up system of
assistance with filing Federal and Massachusetts State tax returns provided by trained
volunteers from AARP for area seniors at the Ludlow Senior Center. The AARP Tax
Aide program is a no-cost service with emphasis on helping older adults who have a
low to moderate income and relatively simple tax returns. More complicated returns require more expertise than the volun-
teers have been trained to handle. All taxes will be filed electronically. There will be no paper tax returns. Beginning on
WEDNESDAY, January 12th, those wishing to schedule an appointment can call the Senior Center at 583-3564 after
9am. All tax appointment calls will automatically go to a dedicated tax assistance voicemail. Calls will be returned with
an appointment date. Again this will be a drop off/pick up system. A confirmation letter, detailed instruction sheet, and In-
take Form will be mailed to all scheduled participants in advance of their appointment.
Participants must be available by phone on the day of their scheduled appointment for frequent consultations with the
Tax Aide volunteer. All those with appointments on a given day must retrieve their tax documentation between 2:30 and
3:30pm on the day their return was filed. The entire tax filing process will necessitate two trips to the Senior Center and
telephone availability for consultations until the individual’s return is processed, on the day of the appointment.
Thank you for your patience to our AARP volunteers!
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