August, 2021Heritage Center News Blast

Angelica FontanezDirector of Social Services

203-938-3580Click here to email

Angelica

Margherita PilatoSenior Program Coordinator

203-938-9725Click here to email

Margherita

Michelle Stillman Administrative Assistant

203-938-9725Click here to email

Michelle

Mask Policy UpdateWithin all of Redding municipal buildings, including the Heritage Center,visitors and class participants are now required to wear masks.Outdoors, the public is required to keep distance.

Medicare TalkMonday, August 23rd at 1:00 PM

Do you want to learn more about how to navigateand evaluate your Medicare options for yourself ora loved one? Are you about to enroll yourself or aloved one? The Heritage Center will host acounselor from CHOICES (Connecticut’s program for Health insuranceassistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, EligibilityScreening) for a free, unbiased Medicare presentation. The informationwill be ideal for those somewhat new to Medicare or those needing helpin making Medicare-related decisions. You will learn how to navigatemedicare.gov and how to conduct a yearly evaluation for your needs.The presentation will be inclusive, discussing Original Medicare (Parts Aand B) Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement, andPrescription Drug Coverage (Part D). Those more versed in Medicareare welcome to attend too, the counselor is happy to help answerquestions related to your specific concerns. Please call or email theHeritage Center to reserve your spot for this free event.

Cancelations, Postponements and Closures(Oh my!)

Long Island Sound Cruise CANCELEDUnfortunately, due to staffing and mechanical issues, the MaritimeAquarium needed to cancel our cruise. There is a possibility they willhave the boat up and running by mid-September.

Opera Talk POSTPONEDAlso regrettably, the return of Opera Talk has been postponed. We thankall those who expressed interest. Jean has a lovely program all lined up;we anticipate the program will begin again in the fall.

Heritage Center CLOSED for Book FairPer the usual schedule, the Heritage Center and its classes andprograms will be closed Monday, August 30th through September10th, opening up again on Monday, September 13th. This is due to theMark Twain Library Book Fair and scheduled maintenance.

Current Events GroupRETURNS to in person

discussion on Wednesday,August 4th

New Classes andReturning Classes

In the fall, we plan to bring back Spanishclasses and start up a new barre class. Barreincludes many ballet related movements,emphasizes form and focuses on alignmentand core engagement. It’s a wonderful, safe,effective exercise that we know many of youwill love. Please let us know if these classes pique your interest; it willhelp us plan accordingly.

Tech to the Rescueadvice from

Douglas Renfield-Millerat GoodEnding

Technology Training forLuddites (and many others)

While technology is increasingly user-

friendly, even basic technology such as a smartphone or tablet can bechallenging for some. Nonprofits such as OATS (Older AdultsTechnology Services), Generations on Line, and Cyber-Seniors offerresources to help seniors use digital devices and navigate the internet.For info, click HERE.

Weekly Class SchedulePlease call (203) 938-9725 to register.

Note that some classes (designated with *) may have reachedfull capacity. However, we may be able to add a new class

if there is enough demand.As a reminder, all classes will be on break from

Monday, August 30th through Friday, September 10th,except where noted.

Mondays9:00 AM Beginner Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei JuneFagan inside and online (no class 8/9 and 8/16)2:00 PM Playing with Clay*

Tuesdays9:30 AM Fitness to Fit You with Garner Lester 11:00 AM Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance* in-person andonline (no class 8/10, 8/13)12:00 PM Intermediate Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei JuneFagan (no class on 8/10)12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Bridge4:00 PM Beginner Ukulele with Wendy Matthews (no class 8/24;8/31 class is online only)4:00 PM Yoga Nidra with Deby Goldenberg online 2nd and4th Tuesdays of the month (8/10 and 8/24)

Wednesdays9:00 AM Gentle Yoga with Laurie Mayper outside (weatherpermitting) 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Current Events Discussion in-person andonline3:30 PM Zumba

Thursdays9:30 AM Fitness to Fit You with Garner Lester outside (weatherpermitting) / indoors AND online10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Quilting Group*10:45 AM Tai Chi with Deby Goldenberg in person and online12:30 PM -3:00 PM Bridge

Fridays9:30 AM Balance & Stretching with Garner Lester online11:00 AM Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance* in-person andonline

Free Programs and Eventsin Redding and Beyond

Catfish, Local Band Playingat Topstone Park, Redding

Thursday, August 5th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The July show of Garner Lester’s band, Catfish, has been rescheduled.Pray for good weather, bring friends and your own picnic. Catfish is a triothat plays fun music with a calm volume level and a tight sound. Originalmembers Paul Van Acker, bass and Garner Lester, guitar are excited tohave Joe Sullivan, an incredible rhythmical addition, join on drums andpercussion. Note that the playground and pond will be closed.

Easton CarnivalTuesday, August 3rd through Friday, August 7th

1 Center Road, Easton

This annual, local favorite is back to benefit the Easton Volunteer FireDepartment. Click HERE for info.

Meadow Ridge Garden Party“Croquet & Cocktails”

Tuesday, August 10th, 10:00 AM

Join the residents & associates of Connecticut’s largest retirementcommunity for a summer morning featuring fun games and mimosas. Inpart inspired by the summer garden parties on Bridgerton and DowntonAbbey, Meadow Ridge will host this event for the general public and itsresidents. In addition to croquet (for both beginners and advancedplayers) and mimosas, campus tours are offered. Meadow Ridge is at100 Redding Road. To RSVP for this free event, or for more information,click HERE.

Summer Salads, a Virtual Cooking Tutorialwith Thirsty Radish

through the Mark Twain LibraryAugust 18th, 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Cooking instructor and founder of Thirsty Radish, Vanessa Young, willlead a virtual cooking class on summer salads. Thinking beyond simplegreens, summer vegetables and fruit can be transformed into beautifuland delicious salads of all types, including heartier grain anddinner salads. Learn new methods of preparation, ingredientcombinations, and homemade dressings for colorful, tasty salads tosatisfy you all season long. Click HERE for info or to register.

Dementia Education SeriesBridges by Epoch in Norwalk presents free, virtual information sessionsregarding dementia.

“For Caregivers Only” with dementia expert, Alicia Seaver Wednesday, August 18th, 4:30 PM; to register, call 203-523-0510

“Signs and Stages of Alzheimer’s” Thursday, August 19th, 11:00 AM; to register click HERE.

Explore Valley ForgeSaturday, August 21st, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Weston Parks and Recreation present: Explore Valley Forge. For thisannual event, the road is blocked off on a long section of Valley Forgefor walkers, bikers, runners, boarders and strollers to enjoy the beautyand scenery of Valley Forge.

Mark Twain Library Book FairLabor Day Weekend, September 3rd to September 6th

Over 65,000 books for sale organized in 75 categories!

FREE ADMISSION: except $20 Early Buying charge from 9:00 AMto 10:00 AM on Friday, September 3rd.Free parking and refreshments available for purchase.Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM prices as markedSaturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM prices as markedSunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM half price dayMonday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM $10 for a box full of books

Where: The Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road, ReddingClick HERE for info.

“Weston Slept While the Nation Roared:Life in the Twenties”

104 Weston RoadOngoing through 2021

“Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties” is a newlyreleased exhibit hosted at The Weston History and Culture Center(formerly the Weston Historical Society). Explore the monumental eventstaking place around the world in the 1920s as Weston emerged from anagricultural society to one that became a refuge from the chaotic life ofthe city. Exhibition highlights include authentic 1920s clothing, originalartwork by nationally renowned artist of the period and Weston resident,James Daugherty, 1920s songwriters Mel Kaufman and Frank Silvermemorabilia, and vintage radios. The exhibition’s summer hours areWednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and every Sundayin August and September from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM except Labor Dayweekend and Sunday, September 19th. Also open by appointment.Suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Free admission to members.For more information and to donate, please email HERE or phone203-226-1804 or visit www.westonhistoricalsociety.org

PRESS RELEASEMonday, July 19, 2021

Attorney General TongLaunches Elder Justice Hotline

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong, Aging and DisabilitiesCommissioner Amy Porter, Consumer Protection Commissioner MichelleH. Seagull and the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut todaylaunched the Elder Justice Hotline—a “one stop shop” for older adults inConnecticut in need of information, aid, and justice.

Elder justice issues can range from age-based discrimination in theworkplace to scams and frauds, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.As a result, no one state agency can answer every question. TheConsumer Assistance Unit of the Office of the Attorney General will staffthe hotline and refer matters as appropriate to agencies across stategovernment. The hotline can be reached at 1-860-808-5555. Individuals may alsoaccess information about the hotline, resources, and an online complaintportal by clicking HERE. “If you have been the victim of a scam, or have been neglected,exploited or abused, we are here to help. It’s hard sometimes to knowwho to call, so we want to make it easy. The Elder Justice Hotline cananswer your questions, connect you with trained investigators, and helpyou access aid, support and justice,” said Attorney General Tong. “We are pleased this hotline will make it that much easier for older adultsand their families to make connections that support their independencewith dignity and respect,” said Aging and Disability ServicesCommissioner Amy Porter.

The Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut is a multi-disciplinary,statewide group of private and public stakeholders working together toprevent elder abuse and protect the rights, independence, security, andwell-being of vulnerable elders.

“This is another important tool in the toolbox for state agencies to worktogether to protect consumers from age-based discrimination in theworkplace, scams and frauds targeting older adults, elder abuse,neglect, and exploitation,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. Reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation received throughthe Hotline will be referred to the Protective Services for the Elderlyprogram of the Department of Social Services. DSS social workersinvestigate reports of elder maltreatment and neglect (including self-neglect) and intervene with services and connections to communitypartners. “Unfortunately, older adults are especially vulnerable to serious

maltreatment, including physical, emotional and even sexual abuse,along with neglect and financial exploitation,” said Dr. Deidre S. Gifford,Department of Social Services Commissioner and Department of PublicHealth Acting Commissioner. “Our Protective Services social workershelp adults 60 and older by investigating allegations and providing orarranging for services to alleviate and prevent further maltreatment. Wealso provide conservator of person and estate services when vulnerableolder adults have no one to care for them or their interests. We thankAttorney General Tong and his staff for launching the Elder JusticeHotline, which promises to be an important contact point and resourcefor Connecticut’s older adults and their families and advocates.” “This hotline will help law enforcement, as well as family and friends,protect our most targeted and vulnerable population. Our olderpopulations sometimes have difficulty and fear when they are trying toreport that they are a victim. This will be a tremendous help,” saidDepartment of Emergency Services and Public Protection CommissionerJames Rovella. The Office of the Attorney General and the Coalition for Elder Justice inConnecticut have partnered with the following state agencies andorganizations to support the hotline:

CT Department of BankingCT Department of Consumer ProtectionCT Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesCT Department of Public HealthCT Department of Social Services - Protective Services for theElderlyCT Long-Term Care OmbudsmanCT Police Training AcademyCT Department of Emergency Services and Public ProtectionState Unit on Aging, Department of Aging and Disability Services

Above all, stay safe, be well!

Redding Heritage Center | Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road, Redding, CT 06896

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