The Newsletter of the Fairfield Senior CenterVolume 24, Number 10 October, 2014

fairfieldsenior timeswe care for those who cared for us

Continues on Page 6 Continues on Page 2

Evening and Saturday Morning Programs Resume at Center

Thursday Evenings in October, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday Mornings in October, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Note: Center

Closed October 11th

By Donna O’Keefe Saracco

Flu Shots Set for October 7th and 8th at Center

Carvers Shape More than Wood

Program Notes

The Fairfield Health Department will hold its seasonal flu vaccination clinics for adults and children ages five and older on Tuesday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinic will be held in the Fairfield Senior Center Gymnasium, 100 Mona Terrace, Fair-field.

The following insurance will be ac-cepted (no co-pay required): Medi-care Part B, Connecticare, Aetna, CIGNA and Anthem. The cash price for a flu shot is $25 and for a pneumo-nia shot, $45.

The flu vaccine will be available in both injectable and nasal spray forms. FluMist Nasal Spray is for healthy people age 5 to 49. New this year is a high dose vaccine available for people age 65 and older. Pneumonia vaccine will also be available.

Please note that flu vaccine is available for children ages 6 months through 4 years by calling the Public Health Nursing Office at 203.256.3020.

Be sure to bring your insurance card and wear clothes that make it easy for health department personnel to ad-minister the vaccination. For more in-formation, please call 203.256.3150.

“My life has turned around by 360 de-grees since I am coming here,” Guill-ermo Reyes, a wood carver from the Fairfield Senior Center’s Wood Carv-ing class told us recently.

All the many members of the wood carving group agree that Reyes, who came to the United States from Peru in 1983, has an unusual story. “He joined our group three years ago and, like most of us, was just looking for something to do and enjoy some com-panionship,” fellow carver Chris Lus-sen said, “ but it was soon obvious to all of us that he has a special gift.”

Although Reyes had an artistic bent based on the work he did before he came to America, he had never done any carving before and he was com-

Miss Liberty and Guillermo Reyes

Pickleball: 4:00 to 6:50 p.m.Functional Fitness & Fun: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. $5. Table Pool: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.Ping Pong: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.Patient Advocacy: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on October 2nd only.Bereavement Group: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (last session October 23rd).2015 Medicare Update: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 9th only.Caregiver Support Group: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on October 2nd, 16th and 30th. Trip Talk: Collette Tours talk on Rome and the Amalfi Coast and the Colorado Rockies on October 30th only.

Pickleball: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 25th.Functional Fitness & Fun: Frank Cal-lahan. 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., October 18th and 25th. $5. Cardio Fitness: Laura Dorr. 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., October 18th and 25th. $5.Zumba: Laura Dorr. 10:00 to 11:00 p.m., October 18th and 25th. $5.

Page 2 October, 2014

At The Movies in October

Every Friday at 12:15

October 10th — Dersu Uzalais (1975) Maxim Munzuk, Yuri Solomin—Directed by the celebrated Akira Kurosawa, this film tells the story of Dersu Uzalais, an eccentric Mongolian frontiersman who is taken on as a guide by a Russian surveying crew. While the soldiers at first perceive Dersu as a naïve and comical relic of an uncivilized age, he quickly proves himself otherwise with displays of ingenuity and bravery. The film took two years to make and won the Academy Award for best foreign lan-guage film in 1975. A Foreign Film Festival pick. 137 minutes.

Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton—After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman (Cameron Diaz) tries to get her ruined life back on track. But when she accidentally meets the wife he’s been cheating on (Leslie Mann), she realizes they have much in common, and her sworn enemy becomes her greatest friend. When yet another affair is discovered (Kate Upton), all three women team up to plot mutual revenge on their three-timing Lothario. “A Good popcorn movie! Funny and comedic.” 107 minutes.

Jude Law, Richard E. Grant—Hemingway (Jude Law) is a larger-than-life safecracker with a loose fuse who is funny, profane, and dangerous. After twelve years in prison, he sets off with his partner in crime Dickie (Richard E. Grant) looking to collect what he’s owed for keeping his mouth shut and protecting his boss, Mr. Fontaine. Dom tries to re-connect with his estranged daughter, but is soon drawn back into the only world he knows. “An enjoyable lark featuring a magnificent performance by Jude Law.” 93 minutes.

Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler—In this well observed spoof romcom, Joel (Paul Rudd) and Molly (Amy Poehler) hate each other at first sight. His big Corporate Candy Company threatens to shut down her quirky indie candy shop. And Joel is hung up on his sexy ex. But amazingly, they fall in love nonetheless. Until they break up. And Molly starts dating her accountant. So what happens? We’re not telling. “A hilarious and irreverent subversion of the romantic comedy genre.” 83 minutes.

Program Notes From Page 1

October 17th — The Other Woman (2014) ½

October 24th — Dom Hemingway (2014)

October 31st — They Came Together (2014)

New Class Offered

Colin Farrell, William Hurt, Russel Crowe—Based on the book by Mark Helprin, Winter’s Tale tells the brazenly bizarre story of a turn-of-the-century burglar who falls in love with a dying heiress with the couple’s happiness threatened by a nefarious and possibly otherworldly figure named Pearly Soames. Set in a mythic New York City and spanning more than a century, Winter’s Tale is a story of miracles, crossed destinies, and the ancient battle between good and evil. “Irresistible romance.” 120 minutes.

October 3th— Winter’s Tale (2014)

Qigong: Laura Dorr. 11:00 to 12:00 noon, October 18th and 25th. $5.Flying Aces Model Airplane Club: 11:00 a.m to 12:00 noon on Octo-ber 25th only.As noted, exercise programs cost $5 per person per session. All games and talks are free. Call the Center at 203.256.3166 for more information.

Frank Callahan will teach a new ex-ercise class called “Functional Fitness and Fun” each Thursday evening in October from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per session. Class-es will also be held on the fol-lowing Satur-day mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.: Oc-tober 18th and 25th, November 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and December 6th, 13th and 20th.

A registered nurse, Frank has quite a diverse background and is the owner of SilverFox Fitness, LLC in Fairfield, a health and fitness coaching practice that serves the senior community.

His unique exercise program helps active seniors maintain their indepen-dence and safety as they go about their daily activities. Frank incorporates el-ements of tai chi, yoga, pilates, free weight training, flexbands, and dance to make the program fun, entertaining and practical. He’ll present a variety of exercises consistent with the abili-ties of class members.

Participants should bring a filled wa-ter bottle, a towel, athletic shoes (no sandals), loose fitting clothing, light dumbells, flexbands and, if possible, a yoga mat.

Please call the Center at 203.256.3166 to pre-register for these classes.

Frank Callahan, RN

Page 3October, 2014

October Menu

Avoid Bad Carbs and Hidden Sugar― Scottish Saying

“From ghoulies and ghosties and long leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!.”

Bad carbohydrates—also known as simple or unhealthy carbs—are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Bad carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and short-lived energy. For long-last-ing energy and stable insulin levels, choose “good” or complex carbs such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Added sugar can be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, instant mashed potatoes, frozen dinners, fast food, and ketchup. Check food labels for other terms for sugar such as corn syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, cane juice, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, or maltose.

Please make reservations three days in advance: call 203.256.3118 between 10:00 and 11:15 a.m. A $2.00 donation is suggested. 1% or skim milk is provided. Margarine served

with all meals. Menu subject to change. *High in sugar content. **High Salt Content. +High fat.

Senior Community CafeMonday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch service begins at 12:00 noon

Columbus DayCenter Closed

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 2 3

Creamy Pea Soup Grape Juice Potato Crunch Fish

Unsalted Crackers Pot Roast w/Gravy Lemon Butter Sauce

Grilled Chicken Breast Baked Potato Buttered Orzo

Sweet Potatoes Carrot Coins Spinach

Broccoli Sour Cream

Dinner Roll Pumpernickel Bread Potato Bread

Cinnamon Applesauce Birthday Cake Fresh Apple

6 7 8 9 10

Roast Pork with Grilled Chicken with Orange Juice Pineapple Juice Cream of Broccoli Soup

Apple Glaze Honey Mustard Sauce Spaghetti Homemade Meatloaf Unsalted Crackers

Sesame Noodles Mashed Potatoes Marinara Sauce Onion Gravy Chicken Salad

Country Blend Veggies Summer Blend Veggies Turkey Meatballs Sweet Potato Lettuce Bed

Romaine Salad Peas Macaroni Salad

Ranch Dressing Pickled Beets

100% Whole Wheat 12 Grain Bread Italian Bread Potato Bread Multigrain Bread

Mandarin Oranges Mixed Fruit Cup Banana Rice Pudding Pears

13 14 15 16 17

Cranberry Juice Grilled Chicken Breast Pineapple Juice Roast Turkey

Lasagna Rolette Broccoli Cheese Sauce Beef Stew w/Carrots, Turkey Gravy

Meat Sauce Rice Pilaf Diced Potatoes & Peas Stuffing

Peas & Carrots Stewed Tomatoes Garden Salad Geneva Blend Veggies

Parmesan Cheese French Dressing Cranberry Sauce

Italian Bread Oatmeal Bread W.W. Dinner Roll Rye BreadTangerine Peaches Oatmeal Cream Pie Tropical Fruit Cup

20 21 22 23 24

Grape Juice Apple Juice Orange Juice Escarole Bean Soup Cranberry Juice

Veal Scaloppini over Fish Filet Rigatoni with Unsalted Crackers Chicken Tetrazzini

Parslied Buttered Noodles Tatar Tots Meatballs Broccoli Bake Wide Egg Noodles

Oriental Blend Veggies Carrot Coins Marinara Sauce Chuck Wagon Veggies Capri Blend Veggies

Tartar Sauce Summer Blend Veggies100% Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread Multigrain Bread 100% Whole Wheat Pumpernickel Bread

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Pineapple Chunks Ice Cream Cup Fruit Cocktail Cinnamon Applesauce

27 28 29 30 31

Knockwurst Cranberry Juice Butternut Squash Soup Orange Juice Ghoulish Grape JuiceLazy Pierogies Unbreaded Veal Patty Unsalted Crackers Lazy Man's Prickly Peppersteak

Cabbage Onion Gravy Grilled Chicken Breast Stuffed Cabbage with Peppers and Rice Pilaf Lettuce & Tomato Whipped Potatoes Ogley Onions

Summer Blend Veggies Marinated Cucumbers Versailles Veggies Batty Buttered

Noodles, Creepy

Capri Blend VoodooHot Dog Roll Pumpernickel Bread W.W. Hamburger Bun Italian Bread Veggies, Bewitched

Tropical Fruit Cup Banana Fresh Pear Fresh Orange Bread, Pumpkin Treat

Page 4 October, 2014

Calendar of Events October, 2014

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

111:00 Book Club1:00 Chinese Brush Painting

210:00 Jewelry Making Class10:00 Dylan Thomas1:00 American Experience4:00 Thursday Nights Out

3 10:00 Literature that Feeds Your Faith 12:15 Movie: Winter’s Tale12:30 Duplicate Bridge

69:30 Blood Pressure Screening10:00 Swinging City: New York1:00 AARP Meeting1:00 Women News- makers2:00 Meditation Class

79:00 AARP Defensive Driving Class 10:00 A Tale of Four Cities10:30 Reflexology1:00 South Africa1:00 Diabetes Support

811:00 Advisory Council Mtg.10:00 What’s New with the News1:00 Chinese Brush Painting

910:00 Dylan Thomas1:00 American Experience4:00 Thursday Nights Out

10 10:00 Literature that Feeds Your Faith 12:15 Movie: Dersu Uzalais12:30 Duplicate Bridge

13 149:30 Silver Belles Shop Consignment Day10:00 Culture of Japan1:00 Human Brain

151:00 Genealogy10:00 Opera’s Neglected Gems11:00 Cindi Bigelow Tribute1:00 Happy Birthday Fairfield

1610:00 Populist/Progressive Era1:00 Great American Songbook4:00 Thursday Nights Out

1710:00 Esoteric Religions 12:15 Movie: The Other Woman12:30 Duplicate Bridge

209:30 Blood Pressure Screening10:00 Composer’s Club12:30 Watercolor Class1:00 Vermeer

2110:30 Reflexology10:00 Culture of Japan1:00 Human Brain

2210:00 Opera’s Neglected Gems 10:15 FSCA Meeting11:00 Advisory Council Mtg.12:30 Gentle Jazz in the Din- ing Room1:00 Happy Birthday Fairfield

2310:00 Populist/Progressive Era4:00 Thursday Nights Out

2410:00 Esoteric Religions12:15 Movie: Dom Hemingway

2710:00 Composer’s Club1:00 Vermeer

28 1:00 Bunco10:00 Culture of Japan11:00 Transportation Forum 1:00 Human Brain

2910:00 Opera’s Neglected Gems1:00 Happy Birthday Fairfield1:00 Life Planning Forum

3010:00 Populist/Progressive Era12:00 Birthday Celebration1:00 Great American Songbook3:30 League of Women Voters Presentation4:00 Thursday Nights Out

3110:00 Esoteric Religions12:15 Movie: They Came Together

Every Monday Every Tuesday Every Wednesday Every Thursday Every Friday

9:00 Woodcarving9:00 Table Tennis9:00 Table Pool9:10 Coed Exercise9:30 Bocce10:00 Senior Exercise11:00 Flex & Stretch1:00 Open Bridge1:00 Dance Aerobics2:15 Pickleball

9:00 Pacers-Walking Group

9:00 Table Tennis9:00 Woodcarving9:00 Table Pool9:00 Dance Aerobics9:30 Yoga10:00 Senior Exercise10:00 Open Painting11:00 Flex & Stretch11:30 Arthritis Exercise1:00 Model Airplane

Club1:00 Chess Club1:00 Mah-Jongg

9:00 Pacers-Walking Group

9:00 Table Tennis9:00 Woodcarving9:00 Table Pool9:10 Coed Exercise9:30 Open Crafts10:00 Senior Exercise11:00 Flex & Stretch12:30 Open Bridge1:00 Tai Chi

9:00 Table Tennis9:00 Quilters9:00 Table Pool9:00 Zumba Gold10:00 Music & Movement11:00 Flex & Stretch12:15 Movies1:00 Scrabble1:00 Pickleball

9:00 Pacers-Walking Group

9:00 Table Tennis9:00 Table Pool9:00 Basic Zumba9:30 Sewing Bee10:00 Senior Exercise10:00 Open Computer

Lab/Help11:00 Flex & Stretch11:30 Arthritis Exercise12:30 Bingo1:00 Open Bridge1:00 Tai Chi

Columbus DayCenter Closed

A free jewelry making class with Laurie Lynn is set for Thursday October 2nd from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Call 203.256.3166 to reserve a place. Class size is limited to 10.

Please join the League of Women Voters on October 30th at 3:30 p.m. at the Center for a very informative session that should bring you up to date on all issues regarding our local elections on November 4th.

Alas, our schedule is subject to change. Check the Center’s bulletin boards and our Facebook page for the most current information.

Page 5October, 2014

The Fairfield Senior Times is published monthly by the Fairfield

Senior Center,100 Mona TerraceFairfield, CT 06824

Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

DirectorTeresa Giegengack, 203.256.3169

Program CoordinatorMargaret Andrews, 203.254.5102

Town HallHuman Services Commission

Senior Times StaffEditor: Ron Atwater

fsteditor@hotmail.com

Editorial Assistant: M.A. Atwater

© 2014. All rights reserved.Printed in USA by Liturgical

Publications Inc., Cromwell, CT

Information: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 203.256.3166.Transportation: M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 203.256.3168.Lunch (three days notice required): M-F, 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. Call 203.256.3118 after 10:00 a.m.Coffee Shop: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Gift Shop: M-F, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Social Worker: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 203.256.3170.Blood Pressure Screening: 203.256.3166Notary Public: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 203.256.3166.

Senior Center Services

Notary public; long term care; Medicare and medigap counseling, social servicesServices Below by Appointment Only. Call 203.256.3166

Senior Times online: http://fairfieldct.org/content/10726/11018/14665/15157.aspx

Reminders & Other Stuff Center to Present Life Planning Forum

The Diabetes Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month, September through June, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Center. Pre-registration is not required and the program is free. This helpful pro-gram is sponsored by the Town of Fairfield Health Department in col-laboration with the Fairfield Senior Center. Please call 203-256-3150 for more information.

Care Giver Support Group. Please join Kate Dressel, MS, Fairfield So-cial Worker, for a six-part series of free care-giver support meetings. This support group is customized for any adult who is a care giver for an aging loved one, and interested in learning about helpful coping skills, social supports and self care with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Please join us for snacks and coffee, informative conversations, as well as connec-tions with other care-givers and community resources. These meet-ings are scheduled for Thursday evenings on October 2nd, October 16th, and October 30th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday mornings on November 15th and December 6th, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. All meetings are held at the Fairfield Senior Center. Please RSVP to the Fairfield Social Services Depart-ment at 203.256.3170.

Join Us for Gentle Jazz. On Wednesday, October 22nd at 12:30, Darrell Courtley will present “Gentle Jazz” in the dining room. This musical presentation is de-signed especially for seniors and in-cludes selections from what has be-come known as "The Great Ameri-can Songbook.” Join us for this free concert: it will make your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your heart smile!

Medicare Update. On Thursday, October 16th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nancy Lombard from the South-western CT Area Agency on Aging will present a very important “2015 Medicare Update” that we all need to hear. There will be significant changes to Medicare Part C (Medi-care Advantage Plans) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Un-derstanding these changes will help you to choose supplemental cover-age during the coming open enroll-ment period. Plan to attend.

On Tuesday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. the Center will present a free Transportation Resource Forum. A panel will explain the transporta-tion options currently available to seniors. Call ahead: 203.256.3166.

Our monthly Birthday Celebra-tion—with cake of course—will be held on Thursday, October 30th. We’ve invited the tiny tots from A Child’s Garden to come and show us their Halloween Costumes.

On Wednesday, October 29th, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., a distinguished panel will discuss three areas of con-cern to seniors: navigating our health-care system, estate planning and es-sential documents, and probate court. The panel will help seniors to control their care, make their wishes clearly known, and minimize mistakes and confusion down the road.

Lisa S. Freeman of Fairfield is a highly experienced patient advocate, social worker and Executive Board Member of the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety. She’ll share strategies to help you get the most from your average 19-minute appointment with your doctor and reduce the chance of errors occurring in the office, at the hospital or other healthcare provider organizations. She’ll also touch on a few Medicare policies and recent changes that may surprise you with unanticipated charges.

Attorney Linda Eliovson of Eliov-son and Tenore in Fairfield has been named among the top attorneys in

Continues on Page 6

The Fairfield Senior Times is published monthly by the Fairfield

Senior Center,100 Mona TerraceFairfield, CT 06824

Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

DirectorTeresa Giegengack, 203.256.3169

Program CoordinatorMargaret Andrews, 203.254.5102

Town HallHuman Services Commission

Senior Times StaffEditor: Ron Atwater

fsteditor@hotmail.com

Editorial Assistant: M.A. Atwater

© 2014. All rights reserved.Printed in USA by Liturgical

Publications Inc., Cromwell, CT

Information: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 203.256.3166.Transportation: M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 203.256.3168.Lunch (three days notice required): M-F, 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. Call 203.256.3118 after 10:00 a.m.Coffee Shop: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Gift Shop: M-F, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Social Worker: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 203.256.3170.Blood Pressure Screening: 203.256.3166Notary Public: M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 203.256.3166.

Senior Center Services

Notary public; long term care; Medicare and medigap counseling, social servicesServices Below by Appointment Only. Call 203.256.3166

Senior Times online: http://fairfieldct.org/content/10726/11018/14665/15157.aspx

Reminders & Other Stuff Center to Present Life Planning Forum

The Diabetes Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month, September through June, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Center. Pre-registration is not required and the program is free. This helpful pro-gram is sponsored by the Town of Fairfield Health Department in col-laboration with the Fairfield Senior Center. Please call 203-256-3150 for more information.

Care Giver Support Group. Please join Kate Dressel, MS, Fairfield So-cial Worker, for a six-part series of free care-giver support meetings. This support group is customized for any adult who is a care giver for an aging loved one, and interested in learning about helpful coping skills, social supports and self care with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Please join us for snacks and coffee, informative conversations, as well as connec-tions with other care-givers and community resources. These meet-ings are scheduled for Thursday evenings on October 2nd, October 16th, and October 30th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday mornings on November 15th and December 6th, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. All meetings are held at the Fairfield Senior Center. Please RSVP to the Fairfield Social Services Depart-ment at 203.256.3170.

Join Us for Gentle Jazz. On Wednesday, October 22nd at 12:30, Darrell Courtley will present “Gentle Jazz” in the dining room. This musical presentation is de-signed especially for seniors and in-cludes selections from what has be-come known as "The Great Ameri-can Songbook.” Join us for this free concert: it will make your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your heart smile!

Medicare Update. On Thursday, October 16th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nancy Lombard from the South-western CT Area Agency on Aging will present a very important “2015 Medicare Update” that we all need to hear. There will be significant changes to Medicare Part C (Medi-care Advantage Plans) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Un-derstanding these changes will help you to choose supplemental cover-age during the coming open enroll-ment period. Plan to attend.

On Tuesday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. the Center will present a free Transportation Resource Forum. A panel will explain the transporta-tion options currently available to seniors. Call ahead: 203.256.3166.

Our monthly Birthday Celebra-tion—with cake of course—will be held on Thursday, October 30th. We’ve invited the tiny tots from A Child’s Garden to come and show us their Halloween Costumes.

Continues on Page 6

Page 6 October, 2014

pletely surprised by the skill he be-gan to show after he completed his first project. “I had no idea I could do this,” he told us while working on the

northeast and has won a total of 150 ribbons for his bird carving efforts. Many of his carving designs have also been photographed and reproduced on the banners the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce proudly hangs around

Woodcarvers From Page 1

A few of the Center’s wood carvers. From left: Howard Benditsky, Chris Lussen, Lou Berman, Guillermo Reyes and Ed Shea. Photo by Saracco.

Dave Farrington’s Hummingbird would sell for a hefty sum

he said, “and I had no experience in carving before that. Now I enjoy carv-ing toys and some birds too.”

Howard Benditsky, PhD, the former Chief of Psychology for the South-west Connecticut Mental Health Sys-tem, is the newest member. “I’ve been with the guys for about five months, but it seems longer. One of the aspects of working that I miss the most are the people and social contacts you have every day. This group has given me that.”

Former engineer Lou Berman, the self-confessed “worst carver of the group,” enjoys working with a lathe carving out bowls. “We are a group with an extreme range of talents from very professional, gifted on one end,” he said, “and me on the other and I couldn’t be happier.”

Editor’s Note: This article first ap-peared in the Fairfield Minuteman. Donna O’Keefe Saracco recently re-tired as editor of the Minuteman and will be a regular contributor to the Senior Times. The staff welcomes her and is most grateful for her help.

approximately three-foot-high Statue of Liberty he is currently completing. “It’s as though my hands speak better English for me.”

The members of the Wood Carvers Group meet twice a week at the Cen-ter. They are a highly di-verse group that has con-tributed their considerable woodwork -ing skills to many proj-ects designed to improve the Center. Chris Lussen worked in food services for Fairfield University. “If eight years ago anyone had told me I would wind up carving, I would not have believed it,” he said. Dave Farrington, who the group af-fectionately calls the “professional bird expert,” taught carving at the Audubon Society for five years. He enters his work in shows around the

town throughout the year .

Jim Golias, a former tool and die mak-er and mechanical engineer, caught the carving bug when he took one of Farrington’s classes. When he came to the Center three years ago he im-mediately joined the group. “I like to do varied carvings: birds, ducks and that sort of subject, but mostly I come for the camaraderie and the trivia dis-cussions.” All the men agreed that Golias’s expertise on trivia subjects is unrivaled within the group.Can women join? Everyone is wel-come—women are also interested in carving, according to the group. “I had seven women in my class at the Audubon,” Farrington told us. “They liked carving songbirds. We had a woman join our class at the Center who carved two swans and was very happy with the results.” The member who loves to carve toys for the kids is Ed Shea who formerly worked in marketing. Ed comes from Darien and used to enjoy making fur-niture as a hobby. After he retired, his daughter read about the wood carving classes in Fairfield and encouraged him to join. “That was 14 years ago,”

Fairfield County by Connecticut Magazine for over five years and has been awarded a number of prestigious honors. She’ll talk about estate plan-ning, wills and trusts, and explain how she helps prepare estates to move more easily through probate.

Daniel F. Caruso has served as Fair-field’s Judge of Probate since 1995. He’ll talk about when the court is necessary, what happens in his court and why probate is essential. While the court has many functions, a few examples include probating wills and administering estates, overseeing tes-tamentary and living trusts, determin-ing title to real and personal property and construing the meaning of wills and trusts.

Call 203.256.3166 to reserve your seat for this important forum. It’s free.

Forum From Page 5