dose of the covid on a prayer

Dear Members,

I was speaking to one of our members by

phone the other day. She was happy to

have been able to have received her first

dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She said

she felt less stress and was beginning to become

hopeful of things getting back to a place where she felt

comfortable once again. I immediately thought of the

lyrics of a 1986 song by Bon Jovi (remember him?)

called, Livin’ on a Prayer.

The chorus goes:

“Oh, we've got to hold on, ready or not

You live for the fight when it's all that you've got

Woah, we're half way there!

Woah, livin' on a prayer”

For those of us who are still waiting on a vaccine, or

those who are just waiting for things to get back to a

sense of normal, better days are ahead. If you need to

talk to someone, we are here. If you need support in

some other manner, give us a call and one of our

senior center staff members will be happy to assist.

Enjoy a lovely St. Patrick’s Day. We will be all be very

happy once again when we are able to see each other

once again. In the meanwhile, remember, we’re half

way there!

Sincerely,

Leonora C. Rodriguez Executive Director

March Trivia Contest Free to Enter

Prize: Gift Card to Archie Moore’s Restaurant! Guess the correct answer to the trivia and your name will be

entered into the contest. Entry is 1 per person. See Trivia Question inside on PAGE 4.

In 1990, Congress passed Public Law 101-418 (104 Stat. 906) establishing March as

Irish-American Heritage Month in the United States, Americans recognize the contributions of Irish-Americans to the U.S. throughout the years.

From the founding fathers to arts and culture, Irish-Americans include 22 U.S. Presidents,

Businessman Henry Ford, author F. Scott Fitzgerald and dancer Gene Kelly.

Special Days and Holidays in March

March 3: National Anthem Day March 17: St. Patrick’s Day- Wear Green March 20: First Day of Spring!

March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

March 26: Epilepsy Awareness Day – Purple Day

Reminder: During this time please check the following locations to see if the Milford Senior Center is on a delayed opening of 11 am or

closed due to the weather.

• News 12

• Channel 8

• Wfsb (channel 3)

• NBC

• FOX News

• Facebook.com/MilfordSC

2 Milford Senior Center News March 2021

From the desk of the Editor, Eleanore Myers Turkington

This year Spring arrives Saturday March 20! Here at the Milford Senior Center one of the first signs of this welcome season is watching Maryann Hayes, Ahrens Program Assistant, venturing out into our garden to peek for the first Crocus! Maryann has a natural flair for caring for the lovely flower assortment we have all come to enjoy!

I’m sure there are many of us who are anxious to work in our gardens, whether they are large or small. Waiting for a beautiful flower to develop from a tightly wound bud into a colorful bloom is a pleasure not to be denied. I learned how to urge a tomato plant from an-inch-high fledgling to carrying a tiny basket of tomatoes to the kitchen table while a little girl of five. I never forgot the mornings of following my dad into our small backyard garden. Depression days taught us so much, including learning how to do without and the importance of family love.

These pandemic times have taught us the importance of yes, survival. We really have much to be thankful for and I really want to include the tenacity and fortitude of our staff at the Center. Frankly and personally, I can’t wait till we return to our full schedule. I miss greeting our members and sharing their experiences. I miss sitting at one of the dining room tables and chatting and laughing together. I miss hearing our chorus raising their voices in music.

It will happen again I am sure. Happy Spring everyone!

Volume. 27 Issue 3

9 Jepson Drive Milford, CT 06460

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic the Center has limited activities in house by pre-registration only, 203.877.5131

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

We apologize for any errors that appear in this bulletin.

Welcome New Members!

Annual membership at the Milford Senior Center is just $15.00 and is available to Milford residents age of 55+.

Until our Center fully reopens, you can mail your check in to renew your membership to:

Milford Senior Center Attn: Membership

9 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT 06460.

For more information about membership, please contact us at 203.877.5131

Feeling lonely, down or just want to talk?

Give us a call and ask to speak to our Wellness Assistant, Smriti Saxena -she will gladly chat with you

or just listen. 203.877.5131

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Hotline: 1.800.985.5990

You can also call this Hotline 24/7. Helpline specialists are trained to assist anyone who needs some help

coping during this time.

Connect with us on Social Media!

Facebook.com/milfordSC

milfordctseniorcenter.com

To Our March

Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants

Best Wishes and Congrats!


We have been busy rejuvenating our

Consignment Shop!

Beginning April 1st we are offering Shop by Reservation!

You can reserve time slot for two people to come shop in our newly updated store.

Times available are on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.

Please call the center, 203.877.5131 between 10:00 am - 2:00pm to reserve your time slot today!

Requirements: Wear a mask Have health questions with a temperature screening taken

upon arrival. Use hand sanitizer (ours or yours) upon entering the shop. Unfortunately you will not be able to try on clothes.

We look forward to seeing you!

Currently we are looking for donations of the following

items only:

Handbags, Jewelry, Knick Knacks, Scarves, & Shoes

Donations should be gently used, please.

Items may be dropped off M - F 10 - 2

Please place items in the labeled bin located in the Foyer.


NEW Interactive Virtual (Online) Classes MSC Calendar for March 2021

Day Time Program Teacher Platform

Monday

9:30 - 10:30 am Yoga Dee Zoom - registration required*

Monday

11:00 - 12:00 pm Chat with Claire Claire Zoom - registration required*

Tuesday

10:00 - 10: 40 am Stretch, Strengthen & Stabilize

Linda Zoom - registration required*

Tuesday

11:00 - 11:40 am Stretch, Strengthen & Stabilize


Wednesday

9:30 - 10:30 am Tai Chi 24 Form Marty Zoom - registration required*

Thursday

10:00 - 11:00 am Italian Cultural Class Ana Zoom - registration required*

Thursday 1:30 - 3:00 pm Party Line Bingo Mike Dial-in number: (978) 990-5026 Access code: 8983454 #

Friday

10:00 - 10: 40 am Osteoporosis Preventive


Friday

11:00 - 11:40 am Stretch, Strengthen & Stabilize


Friday

1:00 - 2:00 pm Let Your Yoga Dance Andrea Zoom - registration required*

Zoom Classes - To register & receive log on info. Contact Amanda Berry, Program Director at [email protected] Schedule subject to change.

In House Programs MSC Calendar March 2021

Must Call Center to Register for Programs 203.877.5131

Day Time Program Teacher Registration Guide

Monday

1:00 - 2:30 pm Ceramics to Go Judy Call to have a box made for you and to schedule pick up time.

Wednesday

12:15 - 1:15 pm 1:30 -2:30 pm

Wii Sports Resort

none Must call weekly to reserve spot. Max 2 players

Thursday

9:30 - 11:00 am 11:15 - 12:45pm 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Billiards none Must call weekly to reserve spot. May play 1x per week. Max 2 players.

March Trivia Question: Name five different shades of GREEN?

Submit answers by the end of the month to Claire Edwards, Program Assistant. 203.877.5131 [email protected]


Contact us at: 203.877.5131

Transportation

Milford Senior Center members 55 and above, or disabled adults of any age are eligible to use our

transportation services for medical appointments within Milford or as well as for grocery shopping within Milford. Contact our

Transportation Supervisor, Jim Convery.

Out-of-town medical transportation service is not available. Members who are seeking a ride out

side of Milford, should contact Milford Transit, 203.874.4507.

Meals for homebound elderly residents For more information contact our

Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Marie Vaughn.

Senior Benefit Enrollment

To qualify, you must be a Medicare eligible senior or a person with a disability. You may be eligible for one or

more programs including: Medicare Part D Extra Help/ Low-Income Subsidy,

Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or

Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Contact our Senior Benefit Specialist, John Cornelius. John will set up a time for a phone meeting or via video conference. Any in-person interaction will be

limited at this time to curbside drop off of paperwork.

Milford Food Bank

The Milford Food Bank is open for business, Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 2 pm.

New and existing clients can call in their orders and schedule an appointment for pick up.

Clients will be provided, over the phone with a list

of available foods and orders are pre-packaged for you.

A limited number of hygiene products are available upon request.

If you or someone you know is in need of food,

contact our Food Bank Coordinator, Robyn Segal.

Donations are always welcome.

Memorial Donations

Donations in honor of someone can be made to:

The Milford Council on Aging 9 Jepson Drive, Milford CT, 06460

Attention: Leonora C. Rodriguez, Executive Director

Community Services

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline

800.272.3900 or www.aoascc.org

Area Agency on Aging 203.785.8533

CT Dept. of Social Services 203.974.8000

CT Protective Services of the Elderly 1.888.385.4225

(SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline 1.800.985.5990

Social Services

Our Social Services Worker, Christine Lyas, DCP provides assistance with the challenges of aging

to those 55 and older, as well as to disabled adults of any age. If there is difficulty completing personal care, housework or food preparation,

Christine will make a referral.

Christine provides wellness calls for senior reassurance living at home, and will also make referrals to support groups for issues such as

Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, etc.

Christine can help with completing applications for services such as SNAP (formerly food

stamps), Renter’s Assistance, and Housing. Christine provides referrals to protective services, the food bank, legal assistance, and to charities

including United Way, Emma Davis fund, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities.

For assistance in these areas please contact Christine via phone or email

[email protected]

Senior Center Services

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assistance

Contact Milford Senior Center Monday – Friday 9:30 – 2:30

6 Milford Senior Center New March 2021

MSC Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, March 30th at 11:00 AM.

The book will be:

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch

Call the library to reserve a book, 203-783-3290. Give them your name and tell them it is for the MSC book

club. You can also download the book on your digital reader.

Facilitated by Rose Nolan. Please contact Rose to register at 203.877.2342.

Seniors Technology Assistance for You!

LET US HELP YOU! Have a smart phone,

tablet, or Alexa type “smart device”?

Learn how you can

STAY Connected, Fit, Smart and Safe with technology.

Contact Claire,

Program Assistant to schedule your

one on one tutorial - via phone

today!

203.877.5131

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Staff Spotlights

Ann has been a member of the Milford Senior Center family and has been part of the Kitchen Staff since July of 2016. She had an extensive food preparation and service at St. Gabriel’s school for 11 years and following the closing of the school, decided she wanted to continue in this line of service at the Center.

Ann and husband Edward, Milford residents for 37 years, will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this September and we are fortunate to have Ann on our kitchen staff.

Self-admitting, a home and family woman, Ann speaks highly of their three children, Diane, Jason and Michael along with two grandsons Nolan and Carter. She enjoys being creative with her crocheting needle and considers herself “A Home Body.”

Over the past five years, Ann has enjoyed the personal satisfaction from getting to know each member and is looking forward to when she can again meet them face to face. “ The interaction with members and staff makes it a pleasure to come to work each day.”

“My wish for the future is for my grandchildren to grow into a better world and to be happy at what they’re doing.”

What Paradise, California lost, Milford, Connecticut gained, for we are fortunate to have Tammy Gosney, Assistant Kitchen Supervisor as a member of our staff.

Tammy had a long career of providing childcare and following retirement in this field, she had an opportunity to participate in a volunteer program at the Milford Senior Center. Her smile and cheerful attitude gained the interest of her supervisor, Wendy Ferraro. Soon Tammy joined the Kitchen Staff.

Once Tammy joined the team she quickly discovered how to go with the flow and how to prepare and serve food to a large group of people. Since the arrival of the pandemic, the kitchen crew has been preparing and serving meals for hundreds of people each week.

Tammy’s positive approach to this new challenge provided her with personal satisfaction and an eagerness to begin every day with a happy and energetic spirit.

This spring and summer Tammy is looking forward to taking in the beauty of New England while enjoying her hobby of bicycle riding. Tammy, enjoy!

Ann Somatoski Tammy Gosney

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March Menu Members can receive meals via delivery or curbside pickup on:

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS Two meals will be served each day; one ready to heat lunch and one bag

lunch consisting of a Sandwich, side and dessert. We ask for a donation of $5.00 for the two lunch option per meal day.

($3.00 - ready to heat & $2.00 - bag lunch) Please continue to call ahead for curbside pickup or if you prefer to receive

one lunch. PLEASE CALL US AT 203-877-5131

M T W T F

1 2 3 4 5

Swedish Meatballs Egg Noodles

Broccoli

Egg Salad Cold Plate

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Side

Italian Vegetables

Tuna Salad Cold Plate

Breaded Fish Cole Slaw

Roasted Potatoes

Italian Combo Cold Plate

8 9 10 11 12

Breaded Chicken With Gravy

Mashed Potatoes Peas

Ham & Cheese Cold Plate

Roast Pork with Gravy Sweet potatoes Green Beans


Sloppy Joes Potato Salad

Pickles

Seafood Salad Cold Plate

15 16 17 18 19

Salisbury Steak Mashed Potatoes

Corn Turkey & Cheese Cold Plate

Corned Beef w/cabbage Potatoes Carrots


Stuffed Shells Italian Vegetables

Chicken Salad Cold Plate

22 23 24 25 26

Pasta With Meatballs Green Beans Garlic Knot


Sliced Ham with Pineap-ple

Macaroni & Cheese Green Peas

Seafood Salad Cold Plate

Sausage & Peppers Pasta Side

Italian Vegetables


29 30 31

Sliced Turkey With Gravy

Stuffing Mixed Vegetables

Ham Salad Cold Plate

Eggplant Rollatini Pasta Side

Green Beans



Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us in the

Milford Senior Center Kitchen!!

While corned beef and cabbage is the dish that is served on St. Patrick’s

Day all over the United States, it is not actually an Irish dish.

When the Irish immigrated to the U.S. they often lived alongside Jewish and Italian immigrants. It was at Jewish delis and lunch carts that the Irish

experienced corned beef and noticed its similarity to Irish bacon. Cooking the corned beef with cabbage was another choice based on cost efficiency.

Even better, the entire meal could be cooked in one pot making the dish cheap, easy to make, and

let’s not forget — tasty.

Here are some tips to make the perfect corned beef 1. Don’t forget to rinse off your brisket, it will cut down on the salt and no worries, you won ’t lose any

of the flavor. 2. Cook on low. Boiling a corned beef brisket will only make it tough and chewy. Cook on a gentle

simmer for tender meat. 3. Make sure you have enough liquid in the pan. The brisket needs to be covered completely with

water. Check often to make sure it is covered and add if necessary. 4. Be patient. It’s a tough cut of meat that benefits from a lengthy cook time. For stovetop cooking,

plan on at least three hours for a three-pound corned beef, or eight to 10 hours for a three- to four-pound cut that’s prepared on low in the slow cooker.

5. Always slice corned beef against the grain (rather than with it). Cutting through the muscle fibers shortens them, and makes each piece easier to chew.

Don’t forget dessert!! Irish soda bread with some butter and jam makes a delicious side to a cup of tea!

Irish shortbread, apple crumble and bread pudding are also some traditional Irish desserts!

Wendy Ferraro, Kitchen Supervisor

If you’re lucky enough to be Irish You’re lucky enough!

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com Milford Senior Center, Milford, CT 06-5021

CHARLES J. OESTRICH M.D.BOARD CERTIFIED

OPHTHALMOLOGIST• SUTURELESS, SMALL INCISION CATARACT & IMPLANT SURGERY

• OFFICE LASER SURGERY• COMPLETE ADULT & PEDIATRIC EYE EXAMS

877-667663 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT 06460

Medicare AssignmentAccepted

* ADVANCED CATARACT SURGERY * GLAUCOMA MANAGEMENT * LASER VISION CORRECTION * DIABETIC EYE CARE * MACULAR DEGENERATION * OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY

MARTIN R. SHAPIRO, MD PHILIP J. SILVERSTONE, MD • DARRON A. BACAL, MD • SETH W. MESKIN, MD

DAVID H. LEVINSON, DO • OMAR S. FARIDI, MD • ALEXANDER E. VOLDMAN, DOJENNIFER A. GALVIN, MD • THERA A. BOWEN, OD • ADAM D. HAM, OD

All Board Certified Ophthalmologists202 Cherry Street, Milford, CT 06460 • 203-878-1236 • www.eyevision2020.net

Call us for a tour and to pre-book your post-surgery care • The area’s Premier Short-term Rehabilitation and Joint Replacement Program led by Dr. Amit Lahav • Cardiac Program specializing in outcome driven care led by Dr. Clifford Kramer • Best In Class Approach to our Pulmonary Program led by Dr. Desilva 195 Platt Street | Milford, CT 06460 | 203.878.5958 www.MilfordRehab.com

• Passport + Program• Onsite Peritoneal Dialysis• 5 Star Medicare Rating• Recognized in “Best Nursing Homes” by U.S. News and World Report

Senior Living Community | Schedule Your Tour Today!203-225-5024 | www.umh.org

Independent & Assisted Living • Memory SupportShort-Term Rehab • Outpatient Therapy & Fitness

“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.” – William Ewart Gladstone, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

ALL FAMILY BUDGETS ACCOMMODATEDWITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR QUALITY OF SERVICES

David J. DeRubeis – Managing PartnerThomas J. Cody Jr. - Funeral Director • Kevin W. Cody - Funeral DirectorAmanda Veccharelli - Funeral Director • Rachel Cimbak – Funeral DirectorCarly Ericson – Funeral Director • Jaclyn Cody D’Auria-Funeral Director

Renate Eastman - Office Manager

CODY-WHITE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE

107 Broad Street on the Green, Milford(203) 874-0268 • www.codywhitefuneralservice.com

Celebrating Life in Milford for over 95 years

Connecticut Cremation ServiceDirect Cremation: $1245 CompleteGraveside Burial Service: $3370 + Cemetery Charges

VISA, MASTERCARD & TITLE 19 ACCEPTEDFOR INFO CALL 1-800-977-2309

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com Milford Senior Center, Milford, CT 06-5021

Medicare Plans203-877-1570

CT Post Mall • 1201 Boston Post Rd., MilfordWalk-ins Welcome

Milford Medical Care Center

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm Sat 9:00am - 12:00pm

203-783-9899889 Bridgeport AveMilford, ConnecticutHelping Elders Find Their Joy

ConsultationGeriatric Care Management

Psychotherapy

Marcie Dimenstein, LCSW

[email protected]

319 Evergreen Ave., Hamden, CT99 Cherry St., Milford, CT

203-710-0500

In addition to grave sales and interments Milford Cemetery Association’s services include:Monument and Marker Sales and Inscriptions • Power Washing • Grave Beautification Services

P.O. Box 227 / 35 Gulf Street • Milford • CT. 06460 Please contact us at 203-874-8998www.milfordcemeteryassociation.com Email: [email protected]

Providing: Elderly Care, Hourly, Companion,

Live-in Caregivers, WeekendsWe are taking long-term

life ins and state casesReg. # HCA0000732

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www.littleangels-homecare.comE: [email protected]

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Little Angels Little Angels Home Care Home Care LLCLLC

Kathleen Bunting

Bunting Appraisal ServicesReal Estate Valuation Services

Probate • Estate Planning • Divorce • PreListing

203-243-6009 • [email protected]

MILFORD SENIOR CENTER

9 Jepson Drive Milford, CT 06460


Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to

history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.

Women’s History Month 2021 will take place

from Monday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 31st, 2021.

Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history from Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth to

Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States.

The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California,

in 1978, Presentations were given at dozens of schools ,hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.

To coincide with Women’s History Month 2011 the White House issued a 50-year progress report

on the status of women in the United States. It found that younger women are now more likely than their male counterparts to hold a college degree and that the number of men and women in the

labor force has nearly equalized.

A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation

declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration.

Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

Portions of this article were from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month

dose of the covid on a prayer

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