July Newsletter

Moving the Miracle Machine

Behold the Jenks miracle machine!

Large, complex, unique, beautiful to see,

Amazing when operating on track at full speed,

Which is most of the time.

This complicated creation is made up of 150 moving parts,

Bound together by a sense of purpose and commitment glue.

Most of the parts are mature, but in good condition;

Occasionally a weak cog has to be replaced,

Or a broken axle must have time to mend,

But the remaining parts cover the situation,

And the operation proceeds as usual.

My job: to watch this wondrous machine

As it moves from Point A to Point B,

Fend off floods, fools, foes, and frauds,

And field a fine fiscal formula.

Time allowed for the move: two years.

Perks of my job: Being one of the 150 movable parts,

Being a part of a group I trust enough to read this…

                                    Rosemary Sullivan

Annual Meeting, May 21, 2008 

Dedicated to the wonderful volunteers at the Jenks Center.

Profile: Ingrid Jochimsen

   People have passions. For some it is wine, or fashion, or horses, but for Ingrid, it is wood: oak, black walnut, sycamore, mahogany, or maple. Some of her inventory is domestic wood, some exotic, such as wood from the Purple Heart tree which, when cut, oxidizes from brown to a lovely chocolate-purple color.

   This remarkable lady purchases burls of the Big Leaf Maple tree from a logging company in Oregon (also called the Oregon Maple) and searches various specialty lumber yards for leftover scraps from their large orders. Descending to her basement workshop, she then produces, with the help of specialized electric tools, beautiful unique boxes of different shapes and designs, with or without inside partitions. Some finished products are from the burls themselves so that the woody outgrowth characterizes the piece. On others, the material removed from the burl’s innards is cut to form the top of other boxes, the bodies of which are a laminated mix of other woods. Each box is singular in color and design and once hand sanded, varnished to highlight its unique wood quality. No stain is used. Designs and small figures are sometimes added, depending on whim, or a personalized order.

   A native of Germany, Ingrid took Shop in her all-girls high school, thus seeding her present interest. She came to the United States in 1964 as an au pair for a family in Brookline, wanting to perfect her English, and never went back to her home country. Over the years, there followed work for an insurance company, a degree from Northeastern, citizenship and marriage. Coming to Winchester in 1970, she started making wooden toys gratis for fund-raising bazaars at her daughter’s nursery school. Many requests later, she decided to go commercial, and now makes mostly boxes, a few bowls, and for fun, collapsible castles, all of which she sells through gift shops in Arlington, Lincoln, Maynard and places beyond, as well as at shows, and to enthusiastic fans. She loves what she does!

   Her work is featured at Art in August on Winchester Common. Better check it out. And, if she seems familiar, think back to the January through April months. Ingrid is one of our Jenks Tax Counselors. She likes to stay busy.

Submitted by Sally Kidd

Politically Correct

   The election season is bearing down on us at all levels, and campaigners are enthusiastically promoting their favorite candidates. Lately, we have noticed a bit of political activity creeping onto the Jenks grounds and into the Jenks Center in the form of campaign fliers and actual person-to-person solicitation. Just a reminder – the Jenks is neutral ground. We are not allowed to have political activity of any kind here that endorses particular candidates. For that reason, visitors are asked not to put posters or fliers on Jenks grounds or in the building. While the Center is open and welcoming to all Winchester citizens and those in surrounding towns, candidates and their supporters who are attending activities or events here are asked to refrain from any kind of campaigning while they are on Jenks property.

   If you have any questions about this policy, please call the Center at 781-721-7136. We appreciate you cooperation in this matter.

www.jenkscenter.org

Are you computer literate? 

Have you ever visited the Jenks website?   

    The Jenks website has been updated, and it is a handy source of up-to-date information about happenings at the Center, for both the WSA and COA. The site is very easy to use, with a drop-down menu on the left. One click gets you where you want to be.  Not only does the site give you information about both organizations and their programs and activities, but it also carries announcements about last-minute events, cancellations, and schedule changes.

   The website is an excellent means of communicating to Jenks members. If you haven’t already done so, give it try. If you are a regular website reader, thank you. It’s your website, and we want it to be the best it can be for you.  Should you have any questions or comments about anything you see, call the Center at 781-721-7136.

Great Jenks Pumpkin

  It’s that time of year again, the time when our own Tom Novak attempts to grow the “Jenks Great Atlantic Pumpkins.” Tom originally got the seeds for the Great Atlantic Pumpkins four years ago from Nova Scotia. Each year, at the end of the growing season, he collects the seeds from the pumpkins and dries them out to preserve them for the next growing season. Over the last few weeks, he started this year’s seedlings, prepared the ground for growing, installed fencing to protect the young plants from intruders, and planted the new pumpkins. They are in a new location now in the grassy area on one side of the Center. The area is quite large to allow the pumpkins to spread and grow to enormous sizes. Large green canopies will cover the pumpkins to protect them from the direct, hottest rays of the sun during the midday.

   Tom is hoping to grow two very large pumpkins this year that weigh more than last year’s crop. You will occasionally see him moving them around to ensure that an even shape is maintained throughout the growing season. The proud “farmer” will be taking pictures and recording the growth in various stages. He hopes to enter one or both of the pumpkins in the Topsfield Fair this fall. We wish him good luck again as we watch the plants grow and look forward to seeing the results.

Poker Review  

   On Tuesday, September 9, Rona DiPietro will repeat the class she gave on May 14 on Texas Hold’em Poker. There is a charge of $5 for this class that runs from 7-9 p.m. If you are interested, please call the Jenks and register. A minimum of 15 participants must be obtained for the class to run.

Strength Training

   Certified instructor, Judy Whitney, begins each strength training class with a 5-10 minute warm-up consisting of walking and simple aerobic steps.  The next 45 minutes focus on firming and toning upper and lower body muscle groups, using weights and resistance bands.  Pilates moves are incorporated to improve core strength and balance.  The last 5 minutes of the class are devoted to relaxation and stretching, utilizing Yoga positions.

   The class meets every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Pond Room, and all are welcome. Fee for this class is $3.00.

  Love to Write?

   Do you love to write? Ever wish you could get published? You can – write an article, a poem, or an editorial and send it in to us for publication in the Newsletter. The deadline for articles for the August Newsletter is Thursday, July 3. While this may seem like a long time in advance of publication, the time is needed to allow for all the steps necessary to prepare the Newsletter ready for final printing:

1. Articles are formatted, edited, pasted into the Newsletter template, and sent to the printer (Litho-Craft in Winchester) to be set.
2. The Newsletter committee members proofread the first printing of the Newsletter, noting corrections as necessary.
3. Corrections are made on a master copy of the Newsletter, and it is sent back to the printer.
4. The Newsletter is then printed, and copies are boxed and returned to the Jenks for distribution to members.

    At that point, volunteers (always welcome) help put labels on the Newsletters, and about 4500 Newsletters are mailed to Winchester residents and members in surrounding towns.

   If you would like to submit an article, email it to regina.maurer@verizon.net. Please include your name and phone number. Editorials that are printed will include the sender’s name; other articles will be credited, unless the writer prefers to remain anonymous. We’d love to hear from you!

July Movies 

   July movies will make you laugh and bring you to the edge of your seat:

   July 10    The Bucket List  *** Comedy starring Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman

   July 24    The Illusionist  **** Drama starring Edward Norton & Jessica Beal

   Both of these movies are rated PG-13. Showtime is 1 p.m., the “theater” is air-conditioned, admission is free, and refreshments are served. See you at the movies!

For Future Generations

   The Jenks Center receives no tax support from the Town of Winchester and is operated entirely through private funds, collected through fees from activities, donations to the WS Annual Appeal, and the balance from an endowment fund. The endowment fund needs to be increased to ensure future maintenance of the facility and continuation and expansion of programming at the Center. You can help assure that the Center will remain a resource for future generations. Please consider adding the WSA Jenks Center to your estate plan, will, or whatever vehicle you set up to distribute your assets. Thank you.

Independence Day

   On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, proclaiming American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and our democracy was born. Today the Fourth of July is a federal holiday, the only one that celebrates the United States. It is often marked by parades, fireworks, barbecues, carnivals, and waving flags affirming that independence.

   In 1781, Massachusetts was the first legislature to recognize the Fourth of July. In 1941, Congress made the fourth of July a paid federal holiday. 2008 is this country’s 232^nd birthday. Boston’s celebrations include a Boston Pops concert on Boston Common and a fireworks display.  You can check out various websites for more information about our national holiday. Celebrate and enjoy the day!

Classified Ads

   Do you have something to sell, swap, give away, or buy? If so, advertise in the Newsletter. It’s free, and the Newsletter reaches 4500 households each month. This can be a good vehicle for letting a lot of people know about your item. You can submit information in writing to WSA, c/o Regina Maurer, 109 Skillings Rd., Winchester, MA 01890, or via email to regina.maurer@verizon.net. Please include your phone number. The deadline for submitting an ad for the August Newsletter is Thursday, July 3. Please limit your ad to 2 items.

“Oldies” Dance at the Jenks

      Friday, September 12     

                             DJ, Refreshments

                   Details in August Newsletter

                          Save the date!  

Mt. Vernon House Grant

   The Mount Vernon House provides a grant that enables some great alternative medicine treatments at a nominal fee for Winchester residents over 65. These include one-hour
massages, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. All you need is a referral letter from your doctor, and $20.00. You are limited to two treatments a month.
  Services are provided by the Winchester Hospital at 12 Alfred Street, just outside route 128 off Highway 38. Just call 781-756-4700 when you are ready for some pampering. It is truly a great deal, and is being underutilized by us. It is too good a deal to pass up.
   In addition, classes are offered in CPR, yoga, and fitness. Call the number above for more details.

AARP Safe Driving  

  Program

Coming to the Jenks in July!

   The Council on Aging is bringing this program, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons, to the Jenks Center on Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  This is a two-day seminar for which all participants shall receive a certificate.  There is no test involved, and in many states, completion of the course makes one eligible for insurance discounts. The program addresses the following:

1.      What to do if confronted by an aggressive driver.  How to handle road rage.

2.      How to properly use anti-lock brakes, air bags and safety belts.

3.      How medications may affect driving.

4.      How to handle problem situations such as left hand turns, right of way, freeway traffic, trucks and blind spots.

5.      How to compensate for changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.  

   The cost for materials is $10.00, and checks should be made out to AARP.  We are required to register 12 people in order to have this course, so sign up early so we can be sure we have enough people.  The maximum number of attendees is 30.  Bring a bag lunch, and coffee and goodies will be supplied. Please sign up by calling 781-721-7136.  The instructor will be Nancy Doherty, who taught here two years ago.

Eating Together Program 

      July Events 

   This month’s feature will be a barbecue held on July 18 at 11:45 a.m..  The usual fare of hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad and watermelon will be served.  Please call by Wednesday, July 16, to reserve your place.

   The monthly Chinese dinner will be held on Friday, July 11.  Please sign up for this meal by Wednesday, July 9, by calling the Center.  The cost is $4.00.  A traditional American meal will also be available at the regular price.

   Reservations for all other Eating Together lunches should be made by calling 781-721-7136 by 11 a.m. the day before the meal.

   On Wednesdays, July 9 and July 23, Ida Gillotte will be entertaining at 10:45 a.m. with piano selections.

Meals-On-Wheels

   Winchester Meals-On-Wheels, founded in 1978, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of providing meals Monday through Friday to homebound Winchester residents.  The program coordinator works effectively with the kitchen staff and dietitian of the Winchester hospital and schedules volunteer drivers for each day.  The volunteer drivers come from a cross-section of the town's population, including EnKa Society and Church Women United. The number of clients serviced by the program varies from month to month; the average number is thirty-five.

   The organization's Advisory Committee annually raises the essential finances to support the program. Several Winchester businesses, churches, and organizations make generous contributions to Meals-On-Wheels, and the Committee welcomes private donations, as well. The Advisory Council meets three times a year to review the program and to determine its strengths and weaknesses.  

            Travel News 

Parking For Upcoming Day Trips

            The Ciarcia Field Parking Lot on Skillings Road, located across the street from the Super Stop & Shop lot, will be the pick-up location for all Foxwoods trips leaving during calendar 2008. The Bullfinch’s Restaurant trip will also be leaving from that lot, as well as the Odyssey Cruise and Providence’s Little Italy trips. Please use parking on Skillings Road in Winchester for The Lobster Bake at The Clambake Restaurant and Tanglewood trips, with pick-up at the Jenks Center.

      See descriptions of events for dates of the trips, and times of departure and return.

 London & Paris

 Experience two of the world’s most popular cities on one fabulous tour!

   Join us on Monday, July 14, at 11 a.m., when Pam Strand from Collette Vacations will present “London & Paris.” This exciting trip is being considered by the Travel Committee for Spring, 2009, and Pam will give us a glimpse of the highlights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Theater, Eutostar Train, Seine River Cruise, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and Paradis Latin.

   This eight-day trip will include ten meals, dinner at the Eiffel Tower, two theater performances, an evening cruise on the Seine River, an optional “Cracking the da Vinci Code” tour at the Louvre, and time to explore on your own.

    If you’ve ever wanted to see these two fabulous cities, here’s your chance. Touring with a group is easy and fun. The WSA has taken many trips with the help of Collette Vacations. The company is professional and dependable, and has always given us great service. Pam will give a slide presentation and complete information about this trip, answer all your questions, and inform us of some other upcoming trips that might be of interest. Join us on July 14 and see if this trip or one of the others might be for you!

Providence’s Little Italy

      Join Jodie’s Place and WSA Travel on Tuesday, September 9, for a full day in Providence, RI. Our first stop will be Scialo Brothers Bakery, family-owned and operated since 1916. Enjoy coffee, treats, and a brief history at Rhode Island’s most famous bakery. Pastries will be available for purchase. Then it is on to Geppetto’s, an “upscale” grilled pizzeria on Federal Hill in Providence, for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Learn the techniques of grilling the perfect pizza and enjoy a lunch to include a fresh mixed salad with Geppetto’s own honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette, Rhode Island calamari with hot peppers and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, penne pasta served with pink vodka sauce, and assorted gourmet grilled pizzas.  For dessert there is homemade Tiramisu, plus a beverage.

   After lunch, and before heading home, a 90-minute guided motor coach tour will be given of Providence’s Little Italy to encompass DePasquale Square, The Main Street of Federal Hall, Historic Broadway, Providence’s East Side, and, of course, all of the history and “gossip” that make up “The Hill.” P/P (Inclusive): $63 due at time of reservation, but no later than Tuesday, September 19, with no refunds issued after that date. We will be departing at 9 a.m., and our return will be approximately 5 p.m.

Briefly Noted

      Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Thursday, July 10 and August 14. Our motor coach will leave at 7:15 a.m., and our expected return is 6:30 p.m. Price P/P: $28. We have had to increase the per person rate for this trip due to the escalation in fuel prices. However, keep in mind that you do receive a coupon for the luncheon buffet at Foxwoods (or you may apply your coupon to the many restaurants on site), Keno coupons, luxury motor coach transportation and driver gratuity, still making this a very good deal. Sign up now for the trip leaving in July, and on July 11 for the August trip. You don’t need to be a Winchester resident (adults only please; 21 years of age or older) to enjoy the wonderful experience awaiting you in Mashantucket, CT.                                               

      Bullfinch’s Restaurant, Luncheon and Cooking Demo, Tuesday, July 15. WSA Travel is planning a trip to Bullfinch’s Restaurant in Sudbury, MA for lunch and a cooking demonstration, and we invite you to join us. You may choose from Chicken Marcela or Sole Muniere served with Warm Breads, House Salad, and Chocolate Mousse with Crème Fraîche for dessert, plus Coffee or Tea. One of the entrée selections will be prepared at our table by a Bullfinch’s chef. P/P (inclusive): $49. Our coach will leave at 11:45 a.m. on the 15^th, and our return will be approximately 4 p.m.

      Lobster Bake at The Clambake Restaurant, Scarborough, ME, Monday, July 28. P/P (inclusive): $63. We will depart on Monday, July 28, at 9:30 a.m., and our expected return is between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Full payment and meal choice are due upon reservation. Please refer to the Day Trip Reservation Rules published monthly in the Jenks  Newsletter for the cancellation policy on this trip. Reservations are being taken on a wait-list basis at this time.

      Tanglewood, Saturday, August 2. We will travel to Lenox, MA for the Albeniz, Lalo, Rachmaninoff (rehearsal) to be held in the Koussevitsky Music Shed at 10:30 a.m. The program will consist of Albeniz (orch. ARBOS) Suite from Iberia; Lalo, Cello Concerto; and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. Carlos Miguel Prieto will be conducting, and Yo-Yo Ma is featured on the cello. Following the concert, we will stop for lunch at the Cork ‘N Hearth restaurant located in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires, offering an incredible, breathtaking view of Laurel Lake. P/P: $86 includes motor coach transportation, general admission seating to Tanglewood, lunch and all gratuities. Payment is due at time of reservation, but no later than July 14, with no refunds issued after that date. We will leave the Center at 7 a.m. on the 2^nd and return early evening.

Odyssey Cruise, Friday, August 22. We depart from Rowes Wharf for a narrated cruise along historic Boston Harbor from Castle Island to George’s Island, then to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and back to Charlestown Naval Yard before our return to the Wharf. While taking in the harbor views, we will enjoy a 3-course plated lunch where you may select your entrée choice off of a menu designed for our group and served by the Odyssey staff. We will leave at 10:15 a.m., and our expected return is approximately 3 p.m. Inclusive P/P: $63 due at time of reservation, but no later than August 1. No refunds will be issued after that date.

      Lobsters & Lighthouses Tour, Tuesday – Wednesday, September 16-17. Are you looking for an Ogunquit Hotel with outstanding amenities and great location? Look no further! The Meadowmere Resort is set on the Southern Coast of Maine, and Tours of Distinction, together with WSA Travel, would like you to join them for a 2-day Ogunquit Lobsters and Lighthouses tour on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16-17. We leave at 8:30 a.m. for the Ogunquit/Wells Beach vacation area. Our return will be approximately 5 p.m. on the 17^th. P/P: $248 Twin, $238 Triple, and $298 Single. See flier for the cancellation policy on this tour. Trip insurance is available for only $15 p/p and is highly recommended. A $50 deposit is due at sign up, with final payment by August 15. Checks should be made payable to Tours of Distinction. Tips for the Motor Coach Driver and Tour Escort are not included in the tour prices listed above, and the suggested per person gratuity for this 2-day tour is $5 each for the driver and escort. Pick up a flier at the Center for tour high-lights on this trip and call Sue at 781-729-8727 or Phyllis at 781-729-2404 for further information or to make a reservation. If you like lobster, this tour is for you!  

      Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas, October 28-November 7, 2008. Call Lori Messier at Cruise Brothers at her toll-free direct line 1-866-572-2459 for the latest stateroom pricing. Tell Lori you are with the WSA in order to receive all of the extras associated with this cruise. Pick up a flier and call Lori now. Don’t forget your Passport!

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