^{Winchester Jenks News}

^{January 28, 2010}

ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

Jenks Winter Weather Policy Winter is upon us, and that means SNOW. The cancellation policy here at the Jenks Center is as follows: When schools in Winchester are closed due to inclement weather, the Center will be closed. When the start of school is delayed in the morning, the Center will be open at the usual time. Should it become necessary to close schools and Town buildings early due to a storm, the Center will close. School cancellations are announced on the radio and appear on TV news shows. If you have questions about cancellations of specific events, please call the Center at 781-721-7136 during regular hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

January Movies Movies are shown on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The next movie, Catch Me If You Can, will be shown on January 28 at 1 p.m. A cunning con man and forger, played by Leonardo DeCaprio, poses as many different professionals as he eludes the FBI. This story is based on the life of a real person. Rated PG-13.

Wii Games Wii Games continue at the Jenks every Monday and Friday from 2:30-4 p.m. On Friday, January 29, students from the Temple Shir Tikvah will be at the Jenks to help players with the Wii system. The bowling game is becoming popular, and some have asked about forming a Wii league. Anyone interested?

New Weight Watchers Session Do you want to fight the Holiday bulge? Join Weight Watchers! Registrations for a new session are taking place now. Formal meetings will begin on February 3, 2010 and run through April 7, 2010. They will be held on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. If you are interested, call the desk at 781-721-7136 or come to the Center to sign up. The cost for the 10-week session is $130.00. After that, it will be prorated. Check with your insurance company, as it may cover this. All are welcome. There is no age or residency requirement.

Tax Alert From February 1 through April 9, 2010, personal income tax returns for taxpayers with low and moderate incomes will be prepared free of charge at the Jenks Center. Business and rental returns are excluded. There is no age restriction. This program is part of the nation-wide AARP Tax-Aide program. All returns are prepared by computer; electronic filing is optional. Sessions will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, one at 9:30 a.m., the other at 10:45 a.m. There will be no afternoon sessions. Please call for an appointment at 781-721-7136 and remember to bring your last year’s return.

Valentines for our Volunteers - Wednesday, February 3 Once again it’s time to tell our special people just how much they mean to us. Here at the Jenks Center, we love our volunteers! We love them not just because they keep the Jenks Center thriving and busy – but because they make the Jenks Center such a happy place to be. On Wednesday, February 3, at 10:45 a.m., all volunteers are invited to the Pond Room to celebrate Valentines month. Of course, there will be sweets and Valentines, music, and conversation. Volunteers may also bring friends who might like to become volunteers – or just get to know the Jenks Center better. If possible, please let the receptionist know if you’re coming and if you are going to bring a guest (so we can plan the food). Also, bring any ideas you have that could make the Jenks Center even better than it is now! So, Volunteers - join us if you can. You are truly special!

Literary Lunch February 4 (McCall School) March 5 (Jenks Center) The February meeting will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. at the McCall School. The book for February is Schooled by Gordon Korman. Home schooled by his hippie grandmother, Capricorn (Cap) Anderson has never watched television, tasted a pizza, or even heard of a wedgie, but when his grandmother lands in the hospital, Cap is forced to move in with a guidance counselor and attend the local middle school. While Cap knows a lot about tie-dyeing and Zen Buddhism, no education could prepare him for the politics of public school.

The March meeting will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at 11:30 at the Jenks Center. The book for March is Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass. Just before his thirteenth birthday, Jeremy Fink receives a keyless locked box—set aside by his father before his death five years earlier—that purportedly contains the meaning of life. Books are available in the Jenks Center Office.

Tai Chi Classes Want to get healthier? A good way to begin is with exercise. Tai Chi is the 4000- year-old Chinese art of meditation in motion. It promotes mental, emotional, and physical health by combining movement, meditation, relaxation, and self-defense. It resembles a slow motion dance where the practitioner appears to almost float. The apparent ease and beauty of the exterior gives little indication to the outside observer of the internal intensity of the exercise. This is a no-impact aerobics at its best and is designed for all ages. The instructor, William Barron III, is a Certified Health and Fitness Trainer and Educator who has taught at the Jenks Center for the past seven years. The course runs for 10 weeks ($5/session). The next course will be starting on February 8. It is held every Monday in the Jenks Room at 1 p.m.

Beethoven as Composer and Tragic Hero Presented by Dotty Burstein Tuesday, February 9 10:30 a.m. Pond Room

(coffee and cookies available at 10 a.m.) In this celebration of the man and his music, we shall examine Beethoven's output during his mature years in Vienna. This body of work, composed at the peak of his career, includes the Emperor Concerto, the Ninth Symphony, and his great mass, Missa Solemnis. During our time together, we'll listen to the music itself to understand why Beethoven is still considered one of the world's finest composers more than two hundred years later. The speaker hopes to flesh out the person himself through descriptions of his humanitarian values as well as his difficult personality, made more so because of ongoing struggles with deafness, failing eyesight, and wild mood swings. An illustrated set of time lines will help us put into context events that occurred worldwide during the early part of the 19^th century when Beethoven was establishing himself as a performer and composer.

Valentine Lunch -Wednesday, February 10 The WSA Valentine Lunch will be held on Wednesday, February 10 at noon in the Pond Room. The menu, prepared by the hospitality Committee, will include chicken-broccoli casserole, jello salad, rolls, dessert, and beverages. Norina Rowen from the Winchester Community Music School will entertain with love songs, accompanied by Sandy Alla. The cost is $8, and you are encouraged to sign up early for this popular event.

Valentine Dance -Friday, February 12 Swing your sweetie around the dance floor on Friday, February 12, from 8-11 p.m., as one of our favorite bands, “The Entertainers,” plays your favorite melodies. Enjoy sweet treats all evening and sip a glass of wine as you chat with friends.

Don’t have a “sweetie”? All the more reason to come! There will be singles tables available. Come and meet other singles and have a great evening celebrating this season of friendship. Tickets are $12 and include refreshments. There will be a cash wine bar available. You can purchase tickets at the Jenks Center or at Book Ends. Help us plan for refreshments by getting your tickets early. Tables for 6 or more may be reserved. Call 781-721-7136 to let us know you’re coming. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Roth Conversions - Are They For You? Friday, February 12 11 a.m. Craft Room There is a lot of chatter these days about Roth Conversions. Everyone needs some background in order to decide if these are for you. Join us on Friday, February 12, at11 a.m. when Harry Rothmann, Financial Counselor for the COA, will speak on this topic. He will describe Roth IRAs and Conversions, the advantages and disadvantages of them and the things you need to know before making the decision to convert traditional IRAs.

Biology of Aging and Latest Research on Longevity Enhancement Thursday, February 18 1 p.m. Craft Room  This very informative program on Thursday, February 18, will feature Paula Koppel, MS, RN, GNP, who will discuss what we know about the biology of aging and what the research is learning about longevity enhancement. She will include reports from the “Blue Zones” and describe how specific lifestyle habits can biologically slow down the aging process. She will also explore the holistic nature of the factors that contribute to longevity and improve the quality of life.

Paula is a geriatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years experience. She is a graduate of the Duke University School of Nursing and has a master’s degree from Boston University, as well as an advanced certificate in counseling and psychology from Leslie University. Paula was Director of Geriatrics at Winchester Hospital for many years. In 1999, she established her own consulting company. Her newest program is “Age Well Be Well.” The educational component of this program provides information that improves longevity and quality of life. Join us and you may find that you want to live to be 100.

Connect & Commit Party, Wednesday, February 24 2:30 p.m. Pond Room An intergenerational party will be presented by Winchester High School students through the Connect and Commit program. They will provide entertainment and refreshments. Join us for an afternoon treat and see what these dedicated young people have to offer.

Coffee House - Boston Jazz Voices, Saturday, February 27 7:30 p.m. Pond Room Boston Jazz Voices, a group of barbershop style singers, emerged about 25 years ago, then known as New England Close Harmony Ensemble. Although this group of 18 has evolved over the years, it continues to be dedicated and enthusiastic. This sophisticated performing group has touched audiences all over the United States and Europe. They have performed at Fenway Park, at Sturbridge Village, at First Night in Boston, at local schools, at festivals, and on radio and television. The unique sound of these talented musicians comes from a variety of voices from all age groups. You’ll find their a cappella sound delightful. Tickets for this event are on sale now for $15 each. Refreshments and a cash wine bar will be available. Purchase tickets at the Jenks and at Book Ends. Call 781-721-7136 to reserve tables for 6 or more.

TRAVEL NOTES

Unless otherwise noted, sign-up for all day trips can be made at the Center or by calling 781-721-7136. Overnight or longer trips should be reserved in accordance with detailed instructions that can be found in the flier or noted in the newsletter.

Four Celtic Voices, Tuesday, March 16. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see the latest Celtic sensation in person! On Tuesday, March 16, the WSA Travel Committee and the Best of Times will be going to Venus DeMilo in Swansea, MA for a unique St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The “Four Celtic Voices” is a spellbinding journey of large ensemble members and solo performances. Traditional Celtic instruments such as the bowed psaltery, harmonium, flute and Celtic harp will be featured in the performance and the exceptional vocals will instantly transport the audience to the ancient and mysterious lands of the Celts. Price pp: $74 includes lunch with choice of Corned Beef and Cabbage or Baked Haddock., the Celtic Voices Show, transportation, and all gratuities. Pick up will be at the Ciarcia Field Parking Lot at a time to be announced. Payment in full is due upon reservation. Please make checks payable to WSA. Please note that this team of performers, billed as the “Four Celtic Voices,” is not to be confused with the better known group called “Celtic Woman.”

BSO Rehearsal with lunch, Thursday March 18. WSA Travel Committee is offering the popular BSO Rehearsal featuring the music of Mendelssohn and Rossini on Tuesday, March 18 at Symphony Hall in Boston. Distinguished performers will include Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos, conductor; Albina Shagimuratova, soprano; Alice Coote, mezzo-soprano; Eric Cutler, tenor; Alfred Walker, bass; and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver, conductor. A pre-concert talk will be given by Helen Greenwald of the New England Conservatory. Following the performance, lunch will be held at the Woburn Country Club. Price pp: $60 payable at the time of reservation will include BSO Rehearsal, lunch with choice of Baked Scrod or Chicken Marsala, transportation and all gratuities. We will leave at 8 a.m. from the Ciarcia Field Parking Lot and return at approximately of 3:30 p.m. Be sure to make your reservation early as this trip is certain to sell out fast.

Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Thursday, February 11 and March 11, 2010. Join us as our motor coach leaves from the Ciarcia Field Parking Lot at 8:30 a.m. for Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Price P/P: $28 to include motor coach transportation, bus driver gratuity, $15 in Keno coupons, and a $10 coupon for a buffet lunch (or you may use your coupon at any of the fine restaurants located on property). Sign-up now for the February trip and January 11 for the March trip. Our expected return is 7:30 p.m.

Rome, Italy and the Amalfi Coast – September 23 – October 2. Reserve now for this fabulous trip. Join the WSA and Collette Vacations on September 23, 2010, for a trip that includes Rome, Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, the Isle of Capri, the ruins of Pompeii, and much more. Per person rates are $2,999 for double occupancy, $3339 for single, and $2969 for triple. Included in the price are air taxes and fees/surcharge ($140 subject to change until paid in full), hotel transfers, round-trip air fare from Logan Airport, hotels, most meals, local tours and tour guides. A deposit of $250 and optional Cancellation and Waiver Insurance of $200 are due by April 15. Final payment is due on August 15. Stop by the Center for a brochure and join us!

HELP WANTED: We are always searching for new volunteers to join the WSA Travel Committee. No experience is necessary, but an interest in travel will be helpful. For more information look for the insert describing volunteer opportunities in the January Newsletter. We will welcome your help!

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