Weekly Updates

“The flower doesn’t dream of the Bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” Mark Neppo – The Book of Awakening

Hello Friends!

Wow! as the heat of the second week of August cools down, we look ahead to a busy week at White Birch next week!

I’d like to take a moment to welcome our newest member Dave Winslow to the White Birch Center. Glad to have you aboard Dave!

The Page Turners book group will meet on Tuesday, August 17th at 11:00 at Tucker Free Library to discuss “When We Were the Kennedys” by Monica Wood. Copies of the book are available at the library and new members are always welcome.

The GVNA  will host a Health Clinic from 9:00AM-4:00PM on Wednesday the August the 18^th.

Thursday, August 19 from 1:00PM-2:00PM for LIVE MUSIC under the tent with your favorite tunes from the 50’s,60’s, and 70’s! Come beat the summers blues!

Friday, August 20^th at 3:15PM there will be an Ice Cream meet up at Intervale.

Just passing this along for you History lovers, August 21st-22^nd, History Alive will be in the Hillsborough Center, NH. Discover the real meaning of the Abenaki Indian names given to our rivers and mountains. Hear Abenaki singers, storytellers, drummers, learn about early baseball and see a demo, watch reenactments with regiments coming from other states, Canada, and much more. Call 478-5650 for more info or visit the website https://historyalivenh.org

Friday at Scoops!

First run of “You Be the Judge!”

On another note, does anyone have a skill or talent they’d like to share, teach or demonstrate? A story or trip you’d like to tell our group? If so please contact Frank at 603-428-3077 or e-mail: frankp@whitebirchcc.org.

Active Living Schedule August 16 – 20

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“Where are all the Older Fitness Trainers?” The demand for them is great, but here’s why older fitness trainers are pretty scarce https://www.nextavenue.org/older-fitness-trainers/

I’m looking forward to seeing you all next week. Have great weekend!

-Frank

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” — William Shakespeare

Happy Friday White Birch Friends,

And just like that we are looking at August! Attached is the calendar for the month and printed copies are available at White Birch. At the start of the summer the hope was that we would be able to add more activities and possibly some trips in August. However, with the recent uptick in cases of the Delta variant of COVID and the uncertainties around transmission we decided not to take any bus trips this month. We are hopeful that the Sept 25^th trip to the Northwoods Law Throw Down at Delta Dental Stadium will be our first bus trip. I have purchased 20 tickets and currently there is one seat left on the bus. Some people have opted to drive on their own. Payment of $10 is due by the end of August.

This week we welcomed Frank Paolini to begin training to take over my position at White Birch. This is what Frank had to say about his first week:

“The setting here at the White Birch Center in Henniker NH is not unlike a Norman Rockwell painting. It’s refreshing that our participants attending the programs here at the White Birch Center, seem to realize the importance about maintaining an active lifestyle as we enter our sometimes “not-so-golden” years. Though change is always an adjustment, and great legacies are hard to follow. With the best of my capabilities, I will pick up the reins Beth Ann has entrusted in me and continue her goal in creating a friendly active lifestyle here in Henniker.”  ~ Frank Paolini

Active Living Schedule August 2 – 6

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The Page Turners book group will meet on Tuesday August 17^th at 11:00 at Tucker Free Library to discuss “When We Were the Kennedy’s” by Monica Wood. Copies of the book are available at the library and new members are always welcome.

This week in Next Avenue there is an article focusing on the fact that having fun is a key to happiness https://www.nextavenue.org/why-fun-is-key-to-happiness-as-we-age/

So I hope you all have a FUN weekend!

Cheers BA

“If the first of July be rainy weather, it will rain, more or less, for four weeks together.”– John Ray (English Proverbs) 

Happy Friday White Birch Friends,

Isn’t it nice to have a break from watering lawns and gardens? Kudos to the dedicated exercise groups as the rain has not stopped them. It has been so wet and damp that on Monday the bonebuilders made a discovery of mushrooms growing on the tent pole!

A few weeks ago there was a discussion at KnitWits about the television show Northwoods Law and we learned that several members of the group are BIG fans. On September 25^th at 3:00 at Fisher Cats Stadium the cast from Northwoods Law will play in a charity softball game. I would like to determine if there is enough interest in this event for White Birch to purchase tickets and make this a bus trip. The ticket is $10, bus fare is $5, and food is on your own at the ballpark. Please email me or call 428-3077 if you would like to go.

The rain last Friday put a damper on attendance for the ice cream meet up at Scoops. Those who did attend were happy to see that they now offer indoor seating!

I am going to be on vacation Wednesday-Friday next week so there will be no email update on 7/23. Below is the schedule for the last two weeks in July. Please email or call 428-3077 to sign up for Ice Cream meet up 7/19, Team Trivia 7/28 (we need at least 2 more players), and Grill and Chill 7/30.

Active Living Schedule July 19 – 30

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With my eventual move to Thomaston, Maine floating somewhere on my horizon, I have been spending time trying to downsize my belongings so this article in Next Avenue caught my attention https://www.nextavenue.org/downsizing-squint/.

I hope you all have a great couple of weeks and enjoy these summer days. Remember the next Active Living update will be sent on Friday July 30. Until then – take care BA

“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds.” — Regina Brett

Hello White Birch Friends,

A short work week is in the books, and I think I managed to keep all my days straight which can sometimes be a challenge when the work week starts on Tuesday.

Three years ago White Birch and the Henniker Historical Society had an event where we took a bus tour that covered the details around the first murder in Henniker. This free tour is being offered again on August 14^th. To register you can visit the web page at Henniker Historical Society (hennikerhistory.org). Also, for anyone who is curious about the historical markers around town, the webpage has a map that you can download to do a self-guided walking tour.

Active Living Schedule July 12 – 16

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* Please call or email by Tuesday 7/13 if you plan to go to High Tide so I can let them know how many to expect.

If you are familiar with knitting, one of the most exciting steps in a project is binding off because it means that you have completed the knitting portion. For the past several weeks the KnitWits have been watching Sandy work on this beautiful blanket and this we got to celebrate with her when she finished binding off.

Once again Next Avenue has a very informative article around the numerous mistakes that are made in medical billings and suggests that you never pay the first bill you receive https://www.nextavenue.org/pay-medical-bill-marshall-allen/.

My daughter and her wife left San Francisco yesterday to start their cross-country trek to their new home in Thomaston, Maine. A couple of weeks ago my daughter flew home with her dog Omar for a 24 hour visit and left Omar with me. Fortunately, he and Romie get along. Can you find Romie in the picture?

Keep dry and have a great weekend  

– Cheers BA

“The United States is the only country with a known birthday.” — James G. Blaine

Happy 4^th of July Weekend White Birch Friends,

What a week! I hope that everyone found ways to keep cool during the heat wave. White Birch is a cooling center and if you are vaccinated and need a comfortable place to get out of the heat, you are welcome to stop by Mon-Fri from 9-3 and relax in the cool comfy room. Starting July 6^th, masks are no longer required indoors at White Birch. YEAH!!!!

Active Living Schedule July 5 – 9

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Page Turners Book discussion group will meet on July 20 at 11:00 at Tucker Free Library to discuss ‘The Butterfly’s Daughter’ by Mary Alice Monroe. Copies of the book are available at the library and new participants are always welcome.

Kudos to this dedicated group of bone builders – even with the brutal heat and humidity on Tuesday and the torrential downpour on Friday morning, they showed up!

Wednesday the blazing temperatures drove the KnitWits to seek shelter inside. It felt like old times to be seated around the tables with lots of conversation and laughter. This week for ‘Bring and Brag’ a headless person modeled the scarf she had finished. Thank you to Kathi for sharing her button finds!

Thankfully on Thursday the heat had subsided enough to make Gentle Yoga class enjoyable under the big top. Romie sure loves his buddy June and kept a close eye on her to be sure she was doing all her positions properly and gave her kisses when she did the forward roll position.

For you puzzle lovers, Seasoned Times has added lots of new content for July on the Games page Game Page – Seasoned Times.

Once again, I found Richard Lederer’s column to be an entertaining read – I hope you enjoy it too Richard Lederer’s Verbivore.

Wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable 4^th of July weekend.

-Cheers BA

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” James Dent

Happy Friday White Birch Friends,

And just like that we are looking at July! It was just about a year ago that we put the big top up at White Birch and cautiously resumed some of our programs. For me that was an especially anxious time – with screening and temperature taking, reminders about masks and distancing, sanitizing everything after each program, and constant worry about COVID. A year later things sure look better and with the majority of us being vaccinated we are steadily working our way back to a new kind of normal. Masks and temperature taking are no longer required for outdoor activities at White Birch and starting July 6^th masks will be optional inside the building. And in August we will have a long-awaited  bus trip – details in upcoming emails.

PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGES FOR FRIDAY PROGRAMS

Active Living Schedule June 28 – July 2

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Sign up is requested for any of the activities in Bold print. Cost for food and transportation are on your own for Ice Cream meet ups and lunch at High Tide.

Once again, we had a perfect ice cream day last Friday and once again Romie was treated to his own ice cream from his buddy Bernie. Thanks to the friendly staff at Intervale Ice Cream!

     Romie looks forward to Fridays so he can hang out with the guys before cribbage.

It was great to have Norma back at KnitWits this week – she made a gorgeous knitted scarf that included bead work. All the KnitWits were curious to learn her method. We were also thankful for the delicious fresh picked strawberries she brought to share with the group.

Another successful Grill and Chill is in the books! It was nice to welcome back some familiar faces along with new friends. Big Thanks to Marc for manning the grill-great job as always.

It’s a pretty sure bet that most people reading this experience some sort of chronic pain. The following article from Next Avenue offers some suggestions on how to manage chronic pain.

https://www.nextavenue.org/how-to-manage-chronic-pain/

Wishing you a cool and relaxing last weekend in June!

Cheers BA

“Hello, June! Let the summer begin.” – Unknown

Hello White Birch Friends,

Sunday will be a day of double celebrations being both Father’s Day and the first day of summer. This week I was curious as to how Father’s Day came to be recognized as a holiday, so I did some research. The first Father’s Day was observed in the state of Washington on June 19, 1910. The idea of officially celebrating fatherhood spread quickly across the United States, as more and more states adopted the holiday. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recognized Father’s Day as the third Sunday in June of that year and encouraged states to do the same. Congress officially recognized Father’s Day in 1956 with the passage of a joint resolution.

Ten years later, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation calling for the third Sunday in June to be recognized as Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon permanently established the observance of the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day in the United States. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads!

Active Living Schedule June 21 – 25

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*Reservations are required for Grill and Chill and space is limited. If you would like to sign up call 428-3077 or send me an email-deadline to sign up is Tuesday June 22.

Page Turners Book group met on Tuesday at Tucker Free Library! While we were all thankful for Zoom and being able to meet virtually during the pandemic it was wonderful to see everyone in person. Our next book is ‘The Butterfly’s Daughter’ by Mary Alice Monroe. Copies are available at the library and new members are always welcome.

This week the KnitWit ‘Bring and Brag’ featured Peggy showing off two adorable baby sweaters (Carol photobombing) and Sandy modeling just a couple of the beautiful items she knit over the winter while staying warm in Florida (Kathi photobombing).

While I was researching the history of Father’s Day, I came across this list of “Fatherisms” (expressions often said by dads) and some of them made me smile and brought back memories of my dad. Any of these sound familiar to you?

1. Do you think I’m made of money?
   2. Money doesn’t grow on trees
   3. He’s thick as two short planks
   4. When I was your age…
   5. I’m not sleeping; I’m just resting my eyes
   6. I’m not going to tell you again
   7. Were you raised in a barn?
   8. Don’t talk back to your mother
   9. If you were told to jump off a cliff, would you?
   10. They don’t make them like they used to
   11. Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about
   12. Don’t tell your mother
   13. Waste not, want not
   14. You’re not going out in that
   15. We were grateful to have an orange for Christmas
   16. Now, don’t go spending a lot on me
   17. A little hard work never hurt anybody
   18. You’ll understand when you’re older
   19. You don’t know you’re born
   20. Don’t let the bedbugs bite

Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Cheers BA

“Be shore of yourself. Come out of your shell. Take time to coast. Avoid pier pressure. Sea life’s beauty. Don’t get so tied down on work that you miss out on life’s beautiful waves.” – Advice from the Ocean

Hello White Birch Friends,

SO much to be thankful for this week. First a big shout of thanks to all who donated during the NH Gives campaign – White Birch received a total of $9,250 in 24 hours! The next big shout of thanks goes to Willis Carrier, an American engineer credited with inventing the first modern air conditioner. Without this invention surviving the heat and humidity this week might not have been possible. And lastly thanks to Tom Sherman for returning to White Birch to teach Gentle Yoga – and to all who participated in the class. Returning to yoga under the big top with sunshine and a cool breeze was the perfect way to start our day.

Active Living Schedule June 14 – 18

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Note the new day/time for Mah Jongg – Tuesday 1-3.

KnitWits Bring and Brag this week featured Kathi – she sure is one amazingly talented and prolific knitter!

For many years White Birch has been part of the Dial A Ride program sponsored through Friends RSVP and we are hoping to recruit some drivers. This service provides transportation to medical appointments for older adults who can no longer drive. If you or someone you know would like more information on becoming a volunteer driver,  please call 428-3077 or send me an email.

There is some affordable new hope on the horizon for people suffering from hearing loss – check out this article in Next Avenue https://www.nextavenue.org/hearing-aids-trendy/.

Have a great weekend! Cheers BA

“Life is better in flip-flops. Life is better on the beach. B.E.A.C.H.: Best Escape Anyone Can Have.” – Unknown

Happy June White Birch Friends,

Three-day weekends are very nice, but the following four-day work week leaves many of us trying to remember what day of the week it is. Thankfully by the time Thursday came around we were back on track and ready for the ice cream meet up at Super Scoops. It was another perfect day for ice cream! And how about that Bernie – he bought his buddy Romie his very own dish of ice cream.

The exceptionally cold temperatures brought plenty of ‘chill’ last Friday for our first Grill and Chill of the season. Thanks to Marc for manning the grill and cooking the hot dogs to perfection (yes all beef hot dogs that Marc made from cows that he raised). Next Grill and Chill is scheduled for June 25^th – space is limited, and registration is required. Email or call 428-3077 to sign up.

Active Living Schedule June 7 – 11

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Please email or call 428-3077 if you plan to attend the Brown Bag lunch on Tuesday at noon.

The KnitWits had a perfect day for hanging out and knitting under the Big Top. Brenda finished this beautiful baby blanket, others practiced the skill of ripping out, and we all shared lots of laughs and encouragement.

Granite VNA is excited to offer several online programs in the month of June – for more information you can click https://www.granitevna.org/onlineprograms.

The Learning Institute of New England College (or LINEC) is a program created to educate, entertain, and enhance life. This program offers non-credit, peer-led and peer-taught courses, totally volunteer, for the sheer pleasure of learning. It is open to both retired and other adults. Check out all the great courses and presentations that are being offered!

Richard Lederer has a wonderful article listing all the benefits of being ‘Chronologically Endowed’- http://verbivore.com/wordpress/the-many-benefits-of-being-chronologically-endowed/

Keep cool and have a great weekend!

-Cheers BA

“137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed – it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.” Doc Hastings  

Hello White Birch Friends,

This week I read online that in 1996 a poll was taken, and it showed that less than 30% of Americans actually knew why we celebrate Memorial Day. I knew that Memorial Day was to honor those who died fighting for our country, but I also learned some things. Did you know…

• The country officially began celebrating fallen heroes in the 1880s, and the holiday was known as Decoration Day because families would bring flags and flowers to decorate the graves of war heroes.
• The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved Memorial Day from its traditional observance on May 30 (regardless of the day of the week), to a set day—the last Monday in May. Veterans groups, concerned that more Americans associate the holiday with first long weekend of the summer and not its intended purpose, continue to lobby for a return to the May 30 observances.
• The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff.
• In the year 2000 the U.S. Congress passed legislation, encouraging all Americans to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

White Birch will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The Henniker Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:00.

Active Living Schedule June 1 – 4

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Page Turners always welcomes new members. The next meeting will be on June 15^th at Tucker Free Library at 11:00 to discuss ‘Time After Time’. Copies of the book are available at the library.

The Monday/Thursday Bone Builders group would like to have a few more members. Bone Builders is an evidence-based fall prevention program and classes are free. Please call 428-3077 if you would like more information.

Fun with Vowels- Add vowels to each group of consonants to create the word described by the accompanying clue.(answers at the end of this email)

1. T M B R N – Percussion instrument
2. D C T N – Systematic instruction
3. R G L T N – Rule or directive
4. C N S Q N C – Result of action
5. M P R V M N T – Change for the better
6. C M P L N – Express dissatisfaction
7. C T R P L L R – Transforming worm
8. N V R N M N T – Surroundings

  Last Friday we had a great turn out at Intervale – 15 of us enjoyed a perfect day for ice cream!

The KnitWits were in awe this week when Pauline showed us her amazing ‘stuck at home COVID creations’!

Wishing you all a safe and relaxing long weekend-Cheers BA

Puzzle Answers:

1. Tambourine
2. Education
3. Regulation
4. Consequence
5. Improvement
6. Complain
7. Caterpillar
8. Environment

“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” – Fennel Hudson

“It’s time to go out to the Big Top-our friends are waiting And I know they have treats!”

Happy Friday White Birch Friends,

Thanks to all of you who played along in finding the typos in last week’s email. I am hoping that this week will be error free but if not please let me know since it is important to learn from your mistakes. There were 12 eagle eyed typo spotters in the drawing for a Sonny’s gift card and the winner is Ruth Zax – Congratulations!

Attached you will find the schedule for the Henniker Summer Concert series and the White Birch Active Living calendar for June. Printed copies are available at White Birch.

On Friday May 28^th at noon under the Big Top, we will have our first Grill and Chill of 2021. Marc will man the grill and White Birch will provide hot dogs, chips, and dessert. Registration is required – please email or call 428-3077 to sign up no later than Tuesday May 25th.

Active Living Schedule May 24 – 28

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Page Turners had an interesting discussion this week on the book ‘Sweetland’ by Michael Crummy. The book centered around a how a controversial government resettlement program changed the lives of the characters on a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland and forced the abandonment of a centuries-old fishing village. There were mixed opinions about the book, but we all agreed that it was interesting to read this article and learn about the Ghost Villages that resulted from the resettlement.  https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/newfoundland-abandoned-resettlement-villages

The next Page Turners meeting is scheduled for June 15^th at Tucker Free Library at 11:00 to discuss the book ‘Time After Time’ by Lisa Grunwald – copies are available at Tucker Free Library and new members are always welcome.

We had a big group for knitting this week and all were busy creating beautiful things.

Welcome back Sandy LaPlante!

It seems that there is a ‘national day’ for just about everything and today is National Strawberries and Cream day – so celebrate and start your weekend with some strawberry shortcake!

-Cheers BA

“Often when you are at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” ~ Fred Rogers

Romie and his shadow are ready to walk to work.

Hello White Birch Friends,

This week I have tried to let participants know in person that I will be retiring from White Birch this year and will eventually be moving to Thomaston Maine with my daughter. While I am excited to begin this new chapter, I am also very sad at the thought of leaving Henniker, my friends, and I job that I love. Right now, I do not have an exact retirement date, but Marc and I are hoping that by putting the word out, one of you might have a suggestion as to someone who would be a good fit to run the Active Living Program. For me, working at White Birch has been my dream job – I can walk to work, plan fun activities for my friends, hang out with them and knit and play games, all with the exceptional support of the Marc and the Board of Directors – what could be better?

Active Living Schedule May 17 – 21

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We finally had a warm sunny Wednesday for the KnitWits, and we welcomed back our traveling friend Kathi. Kathi has a great talent for putting together colors for her projects so none of us were really surprised that her knitting project for the day was color coordinated with her shirt.

On Tuesday I was happily surprised with the delivery of a beautiful floral arrangement from Fresh Start Floral Design and Gifts located in Henniker. If you have a need for a flower delivery, I highly recommend Alexis. https://www.freshstartfloraldesignandgifts.net/

As always, I found another helpful article in Next Avenue https://www.nextavenue.org/age-independently/.

Enjoy all the sweet smells that May has to offer with lilacs, lily of the valley, flowering trees all in bloom and have a great weekend!

Cheers BA

“Life doesn’t come with a manual. It comes with a mother.” — unknown

 Is it really time to go to work?

Hello White Birch Friends,

It has been a banner week at White Birch! On Monday, 12 masked Bridge players were welcomed back indoors to spend the afternoon playing their favorite game and catching up with friends, Wednesday we welcomed back the Mah Jongg players, and this afternoon the Cribbage Crew returns. The KnitWits are hoping the rainy Wednesday weather pattern will change. Our winter traveling friends are starting to return and we are all looking forward to each other and sharing our completed creations.

Active Living Schedule May 10 – 14

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Please send an email or call 428-3077 if you plant to attend the Brown Bag lunch or Team Trivia.

Reminder: Saturday is the Henniker Handmade and Homegrown market at Community Park from 10-3. Support local artisans (and perhaps find a present for mom).

May is Older Americans Month and there are efforts being made to speak about older adults in a positive light and skip the derogatory language. Here is a short article that reminds us that “Words Do Matter” when speaking, writing, and working with older adults: Older Americans Month Theme: Communities of Strength – Changing the Narrative (changingthenarrativeco.org). If you have a chance to read this article, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I found this list of words online to describe a mother: advocate, angel, caregiver, chauffeur, coach, comedian, concerned, counselor, crusader, defender, ‘doctor’, encourager, fun, graceful, gracious, guardian, guide, hardworking, kind, manager, nourisher, nurse, nurture, parent, protective, proud, referee, resourceful, sentimental, smart, surprising, sustainer, teacher, tenderhearted, watchful, wise, and worrier.

Happy Mother’s Day-cheers BA