08/02/2026
Barkhamsted Senior and Community Center
Welcome to August, even if this week looks like it will be wet and stormy. It was nice to be away even if the beach weather was iffy. But it's still summer and no snow shoveling is scheduled.
We will be back to normal this week and, of course, the meals will be delicious. Many thanks to Bonnie Boyle for continuing to produce a newsletter and monthly schedule. I have attached them to the weekly email I sent out, but please note that the lunch for Tuesday is changed a bit. What I describe below is accurate.
The Senior and Community Center has been notified that we have received a grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation's Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund that will allow us to buy a large screen television with a high-end sound system. This will allow us to take advantage of a variety of offerings that will enhance the enjoyable use of the Center.
We will be continuing to take advantage of local produce this week. It tastes way better than what we can get from the big supermarkets and it helps our local farmers, which is really important.
Lunch for this week will be very enjoyable, as usual, so please join us for good food and good conversation.
LUNCH – Tuesday, August 4 – 12:00 noon – BLT salad with cheese, crusty bread, peach cobbler
BREAKFAST – Thursday, July 23 – 7:30–9:00 – cooked to order, as usual -- your choice of eggs any way you prefer, bacon, sausage links or patties, ham, pancakes, French toast, waffles, home fries, hash, fresh fruit cocktail, orange juice and more. We also have gluten free bread available.
As always, meals are $5.00 – additional donations are always welcome. Gluten-free options are also available, so please let us know if those dishes are something you would like or need. We also try to accommodate other dietary restrictions for those who cannot eat certain foods.
Here are the upcoming activities:
Monday, August 3, and Wednesday, August 5 – 11:30-12:30 – Tai Chi – Tai Chi is twice a week. The classes are $5. Feel free to join us even if you have never tried it, as It is focused on improving balance and flexibility for seniors who are beginners. Remember, all of us are amateurs. As an early reminder, Joe has let me know that he will be away on August 24th, so there will be no class that day.
Tuesday, August 18 - 6:00PM - Monthly Trivia night continues to be a great success, thanks to Bob and Linda Pulford. Everyone is welcome whether you are part of a team or come by yourself. We always have room for individuals to join a table even if you are new to the group or the game.
Thursday, August 27, after breakfast - The Weeders and Readers club meets during the Spring/Summer months as a garden club and during the Fall/Winter it becomes a book club. Meetings are normally the last Thursday of the month beginning at 9.30 a.m. (after breakfast).
Tuesday, September 8 (note date change) - 1:00PM (after lunch) - Ann Travers has planned Container Planting for Fall. We will be planting grasses, decorative cabbages, and late blooming annuals in a bring-your-own container. A sign-up sheet is available at the Center and there is a $10 per person fee for plants. Bonnie Boyle and Ann will provide the soil and are asking everyone to bring a 12-inch container.
The Traveling Trout were unable to play in July at the Senior and Community Center for their monthly jam session. They hope to be back in August.
I am still searching for a trip that will be reasonable in cost and accessible for those with mobility issues. I apologize for the delay and, hopefully, will have some news in the next week or two.
If you would like to hold a crafts or other activity or have an additional exercise class that you would like, please let me know. If you have ideas for events or programs you would like to have us schedule, please reach out to me and I will work to get them on the calendar.
We are still collecting food for the Community Food Bank in Barkhamsted. It is extremely important that those who can help, contribute what they can, even if it is a small amount. The food bank is at the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church and does a great service for those in need. Check their page for their operating hours. We also have a box at the Center if you would like to leave a donation off and we will make sure it gets to the Food Bank. If you have food or cash to donate and they are not open, you can also message them on Facebook to let them know about your donation. Their page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551048540688.
They are open every other week on Monday and Thursday. Here are the dates and times for August
Monday, August 10th 4-7 p.m.
Thursday, August 13th 2-4 p.m.
Monday, August 24th 4-7 p.m.
Thursday, August 27th 2-4 p.m.
That's it for today. Please stay safe. Feel free to reach out to me if you need assistance and I will do whatever I can to help or get help from the Town.
Don Stein
