Bennington Community N ews

March 2020
Spring is.... springing!


Greetings!

SPRING SPRING SPRING! The Spring Equinox is early this year, on March 19th. Here in the northern hemisphere, we get warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and the return of critters, birds, bugs, and plants.
 
That’s where my head is at. Starting seeds, organizing garden tools, planning garden beds - it’s really the adult, socially acceptable way to play in the dirt. There is something gratifying about planting and growing things. Spring smells like earth and sunshine and new life and possibilities, all rolled into one.

Speaking of possibilities, don't forget to vote on Tuesday, March 3rd.
 
Wishing all good things to you this spring.     -Carrie
 
Shannon Barsott i , Community Development Director
Carrie Fabricius , Senior Center Director
Kayla Becker , YMCA Branch Manager at the Bennington Recreation Center
Bennington Rec Center News

For the March pool schedule,

For the Session 4 Swim Lesson schedule, click here .



NEW PROGRAMMING
click on links for more info


Preschool Movement Playgroup

Participants in the new Preschool Movement Playgroup

The Bennington Recreation Center is rolling out new programs such as Teen Strength and Conditioning for ages 12-17, Sports and Play for ages 3-6, as well as preparing for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 11th! Come in to see whats new for you or email Taylor Haynes, Program Director at thaynes@bfymca.org .


REMINDER: PULSE meetings are every other month at the Bennington Senior Center, and keep the public informed on the progress of this construction project. The next meeting is on Wed, April 15th from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Click here to view the PULSE meeting flier.
Bennington Senior Center News
Beautiful! And the flowers are nice, too. Flower arranging class on 2/6 was a big success.

March craft will be painting small terracotta pots and planting seeds; Thursday March 19th from 1-3pm.
Sign up by calling 442-1052. 
NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
March is National Nutrition Month! Joyce Huang, R.D. will be here on Thursday, March 12th at 1:00pm to discuss the importance of good nutrition, how to make smart food choices, and how small changes can make a big impact! Please pre-register; call 442-1052.

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF
Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette and Lt. Camillo Grande came to the Senior Center on January 22nd to discuss seniors' concerns and questions. 17 people came - a great turnout for a first time! They had so much fun that they will be coming again on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:30 am. If you plan to attend, please sign up at the Senior Center at (802)442-1052.
 
Community Partner News -
Sunrise Family Resource Center
Sunrise Family Resource Center—a member of the Vermont Parent Child Center Network—is a local agency offering services and support in these areas: childcare, secondary education, case management, advocacy and intensive home-based supports, resource and referral for childcare providers, employment counseling, and parenting education. Our staff is 28 people strong, made up of teachers, home visitors, case managers, mentors and coaches dedicated to providing support to over 1500 families a year in Bennington County as they work toward greater independence and resilience.   
Kids could pick a free book at last year's community picnic.
Sunrise is often a first stop for families needing/seeking services or resources. Although the focus is on new families and young children, they also offer a state-approved alternative high school completion program for pregnant and parenting teens and other youth in Bennington County. The Youth Development Program serves teens as they move from foster care into adulthood and independence, and Job Club helps eligible adults gain the skills they need to successfully apply for and obtain employment.

Learn more at
Community Events
Bennington Rec Center
802 442-1053

Bennington Senior Center
802 442-1052