Bennington Community News

September 2020
Autumn already?
tree_with_fallen_leaves.jpg

Greetings!

We really do get some beautiful weather here in September.

Nights are cool, which makes sleeping easier. The A/C can get turned off. Outdoor activities seem much more pleasant because the 60's and 70's on the thermometer don't leave you hot and miserable (I'm a horrible heat grump). The air is a bit drier and crisp, and (my) thoughts turn to all things apple: apple picking, hot cider, apple pie, and delicious fresh cider donuts.

If you are able, please get outside when you can. Turn your face to the sun, smell the turning leaves (they're starting!), and just be in the moment.

-Carrie
Shannon Barsotti, Community Development Director
Carrie Fabricius, Senior Center Director
Kayla Becker, YMCA Branch Manager at the Bennington Recreation Center
Bennington Rec Center News
Children enjoying "Wheels Day"
THE RECREATION CENTER WILL RE-OPEN (AGAIN) IN LIMITED CAPACITY!

We re-open on Tuesday, September 8th. If you are looking to use the facility, please click here to review our re-opening guide.

Swimming lane reservations for re-opening week can be made on Friday, September 4th by calling the Rec Center at (802)442-1052.

Updates will be posted on:
  • facebook pages for Bennington Recreation Center, Town of Bennington, and Berkshire Family YMCA
  • the town website (www.benningtonvt.org)
  • the Y website (www.bfymca.org)

Campers choose a book from those donated by the John G. McCullough Free Library through the Childrens' Literacy Foundation.
It is hard to believe that summer is already coming to a close. It has definitely been a different kind of summer but we still made the most of it over at the Recreation Center. We were able to still run our summer program with some amazing staff and participants and increase our fitness offerings. Even though summer is ending we are looking forward to some amazing fall programs like extended youth programming, soccer, Kid's Night Out and swim lessons!
GREEN MOUNTAIN
HALF-DAY YOUTH PROGRAM

A continuation of the Rec’s successful summer youth program offering families an enriching experience for their school age children and support for work/school schedules. Participants enjoy outside activities, arts & crafts, sports, nature walks and more! COVID-19 safety procedures in accordance to our Control Plan and Vermont guidelines.

Please reach out to Taylor Haynes [email protected] or Kayla Becker at [email protected] with any questions.
Bennington Senior Center News

THE SENIOR CENTER WILL BE
RE-OPENING WITH A DIMINISHED SCHEDULE.

Because things will be changing often, Updates will be posted on:
  • Town of Bennington facebook page
  • the town website (www.benningtonvt.org)
  • the outgoing message on the Senior Center phone @ (802)442-1052
  • the main entry door of the Senior Center at 124 Pleasant Street

We will only be able to accommodate small activities to start. Because we will be adding things back slowly, keep an eye on the town website (www.benningtonvt.org) for the current schedule.

For the September calendar, click here.
The rose bush in our memory garden at the Senior Center.
LOOKING AHEAD
In order to open our doors, the Senior Center has new protocols we will ask you to follow when you are here.

  1. Masks will be required for everyone entering the building.
  2. We will perform temperature checks on everyone with a contact-free thermometer.
  3. You must sign in at the reception desk.
  4. You must fill out a registration form. We are required by the Governor's office to keep this information in the event contact tracing is required.
  5. Signing up for activities ahead of time will be required due to state restrictions on square footage per person.
  6. Entry to the Senior Center is for scheduled activities ONLY.
Community Partner - Bennington Free Clinic
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION?

Find out more about the Bennington Free Clinic at https://gbicsbennington.org/programs/bennington-free-clinic/ .
Dr. Richard Dundas, Medical Director of the Bennington Free Clinic
The Bennington Free Clinic serves uninsured adults, 18 and over, who cannot otherwise afford health care. Because we are a clinic, we do not perform dental or emergency care. Instead, we offer primary medical care, care coordination, and referrals to our guests. By providing free health care to those that cannot afford it, we aim to improve the well-being of our community. You may be eligible for care if you:
You may be eligible for other health care programs as well. If so, we can help you enroll. Of course, we will continue to provide health care as you switch to other providers.

Due to COVID-19, the clinic is only seeing patients by appointment. You can make an appointment by calling us at (802) 447-3700 Ext. 1. Alternatively, you may make an appointment by emailing [email protected].

The Bennington Free Clinic is just one of six programs run by GBICS (Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services). To find out about their other programs, visit https://gbicsbennington.org.
Community Events
https://www.facebook.com/events/813567249158967 : The Bennington Annual Foodtruck Festival. Tickets are free!



In the spirit of social distancing, remember to keep at least six feet between yourself and others when out in public.
Bennington Senior Center
802 442-1052

Bennington Rec Center
802 442-1053