Bennington Community N ews

July 2020
Summer is here!

Greetings!

I enjoy learning new things. Fortunately for me, my brain is highly adept at remembering tidbits of information. Unfortunately for me (and everyone else who has to listen to me), about 90% of this information is useless in everyday conversation. However, USEFUL and INTERESTING are not always the same thing.

For example, did you know that the Second Continental Congress passed the resolution for independence on July 2nd, 1776? We celebrate on July 4th because that is the day that the Declaration's text was ratified.

Because there were multiple copies/versions, there is debate among historians regarding when the delegates signed our Declaration. The commonly accepted date of July 4th may not be correct, but was still deemed "official" after the vote to accept the text. The engrossed (final, calligraphic) copy that resides at the National Archives was probably signed on August 2nd.

Now that I've taken something we were all taught in school and thrown it to the wind, my next point is this:

We, as humans, seem to have a need for order, structure, and/or routine. Unfortunately in these pandemic days, routines have been disrupted. Structure has been upended; disorder seems to reign. If you find yourself feeling unusually stressed, anxious, irritable, or emotional, I guarantee you are not alone on that boat. When what we think we know changes on a daily basis, it feels like there is no solid ground to stand on. We see the effects every day. Increased violence, protests and riots. Worsening divisive political rhetoric. More anger, less compassion.

The remedy? Practice KINDNESS, for yourself AND others. It costs you nothing to be kind, but the results can be drastic and far-reaching.

-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
THE RECREATION CENTER HAS RE-OPENED IN LIMITED CAPACITY!

If you are looking to use the facility, please click here to review our
re-opening guide.

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)

Instructor Taylor Haynes (left) leads the Boot Camp workout outside the Rec Center.
Hello again! It was a long 3 months without our members, and we are thankful to have our facility open. Even though we have had to create a new "normal" for our facility we are confident that we can reach the health and wellness needs of our community. After spending so much time stuck at home it is so important for our physical and mental health to get moving. If you are looking for a way to get motivated try out one of our outdoor fitness classes! Keep an eye out for all of our new adult fitness add-ons. We hope to see you soon!

GREEN MOUNTAIN
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

If you are interested in Summer Camp, and would like more information on what plans are for this summer, contact Kayla Becker kbecker@bfymca.org .
Bennington Senior Center News
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S ORDERS,
THE SENIOR CENTER REMAINS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.

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

The rose bush in our memory garden at the Senior Center.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the Governor extending the COVID-19 Emergency Order through July 15th, we have decided to remain closed. We don't want to put any of our seniors at risk.

We are currently working on plans to re-open, at least in some limited capacity, in August. At this time, we are not sure what that will look like, but we will certainly keep the public posted through the channels listed above.

Although the Meals on Wheels Cafe remains closed, to-go meals are again available for pick up Monday through Friday, from 11:30am to 1:00pm. For more information, call the Meals On Wheels office at (802)442-8012.
Community Partner - VT Department of Health
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION?

The Vermont Department of Health has a wealth of information available online at https://www.healthvermont.gov/ .
Bennington Local Health Office
324 Main St., Suite 2
Bennington, VT 05201
 
Megan Herrington, District Director
802-447-3531 or 802-447-6406
What does our Health Department Do?
We are the face of public health in Bennington County. We work with schools, employers, town offices and other groups to serve individuals and families right here in our community. We help pregnant women, new mothers and children to eat well and learn about nutrition. We provide breastfeeding support, immunizations and identify opportunities to minimize the spread of disease. We conduct drills to prepare for potential public health emergencies and support programs and policies that help all people form healthy, lifelong habits. To learn about the many ways we can help you, your family and your community, contact us at 802-447-3531.

For a list of contacts by department,
Community Events
https://benningtonmuseum.org/event/meet-me-in-the-courtyard/ : The Bennington Museum's re-opening event!


https://www.facebook.com/events/1128688054184791 : Green Mountain Pickers first sale of the summer.

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