February 2021 Edition

HELP THE CAUSE

GREETINGS FROM GIBSON CENTER

Anyone else noticing that the days are longer and lighter? I love the glimpse February brings to the coming seasons even as we are in midwinter.

Like the feeling of hope in February amidst the reality of cold, we are experiencing the contrasts of joyful anticipation against the stark restrictions of a persistent, Covid world.

On one hand we are thriving – serving over 150 meals a day through Meals on Wheels and our Grab and Go lunches and looking for ways to expand every day. The Thrift Store had its best November EVER and December was remarkable as well. Dropped off donations can be accepted any weekdays now from 9:00-12:00. Because of exceptional generosity and awareness of what we do and who we serve, we are surpassing our best expectations for the Winter Appeal in donations. We thank everyone who has made that true.

Gladly we have the buses back on the roads for non-medical trips. Most importantly we are going to be able to offer our transportation to non-driving seniors who need help getting to their vaccination appointments. These will be a priority. We have ordered our new bus (replaces our 2003 workhorse) and hope to have it on the road in the spring.

On the flip side, we have had to remain on split shifts. Staff are here every other day, because Covid is rampant and this is our commitment to keeping each other safe and making sure our meals are prepared and delivered. As of this writing, Phase 1B is open for vaccination appointments but there is no priority for Meals on Wheels drivers, kitchen staff or servers. Our activity room remains quiet. We are anticipating our congregate dining will be closed until summer.

My analogy holds – farmers order their seeds in mid-winter planning their crops months out. We are planning our Craft Fairs, Picnics, Trips, Galas, Hikes, Dining and more. It will come. We will be so, so ready.

Marianne Jackson, MD

Executive Director

We have fine jewelry, photography, art, pottery, stained glass, doll clothes, clothing, quilts, pillows, woodcrafts, Adirondack chairs, wood signs and furniture.

Benefits the Gibson Center for Senior Services, Meals on Wheels Program.

2021 Craft Fair Dates

• Memorial Day Fair: Saturday & Sunday May 29 & 30
• Independence Weekend Fair: Saturday & Sunday July 3 & 4
• Labor Day Weekend Fair: Saturday & Sunday September 4 & 5
• Columbus Day Weekend Fair: Saturday & Sunday October 9 & 10

All are held at the Gibson Center, from 10AM-5PM

For 2021 application please go the link below on our website to download it.

https://www.gibsoncenter.org/craft-fair-rules-application/

GIBSON HELLO

The Program Department sends out Activity Letters a few times a week. They include information about Gibson events (the menu), some form of art (photos, music, or a poem), a joke (we all need to laugh these days), some links to educational articles and entertainment videos, as well as scam alerts, and a game or puzzle.

If you would like to be added to the list, please send us your email, [email protected]. In these times of increased isolation, thank you for reaching out to friends and neighbors.

Contact Jill for links to these events. [email protected]

• Downsizing & Decluttering: 2/2/21 at 6:30PM or 2/4/21 at 11AM
• Cyber Safety: 2/3/21 at 7PM or 3/4/21 at 7PM
• Six Pillars of Brain Health: 2/10/21 at 2PM
• Other Programs Coming Soon: Fact vs. Fiction; Con Artist Playbook: Prepare to Care

SPECIAL LUNCHES

• Chinese New Year: Asian meal, February 12th.
• Mardi Gras: Chicken Gumbo, February 16th.
• Ash Wednesday and Fridays in Lent there will be a meat free option, please let us know if you are not a regular and you plan to join us so we have a meal for you.

PROGRAMS, EVENTS & TRIPS UPDATE

While all in person programs have been cancelled, we are attempting ZOOM programs. Please check the calendar Gibson Center Calendar, and if you see a ZOOM program you would like to join, please email Jill for the ZOOM Link, [email protected].

For the most up to date information (including menu changes), check our webpage for the list of programs and proposed daily menu. Gibson Center Calendar

UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS

• Check our web calendar at www.gibsoncenter.org/calendar or call us at, 603-356-3231.
• While all in person programs have been cancelled, We are attempting ZOOM programs. If there are some people you would like to meet with, speak with Jill, and she will set up a ZOOM Call.
• The Belly Dance Class is holding ZOOM classes at 9:15AM on Thursdays, please email Jill for a link. [email protected]
• Veteran’s Zoom: 2nd Monday at 2PM, ZOOM Meeting. Email Jill for a link to join your peers! (Feb 8th)
• The Gibson Center will be closed Monday, February 15th for President's Day. No MOW, medical transportation, or lunch pick up.
• SPECIAL LUNCHES:
  Chinese New Year: Asian meal, February 12th.
  Mardi Gras: Chicken Gumbo, February 16th.
  Ash Wednesday and Fridays in Lent there will be a meat free option, please let us know if you are not a regular and you plan to join us so we have a meal for you.
• AARP Virtual Seminars: Contact Jill for links to these events. [email protected]
  Downsizing & Decluttering: 2/2/21 6:30PM or 2/4/21 11AM
  Cyber Safety: 2/3/21 7PM or 3/4/21 7PM
  Six Pillars of Brain Health: 2/10/21 2PM
  Other Programs Coming Soon: Fact vs. Fiction; Con Artist Playbook: Prepare to Care

SILVER LAKE LANDING APARTMENTS - ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

Gibson Center Day Trips

AT THIS POINT IT IS NOT SAFE FOR FULL BUS DAY TRIPS.

• Heath screen including temperature for all passengers
• But we will be starting very small trips for your activities of daily living such as the, bank, store, beauty parlor, Post Office, Commodities Food Pick-up, etc.
• Also once a week rides, with 3 or 4 people. Please let Jill know if you would be interested, [email protected]

Upcoming Overnight Programs

Please sign up for all programs: 603-356-3231.

Collette has a fantastic insurance policy, one can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip

• Imperial Russia: May 5-13, 2022, 9 days, 11 meals, $4199ppdo. Moscow: The Kremlin and Armory Museum, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, High Speed train to St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, Church of Savior of Spilled Blood, epicurean tours.
  https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1032917

• Painted Canyons of the West: September 19-27 2021, 9 days, 11 meals, $3899ppdo Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park,, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. Deposit due March 1, 2021.
  https:// gateway.gocollette.com/link/1032968

• Alaska Discovery, Land & Cruise: Fairbanks, Sternwheeler Discovery, Fannie Q's Saloon, Denali National Park, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Luxury Domed Rail, Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Inside Passage aboard Princess. Summer 2022
  

Business Support Newsletter Listings

• Abundant Blessings Homecare, Inc (603-473-2510, fax 603-522-9211 provides living assistance services for the aging in the comfort of your home. Services include: personal care, meal preparation, 24 hour care and more. Call to schedule a free home assessment. Visit us at www.abundantblessingshomecare.com.
• Ask me about Medicare Bert Weiss. [email protected]. Office: 603-694-3058, Cell: 603-986-5650.
• Beasley & Ferber, P.A. (1-800-370-5010) David Ferber, estate planning including avoiding probate, protecting assets from nursing homes, avoiding state taxes, and elder law.
• Chalmers Insurance (356-6926) Steve Cote, full line of personal and business insurance, including Long term care, life and annuities.
• Coleman Alvin J. & Son (447-5936) 9 NH Route 113, Conway. General Contractor
• Conway Eye Care (356-3000) 1319 White Mt. Highway Dr. Gary Cole & Associates, eye exams, surgical and medical eye evaluations, complete optical service with “on-site” laboratory.
• First Allied Securities (356-9371) 3277 White Mt. Hwy. Investments including Stocks, Bonds, Annuities, Retirement, College Planning
• Gamwell, Caputo & Co., PLLC (447-3356 or fax 447-6563) Dave Caputo, certified public accountants providing tax, accounting, and financial statement services for businesses, individuals, trusts and estates.
• H.R. Hoyt Construction Inc. (447-2612) Conway, NH. Poured Concrete
• Maureen Cason Hanlon, LICSW (730-5722) 13 NH Route 16A, Intervale, NH: Counseling services for adults and elders.
• Memorial Hospital (356-5461) The community hospital of Mt. Washington Valley. Your partner in good health.
• North Country Fair Jewelers (356-5819) Brian Smith, Main St, N Conway. Diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, coins, pearls, watches, clocks and antiques. Repairs, appraisals, buy, sell and trade.
• NorthEast Auto Body (356-5808) David Smith, 530 Eastman Road, North Conway, N.H.
• Notchland Inn (374-6131) Harts Location, NH Romantic dining and lodging.
• Peking Sunrise Restaurant & Lounge (356-6976) Lounge (356-3888) Jct. Routes 302 & 16 N Conway.
• Settlers Green Outlet Village (356-7031) over 60 stores. Every Tuesday is Senior discount day at participating stores.
• The Hearing Aid Shop (603-356-0172) Jessica Williams, Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, Hearing Aid Sales, Fitting, Repairs, All Makes/Models. Two convenient locations in North Conway and Wolfeboro. Handicap Accessible. 603-356-0172 www.lifesoundsamazing.com
• Varsity Beverage Conway (447-5445) Distributor of Pepsi Cola, Schweppes, Dole Juices, Lipton Tea, Gatorade, Aquafina Water, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Frappuccino, and Hawaiian Punch.
• White Mountain Hotel (356-7100) Gary Sullivan Wonderful place to go for lunch or dinner.
• White Mountain Oil and Propane (356-6386) The Saunders Family, oil and propane, major appliances.
• Yankee Smokehouse Restaurant (539-7427) Joseph Ferriera, Jct. Route 16 & 25 in West Ossipee. Real open pit barbecue.