Around Ridgefield: February 2012 News and information for residents of Ballard Green

1. Around Ridgefield: February 2012 News and information for residents of Ballard Green 25 Gilbert ST * Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-438-9845 * Fax 203-438-1845 Welcome! Every year, so many of us make New Year’s resolutions. While walking in the Midnight Run in Central Park last New Year’s Eve, I resolved to communicate more about the great things we have happening here. While events are listed on our monthly activity calendar, this newsletter will (hopefully) enable me to highlight new things, preview future activity, and, cover news of particular interest to us. I’m interested in your feedback on this newsletter. Together, we can really make it hum-m-m-m! Alice Kenny Resident Service Coordinator • Maintenance Minute • Even though winter seems to be behind us, February and March can still deliver snow. Because of this, please continue to keep: • Door mats • Furniture • Garden supplies • Etc. • Away from your front door, step and walkway. These materials can slow snow removal, damage the equipment, and / or be damaged themselves. In fact, you may be responsible for costs incurred from damages created by your materials. • Monthly Highlights • New happenings, please see the calendar for details on these and all activities: • Our neighbors at the Alternative High School are hosting lunch for us on Feb 15 • Our colleagues at Prospect Ridge hold Bingo on Wednesday afternoon. Please feel free to “come on over” • The RVNA is offering Reiki therapy on Feb 16, see page 2 for a description • Special thanks to Cathy Potel, RHA Board Secretary, for her tireless work bringing volunteers and new offerings to us. • Reminder • The office will be closed: • Wednesday, Feb 8 • Thursday, Feb 9 • Thursday, Feb 16 • Monday, Feb 20 • Please call 203-520-9960 with any emergencies.

2. Around Ridgefield, page 2. February, 2012 Reiki???? The International Center for Reiki Training describes Reiki as, “ … a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.” (http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html, retrieved February 2, 2012.) This is another volunteer service provided to us by the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association. Having Reiki on-site has been requested for some time so it’s great this is available now. Health and Wellness The US Administration on Aging reminds us, “February Is American Heart Month. The month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention. Heart disease can be prevented. Educate yourself on the dangers of heart disease and get on track to better heart health.” Talk with your doctor or health professional to get the latest and greatest potentially life-saving information. (http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/Enews/CurrentNewsLetter.pdf. Page 1. Retrieved February 2, 2012.) Going Green Conserving electricity is something we can all do to help the planet. The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, offers this energy saving tip in its December, 2011 newsletter, Crier. We can all lower “… our “phantom electricity loads” usage. In other words, when we use the toaster and leave it plugged in, it is still drawing electricity. A suggestion would be to unplug appliances which we are not continuously using such as the toaster, blender, cell phone charger or perhaps the lamp we only use when we sit and read our favorite book. This may seem insignificant at first, but all the appliances combined add up and over time we can save a fair amount …. ” Article by Heather Burns, WCAAA Staff” (http://www.wcaaa.org/pdf/December%20Newsletter%202011.pdf , page 6. Retrieved February 2, 2012). Paying taxes? “Free tax help for those with low and moderate incomes, Thursday, March 1, 8:30 to noon, AARP at Community Center, call 203-438-2755 for an appointment / information.” (Ridgefield Press, column: Datebook. http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/theridgefieldpress/people/datebook.html . Retrieved February 2, 2012.)