April 2021 & May 2021

April 2021

&

May 2021

DaVinci Center For Community Progress 470 CHARLES STREET

PROVIDENCE, RI 02904

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DATES TO REMEMBER:

April:

Friday, April 2nd — Good Friday - Center Closes at Noon Sunday, April 4th — Easter Sunday

Saturday, April 10th—Neighborhood Clean Up Saturday, April 17th—Yard Sale

Tuesday, April 20th —Newport Trip Thursday, April 22nd — Earth Day Friday, April 30th —Boxing Presentation

May:

Wednesday, May 5th — Cinco De Mayo Sunday, May 9th — Mother’s Day

Saturday, May 15th —Walk—a—Thon Fundraiser Tuesday, May 18th —Wickford Village Trip Monday, May 31st — Memorial Day

Volume 50 No. 4 + 5

GOOD NEWS: the vaccines have arrived and we are in the process of bringing them to you as soon as possible.

Here at the DaVinci Center we have been called upon to assist with scheduling appointments for the new Covid—19 vaccine. We understand that our senior population has been hit the hardest during the pandemic. Ilation, self-quarantine, lack of communication with family and friends, so-cial distancing, and the inability to get out of the house is just a small list of

tasks that our senior population has been struggling with. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, we are well aware that it may seem like a very long tunnel. Howev-er, we are starting to see what it looks to be the dawn of a new future bringing us much hope and in this case, it is in the form of a brand new vaccine.

The DaVinci Center has served our Senior Population for many years and we truly understand the needs of our seniors. The vaccines are finally here in Rhode Island and they are being rolled out to our communities with a very specific game plan which is designed to vaccinate those that are most susceptible to complications first and then gradually go down a list of age brackets in or-der from oldest to youngest. The reason for this strategy is because the data states the older population is the most at risk and if you have underlying conditions then you are placed at an even higher risk. Be patient. We have all made it this far together and soon enough the vaccine will be available for your age bracket as well. For those of you who have already received the vaccine— Congratulations!

The DaVinci Center has helped over 400 local residents register for and schedule appointments. We have taken on the task of helping others schedule for appointments be-cause we understand that not everyone has access to the internet and not everyone knows how to navigate the websites to be able to schedule appointments. If you would like some assistance scheduling an appointment, you can call us here at the DaVinci Center. If you have not received your first shot yet or you would like to get an appointment scheduled, you can contact us here at 401-272-7474 and ask for Ron.

Note: You should always inform your primary care physician as to whether or not you should receive the vaccine at this time. The doctor knows your condition and can advise you accordingly.

Centenarians are Becoming Common!

Did you know that the number of persons worldwide 100 years old or over was 573,423 in 2020? That number is up from 20,000 in the early 1960s. The United States has 97,000 centenarians out of our population of 328 million. The next highest number of centenari-ans in a country is 79,000 centenaricentenari-ans in Japan, which has a total population of 123 mil-lion.

An interesting anecdote is that there is a small town of Acciaroli on the Mediterranean Coast, south of Naples, Italy, where 300 of the 1000 residents are 100 years old or more. A team of scientists from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have a team of researchers studying this phenomenon to find out what the people of Acciaroli are doing right. So far they suspect that a combination of good genes and healthy eating are responsible. Two dietary habits that all residents had in common is that everybody ate an-chovies and in almost every meal they have the plant rosemary in everything they cook. Anchovies contain heart healthy omega fatty acids. Rosemary has been considered a heal-ing herb and may sooth sore muscles, beat bloat, and protect from carcinogenic com-pounds.

What’s your secret? We would like to hear from some of our nonagenarians and centenari-ans who are reading this article to share your secret for our next newsletter. Mangia Bene!

Super Yard Sale—On Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the DaVinci Center outside lawn, come find some hidden treasures or just some ordinary good buys on stuff that someone else didn’t want. “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure.” There will also be some new or slightly used clothing and other items at give—away prices. If you cleaned your attic or garage and you

wish to rent a table at our yard sale to sell your items, you may rent an 8 foot table for $25. Call the DaVinci Center at 272-7474 to reserve one. Otherwise, we in-vite everyone to stop by to rummage through some very interesting and useful items. Look forward to seeing you.

Yoga has returned to the Center - Join us Thursdays at 2:00 P.M. for a socially distanced session of chair yoga. Instructor Suann Polverari eases you into mild stretching and moving while sitting in a chair. Yoga is known to improve health through relaxation and breath-ing techniques, it relieves stress, improves flexibility and balance while slowing down the aging process. Reservations must be made since spaces are limited. Due to guidelines we must adhere to during this time we must adhere to guid-ance for your benefit. Cost is only $2. Call us 272-7474.

Learn How to Breathe: The Art of Breathing Freely - Pranayama is the act of tak-ing conscious control of the breathtak-ing process. It’s not forctak-ing the breath in any way, but becoming aware of the breathing process itself. Most of the time we take short shallow breaths, but once you learn to breathe correctly you will feel the difference. If you’re suffering from any breathing disorders, COPD, asthma, allergies, scar tissue of the lungs or a weak diaphragm, this class is for you. Yoga Therapist Suann Polverari will guide you through a class focusing on the Art of Breathing that will help strengthen your heart and lungs. Classes will take place at the Da Vinci Center on Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M. Cost is $2. Please call to make a reservation at 272-7474. Safe distancing will be observed.

Utility Shut Offs - Each year in Rhode Island, there is a moratorium on utility shut offs related to heating during cold Winter months. The moratorium this year ends on April 15th. Soon after, some customers who are delinquent in payment, may receive a shut off notice. In order to avoid that shut off, you might consider receiving some assistance with utility payments. If you wish to do so, you may contact your local Community Action Agency. In Providence, CAPP: 273-2000. Other Community Action Agencies are CCAP: 476-9610, BVCAP: 723-4520, TRI-COUNTY: 519-1940. For others, call the DaVinci Center at 272-7474 and we will guide you to the CAP nearest you.

You are eligible for heating assistance if you meet the following income guidelines: INCOME FEDERAL GUIDELINES

HOUSE SIZE 

 12 Month income  3 Month income 

1 Month Income 

1 

$31,166 

$7,792 

$2,597 

2 

$40,756 

$10,189 

$3,396 

Elder Information Specialist Linda Loxley

Remember - we have a special person, Linda Loxley, at the Center every Wednesday af-ternoon to assist you with your needs for information on any issue you are facing. She is very resourceful and a wealth of information. Call 272—7474 for an appointment.

Boxing Presentation - Former Undisputed World Middleweight Champion “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, 66, died suddenly on Saturday March 13, 2021. Marvin Hagler will always be thought of highly in the minds of boxing historians as one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. The persistence and tenacity with which he defended his Middleweight title was second to none in the annals of boxing history. May he rest in eternal peace!

The DaVinci Center will be showing Marvin Hagler’s 12th defense of his Mid-dleweight Title versus John “The Beast” Mugabi on Friday April 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM. This event will be facilitated by Michael Coppola, an expert in Box-ing History. Refreshments will be served and admittance is free.

Membership Renewal Form

Remember that January 1st starts a new membership year at the DaVinci Center. Just $10.00 per year entitles you to reduced rates for special functions and trips.

Please fill out the form below and mail it in with a ten dollar check made out to the DaVinci Center.

Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: _______________ Zip: __________ Phone number: _____________________________

Emergency Contact Tel # :_______________________ Email: ____________________________________ Thank you!  Mail to:  DaVinci Center  470 Charles Street  Providence, RI  02904 

Senior trips!

Newport Trip: On Tuesday, April 20th we

will leave the DaVinci Center at 11:00 AM

and head to the “City by the Sea,” to breath

in some healthy salt air after a Winter of

be-ing indoors. We will stop at the Brick Market place where you can shop and

have lunch on your own. Then we will enjoy the fresh air of the ocean as we

drive down Bellevue Avenue, viewing the mansions built by the rich and

fa-mous and continue along Ocean Drive where the ocean view will be stunning.

Bring your cameras. We will return around 4:00 PM. Cost is $5.00 for

trans-portation. Make your reservation by calling the Center at 272-7474.

Wickford Village Trip: Come join us on Tuesday, May

18th, when we jaunt down to Rhode Island’s own

his-toric and Picturesque Wickford Village in North

Kings-town. There you can stroll down the streets lined with

one-of-a-kind shops featuring clothing, houseware,

an-tiques, art, jewelry, and cafes & restaurants. At the same

time, enjoy the scenery of a harbor filled with small

boats in full sail and breathe in the fresh salt air. All this

for just $5. Hop on the bus that leaves the DaVinci Center at 10:30 AM. Call

us at 272-7474 to make your reservation.

Mother’s Day - We celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9th and there is no one more deserving of our recognition and respect. President

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “The Hand that rocks the cradle rules the World.” There is no greater truth than is found in those pro-found words. Whether you are a mother, Godmother, or anyone that stands in the place of a mother, we wish you a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Mother’s Day and everyday after that.

Lunch Program—When will we return to having congregate lunches at the DaVinci Center at noon? The answer is as soon as Blackstone Health, who prepare the meals, are ready and that depends on the number of agencies who are willing and able to open safe-ly. You may know that Blackstone prepares over 2,500 meals per day for numerous agen-cies and they will need the majority of agenagen-cies to be open before

they produce hot meals. In the meantime, the DaVinci Center is open to all of you and we appreciate Blackstone Health preparing delicious bagged lunches for us each day (refer to menu). In addi-tion, Borelli Bakery donates pizza chips, which add to each lunch bag. We appreciate Carmine Borelli’s generosity. You can have one of these lunches by calling the DaVinci Center 24 hours ahead and we will save one for you to pick up. Try it—you will like it!

DaVinci Center

Walk – a – Thon

DaVinci Center was not able to hold our Annual Fundraising Dinner this past year due to “The Virus,” therefore we are making up the fundraising gap by presenting a Walk – a – Thon and with your help we will succeed.

The Walk – a – Thon will be held on Saturday, May 15th at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Registration will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Low-er SoccLow-er Field (in the back of the beach). ThLow-ere are sevLow-eral ways which you may partici-pate:

1. You may WALK and get sponsors who pledge a certain amount to the DaVinci Cen-ter for every mile you walk

2. Sponsor someone else who registers to walk

3. Purchase an advertisement for the Program Book of the Day 4. Make a tax deductible donation

5. Go to the DaVinci Center website for more options www.davincicenter.org

If interested in participating in any way, call John at 272-7474 at the DaVinci Center for more details. Thank you.

Happy Days Ahead—We are so thankful to all who are responsible for developing vaccines to protect Coronavirus from infecting us. We also appreciate all those who are working diligently to supply us and to administer the vaccine. Soon we will be

approaching normalcy. Those of you who have been isolated for such a long time may want to start to venture out among family and friends if you have received the vaccine. However, don’t rush it—we still need to wear masks and keep proper social distancing for a while. We look forward to seeing all of you again soon. Neighborhood Clean Up—On Saturday, April 10th, all the local agencies and businesses will get together to clean up all the litter in our neighborhood that has accumulated during the Winter months. We will gather at the parking lot next to Esek Hopkins school at 9:00 AM for an instructional briefing and for distri-bution of gloves, bags, etc. If you cannot be with us on that

day, just clean up an area near your house or business at your convenience. We hope to see everyone on the 10th. A clean neighborhood is a healthy neighborhood!

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Funded in part by the US administration on aging and state funds by the Rhode Island

Department of Elderly Affairs

All menu items may contain nuts, seeds, beans, wheat bran, and other allergens

Menu subject to change

  1 Juice

Salami & Cheese on Wheat w/ Mustard Chips Fruit Milk 2 Juice Fish on Oatmeal Chips Yogurt Milk 5 Juice

Honey Ham & Cheese on Rye w/ Mustard

Chips Pudding Milk

6 Juice

Low Sodium Hot Dog on a Roll w/ Relish

Chips Cookie Milk

7 Juice

Turkey & Cheese on Whole Wheat w/ Mayo

Macaroni Salad Fresh Fruit Milk

8 Juice

Egg & Cheese on a Biscuit

Chips Fruit Cup Milk

9 Juice

Seafood Salad on 9 — Grain

Chips Brownie Milk 12 Juice

Italian Sausage on a Grinder Roll w/ Mustard

Chips Cookies Milk

13 Juice

Chicken Salad on Pumper-nickel

Chips Fruit Milk

14 Juice

Hamburger on a Roll w/ Rel-ish

Chips Fig Newton Milk

15 Juice

Eggplant Parmesan on Whole Grain Roll

Pasta Salad Granola Bar Milk

16 Juice

Shrimp Salad on a Roll

Chips Fresh Fruit Milk 19 Juice Meatballs w/ Sauce on a Grinder Roll Chips Pudding Milk 20 Juice

Hamburger on a Roll w/ Mus-tard

Cole Slaw Cookie Milk

21 Juice

Bologna & Cheese w/ Mus-tard on a Roll

Chips Cookie Milk

22 Juice

Tuna Salad on Whole Wheat Roll

Chips Fruit Cup Milk

23 Juice

Sliced Chicken w/ Mayo on Wheat

Chips Yogurt Milk 26 Juice

Kielbasa on a Roll w/ Mus-tard Chips Fruit Cup Milk 27 Juice BBQ Chicken on Wheat Chips Lorna Doones Milk 28 Juice

Roast Beef on a Roll w/ Mayo

Chips Fresh Fruit Milk

29 Juice

Grilled Chicken w/ Tossed Salad & Dressing

Pita Bread Pudding Milk

30 Juice

Turkey Salad on Multi Grain

Pretzels Cookies Milk

April 2021

Meal News

We ask that you do the fol-lowing:

 Call in your reservation at least 24 hours ahead of time. If at all possible, give us your reservations for the whole week ahead.

 Tell us your choice on the menu of regular meal or sandwich.  Please call in your

can-cellations also since we do not want to have waste and also because we may be able to ac-commodate a person on the waiting list for the meal on that day.