Programs

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Fitness Programs

The Fitness Programs at the Groton Senior Center promote and maintain the physical abilities of participants and also group classes offer a chance to socialize with other class members and provide mental stimulation through music and physical motion.  Class sizes range from small Qi Gong classes to large Cardio Sculpt classes.

Music Programs

The music programs at the center provide an opportunity for seniors to develop their skills in music whether it is learning to read music, sing in harmony or learning to play piano.  The choruses also take a leadership role in the community by going out to entertain at adult day centers, nursing facilities and schools.

Education/Enrichment

Programs in this category provide seniors with time to learn new skills in the areas of the arts, technology, health and more.  Through education the seniors develop and help maintain their mental abilities as well as support their self-esteem and creative needs.  Class sizes are small to medium.

Cards/Games

A variety of choices for group play and individual play.  Promotes mental stimulation and provides for socialization.  Research has shown that Bingo and other games are good for the brain.  They stimulate memory, attention skills and have great social interaction which works on many parts of the brain.  Our games programs include a variety of levels from basic to more challenging options.

Social Scene

These are events often attached to meals that are offered to provide socialization and entertainment for seniors.  Most events have a meal or food attached to them. These include the afternoon teas, monthly birthday/anniversary parties, special breakfasts, club gatherings, dinner and movie nights, annual Gnog Show (formerly Gong Show), annual Great American Picnic, Luau, Thanksgiving Dinner, Holiday dinner and Rotary dinners.  A regional dinner dance is held annually also to allow for socializing with friends from the other towns in the county.

Community Service Programs

These programs offer the seniors an opportunity to take a leadership role in community involvement either through sponsoring a community event or by participating in the community event.

Health Services

These services are provided to help seniors age at home and stay as well as possible.  Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the programs.

Nutrition Services 

In addition to health services, the nutrition programs offer the opportunity for improved nutrition for participants and also in some cases a way to socialize with other seniors in small to large groups.

Human Service programs

These programs also support seniors aging in place.  They promote individual self-efficacy in making better choices and decisions about their individual needs.

Transportation Services

These programs support aging in place and allow seniors to stay active in their community and at the center.

    BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS Class

    May 2023  Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm

    Please join us here for virtual program on BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS

    Each session is free and is provided by Workforce Opportunity Services.

    This experience is designed to stimulate creativity.  We gather weekly here at THRIVE 55+ to enjoy these sessions virtually.

    Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Why We Make Photographs – There are many different genres of photography, such as portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, news, and fashion among others. Each of these requires different techniques and offers its own unique challenges. It is important to learn the proper use of light and composition to create visually appealing and meaningful images.

    Wednesday, May 10, 2023: Settings and Options – How to control light with your camera. The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography referring to Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. What are they, when should you use them, and how?

    Wednesday, May 17, 2023: Getting to Know Your Camera – Get to know your tools. With advances in technology, types of cameras have changed. We will get to know the different types of lenses and what they can do.

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023: You’ve Taken a Great Photo, Now What? – Learn about moving your photos off your camera and editing them. Get a glimpse into histograms and why they are important tools in photography. A good photograph can speak volumes and have a powerful impact.

     REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Monday before.  860-441-6785 

     

    Stretching your Food Dollars talk Monday May 22

    Tired of rising prices at the supermarket ? Tired of getting less for more money?  Get more bang for your food money with: 

    • Shopping tips
    • Cooking tips
    • Healthy eating tips

    Join Registered Dietitian Deb Downes for an informative and free talk, tips, recipes, and samples on  Monday, May 22 at 1 pm.  Please register by May 18, 2023 

    Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease Wed. May 31

    Wednesday, May 31   10:30 am

    Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease – Aging in Place through Movement & Communication 

    Do you have Parkinson’s disease or love someone with Parkinson’s? Join us as we learn from two local Parkinson’s disease specialists about improving health and wellbeing through better movement and communication.

    Julie Summers MS, CCC-SLP, is the owner of On Point Speech Therapy, a mobile outpatient speech therapy practice based  in East Lyme. Julie is certified in SPEAK OUT!®, LSVT LOUD, MDTP (McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Protocol) for swallowing disorders, and is trained in manual therapy for voice and swallowing. She also runs a free weekly PD group, LOUD Crowd, for her SPEAK OUT! graduates. Her goal is to connect with the PD community, share resources and teach strategies for better communication, swallowing, and memory for improved quality of life.

    Dr. Shayla Adams, PT, DPT is the owner of INSPIRE Physical Therapy and Wellness, a mobile outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy practice serving southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. A certified in LSVT Big, PWR! Moves and Poling for Parkinsons and is the creator of PowerUp to Parkinsons, which addresses both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease. Her goal is to improve self-efficacy, foster positive energy, brighten moods, provide community, and inspire those on a journey with PD to take control of their future.

    Together, Julie and Shayla will share their expertise in treating the symptoms of PD using exercise to improve movement, balance, strength, speech, swallowing, and memory. An open Q&A will follow, and light refreshments will be served.

    The session is free for all, but registration is required.

     

    Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making

    Tuesday, April 25th at 5:00pm

     

    Come learn to wrap a gem, stone or shell. You’ll than be able to turn it into a necklace or bracelet.

    Cost is $15.00

    Space is limited so please register .