The Senior Center will be holding small OUTDOOR socially distanced group programs and services beginning Monday, May 3rd. We are excited
about welcoming people back, with caution. Our The Senior Center will be holding small OUTDOOR socially distanced group programs and services beginning Monday, May 3rd. We are excited about welcoming people back, with caution. Our population is still the most at-risk group for contracting COVID-19 and complications arising out of being infected. Safety, for our members and our staff, will remain our highest priority. It is not only our biggest concern; it is our responsibility. In order to reopen, we must abide by state guidelines for different sectors (per the Governor): Senior Centers, Indoor Recreation, Restaurants plus Ledge Light Health District. We, more than anyone, wish we didn’t have to do this, but we are determined to follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe and healthy. Although it won’t be the same Senior Center you left on March 13, 2020, we are excited to offer opportunities for people to see each other and have fun. All rules and program offerings are subject to change depending on new guidelines and best practice changes re: covid-19 precautions. All members will be required to read and sign a document acknowledging that you have read and understand the rules when arriving for their first in person class, program, or service.
Can I just stop by the Senior Center any time I want? Unfortunately, no. Per the state guidelines, individuals must make an advance “reservation” to attend a program or service at the Senior Center. This is necessary for contact tracing in the event someone tests positive for COVID-19 and to keep track of the numbers of people in programs. For instance, if you want to speak with the nurse, you must call for an appointment. If you want to take a fitness class, you must call in advance to reserve your spot. Our smaller outdoor entertainment programs will require a ticket that you will pick up after you call to register. Each activity will have maximum attendance limits to ensure social distancing. Also no one actively experiencing COVID symptoms should visit the center grounds.
MASKS: MASKS ARE MANDATORY. If you are unable to wear a mask, please call Stephanie at the Senior Center and we will try and make alternative arrangements for you to participate in programs or services virtually. Masks must be worn covering the nose and the mouth completely. Anytime you are walking around the grounds or under the tent, you must have your mask covering your nose and mouth. Mask breaks can be taken over 20 feet away from tent and 12 feet from the nearest person. Masks with ventilators are not acceptable, unless a paper disposable mask is worn over the ventilator mask.
Social Distancing: Everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot social distance while at the Senior Center (12 feet during exercise classes).
Visiting: Per state guidelines, people will not be allowed to drop-in and “visit” for hours. Participants will be required to leave premises after their class or service. Although we wish this were not necessary, at this time it is to ensure everyone’s safety.
Virtual Programs: We will continue to offer virtual programs and classes so that those who are still uncomfortable will have a way to feel connected and engaged.
Entertainment: Unfortunately, we needed to cancel our Summer Concert Series this July due to safety concerns. We are however planning two outdoor entertainment shows over the summer. This will be a small group of 37-60 members that will be socially distanced and masked. People will need to register ahead of time. Once registered, you will pick up a ticket. No one will be admitted without a ticket. People will stay socially distanced. People ie: couples or people arriving in the same car and registered population is still the most at-risk group for contracting COVID-19 and complications arising out of being infected. Safety, for our members and our staff, will remain our highest priority. It is not only our biggest concern; it is our responsibility together will be seated together in a pod. No more than 2 people will be seated together in a pod. You will need to bring your own chairs for any entertainment.
Bathrooms: The Senior Center Building will not be open to the Public. All participants needing to use the restrooms will use the nearby porta- potty
(located in the Town Woods Parking Lot nearest to the senior center gate).
Fitness Classes: Fitness classes will be held outdoors during the day with continued social distancing of 10-12 feet between people. Maximum of 12
people per class. Pre-registration is required. Rain/bad weather days classes may be held virtually or canceled. No walk in’s will be welcome. All safety
protocols will be followed. If you arrive early, please remain in your car until it is your scheduled time. Once in your designated place you can take your mask off for the duration of the class. Masks MUST be worn to and from your spot, NO exceptions.
Cards: Unfortunately, state guidelines do not permit games that cannot be thoroughly cleaned (cards, board games, etc.) to be allowed on Senior
Center Grounds. It is also impossible to social distance (6-feet) while playing cards.
Art Workshops: We will be resuming art workshops. Those that wish to paint will bring their own supplies. Water can be taken out of the hose. In
addition, people using our card tables will need to bring a tablecloth to cover the table with. Our card tables and chairs can be used and will be left out
again the porch area on the day of the workshop. EVERYONE needs to register in advance. Only those registered will be allowed to come. Maximum of 12 people will be assigned a socially distanced spot to work. If we have more than 12 people, we will set up more sessions a week. Everyone will be required to wear a mask during the workshop. Mask breaks can be taken over 20 feet away from tent and 12 feet from the nearest person. Participants will be required to wipe down and put table and chair against the porch. Disinfectant wipes will be provided.
Trips: We will be resuming day trips in the Fall. (see upcoming newsletters for details). Specific Covid protocols will be in place.
Books and Puzzles: We will continue to stock the table in front of our front doors with books and puzzles for you to borrow. Appointments are not
needed for this service but please keep to one at the table at a time and remember to wear your mask when you browse.
Important
You can sign up for exercise class/art workshops starting on Wednesdays before the upcoming week. All request need to be confirmed by email or by phone call. Messages or emails left do not ensure sign up. You can register for yourself and a spouse or caregiver only. People must have an active
membership to take part in in-person programs. Classes/ Workshops have a 12 person maximum. If we are unable to accommodate everyone, we will
offer multiple classes when possible OR you will be pre-signed up for the next class. People may sign up for one “like” program a week. Sign ups will be done weekly starting Wednesday of the week before. No sign up’s will be carried over from week to week.
-You can sign up for Entertainment programs at any time up until a week before. Space is limited to 39 Pods. You can register for yourself and your spouse or caregiver. Tickets must be picked up 1 week prior to the event. No one will be admitted without a ticket. Tickets are free for members.
– You can sign up for services (ie: nursing visits, blood pressure clinic, hair dressing appointments, and foot care appointments) at any time up to 48
hours before scheduled service. Call (860)434-4127 Ext: 240 to schedule a foot care or hair dressing appointment. Call (860)434-4808 for nursing and blood pressure clinic.
