Category: Programs

What is Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance? Tai Ji Quan is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function and to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults 60+ years old and people with balance difficulties.

This program can accommodate individuals who need some assistance with walking, such as use of a cane.

No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. You learn the movements over the course of a 24-week class in a supportive environment.

Please join us for the next Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance Session.
Date – October, 2020, Time: To be decided, Class meets: Twice a Week (Location is via Zoom) and the program is FREE. Contact Connie Capacchione @ Uncas Health District 860-639-5138.

Our wonderful Meditation Instructor, Tina, will do a ZOOM class on the benefits of essential oils and the healing properties that have been used since ancient times. Please call to sign up and for instructions if interested.

Join us for our Zoom Zumba Gold class! Must be 60+ to participate, please call the office during regular of-fice hours to sign up! ZUMBA GOLD is specifically designed for senior citizens and now you get to do in the privacy of your own home – staying safe while staying active. Zumba Gold is the lower impact, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired dance fitness class that will help keep you healthy & happy while having lots of fun!

We have been providing Health & Wellness video since this crazy pandemic started! If you would like to receive the videos – they are sent via email – please send me an email with your request and I will add you to the list! This is a great way to stay active while staying home and safe! The program is called COOPED UP WITH CAITLIN and videos are pro-vided Monday – Friday and show you how to keep moving safely in your home! Working on different muscle groups, different areas of the body, etc. the videos will show you how to move throughout the home, using different furniture or household items to hold or hold on to while performing exercises to help keep your muscles and blood moving and flowing!

Weekly Class Cost:FREE

(Materials can be purchased at the Center FOR $10.00 KITS or you can bring your own)
Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. Learn to relax (the “ZEN” part) while creating beautiful, repetitive, design work (the “TANGLE” part). You will learn a variety of “tangles” (patterns) and combine them in your own unique way. IT’s easy to learn, and the best part is that you don’t need to have any drawing skills to do this! Each intricate design is broken down in easy to follow steps that guarantee a successful and unique piece. Please register in front office during regular office hours.

We are providing a ZOOM class with our wonderful Healthy Stretch & Strength Training instructor, Lorraine. If you are interested in participating via ZOOM for the next couple of months, please call and sign up with the office. We will give you the details at that time. Classes are combined and will touch on both topics. They will be every Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:30 PM. Strength training increases muscle mass and also strengthens your bones, helps with weight management, provides relief from arthritis pain, lowers risk of injury, and improves cardiac health. You will be safely guided, by an ACE certified personal trainer, through a variety of exercise designed to increase muscular strength, range of motion, and flexibility required for everyday living at its best. “As we age our muscles become shorter and lose their elasticity. Aging can affect the structure of our bones and muscles causing pain and decreased range of motion in the shoulders, spine, and hips.” Stretching is an excellent way to help relieve pain, increase flexibility, and increase range of motion to enhance our everyday life. Class is for anyone seeking to achieve the many benefits of stretching.”

Deep Breathing, Aromatherapy, Guided Meditation, and Mindfulness Discussions. This is a great way to start the day and will be offered via ZOOM for the next few months! There are many health benefits to Mediation: Detoxification of body, de-stressing, increased cardiovascular capacity, regulate weight, improved posture, help with anxiety, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure & more! Classes are ongoing—you can join at any time, please call the office to sign up and on instructions to participate.

Time: 12:00 Noon FREE

We will hold a Halloween Bingo via ZOOM on Friday, October 30TH at 12:00 Noon. We will be having a ZOOM Halloween BINGO with prizes! Please call to sign up and we will mail out your Halloween BINGO card and directions on how to play! You will need a computer or smartphone. ANYONE wearing a Halloween costume will get a prize as well! We might be home but we are not alone! Join us for our ZOOM Halloween Party! Again, please call right away with your name and address so we can get you listed for the party and your items mailed out to you! It might not be our regular way to play—but we’ll make a way to play!

OATS- 55+ Outdoor Active Traveling Seniors Group with Groton Senior Center

Monday, October 5th at Bluff Point State Park hike 9:30am. We will walk the main 3.6 mile loop which varies in flat to hilly with wide trails.

Thursday, October 22nd at 10am. Sparkle Lake Conservation Area on Thomas Road. This is a short and easy excursion into nature. A 0.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail.

Due to COVID19 we are following the proper protocol with hikes:

• Social distancing of 6 feet if not from the same household
• Masks when in closer proximity.
• Not Participation if you have shown symptoms.

Registration is needed for each OATS outing.

RSVP at 860-441-6785 or colsen@groton-ct.gov

These virtual presentations are being shared by AARP, West Hartford Senior Center, Lymes’ Senior Center, New Fairfield Senior Center and Glastonbury Senior Center.

• Vein Health: Vein Centers of Connecticut Presentation Mon., Oct 5^th  12:00p.m.

Presentation will provide information on all aspects of wellness and healthy lifestyle relating to vein diseases. The topics would include, but not be limited to: • Risk factors for vein disease • Diagnosis of vein disease • Treatment of vein disease (including newest technologies, a non- thermal Vena Seal Procedure) • Insurance coverage for treatment.

Pre-registration required by emailing Lisa.hanse@westhartfordct.gov to receive the link.

• Virtual Concert: Airbourne Jazz Trio Wed., Oct 7^th  1:00p.m.

Live Music  by Airbourne Jazz Trio live-streamed from the Chapel at Atria Hamilton Heights.

Pre-registration required by emailing Lisa.hanse@westhartfordct.gov to receive the link.

• Historical Hartford: Hartford’s Department Stores Thurs., Oct 8^th  1:00p.m.

We’ll explore the buildings of Wise-Smith (later Korvettes); the Cheney building (once home of BrownThomson), Sage-Allen, and, of course, the various homes of G. Fox in downtown Hartford.

Pre-registration required by emailing Lisa.hanse@westhartfordct.gov to receive the link.

• New England Vampires & Witchers Sat., Oct 10^th  2:00p.m.

There was a time when vampires and witches roamed the area.  Join Tom D’Agostino who has studied the Paranormal for 38 years.

Pre-registration required by emailing programreg@lymepl.org or call (860) 434-2272.

• From Opera to Broadway: Irving Berlin Sun., Oct 11^th  1:00p.m.

This presentation highlights some of Irving Berlin’s greatest contributions to American music.  It features images of Irving Berlin’s sheet music from the Janice Grower Sheet Music Collection and other Irving Berlin related media from Goodspeed’s Scherer Library of Musical Theatre.

Pre-registration required by emailing Lisa.hanse@westhartfordct.gov to receive the link.

• Quilter’s Workshop Tue., Oct 13^th  10:30a.m.

Sue Pfau will show you how to organize your fabric stash.  Sue Pfau of New York, is a three-time Martingale author and the owner of Sweet Jane’s Quilting & Design, a pattern company.

Pre-registration required by emailing seniorcenter@newfairfield.org or call (203) 312-5665.

• Mondays at Mystic Seaport: Seaport Village Life at 50+ Mon., Oct 19^th  12:00p.m.

What was life like in a seaport village during the last century for folks 50 and older? Join Mystic Seaport Museum’s Director of Historical Interpretation, Erik Ingmundson, to find out on this interactive virtual tour of the museum’s village. .  Presented by AARP.

Email Hilary for the link to register.  hsandberg@cityofnorwich.org

• Stories from the Attic – Election Edition Wed., Oct 21^st  3:00p.m.

A portrait artist’s fateful visit with a President; and so much more history yet to be found.  The search and discovery of these little known nuggets of election history is what Greg Van Antwerp has turned into a series of presentations called “Stories From The Attic”.

Email Hilary for the ZOOM link.  hsandberg@cityofnorwich.org

• Virtual Concert: A Howling Sing-A-Long with Dr. Uke Fri., Oct 30^th  2:00p.m.

A fun virtual musical performance with songs inspired by Fall and Halloween.

Pre-registration required by emailing norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov to receive the link.