Programs

Programs – The Senior Center plans events on a monthly basis. Below is a listing for what generally occurs. For more details on events not listed below, check the Calendar Section and/or the News Section.

Fitness – Participants can trial any class without obligation. Please notify the Senior Center office if you are trialing a class.

All participants are encouraged to participate at their level of fitness/comfort. Any physical concerns are to be addressed to your personal physician. Questions about modifying the routines are to be directed to your instructor. All instructors are CPR certified and qualified in the class they are teaching.

Classes are Session Based: These classes will have a specific start and end date. Class sessions typically run for 3 months.

Music Classes – Ukulele and Guitar lessons. Explore your creative side and challenge yourself mentally by learning to play an instrument. Beginner level is offered as well as more advanced classes. Loaner instrument is available if needed.

Education/Enrichment Classes – Learn new skills in the areas of the arts, technology, health and more. Through education develop and help maintain your mental abilities as well as enhance your self-esteem and creative needs. Explore and develop your interests.

Cards/Games – A variety of choices for group play and individual play. Promotes mental stimulation and provides for socialization. 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 – The Senior Center plans, often with meals, events that are offered to provide socialization and entertainment. Any excuse for a party is considered whether it be to celebrate a national holiday or just to have some fun.

Health Services – These services are provided to help older adults age at home and stay as well as possible. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the programs.

Nutrition Services – The Senior Nutrition Program, administered by TVCCA, offers nutritious meals on Tuesday and Thursday at 11:45am. You must register for a lunch at least 24 hours in advance.

    SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    2020 Eligibility and Information
    If you are 60 or older, you may be eligible to receive vouchers in the amount of $18 for use at
    our local farmers’ markets. The packet includes 6 “checks” for $3 each = $18pp.
    The items available for purchase are:
    Fruits Vegetables Fresh Cut Herbs Honey from certified CT Grown Farms
    These items would have to be purchased at designated Farmer Markets or farms stands from August through
    October 2020. There is no cash value to these coupons – farmers cannot provide change. One packet of
    vouchers per person, per season only. You cannot receive vouchers from multiple service agencies.
    If you are a married couple, each person gets a packet.
    The maximum household income is $23,060 per year for a household of 1
    or $31,894 per year for a household of 2.
    To apply, contact the Senior Center at 860-739-5859. When you call, you should
    have your monthly income figure available. Additionally, we will want to know if you
    plan on doing the shopping or if you are going to send someone.

    HURRICANE SEASON IS STILL WITH US

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th. We are ½ way through. The most active period for Atlantic hurricanes is mid August to the end of October. It’s not time to let down your guard. Ever wonder what the Category scale means? Here is a brief overview. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. Be safe and be prepared!!

    Category 1-  74 to 95 mph very dangerous winds will produce some damage

    Category 2-  96 to 110 mph extremely dangerous winds will produce extensive damage

    Category 3-  111 to 129 mph Major: devastating damage will occur

    Category 4-  130 to 156 mph Major: catastrophic damage will occur

    Category 5-  157 mph or higher Major: catastrophic damage will occur

    ELECTION DAY IS COMING on Tuesday, November 3rd

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Registrars of Voters want you to know that if you are not a registered voter but want to become one, you still have time before the national election. The Registrars’ office is located within the East Lyme Community Center and their office hours are: Mon and Tue 8am to 12pm – Wed 8am to 4pm and Thu and Fri 12pm to 4pm. When you arrive, you will need to provide some sort of identification and proof of address. Your CT driver’s license will suffice but if you do not have one, you can provide the last 4 digits of your social security number and a copy of a current and valid photo ID OR the last 4 digits of your social security number and a current utility bill, or a current bank statement, or a current government check, or a current paycheck or any other government document that shows name and address.
    The Town Clerk’s office would like you to know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office will be mailing out absentee ballot applications to every registered voter in mid-September. If you choose to vote by absentee you can fill out the application and mail it to the East Lyme Town Clerk in the self-addressed stamped envelope that is provided with each application. You can also put the application in the drop box in front of the Town Hall (street side at the top of the stairs and the handicapped ramp) or you can bring it into the Town Clerk’s Office. If you have any questions when you receive that application please contact Karen Miller Galbo, East Lyme Town Clerk at 860-739-6931 ext. 1135.
    There are 3 polling locations this year. Please be sure you know which poll you go to vote.
    Lastly, the Senior Center will be providing rides to the polls. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our vehicles are limited to one person onboard at a time. If you are doing to request transportation from us, please make your request as soon as you can.

    The dangers of DEHYDRATION

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    Dehydration happens when our bodies are not consuming enough water or fluids to account for the water loss. Although our bodies lose water at a baseline rate that generally aligns with our metabolism, we can lose fluids at higher rates when we are sick, exercising, sweating, have a fever, drink alcohol or suffer from conditions that result in the loss of excess amounts of water (perhaps a medication that you take). If you feel thirsty your body is already suffering from dehydration. This can affect any age and any level of activity.
    To avoid dehydration, keep these point in your mind on a daily basis:
     Aim to drink 64oz of water a day.
     Eat your water! Apples, cantaloupe, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, oranges, celery and carrots all help you stay hydrated.
     Start each day with a glass of water (no ice). Drink it before you have coffee, tea or juice. It will help replace fluids lost overnight.
     Cook with high-quality sea salt. Unrefined sea salt is rich in trace minerals which aid cell health and hydration.
     Minimize caffeine, high sugar and alcohol drinks, as they do not aid to your re-hydration.