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.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME- Maybe it’s time to visit that Museum that has been on your bucket list…here’s how you can do it without leaving the comfort of your home

Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

Tours Virtual

National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC www.nga.gov
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City www.metmuseum.org
The Guggenheim in New York City www.guggenheim.org
The Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France m.musee-orsay.fr click on English
The Uffizi in Florence, Italy www.uffizi.it click on English
Maybe Art is not your thing. How about:
American Museum of Natural History in New York City www.amnh.org
Museum of Science in Boston www.mos.org
The British Museum in London, England www.britishmuseum.org
Maybe something ocean related:
New England Aquarium in Boston www.neaq.org
Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey www.montereybayaquarium.org
Maybe something animal related:
The Bronx Zoo in New York City www.bronxzoo.com
The San Diego Zoo in San Diego zoo.sandiegozoo.org
Maybe something star related:
National Aeronautics & Space Administration www.nasa.gov
European Southern Observatory www.eso.org
Or check out what’s available here in CT so you have an itinerary when we can travel:
Connecticut Office of Tourism www.ctvisit.com
Or check out our National Parks:
United States National Parks www.nps.gov click on find your virtual tour
Or pick up a new hobby:
Interested in birding? www.ebird.org
Learning about the stars? www.skyandtelescope.org
What about baking? www.kingarthurflour.com

Don’t limit yourself. Many places and organizations are offering virtual tours and lessons.
Check them out. Keep you imagination and brain engaged.

ARE MASKS COVERING UP YOUR HEARING?

Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

You are not alone. When we lose one sense, another takes over. As you lose your hearing, your eyes help you fill in the blanks. For example, “feet” and “seat” sound the same but look very different on your mouth. Masks cover these visual clues making it frustrating and confusing. Add in 6-foot social distancing and hearing becomes even more challenging. For some individuals, over the ear hearing aides are becoming painful when wearing a face mask. The elastic bands used to secure the mask around the ears often get in the way of the tubes that connect the hearing aids to the speakers that sit in your ear. In addition to the discomfort, some individuals are also at risk to lose a hearing aid when removing the mask, especially if frequently putting in on and off.
To resolve these common problems:
 Wear a mask with soft fabric ties to relive the pressure on the ears, instead of elastic, or
 Use a special mask extender with buttons or other holders to attach the mask loops onto, on the back of the head, instead of the ears, or
 Use simple tools like a plastic s-hooks to loop the mask onto, instead of your ears, or
 Use an eyeglass lanyard to attach your hearing aides to , that way if they accidentally fall out, they are nearby and easy to find, or lastly
 Seek a clear mask solution to assist you with lip reading.
These hearing tips are offered by Nancy Jablonski from Audiology Concierge.

HOW CAN YOU GET MATERIALS FROM THE EAST LYME LIBRARY?

Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

The Library is now accepting requests for curbside pickup. You call the Library at 860-739-6926 during its business hours which are:
Monday – Thursday 10am to 7pm
Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm
You may request materials owned by the East Lyme Library. At this time, items from other libraries are not available. You may request up to 5 items a day including: books; audiobooks; DVDs’; magazines; and CDs. The staff will call you to arrange a pickup date.
Once you are in the Community Center parking lot, call the Library to let them know you are there and they will bring your items out in a brown, paper bag. It will be set on the benches by the Main Entrance with your name on the bag.
To drop off items, you must use the Book Drop. The Library remains closed to the Public at this time.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN A BEACH PASS THIS YEAR DURING COVID-19?

Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

This is a very easy process. One way the East Lyme Parks & Recreation Department is selling beach passes is by providing drive-up service in the E.L. Community Center parking lot, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am to 3pm. No need to get out of the car; no need for an appointment; BUT you must pro-vide a
vehicle registration and proof of residency/taxpayer status.
Another simple way to get your beach pass is to use the mail service. You would mail a copy of your vehicle registration, current phone number, a copy of your
latest tax bill (if you do not have a car registered to an East Lyme residence, the fee (checks payable to the Town of East Lyme) and lastly, a self addressed stamped envelope.
The Fees for the 2020 season are:
Resident Season $40.00
Resident Season (additional car) $30.00
Resident Senior (62 & over) $20.00
Active Military Resident Season Pass Free
Currently, the Department is not selling non-resident passes or day passes of any kind,
Please note that beach and parking capacity can change as the staff observes how social distancing is taking place on the beaches and in the park.

UPCOMING DAY TRIPS- CANCELLED

Posted on June 3, 2020 by East Lyme

All day trips through June 2020 have been cancelled
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is highly doubtful any trips will be offered for the summer months. If this changes, we will make an immediate announcement.
Refunds have been processed but might take longer than usual as Town Hall staff are not working their normal hours.

Many of the trips that were slated for the spring/summer/fall of 2020 are being re-scheduled for 2021.
BUT we are always interested in where you want to go.