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.

    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.

    UPDATE ON THE STIMULUS CHECKS AS OF APRIL 20, 2020

    Posted on May 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    According to the IRS, Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who weren’t required to file federal tax returns for 2018 or 2019 will receive $1,200 stimulus payments automatically based on information contained in their “1099” benefit statements. No additional paperwork is required, per the latest guidance from the IRS.
    Stimulus payments will also go out automatically to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who were not required to file tax returns for 2018 or 2019.
    On April 15, the Social Security Administration announced that SSI recipients without dependent children will receive their stimulus payments automatically without having to file any additional forms. The stimulus payment will be sent to these SSI recipients the same way they get their normal benefits, either through direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or paper check. The IRS also has announced that people who receive Compensation and Pensions (C&P) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive their stimulus payments automatically even if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019.
    This information was obtained from AARP.org.

    Practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures

    Posted on May 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    Around the world, public officials are asking people to practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures in an effort to slow disease spread. Here are some suggestions from the
    American Psychological Association to best handle these challenges.

    First what can you expect?
    Fear and anxiety are normal. You may feel anxious or worried about yourself or your family members contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. It’s also normal to have concerns about obtaining food and personal supplies, or fulfilling family care obligations. Some people may have trouble sleeping or focusing on daily tasks.

    Depression and boredom are normal. A hiatus from meaningful activities interrupts your daily routine and may
    result in feelings of sadness or low mood. Extended periods of time spent at home can also cause feelings of boredom and loneliness.

    Anger, frustration or irritability are normal. The loss of agency and personal freedom associated with isolation
    can often feel frustrating. You may also experience anger or resentment toward those who have the isolation orders or if you feel you were exposed to the virus because of another person’s negligence.

    How can you cope?
    Limit news consumption to reliable sources. It is important to obtain accurate and timely public information but too much media coverage can lead to increased feelings of fear and anxiety. Our local Ledge Light Health District is a good source of information as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You should balance the amount of time spent on news and social media with other activities unrelated to COVID-19 such as reading, listening to music, doing a puzzle, watching a movie, etc.

    Create and follow a daily routine as this will help you preserve a sense of order and purpose. Try to include regular daily activities such as exercise, calling a family member or friend, or indulging in a hobby/pastime.

    Stay connected with others by making phone calls or sending text messages. Rely on your pets for emotional support. However, if you contract COVID-19, restrict your contact until the risks of transmission between humans and pets are better understood.

    Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in your home. Try to avoid using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the stress of isolation.

    Stay positive. Examine your worries and aim to be realistic about what you can accomplish during this period.