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.

Friday, May 24th- Memorial Day Indoor Picnic

Posted on May 6, 2019 by East Lyme

Time: 11:45am

Hot dog and Hamburger, potato salad, baked beans and dessert.

Sing-a-long-chorus will perform at 12:15pm.

Bingo will follow.

Cost $6pp

Registration begins Apr 29th.

Must register by May 22nd.

Saturday, May 11th – SHRED IT DAY

Posted on May 4, 2019 by East Lyme

Time: 9:00am- 12:00pm

Bulk shredder on site. If needed, a home pick up can be arranged. Call the Senior Center by May 8th.

Donation of non-perishable food item for Care & Share appreciated.

CONTENT BY JUDY – Independence equals Freedom

Posted on May 3, 2019 by East Lyme

When we think about our own independence, we often equate that independence with our day to day living. Can we get to the store, to work, to school? Is the weather a problem? Will there be a traffic issue? Am I running late?

And with our day to day living we sometimes forget that Independence equals freedom, and, in this country, we have an abundance of freedoms. We can speak out. We vote. We are free to worship as we choose. We can assemble when and where we want. We can move about as we choose.

We are very fortunate to live in the United States and have these privileges.

But back to our personal independence.

I found the definition of independence to be – the ability to live your life without being helped or influenced by other people (Cambridge Dictionary)

Now how silly is that – of course we are influenced by others – the news is just one example. And we are helped by other people on a regular basis. And who might they be – the doctor, your lawyer, your neighbor, a friend. Someone holds the door for you. They are helping you.

But there are the times when that independence is compromised.

Our personal independence can become very limited if say the car breaks down. We have a sick child at home. Our eyesight fails. We don’t react as quickly as we once did. A car, the insurance, gas, etc. becomes unaffordable.

Our mobility. Our ability to get around can really define our life style. Our world can get very small if we no longer have the freedom to get about as we choose.

What do we do then? How do we get places? What are the resources available to us?

Who can I ask for a ride? Do I have too much self-pride to ask? What about shopping and all those appointments I have?

Enable yourself to ask and to find out what resources are out there. Visit or call your Senior Center. Call 211. Use SeniorCenterCt.org. Ask at your Church. If you are a veteran or member of an organization, see if they give rides. And don’t overlook asking your family and friends. They probably would love to send more time with you.

But remember you need to be flexible and fit what you want and need into someone else’s schedule. You don’t have to go shopping on Tuesday and running errands on Wednesday. Look at this all as a change in your life style – not that you lost your freedom. Embarrass your new methods of mobility as an adventure!

SENIOR & DISABLED HOMEOWNERS’ TAX RELIEF and Local Tax Credit Option

Posted on May 1, 2019 by East Lyme

SENIOR & DISABLED HOMEOWNERS’ TAX RELIEF

The State of Connecticut offers a state run Elderly Tax Benefit known as the Circuit Breaker. It is for eligible real estate taxpayers with the Town of East Lyme. To apply, you must have reached the age of 65 prior to December 31, 2018 or be totally disabled if under the age of 65. You are applying for a credit on the taxes due on your primary residence in East Lyme. Under the law, Social Security income MUST be declared and the program requires you to provide information regarding all GROSS income received during 2017. The new income limit, including GROSS income and Social Security: $43,900 for married couples and $36,000 for single persons.

LOCAL TAX CREDIT OPTION:

Also, the Town of East Lyme provides on Additional Tax Relief for elderly and totally disabled homeowners. For further information, contact the Assessor’s Office at the Town Hall.

Filing dates for the above programs are February 1, through May 15, 2019.

Applications available at the Assessor’s Office in the East Lyme Town Hall. There is also a Veteran’s Exemption that is available. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office.

BINGO – May Schedule

Posted on May 1, 2019 by East Lyme

Time: Promptly at 1pm

For the month of May, Bingo will be played on Friday, the 3rd, 10th 24th, and the 31st.

$1.00 for the 1^st card and .25¢ for every additional card up to a maximum of 9 cards.