Programs

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Fitness Programs

The Fitness Programs at the Groton Senior Center promote and maintain the physical abilities of participants and also group classes offer a chance to socialize with other class members and provide mental stimulation through music and physical motion.  Class sizes range from small Qi Gong classes to large Cardio Sculpt classes.

Music Programs

The music programs at the center provide an opportunity for seniors to develop their skills in music whether it is learning to read music, sing in harmony or learning to play piano.  The choruses also take a leadership role in the community by going out to entertain at adult day centers, nursing facilities and schools.

Education/Enrichment

Programs in this category provide seniors with time to learn new skills in the areas of the arts, technology, health and more.  Through education the seniors develop and help maintain their mental abilities as well as support their self-esteem and creative needs.  Class sizes are small to medium.

Cards/Games

A variety of choices for group play and individual play.  Promotes mental stimulation and provides for socialization.  Research has shown that Bingo and other games are good for the brain.  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

These are events often attached to meals that are offered to provide socialization and entertainment for seniors.  Most events have a meal or food attached to them. These include the afternoon teas, monthly birthday/anniversary parties, special breakfasts, club gatherings, dinner and movie nights, annual Gnog Show (formerly Gong Show), annual Great American Picnic, Luau, Thanksgiving Dinner, Holiday dinner and Rotary dinners.  A regional dinner dance is held annually also to allow for socializing with friends from the other towns in the county.

Community Service Programs

These programs offer the seniors an opportunity to take a leadership role in community involvement either through sponsoring a community event or by participating in the community event.

Health Services

These services are provided to help seniors age at home and stay as well as possible.  Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the programs.

Nutrition Services 

In addition to health services, the nutrition programs offer the opportunity for improved nutrition for participants and also in some cases a way to socialize with other seniors in small to large groups.

Human Service programs

These programs also support seniors aging in place.  They promote individual self-efficacy in making better choices and decisions about their individual needs.

Transportation Services

These programs support aging in place and allow seniors to stay active in their community and at the center.

    Staying Connected – How to Use ZOOM

    WHAT IS ZOOM?
    Zoom is a service that allows people to video chat over the internet. What makes it special is that it allows multiple people to join the same conversation, making it easier to host online events / meetings.

    HOW DOES IT WORK?
    One person acts as the host and creates a meeting. Once they’ve done that, they send an email invitation with the hyperlink to their guests. When guests click the link, they will be able to access the meeting and talk with their friends. We will go over how to join a meeting in more detail during our next video.

    DO I NEED AN ACCOUNT?
    You do NOT need an account to attend a meeting. If someone invites you to a meeting, you can click the link and attend as a participant. However, you do need an account if you want to host a meeting.

    DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD ZOOM?
    Yes. Zoom works best when you have downloaded it to your device. You can install it on a computer, tablet, or phone. Each is a little different, so be sure to pick the device you are most comfortable and confident using.

    Is Zoom safe?
    Zoom takes your safety seriously. They have built in a lot of security options to make your meeting an enjoyable one. It is up to your event Host to use those tools. Groton Public Library & Groton Senior Center, are using these tools to make sure your information is safe and the meeting is fun for all.

    JOINING A ZOOM MEETING
    Most meetings start with an email invitation. This is a basic invitation for a Zoom meeting. Every invitation should contain the time and date the meeting is taking place, as well as a link to access it.
    Some meetings may have a password and Meeting ID. A lot of people use this feature to make a private meeting. For example, someone may use a password if they are hosting a class and only want the people who registered to attend. If you are invited to a password protected meeting, you can access it in two ways. The first is by clicking the hyperlink – the password information is usually embedded in the link so you won’t have to type it in. The second is by opening zoom on your device and entering the Meeting ID and password. This will allow you access to the meeting.
    Once you’ve joined, you may be put into a waiting room. This allows the host to choose when everyone is allowed into the meeting and gives them time to finish setting up. When the host is ready, they will let you into the Zoom meeting. If you see this screen while trying to go to a meeting, just sit tight. Your host is on their way!

    WHAT IF YOU CAN’T USE ZOOM ONLINE BUT STILL WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
    Not everyone has a device that will work with Zoom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate. Ask your event host about a call in feature. Using your phone, you will be given a phone number to call and a Meeting ID number to enter. Once you have, you will be able to hear the meeting and talk to everyone as if you were on a regular phone call.

    ZOOM TUTORIAL VIDEOS
    Thank you Groton Public Library for creating
    three great YouTube videos covering this very information. It can be found at the Groton Municipal Television (GMTV) YouTube site. www.Youtube.com

    Need Help with Zoom? Give us a call 860-441-6785.

    Introduction to Photography

    Introduction to Photography with Richard Spearrin of CT Valley Camera Club
    Tuesday, January 12 and 26
    7:00— 8:30 pm

    A two part photography tutorial. The first is basic principles of photography and the second is applying those principles to fun projects such as fireworks/light streaks/ extreme close-up/silky waterfalls and streams/etc.

    • How To Take Better Pictures
    • Composition
    • Setting Up the Picture
    • Exposure
    • How To Understand/ Better Use Your Digital Camera
    • Practicing What You Learned

    This is FREE yet to take part in this , you must register by Wednesday, January 6th at 860-441-6785 OR at https://register1.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/ctgroton.wsc/splash.html?InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_3#top

    Virtual Strength Training Class- Mondays and Wednesdays

    Beginning January 4 – February 24, 2021

    Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 6pm

    Instructor:  Lorraine Raimondi

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strength training helps reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases and conditions that commonly afflict older adults, including arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity and back pain. Improved strength will also help you prevent falls, do your daily tasks more easily and just make you feel better.

    For this virtual class if you have not been doing any fitness for 2 weeks or more please start with light weights 2 to 3 lbs. You want to be able to have full range of motion with control while doing this class. As your strength increases, you can move onto heavier weights.

    As you get stronger, you can use heavier weights. Dyna bands and a ball are also good to have. If you don’t have, the instructor will show you ways to improvise. Whether you have this equipment available to you or not, you will get a good workout strengthening your body!

    Call 860-441-6785 to register or visit www.grotonrec.com

     

    Virtual Yoga Classes beginning in January 2021

    Yoga Strength Chair   Mondays 9-10 am  Zoom    Jan 4- Feb 22, 2021  $28/pp

    This class starts seated with breath awareness  and warm up, moving into some yoga poses for the first half of class, and the second half of class we do  some strength work using light hand weights 1-2 lb and bands. Class ends with stretching and meditation. If you don’t have hand weights,  water bottles or a small can of veggies will work.

    Gentle Yoga Chair I  Wednesdays 9-10 am  Zoom    Jan 6– Feb 24, 2021  $28/pp

    Chair Yoga is a an adapted form of Yoga that makes Yoga accessible to everyone!!!  The chair is used in addition or option for poses where participants can modify any pose based on their own mobility and also can be used for balance and support. Class starts with breath awareness, warm up, Yoga poses seated and standing. Class ends with stretching and meditation.

    Gentle Yoga Chair flow II  Saturdays 9-10 am  Zoom  Jan 9-Feb 27, 2021  $28/pp

    This class is also an adapted form of Yoga using the Chair, making Yoga accessible to all.  Class starts seated in chair or on the mat, focusing on breath awareness and warm up, moving into standing Yoga poses integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, and flexibility. Moving onto the mat for floor poses and deep stretching. Class ends with guided relaxation and meditation.

    Call 860-441-6785 to register!

    Seated and /or Standing; there is no on the floor.  Class is appropriate for all levels.   

    Instructor will contact you with Zoom ID    ***Must sign a Release and Waiver  from instructor***

     

    Community First Dinner Program January 7th

    Community First Dinner Program

    at Groton Senior Center (curbside pick up)

    Thursday, January 7, 2021   4:00-5:00pm

    Please join us Thursday, January 7th starting at 4 pm as we hand out meals to anyone who may need them. This is a community wide event for anyone. The January 7th meal will be baked chicken thighs, green beans sautéed in garlic and diced tomatoes served along with roasted baby red potatoes.

    Meals are free and open to all residents. Please remember to have your mask on as well as a designated area in the vehicle for the meals to be placed (the trunk is preferable). This allows us to keep this a contactless event.

    For up to date information on our programs like this one, please check our Town of Groton Senior Center

    Facebook page www.Facebook.com/GrotonSC