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.

    Please join us for a fun-filled evening Feb 22nd – our annual Gnog Show

    Get out of the house this winter and please join us for our annual talent show with staff and local seniors (anyone 55 and older) as entertainers!

    Mmm the menu:

    BBQ Pork Ribs, Baked Catfish, Roasted Potatoes, Spinach, Corn Rolls, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Punch, Coffee

    Entertainment after dinner.

    Cost: $15 Register online at www.GrotonRec.com or 860-441-6785

    Have an act and want to entertain? Call 860-441-6623

    Reflections – Content by Judy

    Time has a way of passing much faster than we realize. I think they – whoever they are – steal time as we sleep. Haven’t you been shocked when you look in the mirror and see how time has passed. Or looked at your children and been surprised how many years have flown by? And it doesn’t seem possible for all those years have gone by. If you close your eyes and look at yourself as you feel you are, you’re much younger than that darn mirror tells you.

    Recently I came across photographer Tom Hussey’s work “Reflections” which shows elderly people looking in the mirror and seeing who they were many years before. A fireman, a nurse, the scholar, the pharmacist, a new mother, a welder.

    “Reflections” was inspired by a World War II veteran who said, “I can’t believe I am going to be 80, I feel like I just came back from the war. I look in the mirror and I see this old guy.”

    It brings to mind that with retirement and age we lose a big part of our identity. As we enter adulthood we are often asked “What do you want to be?”

    But seldom after we retire are, we asked “So what did you used to do?” “Who were you before?”

    We have been a big part of building our towns and cities. We have served in many positions be it elected or volunteer. We have been the scout leaders, the umpire, the coaches, the committee member.

    And for those of us who feel we might be losing our identity lets share the stories of our past, volunteer to teach others, once again become that committee member, volunteer at the local school, senior center or hospital. Continue to be an active part of the community.

    And for those who haven’t reached those later years, the next time you encounter the elders in your community be it at the grocery store, at your place of business or just in passing take a few minutes to find out more about who they are and who they were. You will be surprised just who you are talking to!

    February’s Featured Artist: Patti Hickey and her Photography

    Please enjoy February’s featured artist: Patti Hickey and her photography. Her photos will be displayed in our GSC halls for the month.

    Although Patti has worked in many different positions in several places around the country over the years, photography has been a long standing passion beginning when her Dad gave her an Argus 75 twin lens camera for Christmas. Her first attempts managed to get everything wrong; lighting, composition, subject – it was the license plate on the family car. Can you just imagine? But, she has continued to polish her skills.

    In an interview Patti said, “In capturing an image I look for a spiritual inspiration such as peace, harmony, joy, energy, balance, grace, power. As numerous photographers have remarked, it takes hundreds of shots to achieve just the right one and many a right one comes by surprise. I call the special one a ‘gift.’ When asked about what kind of camera I use, I say ‘any decent camera will do’. The most needed equipment for a perfect image is patience and perseverance.”

    U. S. Representative Joe Courtney Monday, Feb. 4th

    U. S. Representative Joe Courtney will be joining us Monday, February 4th at 10 am . All Southeastern CT residents 55 plus are invited to attend to hear the latest and to ask questions.

    This is free YET please call ahead to let us know you are coming to this coffee and chat. 860-441-6785