4 times a year Instructors Trained by AARP
This 8-hour course is divided into 2 days of class during which the students learn how to compensate for slower reaction times, refine existing skills, and develop safe defensive driving techniques. Most insurance companies offer a discount on their auto insurance to seniors who have successfully completed the course.
Call for required fee and registration.
Acrylic Painting
Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Instructor: Terry Meluzzo-Voss
This 6 week course is one hour each and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters. Call for required fee and registration.
Arts 'n Crafts
Regularly in the afternoon
Both the senior center staff and guest instructors from the community lead the class in creating a craft for the home or a gift using a variety of popular designs and mediums.
Some of our offerings are Jewelry Making, Hand Made Greeting Cards, Fresh Flower arrangements.
Call for required fee and registration.
Blood Pressure Screening
Third Wednesday of the Month at 1 p.m. Danbury VNA
Blood pressure is measured and recorded by a registered nurse on a monthly basis to assist people in health and maintenance, stroke prevention, and the detection of various health problems. FREE
Bridge
Tuesday afternoons Coordinator: Linda Ruthford
Friday Mornings
Cards and Games
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons
Participants play a variety of card games Pinochle, Rummikub, Unlucky Sevens and other games.
Commission on the Aging Meeting
Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Computer Classes and Labs
see seperate section
Educational Programs
On a regular basis throughout the year, workshops and seminars are scheduled for both staff and senior center participants. Examples are Danbury Health Talks!, Safety Training, Dietary Seminars, and Insurance Seminars.
Energy Assistance and Energy Conservation
Information and application assistance is available for a number of programs including the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), the State Appropriated Fuel Assistance Program (SAFA), Private Fuel Banks, and Utility Arrearage Forgiveness Programs to help households of limited incomes pay for primary heating bills. Information is also available on energy conservation, weatherization assistance, and the energy conservation loan program. At least once a year a representative of Northeast Utilities' community services department is invited to the center to speak about energy conservation.
Entertainment
Entertainment programs at the senior center have included musical, comic, and dramatic performances.
Environment Corps
The Environment Corps is a group of seniors dedicated to the promotion of clean water and water conservation. To that end, they have made it their mission to collaborate with other organizations in the community, primarily the Candlewood Lake Authority. The environment Corps is the recipient of CT's Department of environmental Protection's Green Circle Award and an Outstanding Program Award from the CT Association of Senior Center Personnel.
Friends of the Senior Sunshine Center Meetings
The third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
A non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide additional funds and community support for programs that will benefit and enhance the lives of the community's older population through the senior center.
Get on Your Feet Day
Several Times Annually
People who choose to come to the senior center for "Get on Your Feet Day" will participate in an afternoon of activites designed to stimulate and promote health. It also provides the perfect opportunity to mingle. They will take part in team activites. During the break, healthy refreshments are served.
Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
Walk-in once a month and by appointment
Senior Center staff has been trained by the state's C.H.O.I.C.E.S. program to answer individual's questions related to Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare HMOs, and Supplemental Insurance.
Hospitality Committee
Monthly Meetings
The mission of the Hospitality Committee is to promote a feeling of association and welcome to all those who can participate in and/or be served by the senior center and to encourage interest in the senior center in an atmosphere within which people feel welcome, comfortable, and stimulated. The members of the committee arrange activites that will introduce people to the senior center and engage them through fellowship. They also provide a link to the community by reaching out to other organizations in town.
Information and Referral
Available Daily
The Director of Senior Services and the Director of Social Services/Municipal Agent to the Elderly are available to provide information and to make referrals in the following areas: health insurance and home care, employment and volunteer opportunities, food and nutrition programs, income assistance, housing, elder rights, energy assistance, adult day care, legal aid, special needs, transportation, prescription assistance programs, education and leisure, and more. There is also a pamphlet rack with information on many of these topics.
Intergenerational Programs
Throughout the year programs are planned that will involve both seniors and young people. Some of the activites that have taken place are crafts and baking with scout troops, a trip to the historic red school house with a preschool class, senior participation in the high school fashion show, recitals at the senior center by students of local music teachers, seniors volunteering time to the Discovery Den at Meeting House Hill School, and more.
Movies
Usually, twice a month, popular movies are shown on a large screen with surround sound.
New Opportunities Senior Nutrition Services
Congregate Meals Program
Monday - Friday at Noon
Our senior center is a site for the New Opportunities Senior Nutrition Services. A hot meal is served five days a week at noon. No fee is charged to participants 60 years of age and older, by they are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of the meal. Currently the suggested donation is $2.25. People below the age of 60 must pay $6.25. Reservations are required 3 days in advance by noon.
"Meals on Wheels"
The Meals Home Delivery program is also administered by New Opportunities Senior Nutrition Services and is designed for homebound elderly people who are unable to travel to local meal sites. People over the age of 60 can get two meals a day, a hot lunch and a cold supper. Some referrals to the program are made through the senior center and the center is the transfer point between the program and the volunteer meal delivery drivers, many of whom are also senior citizens.
Pace Makers Walking Group
First Thursday of the month
Members report their hours and miles and give each other support and motivation to walk for their health and well-being. Destinations are picked and theme parties are given when the cumulative miles are reached.
Red Hat Society
"Sunshine Rambling Roses" an official chapter of the Red Hat Society, meet monthly for Lunch and other special events.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP volunteers serve through non-profit and public community organizations. It reinvests the knowledge and talents of persons 60 and over back into the community through meaningful and productive activities. Sponsored by the American Red Cross of Western Connecticut, our senior center is a work site and a reporting station and assists in recruitment.
Speaker Program
At least once a month
Speakers are invited to talk on a variety of topics to provide information that is both interesting and in the fields of health, finance, politics, taxes, nutrition, education, insurance, probate, travel, and much more.
Tai Chi * Qigong
Tuesday mornings Instructor: Dee Dee Calvey
The gentlest of the martial arts, Tai Chi is a solo exervice best described as "moving meditation." It is practiced in slow circular patterns, the primary goal being increased ease of motion.
QiGong (Chi Kung) is much like Tai Chi, however the movements are done in repetition with the emphasis on energy cultivation for health, vitality and internal power. While many people practice one or the other, it is most beneficial to do both because they complement one another.
Tai Chi has been officially endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation as a form of treatment. Call for required fee and registration.
Tax Aide
One or more times a month in Feb., March, and April
Tax-Aide is offered free of charge under a cooperative agreement between AARP and the Internal Revenue Service. It is intended to help low and moderate income older persons with their tax returns. Trained counselors provide face-to-face help and make people aware of special tax provisions (i.e., for pensions, credit for the elderly or disabled, etc.) as well as state and local rebate/relief information.
Trips and Travel
At least 6 times a year Coordinator: Mary Carneiro
Trips are made available through reputable tour companies to a variety of interesting locations. Most of the trips are day trips and there are occasional overnight trips. Visit our trip table at the center for individual trip fliers.
Veterans Group
First Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Watercolor Painting and Other Mediums
Wednesday mornings Instructor: Nancy Warwick
Teaches beginning watercolor techniques including the blending and mixing of colors, the use and handling of brushes, brushstrokes, and choosing the appropriate paper. Call for required fee and registration.
Weight Training
Monday, Wednesday mornings Leader: Chuck Finnegan
A non-strenuous exercise employing different muscle groups in the body. The routine is designed to help the participants maintain agility, develop muscle tone, and promote physical well being.
Yoga
Tuesday afternoons or Friday mornings Instructor: Karen Gillotti
Karen is a Certified Yoga Instructor.
Yoga is an exercise class designed to stretch, tone, and relax the body. It incorporates breathing techniques and simple meditation and relaxation practices. Karen can present chair alternatives for every floor pose. Each session will include 6 one-hour classes. Call for required fees and registration.