NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE WESTPORT CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES - Westport, CT
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Volume 45 - September 24, 2021
21 Imperial Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203.341.5099
seniorcenter@westportct.gov
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE
WESTPORT CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Dear Friends and Participants,
Just a friendly reminder that registration is currently ongoing for the
October – December 2021 semester. Please visit MyActiveCenter to register
or call 203-341-5099 if you need assistance. Enrollment has been busy so
please register quickly if you plan to participate before classes fill up and are
closed. Classes will continue to be offered in-house, hybrid and on Zoom. Per
the Town of Westport’s mask mandate, masks continue to be required
indoors at the WCSA, except in the fitness room if individuals can keep a safe
social distance (6 ft.). We urge everyone to continue to take all
precautionary measures and to get vaccinated if you haven’t yet done
so. Please visit www.wwhd.org for further information regarding getting
vaccinated, booster and/or third shots.
The congregate noon luncheon program served in Sue’s Café will re-open on
Friday, October 1. For the month of October, lunches will be available on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday by reservation only. Click here for the menu.
The cost will remain the same: Suggested donation of $5.00-7.00. Chef
Pancho is looking forward to coming back in-house to cook for you. This is an
exciting and much welcomed step as we continue to bring programs back in
a safe and controlled manner. Tables will be spaced out and there will be 2
persons allowed at each table. We ask that you only remove your mask
when eating and that you stay seated, as staff and volunteers will wait on
you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Our goal is to bring back
the congregate dining five days a week in November if things continue to go
well.
I’m super excited for a much-anticipated season of fabulous women’s
basketball featuring our beloved UConn Huskies. I’ve attached a link to their
schedule (https://bit.ly/3kzZWaC) so you can mark your calendars and get
ready for a wonderful season. Can you tell I’m just a tad excited?
Stay safe and enjoy this beautiful weekend!
Sue
Sue Pfister and the entire WCSA team
UPDATE FROM GOVERNOR LAMONT
Please click here to read the most recent
press release from Governor Ned Lamont
regarding the State of Connecticut's
Coronavirus Response Efforts.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!
Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer
within your community? Well, look no further
because the Westport Center for Senior
Activities is looking for volunteer regular and
substitute drivers to deliver meals to
homebound Westport residents. The mission of
Westport’s Home Delivered Meals program is:
“To provide nourishing meals to any Westport
resident whose age, illness or disability prevents
them from taking care of their own nutritional
needs. The combination of well-balanced meals
and other homecare services if necessary,
enables residents to maintain their
independence and stay in their own homes, as
opposed to going into an assisted or nursing
home placement.” You will be given a route of 5
to 7 stops in close proximity, that should take
approximately one hour to complete. If you
would like to take part in this wonderful
opportunity and volunteer within your
community, please reach out to our Program
Nutrition Coordinator, Paulina Przybysz by email
at: pprzybysz@westportct.gov or by calling her
at 203-341-5097 for further information.
FALL 2021 SEMESTER CLASSES AT THE WCSA
The calendar of events for Fall courses
is available in the link below, on our
website and at the WCSA! Please note:
Registration for the Fall semester has
begun and is ongoing.
Check out our October-November-
December 2021 calendar of events, our
Fall 2021 Class List, our YouTube
Channel, the 2021 Fitness Waiver, and
other helpful documents and
information here and on the WCSA
website.
For step-by-step instructions on how to
register on MyActiveCenter, please click
here.
Our program staff has developed a new
monthly flyer for our special
programs. The October flyer features up
to date information on a variety of
discussion groups, history lectures,
culinary demonstrations, nutrition
information, hearing and blood pressure
screenings, writing classes, special drive-
thru meals and more! This new October
flyer is available by clicking here. You
may also find it on our WCSA website.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS FROM THE WCSA
Beading and Jewelry
Create beautiful neck pieces, bracelets and
earrings using old findings and purchased beads.
You can also make beads with colorful polymer
clay. Please note: you must bring your own tools
and supplies. Friday, October 1 to December 17.
Time: Time: 10:00AM. Class limit: 10. Cost:
$44.00. Pre-register online at
myactivecenter.com.
The WCSA has three Yoga classes available on
Saturdays, via Zoom for the upcoming Fall
Semester:
Rise and Shine Yoga with Paula Schooler,
Saturday, October 2 to December 18 at
8:45 AM.
Yoga for Strength, Relaxation and
Rejuvenation with Maria Vailakis-Wippick,
Saturday October 2 to December 18 at
10:00 AM.
Yoga - Very Gentle Chair with Maria
Vailakis-Wippick, Saturday, October 2 to
December 18 at 11:15 AM.
Ekphrastic Writing with Diane Lowman
Ekphrastic (ekˈfrastik) refers to a form of writing,
wherein the author describes another work of
art, usually visual. It is used to convey the deeper
symbolism of the artwork through the written
word. It has often been found that ekphrastic
writing is rhetorical in nature and symbolic of a
greater meaning. In this class, a painting from
the walls of the WCSA, will be chosen each week
as the essay subject matter. Many of these
paintings belong to the Westport’s Permanent
Arts Collection. Tuesday, October 5 to 26.
Time: Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Class limit:
12. Cost: $16.00. Pre-register online at
myactivecenter.com.
Mindfulness Training
“A practical way to improve your physical and
emotional health”. Mindfulness is a
nonjudgmental, supportive way of being, that
keeps one’s awareness in the present moment
that can be practiced at any time and in any
setting. It is an excellent educational tool that
minimizes stress, sleep disturbances, headaches,
anxiety, and blood pressure. Attend this seminar
and open a new and beneficial way of being.
Tuesday, October 5 and 12. Time: 1:00 to 2:00
PM. Pre-register online at myactivecenter.com.
Shakespeare Discussion Group Series
William Shakespeare is arguably the most
famous crafter of words in the English language.
Join us as we engage in a lively discussion of
three of his best-known plays: Hamlet, Much Ado
About Nothing, and Macbeth. Shakespeare
Scholar (and Westport’s Poet Laureate) Diane
Lowman will lead the group in a spirited group
exploration. Participants are asked to bring a
copy of the play with them to class. Please note:
This is not a lecture series; participants should
have at least some familiarity with each play.
Monday, October 18, November 15, December 13.
Time: 10:30 AM to Noon. Class limit: 12.
Cost: $12.00. Pre-register online at
myactivecenter.com.
PROGRAM CHANGES FOR FALL 2021
At this time, the WCSA has adopted the
following changes:
All Strength Training classes with Sandy
Adamcyzk will be held on Zoom for the
Fall semester.
Beginning Yoga and Yogalates with
Jeannie Stevens-Labate will be on Zoom
only.
Cardio Strength, Weights in Motion and
Zen Flow with Shelley Moll will now be
hybrid.
Just for Women with Channe Fodeman,
LCSW, will be on Zoom.
Parkinson's Support will be on Zoom for
Fall.
Patty Kondub's Mind & Muscle series will
now take place 10/6 to 11/3.
WCSA RECURRING PROGRAMS AND FEATURES
Open Craft With Jean Handy
Come and complete any craft project you just
haven’t been able to finish on your own. Bring
your project and materials and chat with friends,
old and new! Wednesdays, 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Cost: Free. Instructor: Jean Handy. You may register online at MyActiveCenter.com or call the WCSA at 203-341-5099. In line with Jean Handy's many talents, she was kind enough to crochet a beautiful afghan and donated it to be raffled off, with proceeds going to the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Raffle tickets are being sold at the front desk. Thank you Jean for your generosity! Exercise with Patty Kondub on TV Channel 79 Every Friday! Join Patty on Westport Public Access TV Channel 79 (Optimum) and Channel 6020 (Frontier) for a workout to music with chair and standing exercises, balance, brain building, memory games and posture exercises. Weights or cans and a pillow may be required. Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Cost: Free. Note: Westport Public TV Access Channel 79 broadcasts to Westport households only. Out of town seniors can watch Patty's program on the Westport town website on Fridays at 10:00 AM. September Documentaries Will Be Shown Every Wednesday at the WCSA! September 29: "America’s Castles: The Cotton Kings" In the years after the Civil War, the south wearily re-built. New, wealthy landowners emerged building lavish mansions. A&E America’s castles series takes you on a virtual tour of America’s finest homes that are open to the public. You will learn about period architecture, as well as, interior design and the lives of the privileged people who lived there. (49 min.) Wednesday, September 29. Time: 2:30 PM. For more information on this and the other September documentaries, click here.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS CHOICES: Medicare Information CHOICES helps Connecticut’s older adults with Medicare understand their Medicare and health care options. Volunteers will provide information (free of charge) on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Managed Care, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other related State & Federal programs. Volunteer, Jerry Demner, will be scheduling virtual appointments. In addition, we will have two volunteers who will schedule in-house appointments. Please call 203-341-5099 to schedule a virtual or in-house appointment. Ask the Nurse: Health Screenings A registered Nurse from Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County & Waveny Life Care Network, will be on hand from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 28 for free blood pressure, depression screenings, medication management and any other questions you may have. Please make an appointment by calling the WCSA at 203-341-5099. BINGO is Back Every Week at the WCSA! The WCSA is now offering BINGO live at the WCSA every Thursday from 1:15 to 2:00 PM. Also on Thursdays, WCSA is offering a special lunch for BINGO players for $8.00 per person. Lunch will be served at Noon. Please call 203-341-5099 to reserve your lunch at least 48 hours in advance. Menu for September 30: Chicken salad sandwich (whole wheat bun or bread), coleslaw, potato chips, brownie, water. Menu for October 7: Roast beef and provolone sub, pasta salad, potato chips, cookie, water. PLEASE NOTE: BINGO will now be played in- house at the WCSA. Zoom BINGO will no longer be available. Lunches will continue to be
offered for residents & non-residents who play BINGO in-house. Meal Cost: $8.00 per person. Bingo Cards: $.05 cents each per game. Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean with Andree Brooks It may come as a surprise, but the Jews were heavily involved in the pirate trade off Port Royal in the 17th century. What were their motives? What were their goals? A little-known but fascinating tale. Andree Brooks is a journalist, author and lecturer. She has won many awards for her writings, books and print articles, most notably over 1,000 pieces published in the New York Times. Tuesday, October 5. Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Pre-register online at myactivecenter.com or contact the WCSA at 203-341-5099 to register. WCSA Caregiver Support Group Terry Giegengack, MA, will lead the group twice a month on Zoom. She is a graduate of Fairfield University with a master's degree in counseling and continuing education. Please note: there will be a special Caregiver's Support Group on Wednesday, September 29, 10:00 to 11:00 AM and the regularly scheduled support group will meet Wednesday, October 6, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Pre-registration is required by contacting Holly Betts, MPS, RD, at 203-341- 5096 or via email at hbetts@westportct.gov. Donations are accepted. Letting Go of Stress and Tension Letting Go of Stress and Tension is a class with Deirdre Ekholdt, LCSW. Stress and tension take a toll on the body and mind, but you can learn to let go and relax. In this class you will be guided through proven stress techniques including mindfulness, breathing and guided imagery to experience a state of deep relaxation. Wednesday, October 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM at
the WCSA. Pre-register online at myactivecenter.com. Just for Women With Channe Fodeman This women's group will be an open forum for discussion. This group will meet twice a month. Personal stories shared within the group will remain strictly confidential. Facilitator: Channe Fodeman is a clinical social worker with over 46 years of experience in the field. The next session for this group will be Thursday, October 7 from 3:30 to 4:15 PM. Pre-registration is required and is available online at MyActiveCenter.com. This program will be on Zoom and the link will be emailed prior to class. Friday Tech Club Are you confused about your tech device? Our Tech volunteers will assist with your computer tech questions such as signing in, password re- set, downloading and uploading files. Volunteers are available for half-hour appointments on Friday’s from 3:15 to 4:15 PM. For an appointment, please call the WCSA at 203-341- 5099. These are NOT walk-in classes. New Programs On The WCSA YouTube Channel! Check out some of our most recent programs on our YouTube Channel, including Lisa Arnold's presentation on artists Alice Neel and Grant Wood, Westport Museum of History and Culture's "Antique Treasures," How To Make Authentic Mexican Guacamole with our Nutrition Coordinator, Jacqueline Corona, Earthplace's Critter Encounter and Holly Betts' Baking Demonstrations. To enjoy these videos, please click here. COMMUNITY RESOURCES Transportation Options for Seniors
The staff at the WCSA has received several questions concerning public transportation for Westport residents. Westport has three public transportation options: Door to Door & Town to Town Westport, Wheels to U and the Coastal Link bus. For additional information on transportation options, please click here. Go to the Movies at the Remarkable Theater's Drive-In Movie Nights! Westport's own drive-in movie theater is back for the season. On Tuesday, September 28, the movie "The Stepford Wives" will be showing at 6:45 PM, with doors opening at 5:45 PM. The Pixar Animation Studios film "Soul" will be showing on Thursday, September 30 at 6:45 PM, with doors opening at 5:45 PM. For more information on upcoming films & times, events, and how to get tickets, please visit the Remarkable Theater's website by clicking here. Westport Public Paper Shred Day First Selectman Jim Marpe announced that Westport will hold its 12th annual Community Shred Day at the Greens Farms Train Station. Residents may shred up to 8 paper bags or 3 boxes (12” x 18”) per household. Each car will be charged $5. Suggested documents include: personal, sensitive and confidential papers such as bank statements, cancelled checks, tax papers, medical records, ATM receipts, credit card statements, etc. Saturday, September 25. Time: 9:00 AM to Noon. Cost: $5.00 per car. For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton at 203-341-1110 or via email at jdunkerton@westportct.gov. A Conversation with Former Obama Administration Official, Mary DeRosa On Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00 PM, Westporter Steve Parrish will sit down with Mary DeRosa, former Deputy Assistant and Deputy
Counsel to the President, and National Security Council Legal Adviser in the Obama Administration. Professor DeRosa will discuss her role as Legal Advisor to the National Security Council during the planning and execution of the Navy Seal raid that resulted in the killing of Osama bin Laden. You may join us in person in the Westport Library’s Forum or watch the program virtually. For more information on this program and how to register, please click here. Optimism Walk for Parkinson's The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), Connecticut Chapter, is excited to host the 9th annual APDA Westport Optimism Walk (apdaparkinson.org/ct) – which will be held in- person this year after transitioning to a virtual event in 2020. Taking place on Saturday, October 2, 2021, registration is at 10:00 AM and the walk at 11:00 AM at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT. To donate or join the WCSA’s Stand by Me Team, please click here (https://bit.ly/2Wv8g2w). This annual event is part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks that mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease (PD). APDA puts participant safety first and will conduct the event with full adherence to any/all public health guidelines and safety measures required at the time of the event. Alzheimer's Walk at Calf Pasture Beach The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. For the fourth year, the WCSA is sponsoring a team called “Reality Check”! You can get involved by joining our team and walking on Sunday,
October 10, or you can donate to team “Reality Check” to show your support. To register or donate go to click here (https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer/). Time: 8:30 AM – Registration, 10:00 AM – Ceremony and 10:30 AM – Walk. The Y’s Men of Westport, CT Announce Their Eighteenth Annual Photographic Exhibition! The Y’s men camera club sponsors a photographic competition. This competition is open to Y’s Men members, their wives’ and WCSA participants. Photos must be original work of the entrant and not previously shown at a Y’s men Annual Exhibition. Professional photographer entries will be displayed but not judged. “Professionals” are persons who solicit or promote their photos for sale on an ongoing basis. Entries will be accepted from September 9 to October 21. The annual awards ceremony will be held at the WCSA on Friday, November 5. For more information and the application, please click here. Human Services Announces CT Winter Energy Assistance Program The Town of Westport Department of Human Services (DHS) encourages income-eligible residents to apply for Connecticut’s federally- funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Contactless applications for home heating assistance will become available starting October 1, 2021 and run through April 30, 2022. The Energy Assistance Program helps low- income households pay their winter heating bills Individuals and families qualify for CEAP based on their gross annual income and household size. Income-qualified households with previous CEAP applications on file will receive mailed application instructions in the coming weeks. New residents may contact Human Services for application information at (203) 341- 1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov. For more information on this program, click here.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Help reduce stigma and raise awareness by changing the conversation around suicide. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center is starting an initiative promoting Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) in disability and mental health services. For more information and new webinars on this initiative, please click here. AAA’s FREE Driving Improvement Classes are Back! Tuesdays through December 2021, AAA will be offering its FREE 4-hour classes VIRTUALLY to drivers 60 years of age and older, who need to obtain a certificate for up to 5% off on a portion of their insurance premiums. Classes are open to AAA members and non-members. For more information on this program, please click here. To register for this class, please click into their Defensive Driving registration page here, click on the drop down menu for Your Home State, then click "Connecticut Virtual" for both the state and county, then click on the red "See Classes" box on the right which will show you the available dates and times to schedule your free class. Choose a date and hit "next" to complete your registration.
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