Monthly calendar handouts are available at the Senior Center or print one at the bottom of this page

AARP Defensive Driving Course 
4 times a year                              

Instructors Trained by AARP         

        This 4-hour course is for those 60 and over. 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

Arts 'n Crafts
Monthly 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.

Blood Pressure Screening
Second Thursday at 9:00 am and third Tuesdayat 1:00 pm
          Blood pressure is measured and recorded by a registered nurse on a monthly basis to assist people in health maintenance, stroke prevention, and the detection of various health problems.

Bodies in Motion:

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:45    Easy-to-follow class with up-beat music. The class can be done seated or standing and at your own comfort, skill, and safety level. It will focus on the upper, core, and lower body with a variety of exercises and movements. This new class is offered twice a week in order to maximize carry-over and functional progression. Join this social exercise group and make some new friends. You will find it fun also focusing on your breathing and improving your balance to reduce your risk of falls.

Bridge
Coordinator: Linda Ruthford

Friday mornings

Cards and Games
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons
          Participants play a variety of card games Poker, 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 separate section

Drawing
Thursday mornings at 10:00                                Instructor: Dominick Tomanelli 

Educational Programs
          On a regular basis throughout the year, workshops and seminars are scheduled for both staff and senior center participants.  Examples are Writers Workshop, 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.

Friends of the Senior Sunshine Center Meetings
The third Wednesday of the month 
          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.

Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
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 activities 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 by appointment         

       The the Director of Social Services/Municipal Agent to the Elderly is 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. 

Men's Breakfast Group
First Tuesday of the month at 8:30 am

Movers and Shapers Class                                  

Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 9:30am
Instructor: Coleen Krempel     

           Popular aerobics class is held in six week sessions at the Senior Center.  Movers and Shapers is a fun way to move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills.       

                               
Movies
Fridays at 1:00 pm, popular movies are shown on a large screen with surround sound.

CW Resources Senior Nutrition Services
       Congregate Meals Program
       Monday - Friday at Noon 
       Our senior center is a site for the CW Resources 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 $3.00. People below the age of 60 must pay $6.25.  Reservations are required in advance.

  "Meals on Wheels"
          The Meals Home Delivery program is also administered by CW Resources and New Opportunities 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. 

Painting
Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.                      Instructor: Nancy Warwick
          This 6 week course is suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters. Teaches beginning techniques including the blending and mixing of colors, the use and handling of brushes, brushstrokes, and choosing the appropriate paper.

Red Hat Luncheons (click here for photos)

TheSunshine Rambling Roses is the New Fairfield Red Hat Society. MUST wear a red hat and something purple to each gathering. We are holding out our red-gloved hands and inviting you to join us at our next monthly luncheon, signup required.

Sittercise 
Wednesdays at 12:45 pm 

          A full hour of non-strenuous exercise employing all the different muscle groups in the body.  The routine is designed to help the participants maintain agility, develop muscle tone, and promote their own physical well being.

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

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.
          Tai Chi has been officially endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation as a form of treatment.

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: Janet Capozzola   

         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 overnights.

Veterans Group
First Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Walking Club

Members combine their shared steps and miles to reach an agreed upon virtual destination. Upon their arrival, they celebrate with a luncheion paid for by their dues. Walking tips are also shared at monthly meetings and plans are made to visit enjoyable walking location in the area.

See them here

 
Yoga
Monday afternoons or 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 incorporated breathing techniques and simple meditation and relaxation practices.  Karen presents chair alternatives for every floor pose.  Each session will include 6 one-hour classes.

Zumba
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 am,

Certified Zumba Instructor: Coleen Krempel

        Known as a Latin Dance Party, Zumba® has become nothing short of a revolution. Coining the concept of fitness-party™ and making fitness fun, Zumba® has spread like wild-fire, and has positioned itself as the single most influential movement in the industry of fitness.