Volume 26 - May 14, 2021

21 Imperial AvenueWestport, CT 06880

203.341.5099

seniorcenter@westportct.gov

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THEWESTPORT CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Dear Friends and Participants: The paving of the parking lot continues and is “looking like new!” The finaltouches will occur tomorrow and next week the parking spaces will be lined(see pictures below).

The next upgrade will be the installation of a permanent canopy on theterrace to accommodate outside programs and dining. This project is slatedto begin in a few weeks.

Please know that we are here for you if you need assistance or just want tochat. Stay safe and know that we miss you, SueSueSue Pfister and the entire WCSA team

WE'RE GETTING READY!

Here is what’s been happening at the WCSA! Work has begun on repavingthe parking lot and is scheduled to be completed next week. Thank you tothe First Selectman, Board of Finance, RTM and DPW for coordinatingthese efforts!

UPDATE FROM GOVERNOR LAMONT

Please click here to read the most recentpress release from Governor Ned Lamontregarding the State of Connecticut'sCoronavirus Response Efforts.

UPDATE FROM FIRST SELECTMAN, JIM MARPE

Please click here to read the most recentpress release on COVID-19 from WestportFirst Selectman, Jim Marpe.

REGISTRATION CONTINUES FOR THE SPRING 2021 SEMESTERBEGINNING IN APRIL 2021.

Registration is available online viamyactivecenter.com; by mail or dropbox with your completed registrationform and a check made out to WCSA; orby calling the WCSA at 203-341-5099.You can find the new Spring (April-May-June) calendar and other currentdocuments/sites at the links below.

For step-by-step instructions on how toregister on MyActiveCenter, please clickhere.

Check out our April-May-June 2021calendar, the Spring Class List, ourYouTube Channel, the 2021 FitnessWaiver, and other helpful documentsand information here and on the WCSAwebsite.

Summer 2021 calendar to be availablenext week. Keep your eyes peeled!

New Programs On The WCSA YouTube Channel!

Check out some of our most recent programs onour YouTube Channel, including videos on HowTo Make Authentic Mexican Guacamole with ourNutrition Coordinator, Jacqueline Corona,Earthplace's Critter Encounter, Composting withJoe Gloria from Gilbertie's and Holly Betts'Baking Demonstrations. To enjoy these videos,please click here.

Exercise with Patty Kondub on TV Channel 79Every Friday!

Join Patty on Westport Public Access TV Channel79 (Optimum) and Channel 6020 (Frontier) for aworkout to music with chair and standingexercises, balance, brain building, memorygames and posture exercises. Weights or cansand a pillow may be required. Fridays from 10:00to 11:00 AM. Cost: Free

Note: Westport Public TV Access Channel 79broadcasts to Westport households only. Out oftown seniors can watch Patty's program on theWestport town website on Fridays at 10:00 AM.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Join Us for the Friends Sunday Spring Variety

Series!

Coming Up On May 23 - Longshore Club Park:Westport’s Crown Jewel & WestPac WCSAArtshowIn 1960, Westport's forefathers finalized a dealto purchase Longshore Country Club and Park inonly 19 days. This documentary, narrated bylocal writer Frank DeFord and produced byJenniann C. Barile, Gemmarose Tummolo andDoreen Birdsell, tells the history of our belovedtown park. The WestPac video is an opportunity for us toshare the stories about the artwork and theartists whose work is on display at theWCSA. The artwork celebrates Westport’shistory of our residents who are and werenotable American artists, giants of theinternational art world and important artistswho established their homes and studios in theWestport-Weston community.

For more information on the other upcomingprograms in this Spring Variety Series, pleasehere.

May Documentaries

May 17: “The Making of the Empire StateBuilding”According to The New York Times, builders andreal estate speculators predicted that the 1,250-foot-tall Empire State Building would be theworld's tallest building "for many years", thusending the great New York City skyscraperrivalry. As the tallest building in the world, atthat time, and the first one to exceed 100 floors,the Empire State Building became an icon of thecity and, ultimately, of the nation. (50 mins.) Forthe YouTube link to this documentary, pleaseclick here. For more information on this and theother May documentaries, click here.

Virtual Coffee Hour/Afternoon Chat with WCSAStaff

Visit with members of the WCSA team from yourhome via Zoom. This is an opportunity for you tokeep in touch with the staff and find out thelatest news and happenings. This program willmeet the third Tuesday of the month via Zoom.Tuesday, May 18. Time: 3:30 to 4:15 PM. ZoomMeeting ID: 891 7866 8288 Passcode: Coffee

WCSA Caregiver Support Group

Terry Giegengack, MA, will lead the group twicea month on Zoom. She is a graduate of FairfieldUniversity with a master's degree in counselingand continuing education. Wednesday, May 19,from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Pre-registration isrequired by contacting Holly Betts, MPS, RD, at203-341-5096 or via email athbetts@westportct.gov. Donations areaccepted.

Letting Go Of Stress and Tension

Let Go of Stress and Tension, with DeirdreEkholdt, LCSW. Stress and tension take a toll onthe body and mind, but you can learn to let goand relax. In this class you will be guided throughproven stress techniques including mindfulness,breathing and guided imagery to experience astate of deep relaxation. Wednesday, May 19.Time: 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Pre-registration isrequired and is available online atmyactivecenter.com.

Join us for BINGO on May 20!

The WCSA offers virtual BINGO via Zoom on thefirst and third Thursday of the month from 1:15to 2:00 PM. The WCSA is offering a special to-golunch for Westport residents for $8.00 perperson. A volunteer will deliver a lunch and 4BINGO cards to your home by Noon on BINGOday. Please call 203-341-5099 to reserve yourlunch at least 48 hours in advance.

Thursday, May 20 Menu: Breaded chicken cutletwith tomato basil topping and pesto mayonnaiseon a baguette served with fresh fruit and water.

Just for Women With Channe Fodeman

This women's group will be an open forum fordiscussion. This group will meet twice a month.Personal stories shared within the group willremain strictly confidential. Facilitator: ChanneFodeman, a clinical social worker with over 46years of experience in the field. The next sessionfor this group will be Thursday, May 20 from3:30 to 4:15 PM. Pre-registration is required andis available online at myactivecenter.com. TheZoom link will be emailed to you prior to thepresentation.

Zoom Book Talk: The Red Velvet Diary WithJoan Isaacson

Joan Isaacson will discuss her book, The RedVelvet Diary, told by three generations ofwomen. The stories are to honor a life well-lived,and most are based on the memories told andre-told around the kitchen table. In conjunctionwith this event, signed copies of The Red VelvetDiary will be available for purchase at a specialdiscounted price through the Westport Centerfor Senior Activities. Friday, May 21. Time: 1:30PM. Zoom Meeting ID: 889 74447789 Passcode: watch For additionalinformation on this event and how to get yoursigned copy of Joan's book, please click here.

Parkinson's Support Group

Facilitated by Maureen Matuszewski and AlisonSmith, this group will share challenges,techniques, support and knowledge. Professionalguest speakers are often invited to share theirknowledge and insights. Family and caregiversare welcome. Wednesday, May 26 from 10:00to 11:00 AM. Pre-registration is required and isavailable online at myactivecenter.com. No

charge.

Memorial Day BBQ Drive —Thru Lunch & WatchParty!

Welcome the beginning of Summer with a BBQto-go followed by a watch party of the U.S. ArmyBand Summer Concert video. Menu: cheeseburger, hotdog, coleslaw, potatochips and pudding cup. Friday, May 28. Mealsmay be picked up between 11:00 am and 12:30pm. Cost: $8.00 per meal. Please order no laterthan Monday, May 24. Pre-register online atmyactivecenter.com. Watch party on Zoom:1:30 to 2:45 pm. Zoom Meeting ID:88974447789 Passcode: Watch

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

COVID-19 Connecticut Vaccine Update

Governor Lamont announced as of May 12th, allindividuals 12 to 15 years of age and older wholive, work, or attend school in Connecticut areeligible to receive the vaccine. For informationon who is eligible for the vaccine, please clickhere. For more information on eligibility andhow and where to register for the vaccine,please click here. To view the details on the useof the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,please visit the Westport Weston Health Districtwebsite here.

State of CT Renters Rebate Program

The State of Connecticut Renters RebateProgram provides an income-basedreimbursement for seniors aged 65+and/or individuals who are totallydisabled and collecting Social Securityincome. Applicants can contact theHuman Services Department at (203)341-1067 or via emailKwitt@westportct.gov to complete theapplication process. All documentationwill be completed electronically or via

mail. For additional information on thisprogram, please click here.

Get Ready to Go to the Movies at theRemarkable Theater's Drive-In Movie Nights!

Westport's own drive-in movie theater isback! Scheduled for Wednesday, May 19 at 7:45PM is "Zootopia". Tickets are $65 – this is afundraising event and all proceeds will go tosupport the Kings Highway PTA. For moreinformation on upcoming films and events, andhow to get tickets, please visit the RemarkableTheater's website by clicking here.

Grief Through The Eyes Of A Veteran -Presented by Waveny Lifecare Network

In honor of our Veterans this Memorial Day2021, the Waveny Lifecare Network is offeringa three-part series via Zoom with Sheila Russo,LCSW, on grief and loss from a Veteran’sperspective including how grief is experienceddifferently for a Veteran. The third and last ofthis series is on Tuesday, May 18. 7:00 PM. Formore information on this program and how toregister, please click here.

Monarch Migration Magic

CT’s Beardsley Zoo Evening LectureSeries presents "Monarch Migration Magic." Oneof the world's most astounding wildlife eventsoccurs each year in Mexico's Central Highlands,featuring the most delicate of creatures. As weenter a grove of fir trees on a remotemountaintop, the trunks and branches appear tobe blanketed with rusty autumn leaves. A closerlook reveals they’re quivering. Then, as the sunemerges from behind a cloud to warm them,hundreds of thousands of monarch butterfliestake to the sky. To register for this program, clickhere. To read the May edition of the MasterWildlife Conservationist News, please click here.

Westport Museum for History and CultureDestination Westport: Walking Tours

Explore Westport on foot with the WestportMuseum for History and Culture! Walk throughcemeteries, public parks and well-known streetsto hear stories from communities past. For thefirst walking tour, you will traverse downtownWestport and learn the hidden history of BlackWestport, based on the Museum’s award-winning exhibit Remembered: The History ofAfrican Americans in Westport. Saturday, May15. Time: 10:00 AM. On Saturday, May 22, is awalking tour titled "In Gatsby's Shoes," whereyou will learn about the sleepy farm communitythat lured F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald to it'sshores. Time: 9:15 AM.For more information about the walking toursand to view the entire schedule of the WestportMuseum for History and Culture's walking tours,please click here.

Author Talks At The Westport Library

The Westport Library is pleased to bring you avariety of author talks in May. All of theseprograms are virtual, so registration is requiredthrough the links listed. For the second in thisseries of author talks, Lauren Weisberger returnsto Westport with her new novel, Where theGrass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty, the nightbefore the book is officially on sale! Monday,May 17. Time: 7:00 PM. For more informationon Author Talks, please click here. To register forthe Monday, May 17 Author Talk, please clickhere.

Staples Players Present...

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS AND MUSIC! Anevening of hilarious one-act plays by David Ives,two mini-musicals, songs and more! Liveperformances at Staples High School on May 20,21 and 22 at 7:30 PM, with an additionalperformance on May 22 at 2:00 PM. There will

also be a video stream performance on June 6 at6:00 PM. Tickets for this performance go on saleSaturday, May 8. For more information, pleasevisit the Staples Players website by clicking here.

I Am Vaccinated - Now What?

The Connecticut Association of Agencies OnAging is offering a virtual conference titled "I AmVaccinated - Now What?" with leading healthcare professionals Dr. Vivian Argento and NurseAnn Dyke. This conference will address post-vaccine questions and concerns of older adultssuch as how and when normal activities can beresumed, what activities are safe and which arerisky, and much more. Tuesday, May 25. Time:9:30 AM. To RSVP for this event, please clickhere. For additional information on this program,you may click here.

Join The Weston Senior Center and MarkAlbertson for a Presentation on Actor, GaryCooper

Gary Cooper was an American actor known forhis natural, authentic, and understated actingstyle. He won the Academy Award for Best Actortwice and had a further three nominations, aswell as receiving an Academy Honorary Awardfor his career achievements in 1961. Friday, May28. Time: 11:00 AM. For the Zoom link to thisevent, please click here.Meeting ID: 891 0568 2061

AAA’s FREE Driving ImprovementClasses are Back!

Tuesdays through July, AAA will beoffering its FREE 4-hour classesVIRTUALLY to drivers 60 years of ageand older, who need to obtain acertificate for up to 5% off on a portionof their insurance premiums. Classes areopen to AAA members and non-members. For more information on this

program, please click here. To registerfor this class, please click into theirDefensive Driving registration page here,

click on the drop down menu for YourHome State, then click "ConnecticutVirtual" for both the state and county,then click on the red "See Classes" boxon the right which will show you theavailable dates and times to scheduleyour free class. Choose a date and hit"next" to complete your registration.

The AARP Offers Virtual Events andWebinars on Wednesdays!

For more information on AARP's VirtualEvents and Webinar Wednesdays andhow to register for events, please clickhere..