Senior Center

Nestled in the neighborhood, on the corner of Holabird Avenue and Chestnut Street in Winsted, is the Winsted Senior Center. Stop by and see what we are all about! We look forward to having you join us.

The mission of the Winsted Senior Center is to provide a welcoming place for members to gather and meet old friends and make new ones, have a great experience, take trip, practice healthy aging, learn about services and benefits…to ensure a community of happy, healthy and safe adults age 55+.

Programs and Services include: daily lunch program; daily free fitness classes; local van rides for medical appointments, shopping, socializing and errands; weekly iPad classes; weekly card games and BINGO; day and overnight trips; monthly food bag distribution; health screenings; special holiday luncheons with entertainment; simple income tax prep; renter's rebate applications; AARP Smart Driver classes; and much more.

The Center publishes a monthly newsletter that lists all the programs and services offered along with the menu for our daily lunch program. The newsletter is available at the Center and many locations in Town, online, by email or it can be mailed to your home for $7 for a year.

Membership dues are $6 for the year and if you are age 85+, membership is free..

We need to do our best to keep ourselves and everyone healthy. If think you have been exposed to Covid or the flu and you are waiting for results from a test, please don’t come to the Center or ride the Van until you are cleared by your health care professional. Masks and test kits are available while supply lasts, if you are a resident of Winchester, age 55+. You can pick up one up at the Center, call 860-379-4252 x1.

Practice warm-ups and gentle weight bearing movements that strengthen your body and improve your balance to help reduce the risk of falling. Most movements can be done on a chair or standing. Classes are offered in-person or by Zoom.

Get started...learn to protect your heart, improve your balance and flexibility, prevent joint injuries, increase focus and reduce stress and anxiety by following this traditional Chinese meditation and healing practice.

Give it a try! Drumming leads to increased focus, upper body coordination, connectedness, relaxation, boosts the immune system and will make you happy. No musical experience is necessary.

Improve your flexibility, balance, range of motion and strength at whatever level you are comfortable with as well as focus on mindfulness to improve the quality of your life. Movements can be done on a chair or standing. 

Discover the benefits of guided mindfulness and relaxation including self-compassion, happiness, optimism and less anxiety and depression. You can sit in a chair or lay down on a yoga mat. 

Always fun! Workout along to easy-to-follow dance and exercise moves in fun combinations to popular and classic music. No experience required, give it a try.

Join the gang and learn all the steps, shuffles and movements of this popular dance style. Newbies always welcome.

Grab & Go or Sit & Eat Lunch, Monday through Friday, pick-up at 11:45am
Stop by and take home a delicious and affordable lunch. Menus are published in our monthly Newsletter and are planned by a registered dietician. To make a reservation, call the Center at 860-379-4252 ext. 2, by 11:30am, the day before you wish to join us. Please specify Grab & Go or Sit & Eat. Suggested donation: $4

Home Delivered “Meals on Wheels”
If you are homebound and would like to receive Meals on Wheels delivered to you at home, call Western CT Area Agency on Aging at 203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422. A driver will bring a hot lunch and a cold dinner. Your doctor may have to confirm the need and if you require a special meal such as diabetic or heart healthy. Suggested donation: $5

Enter through the Sunroom, the door opens at 12:30pm. Pay for your cards at the office window. Each card 50 cents. We suggest that you bring your own BINGO chips, but we will have some for you to borrow. 

The group always welcomes new players. If you don’t know how to play the game, they are happy to teach you. Drop-ins are welcome.

Information sessions and classes with authorities, experts and celebrities are listed in our monthly Newsletter. 

“Winsted Senior Page” was created to connect to let people know what is happening at the Center.

By appointment, Joanie, a nurse (angel), provides the critical service for members’ foot health. Call 860-397-8561 for an appointment.

The mobile food pantry is open to any community member who is in need of fresh produce and other food. Please bring bags for your food. Questions, call 860-331-8947 or 860-379-8444. If you need other help, call 211.

FOOD Matters! Do you worry that your food will run out before you don’t have money to buy more? (The conversation will be confidential)
Pam Carignan, The Salvation Army Regional Coordinator, 860-379-8444

Katie Vaill, Town of Winchester Social Services Coordinator, 860-853-6601

Jennifer Kelley, Winsted Senior Center Director, 860-379-4252 x4

To participate, you must complete Friendly Hand’s Form which is available at the Center. You must be a current WSC member to participate. This is a great opportunity, so don’t miss out! If you live at Chestnut Grove, Greenwoods Gardens, Laurel Commons, Carriage Maker Place, The Glen or Susan B. Perry, please get a Form from your site manager or RSC and your food bag will be delivered to your housing site.

The Hartford HealthCare clinic offers age-based medical screenings including physical exams, glucose finger stick, urine dip, blood pressure screenings, behavioral health concerns, community resources, COVID vaccines. On-site financial assistance is available, insurance is excepted but not required. 

The Center receives the Republican newspaper daily and has a book and magazine lending library, members are welcome to sit in the sunroom and read or borrow the donated books to bring home. The Wi-Fi password is available for members to use while they at the Center.

$1 raffle tickets are available at the office with the proceeds being split evenly between the winner of the drawing and the Center on the first of each month. 

Susan will be available to answer your questions about your device or the Center has a limited number iPads available that you can use at the Center. Walk-ins welcome.

 

If you are age 55+, unemployed and want to learn new skills? The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides paid, part-time training opportunities for eligible, mature workers to develop skills and gain work experience. For more information call 203-833-1422 or visit www.a4td.org.

Discover the kindness in our community, if you, a friend or neighbor is in need of hearing aides or new glasses, the Winsted Lions Club may be able to help. Or, if you would like to be part of this global organization located right here in Winsted, please call Pam Wright at 860-921-6459.

Senior Wishes CT believes that a thriving senior population is an important part of a strong community. If you or a friend, age 65 or older, have a wish that will impact someone’s life and bring happiness, they want to hear about it. Applicants income must not exceed $31,692 for an individual or $42,864 for a couple. Senior Wishes grants wishes in the $300 range. 

Honor Flights is a national program that honors our veterans with an all expenses paid trip to the memorials in Washington DC. Veterans from all service areas are eligible who served during wartime, but need not to have served in a combat zone. For more information or help to apply, contact Jen at 860-379-4252 x4. 

Trips, Trips and More Trips

 For an updated list of the trips we are offering, refer to the WSC monthly newsletter, stop by the Center for an informational flyer or call 860-379-4252 x1.