Seniors playing pool in the game room at the Enfield Senior Center.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
ENFIELD — Summertime is here and the Enfield Senior Center has some plans in store, enriching the mind, body and spirit of older adults in an open and accepting atmosphere.
Established in 1978, the Enfield Senior Center provides recreational, educational and supportive services to seniors 50 plus. It has a fitness center, library, kitchen/dining room, arts and crafts room, game room — with pool tables, ping pong, poker tables, Wii and puzzles — computer room and great room with stage and audio-visual equipment. The Senior Center also houses Transit which is a division of Social Services, Meals on Wheels and Congregate meals which is run by Community Renewal Team.
The Senior Center grounds have a covered gazebo, walking trail, community garden, boccie courts, cornhole, croquet, a soccer field and picnic tables.
The first Senior Center was located on High Street near St. Patrick’s Church. The current location on 299 Elm St. was built to accommodate more participants with a wider range of amenities and programs.
Senior Center Manager Mary Keller said, “What sets us apart is the size of the building and its amenities both indoors and outdoors. We serve over 6,000 visitors per month. We have a wide variety of programs, trips and special events. We work with several community partners.”
The Enfield Senior Center offers fitness classes, arts and crafts classes, special events such as concerts, dances, entertainment and socials; TED Talks; movies; support groups for Parkinsons and stroke; TED Talks; Medicare Choices Counseling, computer classes, trips, blood pressure screening and more.
Program Coordinator Taylor Marino said, “I find seeing the members of the Senior Center enjoying their time here most rewarding. Their joy is seen regardless of whether it is playing pool in the game room, having a group discussion after a TED Talk or dancing with friends to Ritchie Mitnick’s music.”
She continued, “To know that the work we do is making their day that much more enjoyable is gratifying and what makes the job exciting. This summer’s plans are foremost to continue to enhance and assist in the great work that the current staff have been doing over the years. Secondly, bring new program ideas that utilize the vast and beautiful outdoor space of the Rotary Park, located directly behind the Senior Center.”
The center is always looking to add more programs and events.
In July, it’s offering the following new presentations:
•Dementia Prevention Interactive Discussion
•Strange Stories in Enfield by Michael Miller of the Enfield Historical Society
•Assistive Device Screening & Education sponsored by Live Every Day Physical Therapy
•Uniper Connect to Life demonstration for those looking to stay connected to family and friends
August programs and events are in the works and not available yet.
Keller concluded, “The most rewarding/fulfilling part of this job is to keep seniors active, happy and healthy so they can continue to live in their homes and stay active in their community.”
The Enfield Senior Center’s hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Senior Center publishes a monthly newsletter called “The Center Connection.” The newsletter is available through email, in print at the Senior Center or on its website, enfield-ct.gov/seniors. The Senior Center is also on Facebook and Instagram.
