Know your neighbors, know your town, empower the community.

The Woodbridge Center for September 2023

July 4, 2024
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A group of people sitting on a bench in front of a brick building
Members of the August Lunch Bunch enjoy a moment outside with a “friend” after a delicious lunch at Monty’s River Grille in Milford

Contact The Woodbridge Center:  More information on available programs and services can be found on The Center’s page of the Town Website.  Call 203-389-3430 or email kmoriarty@woodbdridgect.org with questions or for more information.  Follow us on Facebook (The Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge CT) for current updates, local information, and fun programming photos.  Also, please make sure you are on our email blast list to receive the latest Woodbridge Center updates.  Call to subscribe.

September Coffee Bar

The Center Café, no charge

Stop by The Center between the hours of 9 am – 4 pm and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, at no charge.  Sponsorship this month is provided by Realtor Pat Cardozo, Coldwell Banker Realty.

Whitney Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, The Linden, Atrinity Home Health, and TheKey Home Care’s sponsorship of the Luncheon in the Grove provided another community building luncheon at The Center (held inside due to weather)

Super Sponsor Wall

The Center Cafe’s Art Wall

We would like to thank and recognize the following sponsors for their generous contributions in support of The Center’s renovation:

Coachman Square at Woodbridge

DNR Laboratories

Elim Park

Opal Stork Home Care

Whitney Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Upcoming Programs

In-person Lunch For everyone 55 and older

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1 pm, The Center Café

Have a delicious lunch while socializing with friends, old and new, in the recently renovated Center.  Stop by while running errands, in between programming, or make a lunch date with a friend.  Lunch includes a choice of hot entrée with sides or a chef salad, roll, dessert, and coffee/tea or water.

Entrées for September (alternate each day is a chef salad):

  • 9/5 Corned Beef;
  • 9/7 Lemon Rosemary Chicken;
  • 9/12 Eggplant Parmesan;
  • 9/14 Baked Orange Fish;
  • 9/19 Coachman Square’s Town Wide Picnic (see details below);
  • 9/21 Oven Fried Chicken;
  • 9/26 Stuffed Shells with meat sauce;
  • 9/28 BBQ Meatloaf.

The price for lunch is $5.00 for residents, $6.00 for non-residents, with a $1.00 additional fee for take-out.  Please RSVP with The Center 203-389-3430 by noon the day before.

Sponsors Emily Resnik Conn from the law firm of Renick and Resnik (left) and Chief Frank Cappiello of The Woodbridge Police Department, stand behind the grill with Bob Hauser (center).  Over 85 people attended the Annual Indoor Picnic INSIDE the newly renovated Center Café on July 27.

Popcorn and a Movie

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 pm

Tuesdays in The Center Lounge

Thursdays in The Center Café

View a variety of movie genres from recently released to classics on Tuesdays and Thursdays while enjoying freshly popped popcorn at The Center.

  • 9/5 ET (1982);
  • 9/7 The Devil Wears Prada (2006);
  • 9/12 Remember the Titans (2000);
  • 9/14 no movie – Living Treasure Event;
  • 9/19 1:30 pm About My Father (2023);
  • 9/21 World Alzheimer’s Day Documentary Film Screening: Keys, Bags, Names, Words – see details below;
  • 9/26 Mama Mia (2008);
  • 9/28 Bonnie and Clyde (1967).

Immersive Italy Experience

Friday, September 8, 11 am – 12 pm

The Center Café, no charge

Take a tour of Italy without leaving town.  Learn interesting facts, view beautiful scenery, enjoy some Italian treats, and share experiences of your own travels to Italy if applicable.  Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center will provide this entertaining experience free of charge.

Painting for Pleasure Art Class with local artist Carole Abbate

Mondays, 10 am - 12 pm, beginning September 11

The Center Cafe

Create paintings of your choice as Carole helps inspire beginners to intermediates to paint with acrylics or watercolors.  Bring in a picture or a photo for inspiration.  No experience is necessary.  Call to sign-up for this 6-week, $36 class.  Sessions run concurrently with classes prorated if applicable.  Please call to register.

Lunch Bunch to Il Gabbiano’s

Monday, September 11

Van leaves The Center at 11:30 am or meet at Il Gabbiano’s at 12 pm

Join in a social outing to a waterfront lunch on the sound at Il Gabbiano’s in New Haven.  Self-pay for your meal at the restaurant.  $3.00 per person for transportation (or meet at the restaurant).  Call The Center to RSVP by September 7.  Space is limited.

Grandchildren, grandparents, and others enjoy the Old-Fashioned Root Beer Float Social on August 25 sponsored by Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Ask the Nurse Program

September 12, 11 am – 12 pm, no charge

The Center Consultation Office in The Center Café

A registered nurse from Orange Visting Nurse Association will be available the second Tuesday of every month to monitor your blood pressure, check your weight, and answer questions to help guide your health and wellness.

Lunch and Bingo

Wednesday, September 13, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

The Center Café, no charge

Enjoy a game of Bingo with prizes followed by lunch.  All sponsored by Opal Stork Home Care.  Please RSVP with The Center 203-389-3430 by September 7.

September Birthdays Celebration

Thursday, September 14, 12-1 pm

The Center Café

Celebrate all September birthdays at The Center during lunch on Thursday, September 15 from 12-1 pm.  Cupcakes/cake and balloons will be provided by Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.  Future birthdays will be celebrated on the third Thursday of each month.

T’ai Ji Quan:  Moving for Better Balance (TJQ:  MBB)

Mondays and Fridays beginning September 18

2 (48 class) sessions:  10-11 am and 11 am – 12 pm

Center Building Gymnasium

Fee:  $96.00 for entire session ($2/class)

Improve your balance, mobility and daily functioning while preventing falls with this popular, evidenced-based therapeutic movement program, offered in partnership with the CT Healthy Living Collective and funded in part by the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services State Unit on Aging.  Participants meet twice a week with local instructor Bill Bannick.  No previous Tai Ji Quan experience is necessary.  All fitness levels are welcome!  You must sign up with The Center for the full ($96.00) session.  Class is dependent on pending funding approval.  Space is limited.

Annual Townwide Picnic with musical entertainer Shawn Taylor

Tuesday, September 19, 12-1 pm

Rain date:  Thursday, September 21, 12-1 pm

Outside in The Grove (grassy area on far side of main parking lot), no charge

Coachman Square will provide a delicious BBQ, including hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, salads, and dessert, to all town employees, first responders, and Woodbridge residents.  Bocce, Corn Hole, and Shuffleboard will be available for play.  Musical entertainment by Shawn Taylor.  Please RSVP with The Center by September 12.

Keys, Names, Bags, Words Documentary Film Screening

World Alzheimer’s Day

Thursday, September 21, 1pm start time

The Center Café

Dementia is one of the greatest fears of people today.  This documentary, produced in partnership with the Global Brain Health Institute, aims to shift that narrative of fear and hopelessness to one of hope and action.  There are things we can do as individuals to reduce our risk of developing dementia.  There are ways to connect meaningfully with our loved ones, even if they no longer recognize us.  We can live a high quality of life after diagnosis.  Keys Bags Names Words shows intimate profiles of people living with dementia and their care partners.  You’ll meet doctors discussing what you can do in your life to support brain health and prevent cognitive decline.  And you’ll also meet musicians and artists, scientists, and policy experts from around the world engaged in a bold approach to tackle what has become the greatest global challenge for health and social care in the 21st century, dementia and brain health.  This film is not a lament to loss, but a quirky and inspiring lens on the human spirit.  World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21 and a perfect time to raise awareness, and change perceptions around this often misunderstood disease.  RSVP with The Center 203-389-3430.

AARP Smart Driver Class

Wednesday, September 27, 9 am – 1 pm

The Center Café

Fee:  $20 for members, $25 for non-members

This course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.  It may provide a multi-year discount on your auto insurance.  Please RSVP with The Center.

Ask a PA (Physician’s Assistant) Program with Becket Greten-Harrison

Thursday, September 28, 11 am – 12 pm

The Center Consultation Office in The Center Café

Do you have questions or concerns about your health?  Becket Greten-Harrison, PA and founder of Hearts at Home, will be coming to The Center on the 4th Thursday of every month to help answer questions and concerns about your health.  Becket will also be able to check vital signs including blood pressure and perform a brief exam upon request.  Consultations are informal and strictly confidential.  No notes or other personal information will be saved.

New! Duplicate Bridge

Fridays, 1 – 4 pm

The Center Café

Please reach out to the Woodbridge Center 203-389-3430 if you are an experienced bridge player interested in playing Duplicate Bridge on Fridays, 1 – 4 pm.

Regular Programs

Exercise

Not sure if a class is right for you?  Try a complimentary class first!

Aerobics Class with Laura Richling

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 am

Center Building Gymnasium

Fee:  $3.00 payable at the start of each class

Come enjoy a complete cardio and strength training workout to music.  Bring your own 1- or 2-pound hand weights, if you have them, to use during the class.

Indoor Pickleball

Monday through Friday, 12:30-3:30 pm

Center Building Gymnasium

Annual fee:  $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents

All levels are welcome.  Annual fee includes outdoor play as well.  Please make sure your dues are current.  Call for more information.

Outdoor Pickleball

Every Day

Outdoors on the Town Courts

Annual fee:  $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents

Annual fee includes indoor play as well.  Please make sure your dues are current.  Call for more information.

Hobbies/Social

Bridge

Wednesdays, 1-4 pm

The Center Café

Seasoned bridge players are welcome to play bridge every Wednesday in The Center Café.  Please call prior to initial play.

Stitch Craft

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am - 12 pm

The Center Lounge

Bring your current knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, or other craft project to work on while having an enjoyable time socializing.

Pinochle

Thursdays, 1:30-4 pm

The Center Lounge

Anyone interested in playing pinochle, or learning to play pinochle, is invited to join the pinochle group on Thursdays from 1:30-4 pm in the Center Lounge.  Please call The Center prior to first attendance.

We welcome Kristy Marie Laydon as the new Clerical Program Assistant at The Woodbridge Center.  Kristy has contributed to Human Services over many years as a local resident.  Her outgoing, kind personality is a great fit at The Center!  Please stop by and introduce yourself to Kristy Marie.

Services offered (for Woodbridge residents only)

Computer Lab

Computers and laptops are located in room 11 of the Center Building Human Services corridor, which is open Monday through Fridays, 10 am - 2 pm.  Printing is available (first 5 pages free).

Transportation

Those 60 years of age and older, or who are temporarily or permanently disabled, may call to arrange car or wheelchair accessible van transportation to medical appointments to 17 surrounding towns, local grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy pick-up, and social engagements.  This service is provided Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm based on availability.  Appointments may be made up to three months in advance.  Vehicles are cleaned between each use.

Delivered Meals

Healthy, well balanced, flash frozen meals for $5.25/meal are available.  Order by noon on Monday for delivery to your home during the same week.  Choose from a wide variety of options including lasagna, vegetable and cheese frittata, crab stuffed talapia, and turkey pot pie.  Meals include a roll, fresh fruit, and dessert.  Two meal minimum order with a ten-meal limit.  See The Center’s page on the Town website for a complete list of offerings.  A wide variety of frozen soups are also available for $1.50 per 10 oz. container.

Friendly Visitor Program

Call the Human Services Social Worker at 203-389-3429 to arrange for a friendly visitor.

Medical Loan Closet

Durable medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs, knee rollers, shower chairs, and more, is available for lending.  Donations of transport chairs are needed.  Call for details.

Job Bank

Residents may call Nancy Pfund, Youth Services Director, at 203-389-3429, to hire a student worker.  Schedule now for yard clean-up, party assistance, baby-sitting, and more.

This is an opinion not necessarily endorsed by the Woodbridge Town News.

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