The Woodbridge Center Gears Up for Fall with Educational Offerings, Fun Activities, and Free Lunches
Please note: All classes and activities are cancelled Tuesday, September 24 after 2pm and on Wednesday, September 25 for the Living Treasure Event.
The Woodbridge Center offers a free membership for everyone 55 years of age and above (unless otherwise noted). Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Call 203-389-3430 or email kmoriarty@woodbridgect.org to sign up or for more information.
As the new academic year begins, The Center has several educational offerings and hobbies available to learn including Lunch & Learns, artistic painting, and mahjong. Below you will find the details of these programs and activities and more taking place at The Woodbridge Center in September. Those listed with limited space tend to fill up quickly so please do not wait to sign up. If you do sign up and cannot make it, let The Center know ASAP as there is almost always a waiting list. Please call 203-389-3451 or email kmoriarty@woodbridgect.org to register for programs or with any questions.
Sponsored 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. Call The Center to learn how you can be a Coffee Bar Sponsor.
Upcoming Programs and Activities
In-person Lunch
($5 for Woodbridge residents, $6 for non-residents)
Tuesdays, select Thursdays, 12 pm, The Center Café
Please RSVP with The Center 203-389-3430 by noon the day before.
Upcoming lunches will be offered as follows:
- 9/3 Choice of sub: Italian with provolone cheese or chicken salad;
- 9/10 Choice of sub: turkey or tuna;
- 9/17 Choice of sub: roast beef or egg salad;
- 9/19 Zuppardi’s Pizza and Beer (root) – see details below;
- 9/24 Choice of sub: BLT or cranberry walnut chicken salad.
Free – Lunch & Learn: Brain Fitness
Thursday, September 5, 12–1 pm, The Center Café
It is important to keep our brain fit and healthy. Over time, our cognitive abilities, such as memory or hand-eye coordination, start to decline. Keeping those skills in shape allows us to remain sharp and enjoy our daily life and experiences.
Brain fitness is an important part of maintaining a healthy mental state. Sustaining a healthy and active lifestyle and keeping the mind stimulated can help boost our cognition and support the different cognitive skills we use daily.
Join Corrin Campbell from LiveWell to learn brain fitness activities and lifestyle approaches to keep your brain healthy in this interactive presentation focusing on memory, reasoning, processing speed, concentration, logical sequencing, problem solving and visual-spatial skills. A complimentary lunch provided by Cori Zuppardi from TheKey will follow. Call 203-389-3430 to register, space is limited.
Trip – Thimble Islands Cruise and Lunch at Dockside Seafood & Grill
Friday, September 6, RSVP by August 29
Van departs The Center at 10:00 am
Cost: $22 (Includes cruise and $5 per person suggested donation for transportation) + self-pay for lunch at the restaurant
Due to the popularity of the August trip, a second trip will be offered to Thimble Islands. Meet at The Center then continue to Branford to enjoy a 45 minute narrated tour of the Thimble Islands aboard the Sea Mist. After the tour, enjoy lunch at Dockside Seafood & Grill. Call to register. Space is limited.
AARP Smart Driver Class
Monday, September 9, 9 am - 1 pm
The Center Lounge
Fee: $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-members
Learn proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Completion of this course may also provide a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Please RSVP with The Center.
NEW! Canasta
Begins September 9, Mondays, 1-3 pm
The Center Lounge
Canasta players are welcome to participate every Monday, beginning September 9, in this rummy family game. Please call prior to first attendance.
Coffee and Conversation with First Selectman, Mica Cardozo
Wednesday, September 11, 9:30 – 10:30 am
The Center Café
First Selectman, Mica Cardozo, will be available the second Wednesday of the month for coffee and casual conversation. Bring your questions, comments, and concerns to discuss with First Selectman Cardozo. Please RSVP with The Center 203-389-3430 and share any topics you may be interested in learning more about.
Free! Beginner Mahjong Lessons
Start date: Wednesday, September 11
6 classes, Wednesdays, 1 – 2:30 pm
The Center Café
Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of mahjong? Informal mahjong lessons will be offered by The Center’s seasoned mahjong players. Students are asked to order or bring a 2024 mahjong card. Cards can be ordered online from the National Mahjongg League. Call to register. Class size will be limited.
Free - Annual Townwide Picnic
Thursday, September 12, 12-1 pm
Rain date: September 17
Outside in the Grove
Woodbridge residents only
Come celebrate the last barbeque of the season with a delicious feast provided by Coachman Square at Woodbridge. Freshly prepared hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, salads, and dessert will all be on the menu for all town employees, first responders, and Woodbridge residents to enjoy. Bocce, corn hole, and shuffleboard will be available for play. Please RSVP with The Center by September 3.
Painting for Pleasure art class resumes with local artist Carole Abbate!
Next session begins: Monday, September 16
Mondays, 10 am – 12 pm
The Center Lounge
Fee: 10 weeks/$60
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. Sessions run concurrently - join anytime. Please call to register.
Extended! Ice Cream Excursion Series: Rich Farm, Oxford, CT
Tuesday, September 17
Van leaves The Center at 2:00 pm
Beat the heat this summer with monthly outings to local ice cream shops. Join in on this bonus trip to Rich Farm in Oxford and enjoy the fall treats Rich’s has to offer. Self-pay for the treat of your choice at the farm. Dairy-free options are available. $3.00 per person (suggested donation) for transportation. Please call to register by September 12. Space is limited.
Zuppardi’s Pizza and Beer (Root) with September Birthday Celebrations
Thursday, September 19, 12-1 pm
The Center Café
Cost: $5 for residents, $6 for non-residents – no takeout
Enjoy two slices of pizzeria-style cheese pizza from Zuppardi’s with a side salad, every 3rd Thursday of the month. Diet and regular root beer, coffee and tea are included. Then celebrate all September birthdays with cake provided by Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Please RSVP by noon the day before.
Free Art Workshop – Squeegee Painting
Thursday, September 19, 1 pm
The Center Café
Deb from Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center will teach the art of squeegee painting. Beautiful artwork will be revealed with just a few drops of paint and a twist of the wrist. All materials and instructions will be provided. All crafting abilities are welcome. Please call The Center to register.
Free - Ask a Cardiology PA (Physician’s Assistant) Program with Becket Greten-Harrison
Thursday, September 26, 11 am – 12 pm
The Center Consultation Office in The Center Café
Becket Greten-Harrison, PA and founder of Hearts at Home, will be available the 4th Thursday of each month to help answer questions and concerns about your health, check vital signs including blood pressure and perform a brief exam upon request. EKG monitoring is also available. Consultations are private, informal, and strictly confidential. No notes or other personal information will be saved. No appointment is necessary.
Free – Lunch & Learn: Financial Fraud
Thursday, September 26, 12-1:30 pm
The Center Café
Financial Fraud is offered through the CT Department of Banking, and in collaboration with The Woodbridge Library. Learn about an array of consumer protection issues - banking scams, investment fraud, cyber security, credit and debt management, and more. Bingo with prizes will be played to reinforce learning. Lunch will be sponsored by Coachman Square at Woodbridge. Please RSVP by Thursday, September 19. Space is limited.
Trip – Beardsley Cider Mill & Orchard and lunch at the Spotted Horse Tavern
Monday, September 30
RSVP by September 24
Van departs The Center at 10:00 am
Cost: $5 pp (suggested donation for transportation) + self-pay for lunch at the restaurant
Meet at The Center then continue to Shelton to embrace Fall at the Beardsley Cider Mill. Shop for freshly picked fruit, baked goods and cider all made on the premises. Then enjoy lunch at the Spotted Horse Tavern. Space is limited.
Bingo!
Every Tuesday, 12:45 pm
The Center Café
$1 fee per 10 game book
Bingo at The Center is sure to be a fun time with our very own Rose as the caller! Cash prizes dependent on number of cards sold. Must be over the age of 60 to participate. Bring your own dabber or purchase one for $2.
Free - Tech Assistance
Need help navigating your computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone? Call to sign-up for a 1:1 session in The Center’s computer lab with patient, knowledgeable, local high school student volunteers.
Art Exhibit
The Center Café
The September exhibit will feature works by Woodbridge Center member and local, talented photographer, Phyllis Gamm. Please stop by to view these beautiful, one of a kind, works of art.
Free - Lounge Library
The Center Lounge
Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm
Be sure to stop by The Center’s Library in the lounge this fall and pick up a book or two for yourself or your grands! The Center’s Library, maintained by the Friends of the Library, has added a grandchildren’s section for clients who have grandchildren/great-grandchildren visiting. You can also grab a coupon for your (great) grandchildren to go shopping for a free book at the Friends’ Bookstore located in the Town Library.
Regular Programs
Exercise
Aerobics Class with Laura Richling
Drop in, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 am
Tuesdays: The Center Café
Thursdays: The Library Meeting Room
Fee: $3.00 cash/check 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. Not sure if the class is right for you? Try a complimentary class first!
Outdoor Pickleball
Every Day
Outdoors on the Town Tennis Courts
Annual fee: $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents
The annual fee includes indoor play after the gym renovation is complete. Please make sure your dues are current to obtain the lock code for the nets and deck boxes. 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. No partner required. Please call The Center prior to first attendance.
Mahjong
Drop in, Mondays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
The Center Lounge
Experienced mahjong players are invited to participate every Monday (and select other days) in The Center Lounge. Beginner players meet Wednesdays, at 1 pm. No experience is required. Please call before attending the first class.
Pinochle
Drop in, Thursdays, 1:30-4 pm
The Center Lounge
Anyone interested in playing pinochle, or learning to play pinochle, is invited to join. Please call The Center prior to first attendance.
Stitch Craft
Drop in, 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.
Services offered
Computer Lab
Drop-in
Computers and laptops are located for use in room 11, 2nd floor in the Center Building, Monday through Friday, 10 am - 2 pm. Printing is available (first 5 pages free).
Transportation
(Woodbridge residents only)
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.
Delivered Meals
(Woodbridge residents only)
Healthy, well balanced, flash frozen meals for $10.00/meal are available for delivery. Order by 4 pm on Monday for delivery to your home during the same week. Choose from a wide variety of options including lasagna, crab stuffed tilapia, and turkey pot pie. Meals include a roll, fresh fruit, and dessert. Two meal minimum order with a ten-meal limit. A wide variety of frozen soups are also available for $2.00 per 8 oz. container. Please call for more information.
Friendly Visitor Program
(Woodbridge residents only)
Would you like some company during the day to talk about your interests? Call the Human Services Social Worker at 203-389-3429 to arrange for a friendly visitor.
Medical Loan Closet
(Woodbridge residents only)
Durable medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs, knee rollers, shower chairs, and more, is available for lending. Donations of wheelchairs are needed. Call for details.
Job Bank
(Woodbridge residents only)
Residents may call Nancy Pfund, Youth Services Director, at 203-389-3429, to hire a student worker. Schedule now for yard work, party assistance, baby-sitting, and more.
Thank you to all of our sponsors
Sponsor Appreciation Wall @ The Center café
The Appreciation Wall sponsors for the month of September include the following:
- Whitney Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
- Coachman Square at Woodbridge
- Amston Home Transition Solutions.
The Sponsor Wall displays names of sponsors who made a monthly contribution to support The Center in exchange for a 24”x36” advertisement display on The Center’s Sponsor Wall. Call The Center to find out how your business can be part of the Appreciation Wall.
This is an opinion not necessarily endorsed by the Woodbridge Town News.
