Happy Times with “TIPS”! “Tykes Indoor Playgroup & Social time” *Mondays Beginning November 2* 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. No charge & open to all Here’s a fun, safe indoor activity for your baby, toddler or preschooler and you! A chance to meet and socialize with local parents and caregivers. You can BRING YOUR OWN bike/trike/walker etc. Yes! There is plenty of room for your child to safely scoot around. There will also be a small collection of sanitized toys, creative play items on hand. Packaged snacks are allowed. And we’ll even play happy music on the stereo! With plenty of smooth wooden floor to enjoy and explore, imagine how far your kids will go, the fun that will be had and the special company shared! The safety of all Community Center users and visitors is a top priority and we follow State & CDC guidelines to ensure it. Caregivers must wear a mask as well as children 3 years old and above. INFORMATION: 860-567-8302 INFO@THECOMMUNITYCENTER.ORG

SilverSneakers can help seniors live their best lives. Participants may experience greater energy, increased strength and improved balance and flexibility. The benefit is included in 60+ Medicare plans. This “all skill level” class includes chairs, hand weights, tubing and balls. *Mask Required* Instructor: Janice Connor, Certified Instructor. Class fee is covered by most Health Plans. If you are not covered, class is $8.00 pp. Go to SilverSneakers to check for eligibility.

CONNECTING WITH BALANCE Connecting with Balance is a series of one-hour workshops tailored to helping seniors reconnect with their bodies and environment. Exercises in movement and balance guide participants to maintain and improve balance, think creatively, and build community through social engagement. This class is open to all levels of ability - even to those who remain seated throughout. **Be advised our programs will be taking place under a large tent in our parking lot. Your safety is our main concern so we will be following proper guidelines. NOTE: If it rains, all classes will be cancelled.

Join former Litchfield science teacher John Markelon as he teaches how to Improve Biodiversity in your Backyard for Pollinators and Birds. Scientists tell us that extinction rates are the highest since the dinosaurs roamed the planet. There are simple things we can do in our gardens and in our backyard that can slow this trend. We will discuss simple strategies to improve backyard habitat for pollinators and birds. Lecture will be live on ZOOM, with time for Q&A. Registration required for ZOOM link. ZOOM link will be emailed 24 hours prior to program. About the presenter: John Markelon started teaching after backpacking ~7000 miles and earning a BA in humanities and a MST in Environmental Education. He taught high school science for 33 years at New Milford, Northwest Regional #7, and Litchfield High Schools. He taught biology, earth science and environmental science. From 1992 - 2014 he coached eight state championship Envirothon teams from three different high schools. In 2008, John brought his team to the University of Connecticut for a conference on Biodiversity. It was here that he was introduced to the work of Dr. Doug Tallamy from the University of Delaware. Dr. Tallamy’s research demonstrates that the quality and type of plants in a landscape have profound effects on the number and diversity of pollinators in that landscape. John was awarded three grants to help him start a native plant nursery, create a one acre native perennial meadow and re-establish native woody plants to the forested section of the Litchfield High School campus. Before retiring in June 2020, John became president of the Litchfield Land Trust and co-founder of the Litchfield Pollinator Pathway.

Every Thursday, presented by Sheila Hope Email Sheila at sheilahope@gmail.com for a Zoom invitation link! Zoom meeting from the comfort of your home! Zoom invite will be sent leading up to date of program. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another”. - William James If perhaps in these times of uncertainty, of loss and worry, you find the nature of thought to be loud, persistent, unsettling; join me to learn how we can cultivate moments of peace and rest. Mindfulness Mediation practices, handed down through many centuries, are known to help us settle the mind and restore balance so we can better face what each day brings. Our best health is aligned with our resilience in living with “what is”. Join me for an overview of the practices; leave with a few techniques to quiet the heart and mind; and hopefully, inspiration to begin a meditation practice of your own! BIO: Sheila is a life-long meditator, concluding a 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield through Sounds True and the Greater Good Science Center. She has taught yoga and meditation for many years. She offers clear and direct practices for reducing stress while gaining valuable “Insight” towards living a more easeful life.

Online Alheimer's Support Group. First Thursday of every month, come talk with Jennifer Labrie Jennifer Labrie, BA, HS-BCP, CDP Regional Coordinator with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut about your questions and concerns. Learn about education programs. Understand more about memory loss. Get connected with other experiencing challenges associated with memory loss. Discover resources available in your community, and more. Learn how to get connected by emailing Jennifer at: jlabrie@alz.org

Happy Times with “TIPS”! “Tykes Indoor Playgroup & Social time” *Mondays Beginning November 2* 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. No charge & open to all Here’s a fun, safe indoor activity for your baby, toddler or preschooler and you! A chance to meet and socialize with local parents and caregivers. You can BRING YOUR OWN bike/trike/walker etc. Yes! There is plenty of room for your child to safely scoot around. There will also be a small collection of sanitized toys, creative play items on hand. Packaged snacks are allowed. And we’ll even play happy music on the stereo! With plenty of smooth wooden floor to enjoy and explore, imagine how far your kids will go, the fun that will be had and the special company shared! The safety of all Community Center users and visitors is a top priority and we follow State & CDC guidelines to ensure it. Caregivers must wear a mask as well as children 3 years old and above. INFORMATION: 860-567-8302 INFO@THECOMMUNITYCENTER.ORG

SilverSneakers can help seniors live their best lives. Participants may experience greater energy, increased strength and improved balance and flexibility. The benefit is included in 60+ Medicare plans. This “all skill level” class includes chairs, hand weights, tubing and balls. *Mask Required* Instructor: Janice Connor, Certified Instructor. Class fee is covered by most Health Plans. If you are not covered, class is $8.00 pp. Go to SilverSneakers to check for eligibility.

CONNECTING WITH BALANCE Connecting with Balance is a series of one-hour workshops tailored to helping seniors reconnect with their bodies and environment. Exercises in movement and balance guide participants to maintain and improve balance, think creatively, and build community through social engagement. This class is open to all levels of ability - even to those who remain seated throughout. **Be advised our programs will be taking place under a large tent in our parking lot. Your safety is our main concern so we will be following proper guidelines. NOTE: If it rains, all classes will be cancelled.

Intro to Mindfulness Meditation *Tuesday March 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom No Charge & open to all Wonder what Mindfulness practices offer? Why all the interest lately? How practice helps reduces stress & anxiety? Join Sheila Klapper for an Introduction to: Why & How to Meditate Sheila Klapper is Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher To register & receive Zoom meeting Link register online at: www.thecommunitycenter.org

Pick up for Family Dinner THIS MONTH IS AT ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH PARKING LOT ON SOUTH STREET! In our efforts to provide a safe environment, and continue the great programs everyone looks forward to, we present Family Dinner Takeout Style! Menu: To be prepared by members of the St. Anthony of Padua Church Litchfield - "Beef Stew Dinner Pick up for Family Dinner THIS MONTH IS AT ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH PARKING LOT ON SOUTH STREET Starts at 4:00pm and MUST be picked up no later than 5:30pm. Please stay in your car, and we will bring the food to you! Registration is required by Tuesday March 9 for meal pickup.

Every Thursday, presented by Sheila Hope Email Sheila at sheilahope@gmail.com for a Zoom invitation link! Zoom meeting from the comfort of your home! Zoom invite will be sent leading up to date of program. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another”. - William James If perhaps in these times of uncertainty, of loss and worry, you find the nature of thought to be loud, persistent, unsettling; join me to learn how we can cultivate moments of peace and rest. Mindfulness Mediation practices, handed down through many centuries, are known to help us settle the mind and restore balance so we can better face what each day brings. Our best health is aligned with our resilience in living with “what is”. Join me for an overview of the practices; leave with a few techniques to quiet the heart and mind; and hopefully, inspiration to begin a meditation practice of your own! BIO: Sheila is a life-long meditator, concluding a 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield through Sounds True and the Greater Good Science Center. She has taught yoga and meditation for many years. She offers clear and direct practices for reducing stress while gaining valuable “Insight” towards living a more easeful life.

Happy Times with “TIPS”! “Tykes Indoor Playgroup & Social time” *Mondays Beginning November 2* 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. No charge & open to all Here’s a fun, safe indoor activity for your baby, toddler or preschooler and you! A chance to meet and socialize with local parents and caregivers. You can BRING YOUR OWN bike/trike/walker etc. Yes! There is plenty of room for your child to safely scoot around. There will also be a small collection of sanitized toys, creative play items on hand. Packaged snacks are allowed. And we’ll even play happy music on the stereo! With plenty of smooth wooden floor to enjoy and explore, imagine how far your kids will go, the fun that will be had and the special company shared! The safety of all Community Center users and visitors is a top priority and we follow State & CDC guidelines to ensure it. Caregivers must wear a mask as well as children 3 years old and above. INFORMATION: 860-567-8302 INFO@THECOMMUNITYCENTER.ORG

SilverSneakers can help seniors live their best lives. Participants may experience greater energy, increased strength and improved balance and flexibility. The benefit is included in 60+ Medicare plans. This “all skill level” class includes chairs, hand weights, tubing and balls. *Mask Required* Instructor: Janice Connor, Certified Instructor. Class fee is covered by most Health Plans. If you are not covered, class is $8.00 pp. Go to SilverSneakers to check for eligibility.

CONNECTING WITH BALANCE Connecting with Balance is a series of one-hour workshops tailored to helping seniors reconnect with their bodies and environment. Exercises in movement and balance guide participants to maintain and improve balance, think creatively, and build community through social engagement. This class is open to all levels of ability - even to those who remain seated throughout. **Be advised our programs will be taking place under a large tent in our parking lot. Your safety is our main concern so we will be following proper guidelines. NOTE: If it rains, all classes will be cancelled.

Free Live & Interactive Seminar via Zoom. On Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30pm the Litchfield Community Center will be sponsoring a presentation on Long Term Care with special guest speaker Aldo Pantano, from the CT Partnership for Long-Term Care, with the State Office of Policy and Management. Come learn about how the State’s Partnership for Long-Term Care can help you plan ahead for your future long term care needs. You have your 401(k)… Your diversified portfolio… Your retirement nest egg... You’ve thought of everything – except for how to protect these assets should you need long-term care. It’s a fact: Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $166,000. And Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. Now there's a way to protect your life’s savings. If you’re 40 or older, long-term care insurance approved by the State’s Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care should be part of your retirement plan. These policies assure you of the highest quality standards. They’re affordable and provide asset protection, protect against inflation, and – most important – give you peace of mind through your retirement years. No company specific products will be discussed, and there will be no sales or solicitations allowed – just information that you should know. P.S. Even if you’ve put aside money for your retirement, such as through a 401(k), these assets are vulnerable should you need long-term care. Our free seminar will explain how long-term care insurance can help protect your retirement investments.

Senior “Irish” Luncheon Takeout March 17, pickup 11:30—1pm at the LCC, No charge, Register by 3/15 Menu to include corned beef, cabbage, roll, and dessert. Freshly prepared by LCC staff.

Every Thursday, presented by Sheila Hope Email Sheila at sheilahope@gmail.com for a Zoom invitation link! Zoom meeting from the comfort of your home! Zoom invite will be sent leading up to date of program. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another”. - William James If perhaps in these times of uncertainty, of loss and worry, you find the nature of thought to be loud, persistent, unsettling; join me to learn how we can cultivate moments of peace and rest. Mindfulness Mediation practices, handed down through many centuries, are known to help us settle the mind and restore balance so we can better face what each day brings. Our best health is aligned with our resilience in living with “what is”. Join me for an overview of the practices; leave with a few techniques to quiet the heart and mind; and hopefully, inspiration to begin a meditation practice of your own! BIO: Sheila is a life-long meditator, concluding a 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield through Sounds True and the Greater Good Science Center. She has taught yoga and meditation for many years. She offers clear and direct practices for reducing stress while gaining valuable “Insight” towards living a more easeful life.

Virtual Zoom presentation Registrants will receive Zoom link day before presentation $10/talk or $24 for all 3 & save! Music historian Jeffrey Engel will Live Zoom lecture on three productions originally scheduled for the Metropolitan Opera's Winter simulcasts including: Jan. 21 - "Rigoletto" - Verdi Feb. 18 - "Mefistofeles"- Boito. March 18 - "Otello" - Verdi. Jeffrey Engel will detail the background of “Rigoletto” and play recordings of musical highlights. About the presenter: Music Historian Jeffrey Engel has been giving lectures devoted to music history for more than 20 years. He believes that such lectures should be entertaining as well as informative. To that end, his explanations are never too technical and he infuses his material with amusing anecdotes and musical illustrations.

Ukulele Lessons - Presented by ABC Music School Add some music to your life! Ukulele's are fun and easy to play. All ages and abilities are encouraged to join. This program package includes a brand new Ukulele & beginner lessons! Group lessons will be held at the Litchfield Community Center on the following Saturday's from 10-11am: 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5, and 6/12 Group lessons will be instructed by ABC Music School's _________ Already have a Ukulele, and would like to learn how to play? Pay for just the lessons! For more information, and to register contact ABC Music School at (860) 618-2367 or stop into their store located at 18 Commons Dr store c, Litchfield, CT