There is a light at the end of the cold, wintry tunnel. The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are starting to rise (well, a little anyway…). Come thaw out at the Elmwood Hall Danbury Senior Center. All month long, our programs keep those aged 60 and over active and engaged.

We offer regular exercise classes every day of the week. Mondays feature Tai Chi and Movers and Shapers, a low-impact aerobic fitness class that is great for cardiovascular health. Tuesdays bring Chair Yoga, the perfect blend of play and serious practice—you might even get a few dances in from time to time. In any event, you’re certain to have fun! Wednesdays offer Strength Training, a class designed to help maintain muscle tissue and overall health. Thursdays feature the more advanced Gentle Flow Yoga. This class is modified for seniors; however, please note that it does involve getting down and up from the floor. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

February also brings our annual partnership with the AARP Foundation for tax assistance services. Starting Tuesday, February 3, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance to anyone, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service. Appointments must be made through the senior center and are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Appointments fill up quickly, so we suggest reaching out as soon as possible to secure a spot.

In addition to individual tax assistance, Amy Nguyen from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services will join us for an informational presentation. Topics she will cover include, but are not limited to, Connecticut state income tax questions, updates to Connecticut’s tax code, myconneCT walkthroughs, and state business taxes and their various applications. Following the presentation, Amy will be available to answer any questions you may have.

On Wednesday, February 18, join the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) as they present All About Us, a program highlighting the services available to seniors, families, and caregivers through WCAAA. Learn more about transportation options, housing resources, Medicare and Medicaid counseling, Connecticut legal services, in-home support, caregiver support programs, conservatorship and power of attorney, and so much more.

For something a little more fun, don’t miss our monthly Line Dance & Social Party. Join DJ Kevin Burland as he spins tunes you can dance to—or simply come to socialize with friends. This month’s dance will be held on Friday, February 20, at 1:00 pm.

Whatever your interests may be, there is always something for everyone at the Elmwood Hall Danbury Senior Center. Remember, the center is located at 10 Elmwood Place in Danbury and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Membership is FREE for anyone aged 60 and over, regardless of residency. We would love to see you very soon!

For more information, visit www.danburyseniors.org.

Matthew Austin is the Elderly Services Program Coordinator at the Elmwood Hall Danbury Senior Center.