Canton Senior Center “Powered by Connection”

Isolation can affect both mental and physical health. Seniors know getting out and enjoying a social life is key to well-being, but it doesn’t always come easy. That’s why the theme for this year’s Older Americans Month is "Powered by Connection.”

And one of the best ways for Canton seniors to connect is at the Canton Senior Center.

The Senior Center isn’t just a place, it offers many ways for seniors to enjoy fun activities on and off site, or just hang out over lunch. But a town-wide survey last year showed that many Canton residents weren’t aware of all that the facility and programs have to offer. It’s time for that to change.

The Town of Canton is currently giving a much welcome facelift to the Senior Room, at 40 Dyer Avenue in the complex that includes the library, community center and parks & rec. While the senior room refresh should be completed soon, programs are in full swing in the Canton Community Center.

Here’s an update on what’s going on now and what to expect in the coming weeks.

A renovated Senior Room. Thanks to grant money obtained through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), new floors, walls and furnishings are on the horizon, with the hopes of giving the gathering space known as the Senior Room a comfier and more inviting feel. Volunteers from The Avon-Canton Rotary have already painted the walls of the large space next to the Senior Room, so the improvements are under way. “We wanted to make the place feel more like a living room – comfortable and welcoming for relaxed gatherings, conversation, classes, clubs and more,” explains Kara McConville, Senior Center Coordinator. “We’re adding new furnishings like plush wingback chairs, updated computer stations, new tables and chairs, wall art and other touches to really make it a special place for our seniors. They deserve it.”

The Canton Senior Café offers a great deal on lunches on Wednesdays and Fridays, at $5 for those with reservations or $7 for walk-ins, generously provided by local eateries Dish ‘N Dat and Little Oak Café. While the program has been “relocated” to the restaurants during the renovation, seniors who pay in advance and reserve their lunches for the month can dine in or take out at Dish ‘N Dat on Wednesdays or pick up a grab ‘n go lunch on Fridays at Little Oak. The Senior Café will re-open to seniors in early June when renovations are complete. The estimated completion date is June 1 and a formal announcement will be made.

Coffee bar. When the space reopens, seniors will also be able to enjoy a coffee bar, provided by the Canton Commission on Aging. Coffee will be free with voluntary donations. The Canton Commission on Aging will hold coffee hours for seniors to meet new people and connect with friends. The Canton Commission on Aging hopes to contribute to the informal, friendly atmosphere where seniors can go to just hang out over a cup of coffee.

Parties and events. Always popular and great for meeting new people. Many include live music or entertainment. Check out the annual Avon-Canton Rotary Summer BBQ, Oktoberfest hosted by the Canton Lions Club, Winter Wonderland and more.

Seniors can find programs for learning and enjoyment Monday through Friday. These include:

• Activities: Wii bowling, tai chi, Yogachi, line dancing, Pilates Fusion, Zumba Gold, tennis, chair Pilates, balance classes
• Classes and seminars: Veterans Advocacy & Assistance, financial and estate planning, Aging in Place, insurance planning and clubs
• Games: Mah Jongg, cards, bingo, watercolor painting, Scrabble
• Trips. The Senior Center sponsors bus trips to interesting locations and fun events near and far, such as Saratoga and Lake George, 1000 Islands, Boston, Newport, Radio City and more

Canton benefits from a thriving senior center. Stay tuned for announcements for the grand re-opening, but meanwhile learn more at https://www.townofcantonct.org/senior-center or call 860-693-5811.