Andover Community and Senior Center

ANDOVER COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER HAPPENINGS

Welcome to The Andover Community and Senior Center.  We are located at 25 School Road and open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Coffee is always on! All are welcome. For all questions or concerns, call the Director, Tess Grous, 860-743-7305 x4510 or 860-798-6862.

The Center’s monthly newsletter, “Community Connections” is available at www.andoverconnecticut.org. Copies are also available at The Center, Town Hall, and Andover Public Library. To receive the newsletter by email each month or to reserve space, contact The Center.

Volunteer Opportunities Available: The Center is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of programs and activities. High school students in need of community service or volunteer hours are encouraged to call. Volunteer opportunities include summer program assistants, kitchen servers, gardeners, fitness instructors, artists, and cooking/baking instructors. Individuals with special talents, skills, or interests who would like to share them with the community are also welcome. Flexible evening volunteer hours are available. For more information or to express interest, please call or stop by The Center.

Transportation: Call 860-498-2326 to schedule transportation. Please provide a one-week notice for all appointment requests. All seniors, veterans, and disabled are welcome.

Regular Weekly and Monthly Programs: For a list of regular weekly and monthly events, such as Movies, Luncheons and Special Speakers, Yoga, Dominos, Knitting, Puzzle and Pizza, Library Visit, Food Pantry, Open Sew & Stitch, Chair Yoga, and much more, see the monthly newsletter, “Community Connections.”  Transportation is available.

Special Upcoming Events:

The Summer MOVEment continues - a celebration of movement in all its forms.  Check out the NEW! August activities designed to get everyone involved.  From fitness to creativity to connection, each experience supports well-being, inspires growth, and brings our community together.

NEW! Andover Bingo: 7/1 – 7/31.  You’re invited to Play Andover Bingo!  Capture a photo to score a BINGO!  Your Bingo Card is in the monthly “Community Connections” Newsletter.  Complete a bingo, then bring your card to the Center to claim your BINGO prize!  One prize per household.  See Newsletter for full details.

NEW! Monthly Veterans Coffee Hour: Monday, 8/3, 9:300am.  Free.  Calling all Veterans.  Join us for coffee hour every first Monday of the month. A welcoming opportunity to connect with fellow veterans, share stories, build friendships, and enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed setting.  All veterans are welcome!

NEW! Stretch & Strengthen Fitness Class: FREE. Tuesday/Thursday, 8/4, 8/6, 8/11, 8/13, 8/18, 8/20, 8:25, 8/27, 8:30am. Improve your flexibility, balance, and overall strength in this fun, low-impact fitness class. This class focuses on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to help you stay active, healthy, and confident in your daily activities.

NEW! Fun with Fondu: Wednesday, 8/12 Chocolate with Fruit, 8/19 Cheese and Crackers, 8/26 Chocolate with Marshmallows and Toppings, 3:00pm. $3 per class.  Dip into something delicious with our new Fun with Fondue series! Come enjoy great food, good company, and a fun culinary experience!

NEW! Thrift Shopping: Thursday, 8/13, 9:00am. Join us for a fun outing to explore local thrift stores and discover unique treasures, great bargains, and hidden gems. Whether you're shopping for clothing, home décor, books, or collectibles, this trip is a great way to enjoy time with friends while hunting for amazing deals.

NEW! Disappearing 4-Patch Quilting Workshop: Monday, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, $10 per class, 5:30pm-8:30pm.  In this sewing workshop students learn the technique to make a disappearing 4-patch quilt, 64”x 80”.  1^st session is required.  Bring your sewing supplies, creativity & enjoy a welcoming environment with fellow quilting enthusiasts.  Fabric requirement provided at time of sign up.  Call The Center to join.

NEW! Haircare with Helen – FREE for Andover Veterans, Monday 8/31, 10:30am. As a thank you for your service, Andover veterans are invited to receive FREE haircuts during our special Veterans Haircut Program. Appointments required. Contact the Center for availability and scheduling.

NEW! Foot Care with Sue: Thursday, 8/27, $42.  Routine nail trimming and care, Callus and corn reduction, Foot assessments and skin care, Early identification of potential concerns, Education on proper foot health and prevention. Call The Center for an appointment.  Transportation is available.

NEW! Lavendar Ridge Farms: Monday 8/10, 10:00am. $5. Experience the beauty and benefits of lavender as Lavender Ridge Farm comes to our center! Learn about life on the farm, discover the many uses and wellness benefits of lavender, and enjoy an engaging presentation from local growers. Each participant will receive a bundle of fresh lavender and have the opportunity to sample lavender cookies and lavender tea. Don't miss this relaxing and fragrant experience!  Registration required.  Call the Center to register and for a ride.

Shopping: Tuesdays, 8:30 am. Shop Willimantic 7/28, 8/11, 8/25. Shop in Manchester on 8/4, 8/18. Transportation is available.  Thursday 8/20, 8:30am Shop Trader Joe’s & Michael’s.

Lawn Games: Tuesdays, 1:00am. Join us for an afternoon of outdoor fun and friendly competition at The Center! Enjoy classic lawn games including Yahtzee, Tic-Tac-Toe, Yard Pong, Ring Toss, and Cornhole. Everyone is welcome!  To register, contact The Center.

Open Art: Tuesday, 8/18, 5:00-7:00pm.  Bring your current art project and connect, get inspired, and make time for your creativity in good company.  This is not a traditional art class but more of a shared studio environment.  All skills are welcome.  Call The Center if you are interested!

Walking Club: Tuesday & Thursday, 2:00pm.  Low-key, no-pressure walking club.  Groups forming now for walks along the Rails to Trails, the track at Long Hill or indoors at The Center.  Contact The Center if you are interested.  

Lunch at The Center: Wednesdays, 12:00 pm. 8/5 Birthday B$ngo – Cupcakes & Light Lunch. 8/12 - Grilled Lunch & Games.  8/19 - Light Lunch and Bingo Prizes. 8/26 - Light Lunch and Bingo Prizes.  Registration is required - Call The Center. Transportation is available.

Kid’s Art Class with Kim: Wednesday, 7/29, 3:00pm. Mermaid Rocks.  $18/1 Class - $34/2 Classes. Plus DISCOUNT FOR SIBLINGS! Create colorful metallic mermaid scales on painted rocks. Class is geared toward kids grade 4-8 & perfect for all skill levels. Space is limited. Supplies provided.  To register, contact The Center, 860.742.7305 x4510.

Foodshare Truck: Wednesday, 8/12, 8/26, 9:00am. Free transportation to Andover Congregational Church is available; contact The Center. For more information on other available dates and times please contact Joan Soucy at 860-208-3226.

Chair Massage: Wednesday, 8/5, 8/19, 4:00pm, $32.  Unwind with a relaxing 20-minute chair massage from licensed massage therapist Linda. Call Linda to reserve your spot! 860.655.4409.

The Summer Scoop! A Passport to Ice Cream: Friday, 8/7 Dairy Queen Willimantic, 8/21 Sweet Frog Manchester.1:00pm. The Center is hosting a summer long journey for residents where our passports will take us to area Ice Cream Shops. Call The Center to register and pick up your passport.

Lunch Bunch: Friday, 8/14, 11:00am.  Lakeview East Hampton.  Enjoy lunch with friends at a local restaurant! The Center will provide transportation to and from the restaurant. Participants are responsible for the cost of their own meal.  Registration is required. Call The Center. Call for a ride 860-498-2326.

Transportation: Please provide at least one (1) week’s advance notice for all transportation requests. Required paperwork must be completed before utilizing transportation services—forms can be emailed, mailed, or picked up at The Center.  Transportation is available for town events and meetings, voting, senior events, group shopping, and medical appointments. Driver shifts end at 5:00pm, so please plan appointments accordingly. Services are curb-to-curb. Passengers must be able to navigate independently to and from the vehicle, as well as during appointments. Driveways must be accessible for vehicle entry. If assistance is required, passengers may bring an aid (18 years or older).

Transportation is open to seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. For all transportation-related questions, please call (860) 498-2326.