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Dear Friends of the Newark Senior Center,

Beginning Tuesday, March 17^th the Center will be closed to the public.  Center staff and volunteers will still be delivering Meals on Wheels, following new safety protocols. 

Please call 211 if you are interested in volunteering during these challenging times, or if you have questions or need services. 

We will continue to send updates via email, facebook and the website, www.newarkseniorcenter.com. You can still call the Center at (302) 737-2336. Staff may not answer immediately, but will return your call if you leave a message. 

Also,keep an eye out, we will be posting links to connect you with options for physical activity, mental stimulation and hopefully a laugh or two. 

Please take care of yourself and your family. 

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Carla

Good Afternoon, 

As we all know, every day is a new day and we are in uncharted territory with this virus.  We have received a directive from the State of Delaware that today, Friday the 13^th is the last day that senior centers throughout the state are allowed to serve lunch.  The Food Service staff has frozen soups and a limited supply of meals available.  Members are welcome to stop in to pick up frozen items if needed before 2pm today and next week. 

At the Newark Senior Center we will also be cancelling all organized classes and groups as of Monday, March 16th.  The regular transportation program for NSC members will also be cancelled.  The Fitness Center will remain open and the Pool will be open regular hours for open swim. For Pool and Fitness Center members who have health concerns about visiting the Center, we will be extending those memberships if a request is made to staff. We are trying to reduce the opportunity for large groups to gather. 

At this time the facility will remain open.  If you are experiencing any signs of illness, regardless of any relation to the coronavirus, we ask that you do not come to the Center.   

We continue to encourage, hand washing, keeping a safe distance from others (6’ is recommended) and please stay home if you are sick. 

Meals on Wheels will still be delivered by volunteers and Center staff.  The Meeting of Minds program will still be available, including transportation.   

Please call, (302) 737-2336, or email Center, nsc@newarkseniorcenter.com, staff if you have any questions or concerns. You can also see continued updates about following our Facebook Page NSC Facebook Page or our WEBSITE.  

Sincerely,  

Carla Grygiel, Executive Director

March 10, 2020

Dear Friends, 

Please know that we are certainly aware of the dangers and risks that the coronavirus presents to the elderly.  The Newark Senior Center is following the guidance from the State and Federal government.  We will continue normal operations as long as possible because we know what an important role the Center plays in the lives of our members, participants and their families.  

We ask that you use common sense as we all deal with this virus. 

Please:

• Thoroughly and regularly wash your hands
• If you are not feeling well stay at home
• Do not return to the Center until at least 24 hours after you have no symptoms
• While at the Center, please keep a safe distance from others, refrain from shaking hands.
• If you have been in contact with someone who has traveled and may be at risk, we encourage you to self-quarantine.

As the situation changes we will try to keep you informed – please follow our Facebook page, refer to the website, www.newarkseniorcenter.com or call the Center at 302-737-2336. 

Sincerely,

Carla Grygiel, Executive Director

Do you experience joint pain? Do you feel it is just too difficult to exercise? Aquatic therapy could be just the fuel you are looking for to get going! Here at the Newark Senior Center we have various activities and exercises performed in the water for relaxation, fitness, physical rehabilitation, and other therapeutic benefits. A member commented regarding the therapeutic pool saying “The NSC pool is a hidden jewel. The heated pool is excellent for those dealing with joint issues (arthritis), fibromyalgia, etc. You can really feel the difference in your body when you go to the pool faithfully. It is the best exercise and doesn’t cause any pain.” Another member emphasized how not only is it helpful, but it is also fun when they said “And the people are FUN! We laugh away our aches and pains.”

Aquatic therapy has been proven to help with physiological and psychological improvements. Exercising in a therapeutic pool helps to reduce the impact on joints while still allowing for individuals to be active.  For individuals with joint pain this type of workout can help to exercise the joints. Some physiological improvements that have been studied with the use of aquatic therapy are improvements in Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Asthma, Orthopedic impairments, decreased spasticity/increased relaxation, improved bone density, and an increase in circulation. Aquatic therapy has the potential to enhance quality of life for people with disabilities. Some psychological benefits that have been studied are that of improved mood, improved self-esteem, body image, and decreased anxiety and depression. Overall, individuals participating in Aquatic therapy experience increases in joint flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. On the other hand, individuals experience decreases in pain, abnormal tone, spasticity and rigidity.

While in a therapeutic pool the warm water helps individuals increase their circulation, respiratory rate, and improve muscle mass, flexibility, and strength. Water is 600-700 times more resistive than air which allows for strengthening of weakened muscles. The buoyancy of the water causes the individual to feel an upward thrust when submerged and this helps individuals with joint and muscle pains to be able to perform in certain activities. Individuals who are unable to support their weight or have balance deficits experience less fear of falling while in a pool and usually find themselves able to walk with minimal support.  

For more information about NSC’s therapeutic pool click here. Questions please call (302) 737-2336.

Lisa Spencer has been creating stunning pieces of jewelry for the NSC Gift Shoppe for about three years. Lisa’s passion for jewelry making started back when she was in high school taking a silversmith class. Her biggest inspiration for the pieces are the beads themselves. Lisa’s incredible creativity allows her to simply look at the beads and know exactly how she would like to use them. Just by looking at the different beads she knows exactly how she would like to show off the tiny details.
In the Gift Shoppe, you will find Lisa’s creations, often in sets. Her favorite piece to craft is the necklace, because of all the personality a necklace displays. Nevertheless, Lisa also creates beautiful earrings and bracelets. Lisa is incredibly grateful for having the NSC Gift Shoppe as one of her outlets of creativity. She loves being recognized at different events because of the NSC Gift Shoppe. Be sure to stop by to check out her work!