On my watch – Discovering More Exceptional Free Gifts in the Town of Greenwich
By Anne W. Semmes
These discovered treasures run the gamut – they address technical support, health education, exercise, entertainment, music, food, and transportation!
In an earlier article this reporter shared the amazing free medical insurance counseling found at the Wallace Center. And “Mom, don’t forget at tax time you can get free income tax information in Greenwich,” my daughter had alerted.
But finding the treasure of Tech Help at Greenwich Library has triggered this article. Twice a week on the lower level, those Library techies are there, Thursday and Saturday mornings, from 11 to 12. Yes, you have to register in advance on their online calendar or call the reference desk. There are computers there to learn on, but I brought my laptop, because it contains the book I am working on. And because of Tech Help I have pulled together my book, words, art, et al.
Surprisingly, Tech Help sessions have been ongoing for at least 15 years, tells Lorna Rhyins, Assistant Technology Training Librarian. And, starting this Fall she shares, “Patrons will be able to sign up for a 30-minute appointment with one of our librarians for targeted training in the application or technology skill of their choice. Assistance is available for MS Office, Google Suite, PC & Apple devices and more.”
And for those with a thousand photos on their iPhone like mine, check out how you can edit and enhance your iPhone photos in a two-part online program that kicked off July 23. Part 2 will be July 30 at 6 p.m. “In just a couple of minutes, you can enhance any image by using editing tools that adjust color and brightness, apply filters, straighten, crop, and much more. For all skill levels and iPhone models 11-16 with iOS 18.”
Greenwich Library is also a fountain of entertainment choices for free – Friday films and authors galore, and special Peterson Concerts happening in their Berkley Theater. How I wish I had booked earlier for the Dave Brubeck Quartet the Library is offering for free this Sunday at 3. I grew up with the Dave Brubeck Quartet music, meeting the Dave Brubeck himself once in my youth in the South when he and group came visiting.
Greenwich Hospital is a great health educational source, whether you have sleeping issues or specific health issues. Check out their Community Health website: https://www.greenwichhospital.org/about/community/community-health. Included are a number of programs available by zoom or in person. Like the Better Breathers Club, “open to anyone with breathing difficulties or lung disease, as well as those who just wish to learn more about breathing disorders.”
Count too their “The Nurse Is In: Have your blood pressure checked, and your health questions answered by an experienced registered nurse. Available five days a week in various locations in Greenwich and Westchester.”
After getting a new knee in my life, I had learned about Call a Ride, transportation for seniors, aged 60 plus. Just give them a call at 203-661-6633 but early booking recommended!
And little did I know of those in West Lyon Farm able to beg off cooking by calling Meals on Wheels (203-722-7932). Yes, not free, but boy what a bargain! “For $8 a day you get lunch and dinner brought to you,” says Willow Buscemi program director. For that $8 you receive, “A sandwich of chicken/turkey salad, fruit cup, juice, and milk,” and a nutritious dinner to microwave of “chicken and two sides.” Delivered once a day or every weekday! This reporter was alerted of Meals on Wheels by friend Susan Fisher who was inspired by a male friend delivering Meals on Wheels longtime, so she signed on and reports enjoying “chatting with recipients.” She’s impressed to be one of 150 or more others delivering those packaged meals to individuals and families in their houses, apartments, and retirement homes across the town of Greenwich.
Finally, under one roof at the Wallace Center on Greenwich Avenue you will find – if aged 55 plus – nearly 30 summer classes “focused on health, fitness, and wellness” happening five days a week tells Center Executive Director Lori Contadino. All that’s needed is a membership card – costing nothing. And alongside is the Wallace Café offering nutritious food, “priced below market making good nutrition affordable,” adds Contadino.
The Wallace Center offers classes in art, dance, exercise, foreign languages, “brain boost,” yoga, Tai Chi, calligraphy. And note that “participating in the arts creates paths to healthy aging,” says Contadino. So, you’ll find “educational programs and workshops on Health, Technology, Finding Joy, Memoir Writing & Legacy Journaling.” Or you can sing in the Wallace Center Chorus!
So, who funds all this largesse? The Town of Greenwich with support from the Friends of the Wallace Center, under the direction of the Commission on Aging that Contadino heads that is marking its 50th anniversary this year. And one last caveat. Contadino is there for free for anyone who is navigating serious issues as the Town’s appointed Municipal Agent for the Elderly. She’ll meet with you and direct you to local resources to best meet your needs. Free service 360-degrees – full circle.
