You may access directly the original article on the Internet at:
freezinesite.com that was posted 3/1/07.

IN SYNC WITH SENIORS' MENTAL STIMULATION ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Frieda Wells

The Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living (SESCIL), 228 Grand Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey, has a multifaceted and humane approach to providing seniors with programs that are in sync with their multifarious needs. In past articles we have touched upon our many health-related programs, such as low-fee dentistry, podiatry, audiology, and the presence of a registered nurse, as well as on the variety of exercise and fitness classes offered.

The focus this time will be on the many enrichment programs that SESCIL offers.

- Language: For many seniors English is not their first language, and they frequently do not have the opportunity to speak their native tongue. Others have studied a language and become proficient in it, but lost that skill through lack of practice. SESCIL has four language groups that meet weekly: they are Italian, French, German and Yiddish. It is not unusual for friendships to be struck up in each of these classes: going out together for lunch at the end of a session is a common occurrence, as well as visits to each others homes.
- Bridge is taught at a beginner's level, as well as at an intermediate one; there is also a group that meets without an instructor - just for the challenge of the game.
- Water Coloring is taught on a weekly basis by a long-time art teacher. The emphasis is mostly on still-life paintings, with forays into portraiture and outdoor painting, when weather permits.
- Creative Writing is comprised of a small dedicated group led by a retired editor. Members often work on memoirs, wanting their offspring to know about their background. One of the participants, a 90+ year old lady, has finished her autobiography and it is now in print. Another had been working on a humorous book, that has since been published to great reviews.
- Music Appreciation: A retired concert pianist leads a bi-monthly classical Music Appreciation group, which is attended by a faithful, enthusiastic audience. Topics are varied as to composers, instrumentation, and different genres of music. The discussion is augmented by live piano performances, audio tapes and video presentations.
- Book Review: A monthly book group, led by the Englewood Library reference librarian, is a stimulating way to air one's thoughts on the merit and interest of a book. Fiction and non­-fiction books are presented. To make it easier to obtain the books, they are reserved and available at the Library.
- SESCIL SINGERS: Our choral group meets weekly to practice and learn new pieces; it also performs at non-profit facilities all over Bergen County.
- Our Silk Flower Arranging group, as well as a Financial/Investment discussion group meets monthly, and in addition there are special events that are welcoming to seniors.
 

Attendance at SESCIL assures that your mind will be stimulated and life made more joyful by widening your horizon.
 

Membership is free and there is no charge for any classes. Please call (201) 569-4080 for further information, or go online to www.sescil.org.

PS: The original has been slightly edited by the Webmaster to meet the requirements of the Internet "zine".