Programs are intended for individuals age 55+ and take place on Zoom unless otherwise indicated. Students of virtual classes must have access to internet and a device that has a camera and microphone. Online registration for most activities is available at www.claremontrec.com.

Here are just a few updates regarding our program and the City:

As mentioned in our previous update, free tax preparation assistance through AARP will be limited this year as the volunteers operate at reduced capacity. While our Claremont volunteers and those of some cities will be preparing taxes 100% remotely, other local sites will have preparers helping in-person with safety protocols in place or remotely via a document drop-off. If you are interested in utilizing AARP Tax Aide's help this year, you can request an appointment by filling out the form at the link below. An AARP representative will be in touch with you within a few days after submission, according to the site. We advise that anyone filling out the form specify their needs or limitations in the "Do you have any special requirements?" field, knowing the three potential ways that appointments are being carried out.

Since appointments with tax preparers will be limited this year, AARP has shared other alternatives to filing.

This past year has been tough and stressful for all, but even more so if you are 55+. Many of us have felt some aspect of our wellness (physical, emotional, social, etc.) decline during the pandemic. Now that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, let’s work on a plan to get ourselves back to our most thriving selves! Attend this workshop presented by Tri City Mental Health to discuss the challenges you are facing, the impact of stress on your wellness, and learn how to develop a wellness toolbox to help yourself and others. Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a $10 Stater Bros. gift card from the Senior Program! Join us on Thursday, March 18 from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Zoom. Pre-registration is required. Video chat or call in via telephone to participate.

Join this free, virtual gardening workshop that was created just for the Claremont Senior Program! The Therapeutic Community Garden will teach participants about planting, seed germination, seasonal crops, and how gardening enhances your wellness. Planting kits will be included, and will be picked up from the Joslyn Center at a later specified date and time. Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a $10 Stater Bros. gift card from the Senior Program! Join us on Monday, March 29 from 11:00 a.m. to noon via Zoom (you can video chat or call from your telephone to participate). Pre-registration is required by calling Tri City Mental Health at (909) 623-6131.

Devote your Wednesday mornings to a moment of Zen with this new Tai Chi class! In addition to practicing the fundamentals of Tai Chi (the Eight Pieces of the Brocade and the Nine Tai Chi Movements), this new class will introduce 16-form Chen-style Tai Chi, a simplified version of the oldest form of the traditional Tai Chi styles. Chen-style Tai Chi is practiced for health, martial arts skills, and meditation. Certified through the Tai Chi Club in Shanghai, instructor Min Peng is excited to help students grow mindfulness and ease bodily tension. This virtual class will take place from March 3 to April 28 at 10:00 a.m.; the cost is $30 per participant. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. 

Let's get dancing! This country line dance class, intended for active seniors who have some dancing experience, will cover all of your favorite moves and teach you some new ones, too. Experienced instructor, Selina Chi, looks forward to helping you build your line dance skills from home in a safe, fun way! The spring session takes place on Thursdays, March 4 to April 22 at 9:00 a.m. This 8-week course costs $40 per participant. Pre-registration is required. Class takes place on Zoom.

Did you know that a food pantry operates out of the Joslyn Center Annex each week for those with low or no income? This program is operated by Inland Valley Hope Partners, a non-profit organization that is always accepting donations. More families than ever rely on access to free, nutritious food items due to the ongoing pandemic, as evidenced by the fact that this site now operates an additional day per week. If you are interested in donating non-perishable, unexpired, and unopened/undamaged grocery items, please drop off donations at the Joslyn Center Annex (the south-most building at our site) during the following days and times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the organization, please click the button below. To learn more about this program, click here.

Funds from the Claremont Senior Foundation, Inc. enhance the programs, services, and facilities that enrich the lives of the seniors in our community. A portion (0.5%) of what you spend on Amazon.com can be designated to support these programs:

If you are in good health, between the ages of 21 and 65, and interested in volunteering during the community's time of need, add yourself to the City's COVID-19 Volunteer Response List here. Should the need arise or if the City is able to connect volunteers to local partner agencies assisting seniors at this time, you will be contacted.

AgingNext is also looking for volunteers that meet the above criteria who are interested in serving as proxies for our weekly lunch distribution program. If you are able to deliver meals to local seniors once or twice a week, please contact Stacy with AgingNext at (909) 621-9900.

Blaisdell Community Center