Leisure Activities
Senior Citizens
  • Aerobics

    Aerobics (Senior)
    Live life to the fullest for as long as you can by keeping your body active! This course will help you maintain a youthful vigor without the strain of high impact aerobics. A Center favorite. (Whenever you start a new fitness program, it is best to consult your physician beforehand.)

  • Arts & Crafts

    Senior Arts & Crafts

    Get into a group to make things for a worthy cause! We sell the items you make as a fund raiser for various programs, including parties at the Youth Center.

  • ArtVan
  • Ballroom Dancing

    Ballroom Dancing

    Immediate intruction is offered on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. COme and learn some new steps or polish up your Tango.

  • Bingo

    Bingo

    Relax on Monday afternoon? Not with Mary calling. Time is of the essence, or you will miss the next number. Accumulate points and then go shopping from an assortment of prizes.

  • Board Games

    Rummy Cube (Board Game)

    An enjoyable board game, similar to the card game Rummy. Coffee and snacks covered by a .25 fee.

  • Bowling

    Bowling

    Get the exercise you need while enjoying the company of our enthusiastic bowlers. We meet at the Center, and hop aboard our van to play in Wallingford. A nice time out.

  • Bridge
  • Card Playing

    Card Playing

    Sit back at the Senior Vitality Center and enjoy a round table competition. Coffee and snacks covered by a .25 fee.

  • Congregate Lunch
  • Crafter's Workshop
  • Intergenrational Programs
  • Knitting

    Knitting

    Do you enjoy keeping your hands busy? Yarn is available for anyone who would enjoy making baby hats, lap robes or prayer shawls.

  • Line Dance

    Line Dance

    Great exercise, with the added benefit of relieving stress and having fun with others. You don't need a partner in order to line dance either!

  • Line Dance Social

    Line Dance Social

    Ever want to learn what Line dancing is all about? Or looking for a fun activity for Friday evenings? The Jon Prytko Line Dance Social might just be for you. A good time is had by all. Bring some finger food or a snack and a $1.00 donation fee. If you don't bring a snack, a donation of $3.00 is suggested.

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Sojurn Bears

    Sojurn Bears

    Provide comfort, inspiration and support to cancer patients with the gift of a uniquely handmade Teddy Bear, while offering opportunities for participation in the Sojourn Bear Project. Tuesday mornings at 10:00. Bears are donated to the Middlesex Memorial Hospital and the Helen Grey Cancer Unit in Hartford.

  • Stretch, Flex & Tone

    Stretch, Flex & Tone A fantastic exercise class held at the Senior Vitality Center, led by a physical/occupational therapist. The routine is somewhat more gentle than the aerobics group's regimen, yet is still quite a workout.

  • Tai Chi

    Tai Chi (Senior)

    A fantastic exercise class held at the Senior Vitality Center, led by a physical/occupational therapist. The routine is somewhat more gentle than the aerobics group's regimen, yet is still quite a workout.

  • Water Colors
  • Wii ™
    • Children
    • Arts & Crafts (after school)

      Arts & Crafts (after school)

      For kids 5 and older. A popular program, usually with a seasonal or holiday theme.

    • Baseball Camp, Chris Corkum

      Baseball Camp, Chris Corkum

      Got talent for baseball you want to develop? Check out Chris Corkum’s Baseball Camp. Daily curriculum includes individual and small group instruction in fielding, throwing, hitting, pitching, base running, and game situations. Guided drills lead to actual team playing. Bring your own bat, glove and personal enthusiasm. Participants receive a T-shirt. Unlimited enrollment. Held at Portland High School baseball field for ages 7 - 14.

    • Baseball Camp, Bob Fralick

      Baseball Camp, Bob Fralick

      Bob Fralick, instructor, used to play for the New York Giants, scouted for the Phillies, was clinic director for the Mets and coached for the Red Sox. He is also Head Director for the Buckie Dent Baseball School in Florida. Offers complete instruction of the game. For ages 8 - 12. Unlimited enrollment.

    • Basketball, grades 3-8

      Basketball, grades 3-8

      This program is designed for beginners and intermediate players. Ends with a basketball tournament.

    • Basketball, K-2

      Basketball, K-2

      Introduces sports to the very young. Teaches basic team strategies and personal skills.

    • CT. Pride Hotshot Contest

      CT. Pride Hotshot Contest

      Open to boys and girls ages 9 - 15. This contest is designed to promote basketball enthusiasm, as well as skills, fun, fitness and good sportsmanship. Each player has three 1 minute periods to shoot baskets from "hotspots" placed on one half court. This contest challenges a player's speed, shooting, dribbling, and rebounding abilities. Competition starts at the local level, but can progress to county and state, all the way to the Connecticut Pride finals.

    • Golf

      Golf Lessons (Youth)

      For ages 6 - 12. Professional golfer Bill Ellison will provide instruction for this program at Portland West. This camp is designed to get participants acquainted with the game of golf. Daily schedule includes demonstrations, golf skills, proper etiquette, and hands-on practicing. If you have clubs, please bring them. Sneakers allowed.

    • Happy Hands

      Happy Hands

      Spark your child’s creativity through this imaginative program. For children 2 - 5 years old. They will learn to enjoy creating things through exposure to a variety of art mediums. Advanced registration is required.

  • Happy Notes

    Happy Notes

    A hot program for the little ones, ages 2 - 5 years! Designed to let children and parents sing, dance and express themselves through movement. Advanced registration is required.

  • Little Scientist

    Little Scientist

    An excellent and safe way to encourage and guide your child’s natural curiosity. This program offers a hands-on approach to learning about science. Each week a new topic is covered. Children take home their own project material, including a booklet that summarizes what they experienced that session. Topic change with every session. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited.

  • School Vacation Program

    School Vacation Program

    Various fun activities at several locations. 5 days per week, 8:30 - 3:30, ages 5 and above.

  • Ski Program, (after school)

    Ski Program, (after school)

    Experience fun times at Powder Ridge as you challenge your downhill skiing ability with friends after a long day at school. A really cool, five week discount program for 4th to 8th graders held in January and February. (Makes winter a little bit more bearable)

  • Teddy Bear Luncheon

    Teddy Bear Luncheon

    Here we offer a special opportunity to dress up your Teddy Bear and take him to lunch! This program is open to children 2 - 4 years old, accompanied by parent or caregiver. There will be music, activities and lunch.

  • Youth Golf Lessons

    Youth Golf Lessons

    For ages 6 - 12. Professional golfer Bill Ellison will provide instruction for this program at Portland West. This camp is designed to get participants acquainted with the game of golf. Daily schedule includes demonstrations, golf skills, proper etiquette, and hands-on practicing. If you have clubs, please bring them. Sneakers allowed.

  • Sky Hawks Sports Camp

    Sky Hawks Sports Camp

    Introduces young people to soccer, baseball, and basketball in a day program setting. Offers individual attention at developing elementary sports skills.

    • Adults
    • Aerobics

      Aerobics (Adult)
      There’s no better time than now to participate in a vigorous aerobics program. Good for your heart, your bones, and your feeling of overall health. Ongoing, 3 night a week. (Whenever you start a new fitness program, it is best to consult your physician beforehand.)

    • Body Toning

      Body Toning

      An ongoing program dedicated to developing strength and health, while shaping your body the way you want it.

    • Golf Lessons

      Golf Lessons (Adult)

      Professional golfer Gerry D'Amora, from Portland West, is the instructor during this 5 week session. Learn how to play the game, or just brush up on your skills.

    • Jewelry Making & Casting

      Jewelry Making & Casting

      This eight week course teaches the many techniques of casting jewelry, including the lost wax method, coal casting, drop casting, and temporary molds. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.

    • Safe Boating

      Safe Boating

      A 10 hour course required by the State of Connecticut for boaters. A test follows the course, which must be passed to acquire a boating license.

    • Tai Chi

      Tai Chi

      One way to combat daily stress and feel reconnected to your inner self is through the practice of Tai Chi. Based on Chinese Taoism, this series of flowing movements helps the soul attune itself to the balance of nature. Tai Chi can be translated as the Grand Ultimate, referring to the way of the universe. It has also been called meditation in motion. For new and advanced students.

    • Yoga

      Yoga

      Body need a tune up to make it more flexible? How about relaxing your state of mind? The Indian art and discipline of yoga is known to do both.

    Teens
    • CT. Pride Hotshot Contest

      CT. Pride Hotshot Contest

      Open to boys and girls ages 9 - 15. This contest is designed to promote basketball enthusiasm, as well as skills, fun, fitness and good sportsmanship. Each player has three 1 minute periods to shoot baskets from "hotspots" placed on one half court. This contest challenges a player's speed, shooting, dribbling, and rebounding abilities. Competition starts at the local level, but can progress to county and state, all the way to the Connecticut Pride finals.

    • Sky Hawks Sports Camp

      Sky Hawks Sports Camp

      Introduces young people to soccer, baseball, and basketball in a day program setting. Offers individual attention at developing elementary sports skills.

    • Teen Adventure

      Teen Adventure

      This summer program runs Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Designed for ages 12 - 14. Includes trips, special events, social time, sports, arts & crafts, and free time.

    Family Oriented
    • Bus Trips

      Bus Trips

      Interesting and fun locations! What makes this program different is that even the ride is made enjoyable, with refreshments and entertainment.

    • Family Day Celebration

      Family Day Celebration

      Community living centers on family values, and Portland encourages that with a yearly celebration. This is a day for families to gather at the green behind the old Town Hall and enjoy special games, programs and entertainment. Oh, and some scrumptious food as well.

    • Holiday House Dressing

      Holiday House Dressing Contest

      Get into the holiday spirit by dressing up your house for a community competition! Participants need only leave their names, addresses and phone numbers in advance to register. Judges pick the winners and prizes are given.

    • Riverside Tickets (Discounted)

      Riverside Tickets (Discounted)

      A day out with the family can be expensive. To help alleviate this problem, we offer discounted tickets for Riverside Park. Sop by the Parks & Recreation Department, or give Sandy Darna a call at 342-6757.

    • Safe Boating

      Safe Boating

      A 10 hour course required by the State of Connecticut for boaters. A test follows the course, which must be passed to acquire a boating license.

    • Summer Fun Runs Contest

      Summer Fun Runs Contest

      This is a seven week program for the family that encourages health and stamina. Running contests range from 400 meters (for the midget category) to 3200 meters (for the super master category). All races run on grass in order to avoid hard surfaces. Ribbons are awarded to the first three finishers in each division. Contact Rob Silliman at 342-0418, or Sarah Greer at 342-1869.