Center for Active Living
“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney
About York's Center for Active Living
The Center for Active Living, a division of York Parks and Recreation Department, is located at 36 Main Street in York Beach. The Center is dedicated to providing individuals in our community, age 50 and over, with opportunities to socialize, recreate, learn, and be well through participation in activities and programs that are designed to enrich the mind, body, and spirit. We are open year-round, Monday – Friday from 9:00am- 4:00pm, except for holidays and winter break (Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day). All are welcome, whether it’s to participate in one of our many programs or simply for coffee and conversation. Some programs do require advanced registration. Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage in meaningful programs and activities at the Center for Active Living. Drop by or call the Center at (207) 363-1036 for more information.
Eligibility
Adults 50 years of age and older are invited to participate. York residents are given priority for programs. Non-residents pay an annual user fee of $25.00 (July 1st – June 30th).
Dining Room & Meal Program
We proudly serve home-cooked lunch Tuesdays – Fridays. Lunch is provided Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for dine-in and on Wednesdays you have the option of dine-in or pick-up. A limited number of meals are provided Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for delivery by our volunteers or for pick-up based on advance request and inability to come into the center for a meal. Our in-house chef works to provide the very best in both variety and quality of meals. A meal donation of $5.00 is suggested. Periodically throughout the year, there are special lunches that are slightly more expensive and may require reservations be made further in advance. To enjoy one of our lunches, a reservation is required by the Friday prior to the week you desire a meal(s). To make a reservation, call the Center (207-363-1036), Monday -Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm (please do not call during lunch time, 11:30am-1:00pm). Meals could be limited, we recommend that you register early.
EXERCISE & WELLNESS
General Information: FIRST CLASS FREE!
- Registration is done at the Center for Active Living - payment by check or credit/debit card.
- Punch cards can be purchased for 5 or 8 classes at a time and can be used for any of the three classes - Balance Fun & Workouts,
Line Dancing and/or Shake it Up - $5.00 per class. - Purchase the full session by the month or the punch card for flexibility.
DROP-IN OPTION IS NOW COVERED BY THE PUNCH CARD SYSTEM.
DROP BY THE OFFICE AT THE CENTER TO PURCHASE YOUR PUNCH CARD.
Balance Fun & Workouts
Jonna Dijkstra, ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Senior Fitness Consultant, offers exercise programs designed to promote health and wellness. Jonna offers modifications during the program to match your ability. We use hand weights and bodyweight exercises to get you moving and connecting with your body. During class Jonna offers tips and suggestions about balance, nutrition and lifestyle changes to maintain better health. All abilities are welcome!
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-11am at the York Beach Fire House
$5.00 per class
Pay by the month or purchase a punch card for 5 or 8 classes
Line Dancing
Diane Anderson teaches a choreographed routine with a repeated sequence of steps. A low impact, fun exercise for the mind as well as the body. Dances to popular music include waltz, fox trot, jitterbug, mambo, and rumba. All easy movements to work our muscles, joints, balance and memory. No partner necessary!
Wednesdays 10-11am
Fridays 9:30-10:30am
at the Center for Active Living
$5.00 per class
Pay by the month or purchase a punch card for 5 or 8 classes
Shake It Up
'Shake It Up' is a lively and active dance class disguised as an exercise class! This fun-filled class, instructed by Rhonda DiCarlo is full of work out moves with a strong focus on dancing. Class begins with a warm up and ends with a cool down, with strategic stretching in different dance routines. The routines are easy to follow for all fitness levels, with an upbeat mixture of American, Latin and International music.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-10am
at the York Beach Fire House
$5.00 per class
Pay by the month or purchase a punch card for 5 or 8 classes
Video Instructed Classes - FREE!
Aerobic exercise with a group to a video in the Center for Active Living's large activity room.
Go at your own pace and drop-ins are always welcome!
Mondays - 9-9:45am
Wednesdays - 9-9:45am
Fridays - 8:30 - 9:15am
TAI CHI by Video
Both beginners and experienced participants are invited to join the group.
Fridays - 1-2pm
The Yorkettes
The Yorkettes are a group of dancers from Rhonda DiCarlo's Shake It Up Dance Class that perform several times a year throughout the York Community. Check out their latest video.
TRIPS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
SCOOP Newsletter
Activity Calendars
DINING OUT TRIPS
Breakfast Out - Norma’s Restaurant, York (Friday, December 13) - Drive on your own to meet at 8am
No Breakfast Out in January
Lunch Out - No Lunch Out in December
January Lunch Out - Roger’s Pizza, Dover, NH - Monday, January 13
Bus leaves at 10:30am and we’ll return at approximately 3pm Cost $5.00
Dinner Out - No Dinner Out in December
January Dinner Out - Galley Hatch Restaurant, Hampton, NH - Thursday, January 23
Bus leaves at 3:45pm and we’ll return at approximately 7:30pm Cost $5.00
TRIP REGISTRATION POLICIES
Residents sign up on TRIP CLIPBOARDS, by the front desk, the week before Registration Day. You can call in your trip choices, too! You may sign up with a resident trip buddy (friend/spouse). After the Lottery is run, you'll be notified of your status for trips. Non-residents can check on trip availability when registering.
CAL doors open at 8:30am and staff will start taking Registrations at 9am.
Sign in with Front Desk Volunteers when doors open and you enter the building. There will not be an attendance list outside the building.
After signing in with the Front Desk Volunteers, enjoy coffee & a snack while you wait for your name to be called for registration.
Please have your registration sheet filled out before your name is called. Thank you!
When a trip reaches the limited number of participants, we will initiate a waitlist. We will contact you if we have an opening, at which time you will have the option of joining the trip and payment will be due to secure your spot.
If CAL has to cancel a trip (due to weather, etc.) and we aren’t able to reschedule, you’ll receive a User Credit for the full amount.
If you need to cancel a trip you will receive a User Credit only if we are able to fill your spot. There will be no credit issued if the spot is not filled.
Our bus does not have restroom facilities. We plan a rest stop on longer trips whenever possible.
Trip reminder calls are made 1-2 days in advance of trip to confirm times. Please be on time so that we can keep on schedule.
DAY TRIPS
DISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ BROADWAY MUSICAL at the Portsmouth Music Hall
Wednesday, December 4th
3-11pm Cost $85.00
Our afternoon will begin with an early dinner (TBA) before we arrive at the
Music Hall for an evening of holiday magic. ‘Frozen’ is full of music, humor and the meaning of true love! Dinner $$ on your own.
MOVIE MONDAY AT THE CLIFF HOUSE
with Lunch at Nubb’s Lobster Shack
Monday, December 23rd 9:30am-3pm
The Cliff House has invited us back to enjoy a holiday movie in their new theater!
We’ll board the CAL bus and we’ll have lunch at Nubb’s after the movie.
Lunch $$ on your own
The BROOK CASINO
Tuesday, January 7th - 9am-3pm Cost $5.00
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over we can relax a bit and enjoy some fun at the BROOK CASINO! Enjoy lunch at Lucky’s or bring your own snacks!
UNH TOUR Friday, January 17th
8:30am - 3:30pm Cost $5.00
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a guided private tour of the
University of New Hampshire.
We’ll explore several popular locations around the beautiful campus at UNH and have lunch at Holloway
Commons which offers a large variety of fresh food stations.
Lunch $$ on your own
TRIP REGISTRATION POLICIES
Residents sign up on TRIP CLIPBOARDS, by the front desk, the week before Registration Day. You can call in your trip choices, too! You may sign up with a resident trip buddy (friend/spouse). After the Lottery is run, you'll be notified of your status for trips. Non-residents can check on trip availability when registering.
CAL doors open at 8:30am and staff will start taking Registrations at 9am.
Sign in with Front Desk Volunteers when doors open, and you enter the building. There will not be an attendance list outside the building.
After signing in with the Front Desk Volunteers, enjoy coffee & a snack while you wait for your name to be called for registration.
Please have your registration sheet filled out before your name is called. Thank you!
When a trip reaches the limited number of participants, we will initiate a waitlist. We will contact you if we have an opening, at which time you will have the option of joining the trip and payment will be due to secure your spot.
If CAL has to cancel a trip (due to weather, etc.) and we aren’t able to reschedule, you’ll receive a User Credit for the full amount.
If you need to cancel a trip you will receive a User Credit only if we are able to fill your spot. There will be no credit issued if the spot is not filled.
Our bus does not have restroom facilities. We plan a rest stop on longer trips whenever possible.
Trip reminder calls are made 1-2 days in advance of trip to confirm times. Please be on time so that we can keep on schedule.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
The Center for Active Living offers 2-3 overnight trips each year. We are currently planning for our Collette Tour to Portugal in September 2025. Please see the link below for more information.
NATURE & OUTDOOR RECREATION
Join these active hikers, and others, on an upcoming walk/hike. Always let us know if you plan to participate so that we can give you all the details and to let you know if there is any change in our plans due to weather, etc. Our hikes are always meet-ups (drive on your own) unless otherwise specified.
Bring a water bottle, good walking shoes, a walking stick, binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen and a camera!
EDUCATION & HEALTH
HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO ATTEND ANY OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT THE CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING?
CREATIVE ARTS
DECEMBER/JANUARY CRAFTS
Crafts with Lisa Emmons
Friday, December 6 - 10:00-11:30am
Holiday Ornament $10
CraftMonday, December 9 - 2:00-4:00pm
Decorative Yarn Christmas Tree Craft $10
Monday, January 27 - 2:00-4:00pm
Sweetheart Valentine Decoration $10
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
YEARLY SPECIAL EVENTS
The Center for Active Living offers several Special Events throughout the year. Watch for updates and information each month in the SCOOP.
Here's a few of those fun events:
Derby Day
Drive-in Movie Night
Potluck Dinners
Lobster Feast with the Masons
Chowder Fundraiser
Stake-out with the YPD
CAL's Thanksgiving
Holiday Christmas Party
Halloween Celebration
Valentine Tea
A Night in Vegas
Fall Fair
Spring Fair
Summer Camp
Winter Camp
CAL COLLABORATIONS
White Pine Programs
York Public Library
Portsmouth Senior Center
YSCA
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge
AARP Age-Friendly Network
SOS - Serving Our Seniors
York Beach Fire Department
The Cliff House
OLDER ADULT RESOURCES IN YORK
If you need help with Food, Housing, Health, Transportation, Faith and Socialization, please click the link below to find more information on where to get assistance in the York area.
Current and Ongoing Programs
BINGO for Fun
Board & Card Games
CAL members enjoy a wide variety of weekly games including Mahjong, Poker, Cribbage, Bridge and Mexican Train Dominoes. Check the schedule link below to see when your favorite game is being played and join in the fun with a group that likes that game, too!
Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic
The York Beach Fire Department offers a FREE Blood Pressure and Glucose Clinic once a month at the Center. This is a drop-in clinic with no appointment necessary. Usually, the second Monday of the month from 2-2:30. Check the monthly calendar or call the center to check if the clinic will take place.
Books, Videos & Puzzles
The Center for Active Living has a wide variety of books, videos and puzzles that are available to borrow. Drop in during regular business hours to browse the many shelves for your reading and viewing pleasure and check out the hallway shelves by the card room for an assortment of jigsaw puzzles. When you are ready to return your borrowed items, you can leave them in the drop box near the entrance door. We welcome donations of gently used items that are not older than 5 years to add to our collection.
CAL Book Club
The CAL Book Club meets every month to discuss a recently read book provided by the York Public Library's inter-loan system. You pick up the book at the Center for Active Living and come back to participate in the discussion with the group. Easy-peasy and lots of fun being able to share your thoughts and opinions on the book with others.
CAL Gals Club
Ladies of CAL provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to promote friendship and camaraderie while sharing information and reducing isolation. We’ll engage in meaningful conversations while addressing concerns related to aging and life’s challenges, offering tools and resources to better understand our journey.
See the current calendar for the next CAL Gal Club meeting.
CAL's Game Show Day
Keep your eye on the calendar for our very popular GAME SHOW DAY at CAL. Recent game shows have included Wheel of Fortune, Friend Connection and $10,000 Pyramid. Always fun and always unpredictable, CAL puts their own spin on each game, and you never know what will happen!
CAL's Vinyl Cafe
Bring your vintage vinyl albums and your 45's, too, and share in the nostalgia with other music lovers. We listen to everything from jazz to rock'n roll and everything in between. Be ready for a spontaneous dance party mixed with a lot of reminiscing! Check the calendar for the next date for the Vinyl Cafe.
Candlepin Bowling
Our active and friendly bowling group gathers once a month for candlepin bowling at the Bowl-O-Rama in Portsmouth on Lafayette Road. We welcome all levels of bowlers from beginners to well- seasoned for non-competitive games. Play one string or all three! The group usually meets the second Tuesday of each month but always check the current calendar for possible changes.
Conversational French
Join Volunteer Instructor, Christine Yanco and our new Conversational French group to get a French refresher or get started on a new journey. Maybe you have an upcoming trip planned and need to learn a few simple phrases to help with communication in a French speaking country. All abilities are welcome to join in.
Drumming with Patsy Onatah
A traditional Drum Circle with Patsy Onatah is both relaxing and invigorating. Patsy loves sharing her passion for drumming, and she brings out the power of rhythm in all of us. Bring your own drum/small percussion if you have it. Patsy brings extras to share if you don’t have one. Usually the third Tuesday of each month. Check the calendar for this month's gathering.
Class charge is $5.00
Haircuts with Susan
Haircuts and other trims (eyebrows and beards) are offered by Susan once a month on the fourth Thursday. Pay Susan directly ($15) by cash or check at time of service. Call or drop-in to check on availability. Schedule is subject to change on Thursday holidays.
Late Night at the Center
CAL members are invited to the center for extended hours (4-8pm) on LATE NIGHT for fun & games. Choose from Wii Bowling, Scrabble, Rummykub, Cribbage and other card and/or board games. Bring a new game to teach or join in on an established favorite.
Check the calendar for this month's LATE NIGHT!
Movie Monday
Who doesn't enjoy popcorn and a good movie? Gather with other film enthusiasts and enjoy a popular comedy or drama. Give us some movie recommendations and we'll see what we can do. Always FREE and everyone is welcome to join in! Check the calendar for this month's Movie Monday.
Peace of Mind
YCSA's Family Services Manager and Town of York General Assistance Director, Janie Sweeney, joins us two mornings per month and offers guidance and support to our members. Make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with Janie if you need help finding area resources pertaining to Medicare, housing, food security and more.
Pickleball
Seasonal Pickleball at CAL runs from June to October, weather permitting. We have portable nets and paddles/balls for those interested in playing in the parking lot at CAL. All are welcome to play for FREE!
Pickleball has ended for the season at CAL. Please check the Parks & Rec schedule for indoor pickleball at the York Middle School for the winter.
Sing-Along with Art
For the love of SONG! We have found that this one simple program is the best therapy around. Each month we come up with a different music theme, print out the lyrics so that everyone can follow and then sing like nobody can hear you. No judgement here. Turn a mediocre day into a great one by joining the Sing-Along with Art!
Tech Help
Do you need help with your cell phone, tablet, or laptop? Volunteer, Shaun Morrill, provides tech assistance each month on the 4th Thursday from 11am-2pm. Appointments can be made at the front desk at CAL - 363-1036.
Check the current calendar for exact date.
Ukulele Group
Join the fun of strumming with our NEW Ukulele Group! We have Shea Ellis from Mountain Road Music instructing the class two times a month. When Shea can't be with us we'll play and practice at CAL on our own. We meet on Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:30. Arrive at 9:15 to tune your instrument and get settled in and ready to play by 9:30. The York Public Library has loaner Ukuleles available with your library card. Call or stop in at the library to check for availability. Check the CAL monthly calendar for the ukulele schedule on Thursdays
Cost $10/per month
Program Registration
The majority of programs require advance registration; please see The Scoop for program details. Programs identified as “drop-in” do not require advance registration; just come. For programs requiring registration, you can register by phone or walk-in at the Center for Active Living (207-363-1036), Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. You can also register online, except for meals, at https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/. Please see The Scoop for registration dates. Registration for programs is on-going after the initial registration date based on space and if there is a deadline date. Register early as many programs fill up. Waitlists are maintained for programs that fill-up.
FUN AT THE CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING
Meet the Team
Art Jacobs - Program Coordinator
After more than 30 years with the Rochester Recreation Department, Art was ready for a new challenge and became the Program Coordinator at CAL in 2022. With a vast amount of experience, a fantastic sense of humor and a wide variety of programs in his playbook he has brought unity to the CAL community. A fun-loving, outdoorsman and a natural born singer/performer/comedian, Art brings a good time wherever he goes. When he’s not putting long days in at CAL, you’ll find him hunting & fishing and cherishing family time with his wife, Michelle and adult daughters, Aubrey and Hannah and son in-law, Reggie.
Kim Tilton – CAL Coordinator
Kim joined the CAL team in August of 2023, coming from Newmarket Rec’s Sunrise Sunset Center in Newmarket, NH. Kim worked with older adults in the Newmarket Community for 15+ years, first with Meals on Wheels and continued as the Program Director for the Sunrise Sunset Activity Center. Providing interesting and fun programming and events has always been her goal, combined with advocacy and compassion for the senior population. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband, David, trail walking, gardening and kayaking and in the colder months she spends her free time cooking, reading and playing games. Being at the beach with family and friends in any season, is her ‘happy place’.
Obie Murphy – CAL Custodian
Obie Murphy’s connection to York began back in 1938 when her immigrant Irish grandparents built a summer cottage. She spent her childhood exploring York and worked at the York Harbor Reading Room as a teenager, where her culinary journey began by eating lots of delicious, local ice cream. Originally from Newton, MA, she attended Providence College and yearned to surf in California. She took to the west by way of Yellowstone National Park, becoming a backcountry interpretive specialist (aka educator). The Olympic National Forest and Mt. Hood would become home for the next 12 years as she worked on the mountain as a ski instructor, ranger, rescue & patrol and when the recreation budget was cut, she worked as a fire fighter and drove a tanker and as if that wasn’t enough, she spent 16 years as a migrant educator/ELL specialist. She is the mother of three adult children, and happily, a grandmother who actively enjoys the outdoors, skiing, entertaining & cooking. She states: “Growing up in York was the best thing that ever happened to me. I love the sense of community and tradition.” When not walking her dog on the beach or volunteering for the Lions Club she is busy keeping the Center for Active Living in tip top shape and works seasonally at the Nubble Lighthouse Gift Shop.
Sean Carey – CAL
In-house Chef
We welcomed Sean to the CAL team in August of 2023. Sean began his early culinary career at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport and during the winter months was fortunate enough to cook at their sister resort, the Beach Cabana Club in Delray Beach, Florida. Before coming to CAL, Sean spent the last 20+ years cooking for the residents at a non-profit re-entry program in Portland. Originally from Western Maine, he now resides in Lyman with his family. In his off-time, Sean enjoys fishing, canoeing, watching sports, walking his dogs and of course, cooking for and spending time with his family. His new family at CAL are thoroughly enjoying his delicious food and he continues to build his fan base. We’re very happy to have you with us, Sean, and please keep those great meals coming!
Becky Osgood – CAL Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in York, Becky became a perfect addition to our CAL crew in 2022. She graduated from York High School and went on to become a professional Dog Groomer and a Certified Nursing Assistant before becoming the Administrative Assistant at CAL. Her CNA training and love of the York Community coupled with her top-notch organizational skills is an ideal fit for her at CAL. She has been married to York Beach Fire Fighter Dave Osgood for 25 years and their extended family, daughter Heather, son-in-law Cory, and granddaughter Lil, all live close by on the Osgood family property. She’s fortunate to have her Dad living in York and her sister close by in Barrington, NH. Family and friends are always top priority, and her love of animals, gardening, cooking and a variety of outdoor activities, keep her busy outside of CAL.
Frequently Asked Questions About CAL
Where is the Center for Active Living?
The Center for Active Living is located at 36 Main Street in York Beach. Our parking and main entrance are in the back of the building.
When are you open?
Year round, Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
We are closed on the following holidays:
Christmas, New Year's Day, MLK/Civil Rights Day, Presidents' Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.
How do I know what’s going on at the Center for Active Living?
We publish a monthly newsletter, The SCOOP, which is available at the end of each month to let you know what is coming up for trips, events and programs.
Do I have to be a York resident to participate?
No, we welcome non-residents. Non-residents, however, pay an annual user fee of $25.00 (July 1st – June 30th).
Do I have to be enrolled in a program to stop by the Center for Active Living?
No! Older adults are welcome anytime. Stop by to say hi, meet a friend, enjoy a cup of coffee and some conversation, borrow a book, play a game, work on a puzzle.
Are your programs limited?
Some programs are limited in size. Therefore, we recommend registering early for programs that you do not want to miss out on.
How do I register for a program?
You can register in person, by phone, and for some programs online through the Rec1 program here.
Do I have to register for your programs if I want to participate?
Some programs require pre-registration but there are some that are designed to be drop-in style. If pre-registration is required, it will be indicated in the program write-up in The Scoop.
How do I know what you are serving for lunch?
Our menu is published monthly here.
Do I have to make a reservation if I want to join you for lunch?
Yes, reservations need to be made by Friday, 2pm the week prior to when you desire a meal.
If I want to join you for lunch, what time should I be there?
Dine-In meals are served at 12:00 noon. We ask that you arrive and sign-in for lunch at 11:30pm.
Do you deliver meals?
We provide a very limited delivery service a few times a week to older adults living in York who are unable to drive and have no one else to pick-up their meal.
I heard that I had to bring my own silverware to lunch, is that true?
Dine-in meals are served complete with plates and silverware. We do not, however, provide silverware for drive-thru pick-up meals.
Do you have a transportation program?
We do not provide transportation to and from the Center.
If I register for a trip, is the deposit refundable?
Most deposits are refundable up until an advertised deadline date. After that, deposits are non- refundable.
Is trip Insurance available?
Our day trips do not have trip insurance available. Most of our longer, overnight trips have a reasonably priced insurance option for participants
Sign up for the Scoop
THE SCOOP is our monthly newsletter and program guide. THE SCOOP is where you’ll find detailed information regarding all that is going on at the Center for Active Living including a complete program listing and lunch menu.
Click here for the most recent SCOOP newsletter.