East County Seniors                                       301-572-7004

East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904

About the Program
East County Seniors enjoy a wide range of activities on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10:00am and 2:00pm. The program includes entertainment, health screening and education, exercise and fitness, ceramics and other crafts, informational speakers, counseling on issues of interest to seniors, theme parties and lots of camaraderie. Mini-trips to local points of interest add another dimension to the wide range of possibilities offered at East County Seniors, as does the Senior Fit & Flexibility Exercise Program held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Seniors, ages 55 and better who live in the surrounding community and wish to lead active and interesting lives, will find this to be a stimulating and friendly group of folks. It is a place to make friends, to receive useful information, and to enjoy activities. In other words, it is a "happening place" where seniors have the opportunity to build relationships and keep connected to life.

General Information
East County Seniors is located in East County Community Center. The program is staffed by a program director who works closely with the participants to provide the kinds of activities appealing to seniors. A newsletter is produced that includes the calendar of events and is available when you visit East County Seniors; or you may request a sample copy by clicking here.

Directions
From Wheaton: Take Randolph Road east through the New Hampshire Avenue intersection. Turn left on Fairland Road. At route #29, turn left, and go to Briggs Chaney Road. Turn right, and then left at Gateshead Manor Road, which is the next left after Robey Road. The community center is on the left.

Weekly Schedule
Mondays
10:30am-11:15am Senior Fit and Flexibility Exercise Program: Designed especially for seniors, this 45-minute exercise class focuses on increasing strength and muscular endurance for activities of daily living and improving flexibility for greater mobility. The program includes periodic fitness assessments and health education. Holy Cross Hospital and Kaiser Permanente sponsor this program in cooperation with Montgomery County Department of Recreation. Permission from your healthcare provider is required before beginning this course. To register and request a consent form, call 301-754-7149.

Tuesdays
9:30am-10:00am Exercise Walking: Walk in the gym for fun and fitness.

10:00am-1:00pm Co-ed Volleyball in the Gym: Sponsored by the East County Community Center, this recreational co-ed volleyball program costs just $25 a year. Here is a perfect opportunity for the vigorous senior who enjoys staying active. For information, call Adrienne Lees (301-384-9524).

10:00am-2:00pm Ceramics Workshop: Check the calendar. 

10:30am-11:00am Chair Exercises: Participate in light stretching to give you improved range of motion and provide healthier circulation.

11:00am-12:00pm Activity: Engaging, interactive, fun! (Check the calendar)

12:00pm-12:45pm Lunch: Bring your own or purchase a Nutrition Lunch.

12:45pm-2:00pm Program: Varied and enjoyable (Check the calendar)

Wednesdays
10:30am-11:15am Senior Fit & Flexibility Exercise Program: See Monday's schedule

Fridays
10:30am-11:15am Senior Fit & Flexibility Exercise Program: See Monday's schedule

9:30am-10:00am Exercise Walking: Walk in the gym for fun and fitness.

10:00am-12:00pm Blood Pressure Screening: The first Friday of every month

10:00am-1:00pm Women's Volleyball: (See Tuesday's schedule)

10:30am-11:00am Chair Exercises: Participate in light stretching to give you improved range of motion and provide healthier circulation.

11:00am-12:00pm Activity: Engaging, interactive, fun! (Check the calendar)

12:00pm-12:45pm Lunch: Bring your own or purchase a Nutrition Lunch.

12:45pm-2:00pm Program: Varied and enjoyable (Check the calendar)

Senior Access to Weight and Exercise Room
Seniors may use the weight and exercise room free of charge between 10:00am and 2:00pm on Tuesdays and Fridays by registering (ask at the center desk). Seniors who choose to use the exercise room on other days or hours will have to purchase the regular weight room membership. Weight room memberships provide access to other Montgomery County community center weight and exercise rooms. Click here to see other available locations.

Available Transportation
Limited door-to-door transportation is available on Tuesdays and Fridays through Paratransit. New people are welcome to call to determine if they live within the travel district. Reservations must be made two days in advance. If last minute changes are necessary, call before noon the day before the scheduled pick-up (240-777-4925).

Nutrition Lunch Program
A nutritious lunch is served at 12:00noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. The full cost of the meal is $6.74. For persons aged 60 or older and spouses of any age, a voluntary contribution is requested. Contributions are used to purchase meals, so please contribute to the fullest extent possible. Guests under age 60 must pay the full cost. If last minute changes are necessary, call before noon the day before the scheduled lunch (240-777-4925).

Customer Satisfaction
The Montgomery County Department of Recreation strives to provide high quality programs and opportunities for seniors, and we value your input. Please take a moment to share your ideas, comments and suggestions to help us continue to improve recreation services to seniors. Click here to give us your valuable feedback by completing a Customer Satisfaction Survey.

You may also contact us by email: mailto:rec%20seniors@montgomerycountymd.gov

Inclement Weather Policy
When Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to snow, ice or severe weather, all classes, activities and mini-trips will be cancelled. There will be no lunch served and no transportation. If County Schools have a delayed opening, all classes scheduled to begin at 10:00am or later may be held as usual. When County schools close early, the center may close early, and activities are cancelled. If in doubt, call the center before you attempt to go, or call the Senior Programs Office at 240-777-4925.

ADA Information
Montgomery County Government is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and seniors with disabilities are encouraged to participate in senior programs. If you need auxiliary aids or services in order to participate, call 240-777-4925 two weeks prior to the start of the program.

Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available for low-income residents. Call the Senior Programs Office for information at 240-777-4925.