Social and Recreational
Bridge, Pinochle, Canasta, Cards, Games, Lunches, Movies, Wii, Ballroom Dance, Line Dance, Woodshop, Knitting, Perennial Gardening, Bocce Ball, Volunteer Opportunities and MORE!
Cards
Why Play Cards at Dwyer?
At any age, playing games is healthy for the mind and body.
· Games can keep the brain active.
· They involve social interaction.
· They are a good, inexpensive form of entertainment!
· You don't have to clean your house to have friends over.
· It's a great way to make new friends!
Bridge- Duplicate
Wednesdays Noon Bay Village
Wednesdays 7:00 Bay Village
Thursdays 12:30 pm Bay Village
Bridge- Party
Tuesdays 7:00 pm Bay Village
Canasta
Wednesdays 1:00 pm Bay Village
Pinochle- Men's and Ladies
Tuesdays 9:00 am Bay Village
The BIG Event!
Once a month we have a day dedicated to cards, game and lunch.
· Lunches are often sponsored by one of our community partners. In that case, there isn't a charge for lunch, but a reservation is required.
· Reserve your seat by calling 835-6565
· When lunches are not sponsored, they are ordered from area restaurants and delivered to the Center. Payment in advance secures your reservation.
· Bridge is generally the game of the day, but feel free to play Cribbage, Scrabble, Mahjongg, Backgammon, Checkers, Dominos or any games that you and your friends enjoy.
3rd Tuesday 9:00 am-4 pm
Reservation Deadline Noon-2nd Friday
Please call 835-6565 to confirm your reservation
Puzzles
Puzzle This!
Do you enjoy the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle? Would you like a reason to get out of the house?
We always have a puzzle in progress at the Dwyer Center. Pop in and work on it anytime we are open and enjoy fresh coffee.
You are always welcome at the Dwyer Center!
We also have a supply of puzzles that are available for loan! Help yourselves.
The Dwyer Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
Wii
What is Wii?
Wii is a video game that is played on our big screen TV. It utilizes a wireless controller. You can bowl, fish, play golf or tennis, and exercise. You can also play brain games.
Why Do Your Friends Enjoy Playing Wii at the Dwyer?
Many physical therapists are recommending Wii as a fun, low impact form of exercise.
It's fun to astound your grandchildren with your Wii skills! You can play alone or as part of a group.
No need to purchase expensive equipment for your home, when you can come to the Dwyer and play for free.
Movies
Food For Films
Enjoy films on the big screen TV at the Dwyer Center on Tuesdays.
· Movie starts at 1:00 p.m.
· Reserve your seat by calling 835-6565
· Seating is limited to 25
· Delicious snacks provided
· New releases (movie requests are considered).
· See the movies that win Golden Globes, Peoples' Choice, Academy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
· Please check the Prime Times Newsletter to see what is currently playing at the Dwyer.
The movies are free, however, donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated. These items are given to Bay residents who are on low, fixed incomes
Dwyer Media
The Dwyer Center has a large screen TV located next to the kitchen in the back room which is utilized for movies, Wii, and occasionally Big Games on the Big Screen.
A smaller TV is located in the library section in the front room. This TV is almost always on and available to anyone who desires to watch a show while the center is open and there are no competing activities in the same room. Just ask one of us to change the channel!
Looking for something to do with your grandchildren? Challenge them to a game of Wii. Children welcome!
Wii Wednesdays 9 am-3 pm
Movies Tuesdays & Fridays 1:00 pm Check the Prime Times Newsletter to see what is playing!
Ballroom Dance
What is Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, on television, and at the Dwyer Center! It involves dancing with a partner. Traditional ballroom dances include waltz, foxtrot, swing, cha cha, and more!
Is It Exercise?
Once a person gets to the point that they elevate their heart rate, they are getting a terrific work out. Dance is a weight bearing activity which builds bones. It is also wonderful for your upper body and strength. The amount of calories you burn will depend on how vigorously you dance. Dance is classified as a "moderate activity" and adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily, according to USDA's physical activity guidelines. It is easier to stick to that with fun activities!
Benefits of Dancing
Dancing is a great way for people of ALL ages to get into shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many positive health benefits.
· Flexibility- dancers strive to achieve full range of motion for all the major muscle groups.
· Strength- dancing builds strength by forcing the muscles to resist against the dancer's own body weight.
· Endurance- regular dancing, elevating the heart rate can increase stamina and build endurance.
· Sense of Well-Being- strong social ties and socializing with friends contribute to high self-esteem and a positive outlook. Dancing reduces stress and tension providing you with an overall sense of well-being.
Beginners Advice
· Don't expect perfection.
· Don't worry about your size, dance is for everyone.
· Get into the music as well as the movement.
Have fun and enjoy your new confidence when heading to the dance floor at parties and social events
Dancing at the Dwyer Center
A group of Ballroom Dancers get together on Saturday evenings at 7 pm at the Dwyer Center.
The center occasionally offers Ballroom Dance Lessons for a fee. Please check the Prime Times for more information.
Dancers are welcome to join the dancing group on Saturdays. Fellow dancers welcome newcomers and enjoy sharing their experience and skill in mentoring new dancers. Contact the Senior Center Manager at 835-6565 for more information.
Saturdays 7:00 pm Bay Village
Line Dancing
What is Line Dancing?
Line dancing may bring to mind images of cowboys and barnyard square dances, but there is far more to it. It is a great workout for both the mind and body and can also help improve memory skills. The music is fun, you don't need a partner and the instructor will talk you through the steps.
Dancing or Exercising?
When people think about their next workout, line dancing is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people have probably never been line dancing except at the occasional wedding reception.
There are many benefits of this activity for those that are willing to try it. Although it is not particularly strenuous, line dancing does help burn calories.
In addition to being good for the body, dancing can give you a great mind/body workout which will keep you healthy as you age!
Benefits of Line Dancing
The health benefits of line dancing are obvious. Everyone benefits from exercising and line dancing is so much fun, it doesn't seem like exercise. Here are some benefits:
· Improved cardiovascular and muscular strength, and flexibility.
· Improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and blood sugar levels.
· Improved coordination.
· Increased lung capacity.
· Increased bone strength, bone loss can be stopped or slowed down.
· Help with weight control-half an hour of line dancing can burn an average of 300 calories.
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that people who dance at least two times a week are less likely to develop dementia. It can help improve memory since it requires people to remember dance steps and combinations.
Wonderful results for an activity that is easy and so much fun to do!
About the Teacher
Ronna Murray, known for her easy-to-Follow teaching method, has been instructing line dancing at the Bay Village Dwyer Center since 1990.
Line dancing is a mild form of exercise comparable to taking a brisk walk. Ronna encourages both men and women to join her class. Partners are not needed!
Thursdays 10:00 am Intermediate
Thursdays 11:00 am Advanced
Gardening
Welcome to Our Garden!

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Dwyer Center Patio and Gardens. Bay Village has always maintained beautiful green spaces and the senior gardens are an exceptional example of this.
Many of the flowers that you see have been transplanted from the original Friendship Center Gardens located at the Community House.
Feel free to bring your lunch or dinner and sit at the patio, enveloped in beauty and fragrance. It's a wonderful place to sit and read, meditate or enjoy the outdoors with your friends.
Do You Enjoy Gardening?
We are always looking for people who love to play in the dirt to help maintain our gardens. If you have a green thumb- or are just interested in learning how to turn your thumb green- join us in maintaining this beautiful piece of Bay Village.
Interested persons may contact our Senior Center Manager at 835-6565
Benefits of Gardening
Many people enjoy gardening as it's a healthy way of maintaining fitness and is an activity that can be a strenuous or gentle as you want it to be.
Gardening can involve walking, bending, stretching and reaching- whether planting seeds, or digging up weeds, it is good exercise that helps with flexibility and mobility. It can also help to stave off debilitating conditions such as osteoporosis.
Tasks such as carrying a water can to plants, moving or lifting pots are weight bearing activities which, as well as helping to strengthen muscles and bones, is also good for your heart and blood flow.
Gardening is also a very therapeutic for of mental exercise. It helps to reduce stress and keeps you mentally stimulated. Fresh air and physical activity will help you sleep better.
Engraved Dwyer Patio Bricks
Be A Part of the Legacy
You may purchase a personalized paver brick for the Dwyer Center Patio. It can be in memory of, in honor of, or in celebration of any person, couple, family or group.
3 Lines, 10 characters per line, personalized bricks cost $50.
Checks to: City of Bay Village
Line 1 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Line 2 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Line 3 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Your Name _______________________
Address__________________________
City ________________Zip__________
Phone ___________________
Knitting, Crochet, Needlepoint
What is Knitting?
Knitting is a fiber art in which loops of yarn are interlocked with specially designed needles.
Knitting does not require extensive tools. The simplicity of knitting makes it easy to learn, and an affordable art to practice. In order to knit a basic garment, all you need is a pair of knitting needles and a selection of yarn.
Yarn comes in a variety of forms and colors. You can create wonderful socks, shawls, hats, gloves, scarves, and sweaters.
Benefits of Knitting
New studies show that knitting, crochet and other repetitive needlework provide a number of invaluable health benefits.
· It has been found that rhythmic repetitive acts help prevent and manage stress, pain and depression, which in turn strengthens the bodies immune system.
· Knitting actually changes the brain chemistry, decreasing stress hormones and increasing feel-good serotonin and dopamine.
· Repetitive movements of knitting activates the same area of the brain as meditation and yoga, which have been shown to help prevent pain and depression.
· Knitting creates a "relaxation response" which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and help prevent illness.
· Knitting has an overall calming effect which can help manage anxiety and even asthma or panic attacks.
Sit and Knit...or Crochet or Cross-Stitch
This wonderful group meets every Wednesday morning at 9:30 at the Dwyer Center.
Enjoy lively conversation while working on your project. Skilled knitters are available for assistance in case you need help.
Whether you wish to learn a new skill or work on project, the Dwyer Center is the place to be!
Wednesdays 9:30 am Knitting and Needlecrafts
Woodshop
Where is the woodshop?
The woodshop is located on the ground floor of city hall. It was moved from the basement of the Community House in 2009.
Who can use the woodshop?
Baby Boomers and older adults are eligible to use the Woodshop. If you don't know how to use the equipment, one of the supervisors will be happy to show you.
When is the shop open?
The Woodshop is generally open during the day Monday-Friday when City Hall is open. It is not available in the evenings, weekends, or holidays. At least two persons must be present at all times.
Is there a fee to use the shop?
A $1.00 minimum donation is required each time you use the shop equipment in order to help defray the cost of operating the Woodshop. A collection container is located conveniently in the Woodshop.
Woodshop Policies
The Woodshop is intended for personal use and enjoyment.
· At least two people must be present for the shop to be open with at least one supervisor present.
· Protective eyewear must be worn when working with power tools.
· A liability waiver must be signed.
· Personal "for profit" work is prohibited.
· All work supplies for personal projects must be furnished by the user.
· The City will not be liable for loss and/or damage.
· The maximum number of users shall not exceed the capacity of available equipment and space.
· The supervisor shall govern the scheduling of work through the shop.
· Cleaning equipment and supplies are provided for the equipment. It is the responsibility of each user to clean equipment, floors, etc., return equipment and supplies to proper storage and to report damage and/or need for repairs.
· In the event of an accident or injury, a report must be made to a supervisor and to the Senior Center Manager and Director of Community Services.
· A larger contribution is expected for major projects.
How Do I Get Started?
Contact the Senior Center Manager at 835-6565.
She will provide you with a waiver and answer any general questions you might have.
The Senior Center Manager will contact one of the Woodshop Supervisors who will contact you directly.
Monday -Fridays during regular working hours when City Hall is open. Please schedule work times with a Woodshop Supervisor.
Do you have something that needs to be repaired?
Perhaps our woodshop fellows can help...
· Our craftsman have wonderful skills and abilities with wood.
· If you have a piece of furniture that is broken, they may be able to repair it for you.
· Donations for repairs are very appreciated and help fund the woodshop- to purchase supplies and equipment.