All & Prospective Members Event

New to Encore? A cherished long-time member? Or maybe you have a friend who's curious about joining? This is the perfect opportunity! Bring your friends to meet the Encore Board and explore all our groups have to offer. Catch up with old friends, welcome new faces and experience the warm camaraderie of Encore. This year, we will be gathering on Wednesday, September 23rd at the Waveny House!

Luncheons

Three seasonal luncheons are planned each year in an area restaurant or country club. The first is a Fall Welcome Back affair, after the hiatus of summer. The second is after the holidays to help get us through the dark days of winter. The third is an exciting Spring Fashion Show, where we hold our annual meeting to vote on the Board slate. It is typically held at a country club, which features our own members modeling clothes from one of our local merchants.

Evening Parties

All members are invited to our three Evening Parties held throughout the year at various venues. The Welcome Back Party in the Fall kicks things off. December brings the annual Holiday party, a very festive event and highlight of the season.  Members gather again in early June to cap off the year. Spouses and significant others are welcome. 

Encore On the Go! 

Join us for monthly adventures (except July) as we explore unique destinations. Some of our outings have included trips to renowned gardens, places of interest, historic sites, museums, theaters and dancing. These are one-off events so you can choose the ones that interest you the most. Want to get involved? We are always looking for fresh ideas! If you are interested in planning an outing, have a suggestion, or want to learn more, please reach out to Diane Pruner or Tina Stimpson.

Health and Wellness

Join us! We gather once a month to explore various aspects of healthy living through shared knowledge, engaging discussions, and personal experiences. Our goal is to empower members by increasing awareness and providing avenues for positive change in your health and wellness journeys. Please contact Rose Bauersfeld. 

Two Encore Local Theatre Groups

Meet-up with Encore friends to attend a variety of local live theater performances.  Shows will be selected from among those being put-on by the Town Players of New Canaan, The Curtain Call Theater in Stamford, The Ridgefield Playhouse, ACT, and the Theater Barn in Ridgefield, the Music Theater of Connecticut in Norwalk, and The Wilton Playhouse.  Optional dining meet-ups before or after the shows (depending on performance times) will also be offered.  For events at the Town Players of New Canaan, contact Liz Orteig. For other local theater outings, contact Barbara McKay.

Two Movie Critics Groups

Enjoy great films and even better conversations with fellow Encore members. Whether you prefer an evening social gathering or a daytime discussion, Encore offers two related movie discussion groups featuring the same two films each month.

Critics’ Corner – If you enjoy going to the movies and love an opportunity to discuss the movie with other movie enthusiasts, you should consider joining Critics’ Corner. After socializing over appetizers and drinks, we discuss and rate the two movies (which you already viewed on your own). The event is hosted at a member’s house and attendees bring either an appetizer or dessert to share. Spouses/guests are welcome! Please email Lorraine Jacobi with any questions.

Matinee Movies - Matinee Movies is a spin-off of Critics’ Corner, created to accommodate its success and frequent waitlist. A daytime alternative to this popular event. This group discusses the same two films as Critics’ Corner and meets one week later on the first Wednesday of each month at the Lapham Lapham Community Center. Please email Toni Tucker with any questions.

Encore Book Group

Encore Book Group meets once a month at Lapham Community Center. 

There is always a lively discussion so please email Anne Sutcliffe  if you would like to join us.

Encore Bridge Group

Created for social bridge players of at an intermediate level to have fun practicing and improving their skills while enjoying the company of other ladies who are there to do the same thing. We are a fun-loving group and welcome players to become members of a set group or as substitutes. We play on the second Wednesday of the month, September through May, at Lapham Community Center. If you would like to join us, please email Simin Zendehrouh.

Bunco

Come, join the fun and learn the easy, social dice game "Bunco".  No experience necessary!  Bunco events are held monthly at a member's home, except August and December. Participants bring an appetizer, dessert or bottle of wine to share. If you are interested in hosting a Bunco event or have questions, please contact Mary Liz Lewis.

Canasta

The Encore Canasta group meets weekly on Thursdays at Lapham Community Center. You must already know how to play to attend. The first twenty people who respond to the TeamReach invitation will have a seat at a table. The next four will be substitutes. If you would like to be added to the list, please email Geri Rhoades.

Mahjong

Join fellow Encore members in Mahjong, a tile game that originated in China in the 1900s. Rising in popularity, New Canaan is one of the hottest playing spots in the area. All levels welcome. The Encore Mahjong group meets weekly on Wednesdays at Lapham Community Center. We will organize tables by ability. All levels welcomed. If you would like to be added to the list, please email Geri Rhoades.

EATS (The Eating and Tasting Society)  

EATS is a cooking group of 30 ladies who take turns preparing lunch 9 times a year. The group is divided into three teams, the Cinnamon Tarts, the Spice Girls and the Chili Peppers. Each team gets together every three months, to plan and prepare a lunch for all the EATS members. Recipes are emailed to members and discussed at the luncheon.  EATS take place on the second Thursday of each month (except December, July and August) at Lapham Community Center.  If you would like to join the group, find out more, or come as a guest, please email Vikktoria Cooper.

Healthy Nuts Supper Club

Meet couples and spend an interesting evening while chatting, wining, dining, dancing, playing games or whatever makes people happy.  The caveat is that the food that is served should be “healthy”.  Each couple must share what are the health benefits of what they cooked or how they made the dish healthy by using substitutes etc.  The idea is to have fun while sharing ways and benefits of healthy eating. Hence the name, HEALTHY NUTS!  If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Meera Kapur. 

 

Two Hiking Groups

Stay active, explore outdoors, choose your pace and enjoy the company of fellow Encore members.  Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through nature or a brisk, heart-pumping workout, Encore Club offers two hiking options to suit your style. 

                                     

Leisurely Hiking with Liz

Nourish your inner being and connect with nature! Let’s get out in the woods and breathe some fresh air. We go to nature preserves and wild areas that are usually no more than 30 minutes away and hike the trails for about 4 miles and spend 2-3 hours hiking. Then we reward ourselves with a tasty lunch in a nearby restaurant. Any questions, please email Liz Orteig.

Fast-Paced Hikes with Peggy’s Trail Trekkers

Fast paced and more challenging hikes. Join Peggy and her Trail Trekkers for a brisk-paced hike that will raise your heart rate and test your agility. Expect hills and rocky terrain. We usually cover a few miles on local trails within 30 minutes of New Canaan.  Sometimes we go further away to do more challenging hikes and higher elevation; it will be posted if hike will be further away. Waterproof hiking shoes are strongly recommended.  Be sure to bring water and tick spray for these invigorating adventures. Any questions, please email Peggy deMayo 

Let's Walk!

Let’s lace up your athletic shoes, get outside and enjoy a 2-3 miles walk together. Walking is a great way to socialize, stay active, and boost your mood.  Walks are planned from April to mid-November (weather permitting). If you would like to lead a walk, please reach out. I’m sure many will be happy to join you! Any questions, please email Shean-Mei Sheu. 

Intermediate Pickleball

Join us for the fastest growing racquet sport that is fun for all ages! We play weekly on Wednesday mornings year round, weather permitting. Play is at Mead Park pickleball courts and we use the TeamReach for signups. Pickleball Permits (seniors $80, adults $140) must be purchased by you at the New Canaan Recreation Department prior to play, or you can pay $15 guest fee at the hut each time. If interested, please email Mary Liz Lewis.

Friendly Tennis

Encore's Summer Tennis is for members who are intermediate/advanced tennis players interested in  playing social tennis. We play Monday through Thursday, weather permitting, May through October at Mead Park Courts. Play will usually be  9am to 10:30 am, depending on schedules (SignUp Genius is used). Tennis Permits (seniors $80, adults $140) must be purchased by you at the New Canaan Recreation Department prior to play, or you can pay $15 guest fee to the tennis hut each time. Please contact Carolyn Prazenka to be added to the weekly scheduling list.

Summer Concerts 

Summer Concerts every Wednesday 7:30pm - 9:30pm during the summer. The town of New Canaan provides free, open-air music concerts on the lawn and patio behind Waveny House. The concerts feature a variety of musical groups. All of the concerts are open to Concert rain dates are the next day (Thursday). This is an informal gathering where we meet and have a potluck. There will be an Encore sign to welcome everyone and a table for food. Members bring their own chairs, a dish to share, provide their own beverage and enjoy the evening. Friends, spouses and guests are welcome!