Mayor Makes Decision on Jazzercise Classes

Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. issued an executive decision Monday in the long-running dispute over Jazzercise classes at the Ledyard Senior Center.

He said the program can stay.

And he further called on all parties to stop fighting over the classes and move on. “It’s got to stop, and I don’t mean the program,” he said.

Allyn presented his decision Monday to Parks and Recreation Director Don Grise and Senior Center Director Carol Geiler. He said he had been directed by members of the Town Council to resolve the matter.

“I was told by Councilor Sean Sullivan that the mayor has inherent authority over town property,” said Allyn, who has been trying to meet with Grise and Geiler for weeks. “We tried to meet before Irene, then we scheduled a meeting on the week of the storm, but felt there were more pressing matters that needed our attention.”

He presented his decision to the two directors at Monday’s meeting. “It’s way past time to make a decision on this,” he said.

In his letter, Allyn said efforts should be made to continue the Jazzercise program even after the agreement between the center and instructor Lisa Mazzaro expires in the spring.

The mayor noted other Parks and Recreation programs that are offered at the Senior Center, including yoga, Zumba and belly dancing. He said the public has a right to use town-owned building after hours, so long as the use does not conflict with general rules set forth by the Permanent Commission for Senior Citizens.

“There are already some such programs in place that seem to be functioning without issues,” he said.

The Jazzercize classes drew fire last spring when members threw an impromptu anniversary celebration for Mazzaro, who had just completed her first full year at the Senior Center. Photos of the Saturday morning celebration, at which champagne was served, found their way onto Facebook, where they soon were fueling the anti-Jazzercise camp.

The Permanent Commission for Senior Citizens, which administers the Senior Center building, initially sought to terminate the Jazzercise classes. But Mazzaro, who has a contract with Parks and Recreation, received an outpouring of support from residents and town officials alike.

Members of her class, many of whom are seniors, have been especially supportive. Yet, opponents continued to grumble, with complaints ranging from the champagne celebration to sneaker marks left on the floor after the aerobic workouts. 

“We have to get along,” said Allyn, adding that he hopes this will be the end of the dispute.