All Around the Center

Transcription

1 February 2017 All Around the Center News - Events - Activities - Classes - Schedules - Services Friendship Day and Mardi Gras Friday, February 10, 12:30 p.m. Each year the Center hosts an event to celebrate the bonds of friendship that surround us. Many of us have made new friends or strengthened existing friendships through participating in classes, clubs, trips, activities, and programs. During the month of February, the carnival season in New Orleans, known as Mardi Gras, is in full swing with music, parades, and parties. So we chose it as our theme for this year s celebration. Lively musical entertainment will be provided by the band Guava Jelly - a vocal, guitar, and conga drum ensemble. We will distribute colorful masks and beads to spice up the celebration. Light refreshments will be served. Black History Month Displays Black History Month is an annual celebration to honor prominent African Americans of the past as well as present day leaders and others who have made significant contributions to the nation and world. This month we are displaying items from Barack Obama s presidency that includes Inauguration Ceremony programs and State of the Union addresses. President Obama once said, Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. We would like to pay tribute to his legacy and to others who have influenced our lives. We invite you to peruse this meaningful display in the east wing of the Center. 44 th Presidential Display: Monday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presidents Day Display: Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Center member and a recent retiree from a 28-year career at the White House, Lottie Graham will share her personal collection of memorabilia from Barack Obama s presidency on February 13. In recognition of Presidents Day, she will also display photographs, cards, and mementos from Presidents Reagan through George W. Bush. Spreading the Joy of Music Friday, February 3, 12:30 p.m. Healing Strings Studio utilizes live music to bring comfort and joy to the community. Featuring violinist Alexander Strachan from Bowie, the audience will hear classic songs such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz and Edelweiss from the Sound of Music. Everyone is welcome to sing along or close their eyes and rest while the music resonates in the environment. Healing Strings Studio is privileged to partner with the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts by Bringing Color to the Classics to the senior community. You are invited to enjoy the music of this gifted musician. The Center will be closed Monday, February 20, for Presidents Day.

2 Computer Education Program The Center s computer classes offered in February include Computers 2, Windows 10, and Mobile Devices (both Apple and Android). Schedules are available at the front desk and online through the Center s website. Signup for March classes begins February 1. A free computer lab is held every Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Instructors may be able to help you with your PC laptop and answer questions or you may just practice. They may also be able to help you decide which type of computer or mobile device you may want to consider purchasing. Assessment interviews are also available at this time to determine the appropriate class for your skill level. Other activities hosted by the Center include the Bowie Seniors Computer Club which meets every first and third Thursday of the month at 12:30 p.m. and the Apple Computer Club which meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Senior Tech Tips - Recognizing Spam Spam is one of those everyday annoyances that we often just learn to live with. Most of the time your spam filter will catch them and throw them into your junk mail folder. Often, it will not. When you receive an unsolicited and aren t sure if it is spam or not, open it and look at the address line. The from address should be a recognizable person or company name with a valid server extension, such Spam addresses may look something like <iiweaquibxxtralax@daxyfotks.info>. When you receive something like this, you will likely want to Block sender. So, why do you keep getting spam from them after they have been blocked? The answer is that spammers change one letter in the address every day so your block no longer works. Pretty smart on their part but maddening to us. Be diligent when opening any suspected . Do not click on any links lest you get infected by malware. SAGE: Continuing Education Classes Spring semester begins the week of February 13. SAGE (Seasoned Adults Growing Educationally) classes are designed to help keep both mind and body active and engaged. Our creative, competent, and caring faculty enrich your classroom experience, and the camaraderie of like-minded peers is both stimulating and supportive. The Center is fortunate to partner with Prince George s Community College in offering a variety of over 70 classes that are held at our facility each week. Students may choose classes in languages, exercise, history, writing, literature, music, art, healthy living, and more. In addition to registering for your favorite classes, consider trying something new. Complete registration information and class descriptions are available in the Center s front lobby. There is a one-time-per-trimester registration fee of $75 for Maryland residents age 60 and over. This is payable by check to PGCC or a major credit card. Students are responsible for purchasing their own class supplies. There are three ways to register: in person at the college, by mail, or online through the Owl Link which is the preferred method. The least reliable method for getting your class preferences is using the mail due to the delay in processing. There will be a How-to-Register workshop in the April/May time frame to help with registering for summer trimester classes. 2 City of Bowie Senior Center

3 Armchair Tour - Canada, Part II Wednesday, February 22, 12:30 p.m. This tour visits historical and cultural sites along the St. Lawrence River from Quebec to the Gaspe Peninsula in New Brunswick, the Cabot Trail, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Join host Frank Evans for this tour of Eastern Canada. Nature Walk Wednesday, February 1, 10:00 a.m. Join member Cecelia Reddy for a nature walk. Meet new friends and get some exercise. Listen for the birds and try to identify their calls. Check out the evergreens and the squirrels. The group will leave from the Center's dining room and follow a path around the grounds of the Center. You may want to bring binoculars. There is no need to sign up ahead of time. In the case of inclement weather, the walk will be canceled. Artist of the Month - Janna D. Zuber The first mediums that Janna worked with were oils and watercolors. Over time, her work has expanded to include acrylic, collage, pastels, or whatever media gives the painting the life she is trying to put into the work. Her passion for paint, color, collage, line, and music is evident in her work. For your enjoyment, her display will be on exhibit through February. Book Club Thursday, February 16, 10:00 a.m. Please join us at our February Book Club meeting for a discussion of the novel Hidden Figures (now a major motion picture) written by Margot Lee Shetterly. Mr. Paul Pumphrey, who is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, will be our guest speaker. There will also be a display of Airmen memorabilia. There will be a potluck affair following the meeting. The proposed schedule: March 16 - The Rosie Project/The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion April 20 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows May 18 - All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr June 15 - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Computer Classes - Spreadsheets for Home and Office Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 7-30, 1:00-2:30 p.m. This class provides an introduction to the basics of spreadsheet development using Microsoft Excel Excel is a very powerful spreadsheet application that can be used by a novice, as well as a professional, to produce simple lists, calculations, charts, or extensively complex multi-sheet workbooks for accounting, engineering, database management, etc. Lessons include developing spreadsheets, working with workbooks, entering data, formatting cells, working with formulas, developing and editing charts, and print formatting. Comprehension is enhanced through the extensive use of exercises putting into practice the lessons covered. February

4 AARP Smart Driver Course Monday, January 30, or February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The AARP Smart Driver program offers a one-day classroom refresher course designed for motorists age 50 and older. Upon course completion, each participant will receive a certificate that can be presented to their insurance company for a possible reduced rate. There is a $15 fee for AARP members and a $20 fee for non-aarp members. Make your check payable to AARP and include your AARP member number on the check. Please register at the front desk. Lunch is on your own. Support Groups for Widowed Persons Thursdays, February 16 to March 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Thursdays, April 6 to May 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m. The groups offer emotional support and practical advice for widowed men or women to help them adapt to their new circumstances. For more information and to register for the scheduled sessions, call or Support group sessions are sponsored by the Patuxent Widowed Persons Service. Intergenerational Opportunity Monday, February 6 and 13, 10:45 a.m. 11:45 a.m. For over 17 years, members of the Center have participated in a program with students from Tall Oaks Vocational High School. During the school year, the students visit the Center twice a month and partner with a senior adult to do creative art projects and share conversation. The goal is to engage in a meaningful intergenerational experience that will have a positive impact. Will you consider becoming involved? Fun Sudoku Workshops Wednesday February 15, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Are you curious about the popular number puzzle Sudoku? If you can count to nine, you are on your way to mastering this game. The basics will be covered and we will explore some strategies for more challenging puzzles. Bring a puzzle that you are stuck on - maybe we can help you on your next step. Don t forget your pencils...and erasers. 4 City of Bowie Senior Center

5 Special Groups The Center invites you to join a group or club with people who share your interests. This is a great way to meet new friends. Just drop by. Group and Club Meetings Advisory Board First Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Apple Computer Club Second and fourth Friday 10:00-11:30 a.m. Bonsai Club Third Wednesday (Next meeting in March) 2:00-4:00 p.m. Book Club Third Thursday 10:00-11:00 a.m. Chess Club Monday except the first Monday of the month 10:00 a.m. - noon Magic Club First and third Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Seniors Computer Club First and third Thursday 12:30-2:15 p.m. Writers Group Tuesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bid Whist Tuesday Thursday Games 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Billiards Daily Center hours Bridge (sign up) Tuesday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Duplicate Bridge (sign up) Friday 12:30-4:00 p.m. Mahjong Thursday 1:00 p.m. Pinochle Monday and Thursday 12:30 p.m. Scrabble Table Tennis Wednesday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1:00 p.m. noon noon - 4:30 p.m. 3:15-5:00 p.m. 3:00-4:30 p.m. 3:00-4:30 p.m. 3:00-4:30 p.m. Table Shuffleboard Daily Center hours February

6 Classes and Activities Monday Tuesday Wednesday 9:30 Language of Film 9:30 Mobile Devices (F/V) 10:00 German/Int. 10:00 Tai Chi 10:00 Jewelry Making/Beg. 10:00 Ceramics/Int. 10:00 Chess Club 12:00 Computers 2 12:00 Table Tennis 12:15 Aquatic Exercise (at Sport Fit) 12:30 Stained Glass/Int./Adv. 12:30 Pinochle 12:30 German/Beg. II 12:30 Tap Dance 12:30 Meditation 1:00 Mahjong 2:00 Traditional Drawing II Int./Adv. 2:30 Zumba Gold (F) Monday Specials Tall Oaks - Intergenerational February 6 and 13, 10:45 a.m. Snack Bingo February 27, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday Special Fireside Chat February 14, 11:00 a.m. 9:00 Bio-Fitness (F) 9:00 Studio Fine Art 9:00 Spanish I 9:00 Class Piano 9:30 Knitting and Crocheting/ Int./Adv. 9:30 Writers Group (V) 9:30 Writing Memoirs 9:30 Autobiography Writing 10:00 Pickle Ball (City Gym) 10:00 Studio Fine Art 10:00 Current Issues 10:00 Bid Whist 10:00 Computers, Mobile Devices 10:30 Walk Aerobics/Strength (V) 11:00 Music Appreciation, Song Repertory 11:00 Spanish II 11:30 Knitting and Crocheting/ Adv. 12:00 Autobiography Writing 12:30 American History 12:30 Printmaking 1:00 Bridge Club 1:00 Knitting/Beg. 1:00 Class Piano 1:00 Line Dancing 1:30 Spanish/Int. 2:30 Quilting/Beg. 3:15 Table Tennis 6:00 Zumba Gold (F) 6 8:50 Chair Yoga 9:00 French I 9:00 Stained Glass/Beg./Int. 9:30 Guitar/Beg 10:00 Ancient Cultures of South America 10:00 The World of Impressionists 10:00 Sign Language/Beg. 10:00 Painting I (Watercolor)/ Beg. - Adv. 10:30 Chair Yoga 11:00 French II 12:15 Aquatic Exercise (at Sport Fit) 12:30 Watercolor II/Beg. - Adv. 1:00 Chair Fitness (V) 1:00 Scrabble 1:00 Tai Chi 1:30 French/Int. 2:00 Estate Planning 3:00 Table Tennis Wednesday Specials Nature Walk February 1, 10:00 a.m. Computer Help February 1, 8, 15 and 22; 1:00 p.m. Sudoku February 15, 12:30 p.m. Armchair Tour February 22, 12:30 p.m. City of Bowie Senior Center

7 Room assignments are posted daily in the lobby. Thursday Friday Saturday 9:00 Bio Fitness (F) 10:00 Pickle Ball (City Gym) 10:00 Bid Whist 10:00 History: Adventures in Biography 10:00 Yoga/Int./Adv. 10:00 Advanced Watercolor 10:00 German Level I/Beg. 10:00 History: The Industrial Revolution 10:00 Computers, Mobile Devices 12:00 Pilates 12:30 Pinochle 12:30 Social Bingo 1:00 Mahjong 2:00 Rare Rossini 3:00 Table Tennis 2:30 Chorale 3:00 Ballroom Dance 5:30 Walk Aerobics Thursday Specials Birthday Celebration February 16, 12:30 p.m. Book Club February 16, 10:00 a.m. Social Bingo February 16, 10:00 a.m. 9:00 Walk Aerobics and Strength (V) 9:30 Drawing I/Beg. 10:00 Yoga/Beg. 10:00 Spanish Basic 10:00 Everyday Italian 10:00 Ceramics/Beg. - Int. 10:00 Quilting/Int. 10:00 Tai Chi/Int. 10:00 Healthy Lifestyles (V) 12:00 Computers 2 12:30 Quilting/Int. CC) 12:30 Bridge Club (Duplicate) 12:30 Modern Painting-Acrylic and other Media 1:00 Chinese Exercise 2:30 Modern Painting-Acrylic and other Media 3:00 Table Tennis Friday Specials Violin Performance February 3, 12:30 p.m. Friendship Day and Mardi Gras February 10, 12:30 p.m. Piano Lounge February 17 and 24, 12:30 p.m. 8:30 Yoga/Adv. 10:15 Yoga/Beg. 10:30 Parkinson s Exercise (V) Prince George s Community College (PGCC) SAGE (Seasoned Adults Growing Educationally) Continuing Education Classes offered at the Center The SAGE calendar consists of three trimesters - fall, spring, and summer. The Spring trimester begins the week of February 13 and ends May 26. Maryland residents age 60 or older may register for as many non-conflicting courses as desired and pay one $75 registration fee to PGCC. Seniors age 55 to 59 may contact the Center or PGCC for fee information. Activities Legend CC - PGCC SAGE classes F - Fee V - Volunteer or Staff F/V - Fee/Volunteer February S M T W T F S February

8 Trips and Transportation Center Trip Information and Weather Policy Chartered bus trips depart from and return to the Kenhill Center, 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie. Park in the side lot only. Non-chartered bus trips depart from and return to the Bowie Senior Center. Please visit to find information on upcoming trips. Click Trips and scroll down to the calendar. Click on the name of the trip for more details. City of Bowie Bus Trips - If Prince George s County schools cancel classes or call for a twohour delay, the trip is canceled. Efforts will be made to reschedule the trip. Venue refunds are not guaranteed if the trip cannot be rescheduled. Charter Bus Trips - Assume that the trip will go. Members who have signed up for the trip will be notified only if the bus company or venue cancels the trip. No refunds will be given unless provided by the venue. February 1 Lunch Bunch at Rip s* 7 Arundel Mills 13 National African American Museum (full) 16 MGM Casino (full) 24 Gospel Tribute at Publick Playhouse (full) April 5 Lunch Bunch at Golden Corral, Largo 7 Ragtime at Ford s Theater - Lunch at Carmine s 11 Arundel Mills Other trips TBD *Must complete menu selections City of Bowie Transportation and Shuttle Services Special shuttle services are available through the Center on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Signup at the front desk is necessary. The fare is 50 cents each time you board the bus. Anyone with a valid Center membership card may use the service. Destinations are: Monday - Bowie Plaza Tuesday and Wednesday - Loop to Kohl s, Target, Walmart, and Pointer Ridge Shopping Center March 1 Lunch Bunch at Lambert s* 8 Harrington Slots 14 Philadelphia Flower Show 24 Riversdale Museum (full)* 29 Bowling in Crofton Wednesday only - Hilltop Plaza, Bowie Marketplace, and Free State Mall Friday - Loop through Bowie Town Center All shuttles depart from the Center at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. and return to the Center upon completion of each loop. There is a final RETURN-ONLY loop to each destination that leaves the Center at noon. 8 City of Bowie Senior Center

9 Wellness Bowie Senior Center Fitness Room Rules Mark Shields, Wellness Coordinator One of the best things we can do for our health and quality of life is exercise. The Center has a fully equipped exercise room with weight and cardio machines. If you are not sure where to start, see me so we can begin the process. Below is a friendly reminder of some of the rules and procedures for using the fitness rooms. All users must sign a liability waiver form and go through a scheduled orientation in order to obtain a fitness pass. A fitness room pass is required to be worn where it is visible to the staff at all times. Proper attire is required. Tennis shoes or athletic shoes with proper tread are required. Loose fitting clothing is recommended. Jeans with metal grommets/tabs are not allowed as they can rip the machine pads. Please respect our 30-minute limit on all cardio machines. Everyone must sign in to use these machines regardless if there is a wait. Please do not sit on the equipment and socialize. Use the machine and move on so that others can finish their workout. Running on treadmills is discouraged as safety is our number one concern. Please be advised that, if the wellness coordinator deems it unsafe for an individual to run, they will need to alter their workout accordingly. The wellness coordinator can help advise. Use of the tethered safety clips is strongly advised to prevent injury. Cleaning supplies are provided for members to help keep the equipment clean and sanitized. Gym wipes are not reusable so please be thrifty with their use. Please take phone conversations out into the hallway. We ve added a new radio system that is voice activated. Please do not change the station. Ask for assistance if needed. When in doubt, please remember that safety and courtesy are key above all else. Free Movement Screenings with a Physical Therapist Thursday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. - noon Do you have a new injury or pain that has been bothering you? Have you had one for a while and just haven t made an appointment with a medical professional? The Center is now offering free monthly injury screenings in a partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Aquatic and Physical Therapy group. Set your appointment today at the front desk before slots fill up. This is a convenient way to get a better idea as to what is going on with those aches and pains. BioFitness Aerobics Class Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 a.m. This fun and low-impact exercise program is choreographed to music. The 60-minute cardio class is designed specifically for seniors. Classes will begin the week of March 14 and continue for eight weeks. The two-day-a-week class cost is $38 for residents and $45 for nonresidents. A one-day-a-week class is also available for $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. February

10 Information Services Information & Referral Services Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Center offers assistance to seniors in the community by providing information and referrals in areas such as health care, finance, family issues, housing options, and many others. Come to the Center or call for an appointment. Printed resources are also available. This year-round outreach service is available to help equip seniors and their families with vital information that they need to live the life they choose. Each month a different informative presentation is given at the Center through the Fireside Chat program. Fireside Chat: Visit from the Prince George s County Sheriff s Office Tuesday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. On Valentine s Day, we will have a conversation with the Prince George s County Sheriff s Office about enhancing the quality of life through safety tips. Seniors will partner with sheriff s office personnel and build strong, lasting relationships. During the winter season, seniors may not be able to get out during inclement weather. There are tools in place that will allow seniors to be safe in their homes. The Prince George s County Sheriff s Office loves the senior community. Stay Informed with Alert Bowie The Alert Bowie system provides accurate, up-to-the-minute emergency notifications and informational messages from the City of Bowie wherever you may be and however you want to receive them, i.e., , phone, text, etc. To read about the system and sign up, visit Inclement Weather Policy When Prince George s County schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Center s scheduled activities (including SAGE classes, transportation services, and the nutrition program) are canceled for the day. However, the facility may be open for unscheduled activities. Before coming, call to check. When schools open two hours late, transportation services and the nutrition program are canceled for the day. In addition, all morning classes and activities scheduled before 11:00 a.m. are canceled. A one-hour delay does not effect transportation services, the nutrition program, classes, or activities. If public schools close two hours early because of impending inclement weather, all classes and scheduled activities after 2:00 p.m. are canceled. 10 City of Bowie Senior Center

11 Special Interest Groups Parkinson s Exercise Saturday 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hearing-Impaired Seniors Thursday, February 2 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Diabetic Support Monday, February 6 10:30-11:45 a.m. Stroke Support Wednesday, February 8 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fireside Chat Tuesday, February 14 11:00 a.m. Caregiver Support Tuesday, February 14 10:00-11:00 a.m. Memory Café Wednesday, February 15 2:00-4:00 p.m. NAMI Saturday, February 18 9:30-11:00 a.m. Parkinson s Support Monday, February 27 10:00 a.m. - noon Blood Pressure Checks A volunteer nurse will be available for blood pressure checks on: Thursday, February 2, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 10:00-11;00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Movement Screenings (New - See page 9) Thursday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. - noon Red Cross Community Blood Drive Saturdays, February 11 and March 11 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. To make an appointment, please call February

12 Senior Services Manager Kathy White Assistant Manager Laurel Raymond Wellness Coordinator Mark Shields Information & Referral Specialist Gloria Gaddy Program Assistants Marchette Alexander, Michaeline Gandolph, Judith Lorenz, and Trish McCants Bowie Senior Center Health Center Dr., Bowie, MD Mission Statement The mission of the Bowie Senior Center is to serve, support, and enhance the lives of individuals 55 years and older by providing programs and services that promote active, independent, and healthy lifestyles. The Center is open to all independent adults 55 years and older. There is no membership fee. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For information about current programs or day-trip schedules, stop by the Center for the monthly newsletter and trip list, visit our web site at or call Staff Receptionists Monica Leonard, and Belinda Press Maintenance Ray Esguerra Senior Nutrition Aide Diane Clemons Transportation Sue O Toole Bus Drivers John Bannan, Robert Caldwell, Venard Gray, Howard Haithcock, Gary Harash, Dean Moore, John Scanlon, Henry Schneider, Darryl Stafford, and Gerald Tucker Advisory Board The purpose of the board is to advise and assist the Senior Services Manager in promoting the Center and its services to Bowie seniors. We encourage you to get to know our board members: Herb Briscoe, Sid Cousins, David Dasenbrock, Lottie Graham, Attrue Johnson, Faye Miner, Eunice Romano, Paula Williams, and Steve Williams. Transportation Services The City of Bowie offers curb-to-curb transportation within the city limits for Bowie seniors and adults with disabilities. This service is available on a priority basis for medical appointments, shopping, Center activities, senior clubs, and other trips. A lift-equipped bus is available for those in need. When making an appointment, please let the staff know if a liftequipped bus is needed. A 50-cent fare each way is requested. To make an appointment, please call Free notary service is available for seniors by appointment. Please call Nutrition Program Meals are served at the Center Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. They are provided through the Prince George s County Department of Family Services, Aging Services Division, Senior Nutrition Program. The county pays $5.75 per meal. Diners are asked to donate as much as they can. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance. Cancellations should be made as soon as possible. Please call Alternative versions of this newsletter are available upon request. 12 City of Bowie Senior Center