Senior Scene
Announcements of items of interest for the Senior Scene may be emailed to editors@timesherald. com. Information should be sent as text (no fliers or PDFs, please) at least two weeks prior to the event. Please include “Senior Scene” in the subject line.
VETERANS SOCIAL GROUP
Calling all local Veterans! Are you looking to get together with other Veterans to have some great discussions? Join The Birches at Arbour Square Personal Care & Memory Care for a free monthly Veterans’ Social Group at the community. This group meets at The Birches, located at 691 Main St., Harleysville. Join this monthly social group for Veterans and meet other area Veterans to discuss a variety of topics including history, personal experiences, current events, and more! Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Gary Kozick, will facilitate this social group. He has experience working in home care, assisted living, personal care and skilled nursing facilities. He is the sole proprietor of Gary Kozick Elder Care Solutions, L.L.C. This event is free and open to Veterans; however, space is limited. RSVP requested by Feb. 2. For more information or to RSVP, please call 215-5413700.
GRAEME PARK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Graeme Park, an historic site and National Historic Landmark in Horsham, Montgomery County, is seeking volunteers interested in colonial history to assist with school tours. Duties include giving tours of the historic Keith House to groups of children & their chaperones, leading children in colonial games, quill writing, and other handson activities or crafts, and specialized demonstrations such as hearth cooking. Children are generally 2nd7th grade with the majority being 4th & 5th graders. Volunteers will be provided with training. Most tours occur during school hours September-November and April-June and the schedule is flexible. Please contact us at gpschooltours@gmail. com if you are interested in learning more about volunteering at Graeme Park.
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Foster Grandparent Program of Montgomery County is in need of dedicated senior volunteers to enhance the lives of children throughout Montgomery County. Volunteer Foster Grandparents must be 55 years of age or older and be willing to work a minimum of 15 hours per week. Volunteers receive a small tax-free stipend, free transportation, paid training and an annual physical exam. For information on the Foster Grandparent Program, call 610-630-0201.
ARBOUR SQUARE INDEPENDENT LIVING
Seniors, enhance your balance and strength with some Tai Chi exercises at Arbour Square, 695 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438. Arbour Square Independent Living is pleased to invite seniors to free Tai Chi classes, every Friday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is an exercise that was originally developed for self-defense. It has since evolved into a form of exercise, used for stress reduction, balance, and strength through gentle, flowing movements. Daryl Bryant, from Ho’s Academy of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, will be leading this free, weekly Tai Chi class to help seniors remain healthy. After class, take a tour of the community and see what makes the Arbour Square campus so great! This event is free and open to the public; however, RSVPs are appreciated. Please RSVP by calling 215513-4250. Art Class for Seniors: Seniors, enhance your artistic abilities with Arbour Square! Arbour Square Independent Living is pleased to invite seniors to free Art Class, every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at 1 p.m. Seniors, pick up a new hobby or enhance an existing one when you join the residents at Arbour Square for a Watercolor 101 class. Local artist Louisa Wismer will be guiding attendees through the class. After class, take a tour of the community and see what makes the Arbour Square campus so great! This event is free and open to the public; however, RSVPs are appreciated. Please RSVP by calling 215-5134250.
AMBLER SENIOR ACTIVITIES CENTER
45 Forest Ave., Ambler, presents a variety of activities daily, including fun and fitness, table games, cards, yoga, ballroom dancing, piano lessons, woodcarving, billiards, computers, knitting and crocheting, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch served at noon. Wii games 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Call if you can offer an hour a day, weekly or monthly. New aerobic dance class for those over 50 is being offered 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Free once, then members pay $2. Individuals can support the Ambler SAAC by designating their United Way gift to its donor number, 00108. Information: 215-619-8863. The center is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. For more information, call the Penn State Extension office in Montgomery County at 610-489-4315.
BOOMER UNIVERSITY
45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Boomer U at Ambler SAAC provides a welcoming place where baby boomers and the boomer-minded can discover a variety of resources to volunteer, pursue civic engagement, re-career and find employment, as well as engage in lifelong learning, embark on healthy lifestyles and enjoy social connections in a community for all ages.
BRIDGEPORT SENIOR CITIZENS
Bridgeport Senior Citizens meet at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), 340 Jefferson St., Swedesburg. Activities include Bingo, card-playing, horse racing, and occasional speakers on timely subjects. Light refreshments available. Casino trips run monthly. New members welcome. Casino trip information: 610-2752517. Other: 610-272-1253.
BRIGHTVIEW SENIOR LIVING
Brightview Senior Living and its parent company, The Shelter Group, successfully create and manage innovative, award-winning senior living communities in the mid-Atlantic to New England region. For more information on Brightview Senior Living, please visit www.brightviewseniorliving. com
ENCORE EXPERIENCES AT HARLEYSVILLE
Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services (GHNPSS) operates both Encore Experiences in Harleysville and The PEAK Center in Lansdale. The mission of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services is to provide access to programs and resources that help older adults live independently and remain active. Both centers offer health and wellness, a meal program, social service assistance, enrichment events and more. Visit their website at www. encoreexperiences. org to learn more. Encore Experiences in Harleysville, 312 Alumni Avenue, Harleysville, PA 19438, 215256-6900.
GENERATIONS OF INDIAN VALLEY HOMETOWNERS SENIORS OF WEST CONSHOHOCKEN LOWER PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER SENIOR CITIZENS MEALS ON WHEELS
Friday. We are a non-profit organization serving Upper Merion for over 40 years. We are also always in need of volunteers to pack or deliver meals on a weekly, monthly, or substitute basis. Volunteers are needed from 9:15-10:45 or 10:45-12:15. You can contact us at 610265-7051, email MealsonWheels.UM@gmail.com or at NeighborhoodMealsOnWheels.com.
MONTCO SAAC
Located at 536 George Street, Norristown, SAAC is open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center needs drivers for the Meals on Wheels program to assist homebound elderly. Volunteers can help out from once a month to once a week. THRIFT SHOP is open 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. DANCE CLASS is held every Monday at 10:30 a.m. EXERCISE WITH MEG for every Monday, and Wednesday, at 1 p.m. FEELING CRAFTY? Then join our crafty crew, at Montco SAAC at 12:15 p.m., when we will be making handmade soap. Cost is $2.00 to cover materials. Information: 610-275-1960.
MONTCO SENIOR CONCERT CHOIR
Practices are every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at United Church of Christ (corners of West Marshall & Noble streets) in Norristown. This is a volunteer choral group who have been providing concerts for local organizations for over 40 years If interested, please contact our President, Bill Gildea at 610-631-9134, or our Director, Tedd Didden at 215-646-0294 for more details. Our only requirement is that you are 55 years of age, or older. Join in the fun singing a large variety of upbeat music to appreciative audiences. All voice parts are welcome!
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (NARFE)
Chapter 372 holds its regularly scheduled luncheon meetings the first Wednesday of every month 1 p.m. at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, 2912 Swede Road, East Norriton. Information: 610-3822752.
NORRISTOWN MEN’S RETIRED BOWLING LEAGUE
Bowling league for ages 55 and over is looking for bowlers. All are welcome regardless of bowling average. The league meets to bowl every Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. If interested, call Pete Crescitelli at 610-630-6165.
PEAK CENTER
Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services (GHNPSS) operates both The PEAK Center in Lansdale and Encore Experiences in Harleysville. The mission of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services is to provide access to programs and resources that help older adults live independently and remain active. Both centers offer health and wellness, a meal program, social service assistance, enrichment events and more. Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services (GHNPSS) operates both Encore Experiences in Harleysville and The PEAK Center in Lansdale. The mission of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services is to provide access to programs and resources that help older adults live independently and remain active. Both centers offer a place of comfort, fellowship and care to the seniors in our community. For more information on our programs contact: Encore Experiences in Harleysville, www.encoreexperiences.org, 215-256-6900 or The PEAK Center, www.peakcenter.org, 215-362-7432.
PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Presentation BINGO will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays during the winter. Doors open at 5 p.m. with food available for purchase and the games begin at 6:45. Admission is $10 for boards, $15 for paper. Please join us at Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1564 Allentown Road, Lansdale. Call 215-362-9599.
RSVP OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
(Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) offers free, confidential Medicare sessions throughout the area. For information, call 610-4891555 or 610-834-1040, ext. 20. RSVP promotes volunteer service among area senior residents, age 55 and older seeking ways to be active and fulfilled by giving to their communities.
ST. MARY’S GOLDEN AGE CLUB
The club meets Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church hall, West Elm and Oak streets, Conshohocken. At 9 a.m., card games; 10 a.m., snacks; 11 a.m., lunch; noon to 2:30 p.m., Bingo. Membership is $10/year, $2 donation weekly includes snacks and lunch. Casino trip, second Tuesday of every month. Any interested person over 55 is welcome. Contact Pat Monastero 610-279-4882 or Joe Koza 610-825-4596.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SENIORS
The members meet at the parish’s former convent on Buttonwood Street, the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Bingo, refreshments, speakers and bus trips are offered. Newcomers are welcome.
UPPER MERION SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
431 W. Valley Forge RD. (in the new community center), King of Prussia, 610-2654715 - WEBSITE: www. umssc.org. General meeting Wednesday March 14 at 10 am. Our monthly meeting is open to all members. Learn what is going on at the senior center. We hope you will join us to celebrate march birthdays with some cake, a 50⁄50 raffle and a birthday raffle to win a hoagie from Angelo’s Pizza. Following the general meeting we will have a presentation by Rose Hykel, tax collector and a presentation by Brightview Senior Living with Angel Companions. Friday Flicks (open to UMSSC mem-
bers only): Friday march 16 - Sicilian Delight Pizza ($3.00) at 11:30 am - movie (free) starts at 12:15 pm this month: “The Last Hurrah” starring Spencer Tracy. Must sign up (and/or pay for pizza) at info desk by Thursday, March 15. Thrift shop event (formerly flea room) opens for donations: starting Monday, March 19 we will be accepting donations to sell for the benfit of the senior center. Acceptable donations are children’s books (no adult books), small appliances and electronics (in
working order), knicknacks, decorations, etc. Not acceptable clothing, junk and broken or non-working items. March excursion trip: Thursday, March 22 travel by bus to the Fonthill Castle & Moravian Tile Works. cost $55.00 includes bus and admission (lunch is extra). Limited to 21passengers. Payment due at time of sign-up deadeline Monday March 9 or until sold out. BAND PRACTICE & INSTRUCTION: Tuesdays from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. The UMSSC Band practices under the direction of professional musician, Ed Hickman. Open invitation to anyone age 55 or over interested in playing with a group
(must become a member of the senior center). Stop in any Tuesday afternoon to listen or to join the band. BINGO: Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Cash prizes! CANASTA: Wednesdays at 12:30. Coordinator: Lynn Boroch. Beginner players will be welcome for instruction by Lynn (Wednesday). Notify the office to coordinate. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK: Second and fourth Thursday of the month from 10:15 am to 12:45 pm. BOOK TALK: 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. Coordinator: Patricia Ackah. COMPUTER CLUB: Tuesdays 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Coordinators: Herman Natanblut and Howard Lurie. Meetings are open to all members, all
ability levels. The Computer Club will be glad to answer any technical questions members have. CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP: Mondays at 10:30 AM in the Lounge. Coordinators: Joan Shaw and Paul Buce. The group continues to meet. As usual there are more than enough topics to fill the hour and a half. The group has continued to grow, but there’s always enough room for one more. FUN & FITNESS (formerly Chair Exercise): Tuesdays at 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM and Thursdays from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM. $3.00 per class. KNITTING & CROCHETING: Tuesdays at 1 PM. Coordinator: Patricia Ackah. Instruction provided. Handmade
items are for sale and all proceeds benefit the Center. MAH-JONGG: Mondays at 9:30 AM. Coordinator: Lynne Boroch. All level players are welcome, even beginners! Come in and learn to play this very popular game. PINOCHLE LADIES AND GENTS: Tuesdays at 12:30 AM and Fridays at 9:30 AM in the Game Room. They welcome more players. QUILTING: Fourth Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Instructor: Ethel Hutchinson. All levels welcome! SING-A-LONG: Fridays at 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Coordinators: Theresa M. Smith and Dot Morio; Pianist: Ed Wenger. Come in and enjoy singing some old favorites together. TAI CHI:
jolenee@rsvpmc.org. Taste!: Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund will hold its 11th annual Taste! event presented by ASTM and benefiting the Dolan Fund March 22 at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell. Fox 29’s Sue Serio will serve as celebrity judge. Participants can savor offerings from more than 30 area restaurant and beverage vendors. Proceeds provide relief to families caring for sick and disabled children through small grants to pay for essential needs not covered by insurance. Tickets are just $55 per person and can be purchased at dolanfund.org. Meet the Funders: RSVP will host a workshop for nonprofits wanting to learn more about the decision process of getting their proposals funded. The workshop will take place April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Hyatt House, 240 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia. Representatives from local foundations and corporations will make presentations followed by a Q&A session and breakout session. To register, contact Jolene Ewing at 610-834-1040 ext. 111 Wednesdays at 12:00-12:45 PM. Video Instruction good for beginners, intermediate or advanced. WEDNESDAY CARD PLAYERS: Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. An informal, friendly gathering of members- some play cards some play bingo. Everyone has fun! YOGA: Mondays at 1:30 PM. Video Instruction good for beginners, intermediate or advanced.
WEST NORRITON SILVER CIRCLE
Silver Circle meets third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Jefferson Golf Club from now until June. Dues are $5 a year, $2 monthly membership and $3 for guests. For information contact Florence Bruno at 267-226-0873. or email jolenee@rsvpmc.org. Marketing — A Recipe for Survival: RSVP will host a workshop on how to develop a successful marketing plan May 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, with networking at 9:30 a.m., at the RSVP office, 901 E. 8th Ave., Suite 200, King of Prussia. To register, contact Jolene Ewing at 610-834-1040 ext. 111 or email jolenee@rsvpmc. org.
Education
Blue Bell School of Dance: 921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215634-1101 or www.amoretango. com.