Redding Heritage Center
June 2024 Classes & Events
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Highstead Arboretum Tour:
Mountain Laurel Blooms
Wednesday, June 5th, 11:00 am
Join us for a leisurely walk at Highstead Arboretum. It’s an ideal time to visit when the mountain laurel wildflowers are in bloom. Its grounds hold some of the most diverse mix of mountain laurel nationwide! Our expert guide and Highstead’s Executive Director, Geordie Elkins, will lead an educational walk for just over a half mile, enough to touch upon the oak-laurel forest. It’s a great opportunity to learn from Geordie and discover a corner of Redding that you may have been curious about.
There are moderate hills and some unimproved natural surfaces. We will finish on the patio where you are welcome to bring lunch. There is no-cost but limited spots. Please RSVP with Michelle mstillman@townofreddingct.org.
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Meditation and
Yoga Nidra
through zoom
Meditation will meet on Wednesdays, June 12th and 26th at 12:00 noon. Dev Patel’s meditations have been about 40 minutes. He usually does about 3 exercises, sampling different styles. Email Margherita, mpilato@townofreddingct.org, to get on the list for reminders. There is no charge. You can also sign in here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83676319575?pwd=NlB0SVNOSzJlYStUcFhHRnFHYjhidz09
Meeting ID: 836 7631 9575
Passcode: 552287
Yoga Nidra has been a very effective way to help reset our nervous system, gain energy and have a deep sleep. Deby Goldenberg will run a session on Tuesday, June 18th at 4:00 pm. The first class is free, the subsequent classes are $5. Please email Margherita to join in: mpilato@townofreddingct.org
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Ways of Listening:
The Magic of Schubert
Tuesday, July 16th, 1:00 pm
After our community voraciously enjoyed David Stein’s Mozart presentations, we encouraged him to create another. His presentations have expanded our capacity to hear music on a deeper level, appreciating its beauty and meanings. How does it work? What does it say? Why is it so great and so beloved?
Austrian born Franz Schubert created a vast selection of works including seven symphonies, operas and more than 600 secular vocal works. He most famously composed “Ave Maria” as well the art songs "Erlkönig" and "Gretchen am Spinnrade."
Melody is the great gift of Schubert's music: in this pure art of musical creation he is unequal by anyone before or since. But he was also the master of the art song, and in this medium he goes far beyond beautiful melodies. A Schubert song is focused on the deepest, truest communication of its text, combining voice and piano in a unity of expression that can inspire rapturous joy or break your heart – or both. For this reason Franz Liszt called him “the most poetic musician who ever lived.” In a one-hour presentation we will look deeply into a few of his greatest songs, each a brief expressive masterpiece, to hear and understand what makes them so beautiful and so moving. No prior experience or knowledge of music is necessary.
David Stein studied music history and music theory at Columbia University, music therapy at New York University and piano performance at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was awarded the Conservatory Prize in performance of modern music. He has been playing and studying Mozart for over 50 years.
Please RSVP with Michelle mstillman@townofreddingct.org or call 938-9725.
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Women’s History: an Interactive Workshop
Thursday, July 25th, 1:00 pm
This unique and lively program is a celebration of some of history’s most amazing women. Come to test your knowledge, learn and build your own history book. Newtown’s Sticker Book Publishing will run the workshop where there will be trivia, reading, reminiscing, history, problem-solving and hands-on fun. Women discussed may include Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Estee Lauder and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. All attendees get to take home their own book.
RSVP with Michelle: mstillman@townofreddingct.org, 203-9389725
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Summer Breaks
for Classes
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Moving & Grooving will take the month of June off and restart on Friday, July 12th with a new class name: Cardio Dance. Class participants get into the upbeat music while Sensei June gets their heart rate up. They do light weights as well, making for a complete workout where they enjoy each other’s company and have fun.
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Drawing Basics and Sketch, Paint, Create will take a break for July and August and resume in September.
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Spanish will take a break in July.
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Italian ends in person on June 10th. There will be a one month Zoom class July 22nd – August 12th for continuing students.
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Town Holiday: Juneteenth
The Town of Redding now recognizes Juneteenth as a holiday. The Heritage Center will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th.
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Technology Help?
Connecticut’s Department of Aging & Disability Services is offering all those age 60+ personal technology help. A personal assistant will guide you through using your digital tablet (iPad), computer or smart phone according to your needs. The program is implemented in conjunction with The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. A professional will come to your home or can meet you here at the Heritage Center to answer questions and set up your technology according to your needs. Please contact Margherita to help set up an appointment: 938-9725 or email mpilato@townofreddingct.org.
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From GoodEnding: Preventing Falls
By Douglas Renfield-Miller
I participate in two medical research studies seeking to identify signs and biomarkers that may be early indicators of aging problems. The studies periodically ask about falling: have I fallen recently, almost fallen, or felt unsteady on my feet? Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults in the U.S. And as we age, we are not only at greater risk of falling, our more brittle bones increase the risk of serious injury if we fall. Fortunately, there are things we can do to keep our bones strong and reduce the risk of falling.
Osteoporosis weakens bones such that they break easily. Unfortunately, many only learn they have osteoporosis after a bone breaks; it pays to be proactive. If you are concerned about falling, you should talk to your doctor. She/he may recommend a bone density scan (often covered by Medicare - click here for details). You can learn more about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for osteoporosis from the National Institute on Aging by clicking here.
There also are things you can do to prevent falls, including:
- Reviewing medications,
- Lifestyle changes, and
- Reducing hazards where you live and when walking.
Medications such as pills for anxiety and depression, sleeping pills, pain medications, and antipsychotics can increase risk of falling. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these medications and are concerned about falling.
Regular physical activity to improve strength, balance, and flexibility greatly reduces the risk of falling. We are fortunate that the Heritage Center offers a class focused on fall prevention, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance. Other fitness class offerings include Tai Chi, Flex & Flow and Essentrics which help reduce your risk of falling. Learn more at the Heritage Center webpage or by contacting Margherita Pilato (203-938-9725 or mpilato@townofreddingct.org)
Measures one can take to make a home safer include:
- Removing hazards such as clutter,
- Removing area rugs that pose trip hazards and/or using non-slip mats,
- Installing handrails in bathrooms - especially in bathtubs and showers,
- Improving lighting, especially in hallways and on stairs,
- Always holding the handrail when going up or down stairs; even better, move to one floor,
- Wearing appropriate, non-slip footwear.
For more about fall prevention, Mt. Sinai offers an excellent article and video you can access here.
Finally, to quote Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” (Women too.) Having turned 70, I’ve grudgingly accepted that my capabilities are diminishing. I’ve seen loved ones hesitate to make changes and/or resist using a cane or Rollator until after they’ve fallen. However, I’ve also seen their lives improve once they adjust. My 100-year-old father used to leave others in the dust using his Rollator.
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Class Fees for June
The following monthly fees can be paid in person or by credit card through our website’s PayPal link. https://townofreddingct.org/government/services/heritage-senior-center/ Indicate in the comment which classes you are paying for. Newcomers: please note that most classes and programs are drop-in. However, if we do not have enough enrollment, that class or program might have to be cancelled. The Heritage Center is closed Wednesday, June 19th for the Juneteenth holiday.
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Weekly Class Schedule for June
Please call (203) 938-9725 to register. Note that some classes (designated with *) may have reached full capacity.
Call to join their waitlist.
The Center is closed on
Wednesday, June 19th for Juneteenth.
Mondays
9:00 am Beginner Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei June Fagan
10:00 am Flex & Flow
10:30 – 12:30 pm AM Clay*
11:30 am Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
12:00 pm Beginner Pickleball
12:45 – 2:00 pm Continuing Beginner Italian (ends June 10)
2:00 – 3:00 pm Intermediate Italian (ends June 10)
2:00 pm Playing with Clay*
3:00 – 4:00 pm Beginner Italian (ends June 10)
Tuesdays
9:00 am Fitness to Fit You
10:00 am Intermediate Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei June Fagan
11:00 am Tai Ji Quan Continued
12:30 – 3:30 pm Bridge
1:00 – 2:30 pm Drawing Basics
2:30 pm Intermediate Ukulele
4:00 pm Beginner Ukulele
4:00 pm Yoga Nidra (June 18)
Wednesdays No classes on June 19th
8:30 am Barre
9:30 am Gentle Yoga
10:00 am Discussion Group (Current Events)
10:00 – 12:00 pm Sketch, Paint, Create
10:45 am Flex & Flow
12:00 pm Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (no class 6/26)
1:00 – 2:00 pm Italian Conversation
1:00 – 3:00 pm Mah Jongg
4:00 – 5:00 pm French Conversation
Thursdays
9:30 am Fitness to Fit You
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Quilting Group
10:00 am Intermediate Spanish
10:45 am Tai Chi with Deby Goldenberg
11:00 am Beginner Spanish
12:30 – 3:30 pm Bridge
1:00 – 3:00 pm Canasta
Fridays
9:00 am Essentrics
11:00 am Tai Ji Quan Continued (no class 6/28)
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Today's Palliative & Hospice Care: It's Not What You Think!
Wednesday, June 5th, at 6:30 pm, Wilton Library:
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Join a dynamic, interactive panel discussion exploring how Palliative and Hospice Care can enrich and elevate the quality of life for anyone facing serious illness. Register & See Details
Panelists include:
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Robin Bennett Kanarek, a registered nurse, a palliative care advocate and author of Living Well with a Serious Illness: A Guide to Palliative Care for Mind, Body, and Spirit.
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Laura Taets, a licensed clinical social worker with board certification in Palliative and Hospice care. Laura is also a therapist specializing in illness, care giving, grief and loss; and as a palliative specialist supporting individuals and families with issues such as advance care planning and health care decision making.
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Mary Morrissey-Ross, PhD, RN, CHPN, a nurse with experience in hospice and palliative care.
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Dr. Steph Paulmeno, RN, a Registered Nurse, Gerontologist and licensed nursing home administrator, certified in Case Management, Public Health, and Dementia Care.
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Michael LaMagna, LNHA, MPA, J.D., an attorney and client advocate with a focus on Advanced Asset Protection Planning, Trusts and Estates, Elder Law, Probate and Estate Litigation, Guardianships, Health Care Regulatory Matters, and Special Needs Law.
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Dr. Linda Mitchell, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist in Greenwich.
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Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas
at Redding League of Women Voters Annual Meeting
Monday, June 17th at 11:30 am at Meadow Ridge
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas is featured as a special guest. Among topics of discussion include the 2024 election and early voting. There is a $36 cost for lunch. RSVP by June 10th to: kim.orielly@gmail.com
| June 2024 at Redding’s Heritage Center | |
Angelica Fontanez
Director of
Social Services
203-938-3580
Click here to email Angelica
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Margherita Pilato
Senior Program Coordinator
203-938-9725
Click here to email Margherita
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Michelle Stillman Administrative
Assistant
203-938-9725
Click here to email Michelle
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Above all, stay safe, be well! | | | | |