Programs for Seniors

Bedazzling Boutique
The Bedazzling Boutique – Tuesday mornings in the Y lobby – sells an ever-changing selection of new and vintage items donated by senior center supporters. Classic crystal, Judaica, paintings, designer (and some not) pocketbooks, silk scarves, serving dishes, costume jewelry, and a rainbow assortment of hand-knit baby clothes.
Please stop by to donate, to buy, or just to chat with our wonderful volunteers.
For more information on these programs, call Vicki Matalon at 718-548-8200, ext. 224.

Laughter Yoga
Research-certified laughter is the best medicine to combat disease, relieve mental stress, and strengthen the immune system. When integrated with yoga, laughter becomes a great fitness regime. A sense of humor is not required, but wear comfortable clothes.
Experience this stress-busting delight with “Laughter Ambassador” Francine Shore. In addition to being a laughter yoga coach, Francine founded NYC’s first laughter yoga club, grabbagiraffe, and is an advocate of the health and wellness of a laughter lifestyle. Held once-a-month.

Stay-well…Stay Fit….Stay-well Fitness Start the Day with a Burst of Energy!
Start the day right. Every morning at 9:15 am trained senior center members conduct a 45-minute Staywell fitness class suitable for most fitness levels. Let us know if you are interested in being trained as a fitness volunteer.

Art classes with Daniel Hauben
Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am Under the gentle tutelage of our resident artist, Daniel Hauben, experienced painters and those who have always wanted to open up to art but never had the time, create impressive work. Challenge yourself!
The Thursday class is a portrait workshop.
On Tuesdays the group focuses on still-life and other subjects. Our well-equipped art studio overlooking the Hudson River is always buzzing with creative energy.
Bronx-born and bred, Daniel Hauben – self-proclaimed “product of the urban environment” —is a landscape painterwho draws inspiration from his home turf. He studied at the Museum School in Boston, MA and received a B.A. from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He believes creativity and exploration are more important than sticking with any one style, and as a result his work ranges from abstract works to extremely detailed representational pieces, from oils on canvas to public art works in faceted glass. Hauben works in mediums including oil paint, textural oil relief, chalk, pastel, etchings, bronze, cast paper, plaster, and glass.

Creative Writing/Memoir Workshop
Join our creative writing/memoir workshop. Under the guidance of published author Helen Weiss Pincus you will tap into and develop the story of your life using a unique building block method focusing on steps along the way. Your work will, if you wish, be posted on the Dora and Harry Simon Senior Centercreative writing blog on the internet. Your friends and family members anywhere in the world will be able to view your work. The class meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am.

Theater Games, Improv, and Play Reading Workshop
Join in a fun-filled hour of theater games, improv exercises and a chance to read your own work. Beginners and experienced actors are welcome to join our theatrical exploration. Bring you creativity, a sense of play, and a willingness to say yes! If you like, please bring something you have written. (limit 15-20 participants) The class meets every other Thursday.
Call Vicki Matalon, 718/ 548-8200, ext. 224, for more information.

Class instructor Yoni Oppenheim received his B.F.A. in Drama from NYU –Tisch School of the Arts/Playwrights Horizons Theater School, and his M. Phil in Ibsen Studies from the University of Oslo. He is a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab. Yoni is a contributing artist to Teater NOR’s production Knut er død – the Hamsun anniversary 2008-10 which has been performed in Norway. His latest collaboration, The Consistency of Flour, was recently presented as a work in progress at the JCC of Manhattan. Yoni has directed Oleanna, The Love of Don Perlimplin for Belisa in the Garden, Swan Song, Crito, Na’im (The Lover), Joseph, and has devised original works.

Mondays with Jacob
Every Monday, join an engaging group Bible discussion from 9:30am -10:15am. Come early, sign up for our delicious lunch and at 10:30am join the group Climbing Jacobs Ladder, an inspirational and thought-provoking lecture series on spirituality. After lunch, at 1pm, Jacob opens up a round-table discussion group — Jacobs Schmooze — where new members and old meet and learn from each one another. Programs are led by Jacob Weiland, MSW.

Bridge
Supervised 4-hand play for all levels.
Learn, Play, Enjoy!!
A short, well explained lesson and supervised long playing time…for each session, conducted by Mr. Alvin Lisle, a certified, highly experienced teacher for all levels of Bridge.
Advanced Beginner
6 Thursdays, 10am - noon

Intermediate
6 Thursdays, 1-3pm
$65 Members/$85 Non-members

Please register early. Mr. Lisle prepares special hands for each session
to register click here...

Session I - 9/10 - 10-15
Session II - 10/22 - 12/3, no class on 11/26.
Session III - 12/10 - 1/28, no class 12/24, 12/31.

Tennis and Yoga
The City Parks Foundation, in cooperation with The Simon Senior Center, offers tennis and yoga in Van Cortlandt Park. Classes run usually from mid- September to November. Classes meet twice weekly and are one hour.
This program is free to Simon Center members. Contact Toby, ext. 223 for specific dates.
Participants will be provided with rackets, balls, and yoga mats. Bring yourself and your enthusiasm!

The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program
is designed to improve and maintain the physical and mental health of Oxford Medicare Advantagesm, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield members and Green Ribbon Health Plan. It reflects sensitivity to senior needs and abilities, promotes social interaction, and encourages participation in healthy lifestyle activities. Members receive

• SilverSneakers® fitness classes at the Y

• A fitness facility membership

• Services of a Senior Advisor at the Y

• Social activities and health education

Any Medicare-eligible individual who has been identified as a member of Oxford Medicare Advantagesm, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, or Green Ribbon Health Plan is eligible to enroll.
Call Lisa Bruskin, ext. 241, for SilverSneakers® enrollment information.

Cafe EuropaHolocaust Survivor Group
Are you a Holocaust survivor or victim of nazi displacement? Would you like to get together with others in your community? We welcome you to the new Café Europa Holocaust Survivor Club, which will meet regularly, beginning this fall. Designed by this community to offer information,seminars, social programs, access to a social worker, and resources related to Holocaust survivors. The program is sponsored by Simon Senior Center, and funded by the Claims Conference through a special grant. Refreshments will be served! We look forward to hearing your voice.
For more information or to share information, feel free to contact Marc Alan Minick, Ph.D. at the Y, (718) 548-8200, ext. 235.

AFA’s National Memory Screening Day
November 18
The Y will offer free, confidential memory screenings for individuals concerned about memory problems. Education about Alzheimer’s disease and successful aging will be provided. These screenings are not a diagnosis, but are an important first step toward detection and treatment. RSVP by calling Marc Minick at ext. 235.