New Beginnings Program Descriptions & Schedule

 

 Note: New Beginnings will be closed December 25 and will close at 1:00 pm on December 24 and December 31.

Updates: Manicures are on hiatus. There will be no Meditation Group through Jan 24th. The December Jewelry Sale has been postponed.

 

 

Chair Aerobics with Stuart

Tuesdays, December 3rd, December 17th, and December 31st, at 9:00 AM

 

Wednesdays, December 4th and 18th, at 10:45 AM 

Women’s Group with Lucy

 

Thursday, December 5th, at 10:00 AM and Friday, December 6th, at 10:00 AM

Sound-Art Installation: This Breathing House

This Breathing House, an interactive sound installation commissioned by the New York State Council on the Arts, immerses visitors in the reflective voices of our senior community. Facilitator Emily Erekson will ask each participant the following questions: “Did you get what you wanted from this life?” followed by “What did you want?” The responses to these questions will reveal a spectrum of experiences—from war-torn childhoods to lives of comfort and ease. This project invites visitors to journey through a soundscape of these voices and to add their own, engaging with themes of resilience, gratitude, and unexpected turns along the way. What can we learn from those near the end of a long life? How might their wisdom shape the way we live our own life? This is a two-day installation. 

 

Thursdays at 10:00 AM

Watercolor Painting (FULL)

For registered participants.

 

Thursday, December 5th, at 1:00 PM 

Book Club (Hybrid – FULL)

For registered participants.

 

 

Friday, December 6th, at 10:00 AM 

Nutrition Lecture/Demo: Pumpkin White Bean Hummus 

In this session, participants will learn how to create a unique and nutritious twist on traditional hummus, combining the creamy richness of cannellini beans with the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin puree. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this hummus is perfect for autumn gatherings or a healthy snack. Join us to explore the benefits of these wholesome ingredients and discover how easy it is to whip up this delicious dip. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to make a versatile, flavorful hummus that pairs beautifully with sliced apples or whole-grain pita chips.This lecture is facilitated by Samantha Podob MS, RD, CDN.

 

Monday, December 9th, at 10:00 AM

Lecture: “Ukulele Ike: Singer, Actor and the Voice of Jiminy Cricket”

Historian and Musician Phillip delves into the life of Clifton Edwards, nicknamed “Ukulele Ike,” who was an American musician and actor. He enjoyed considerable popularity in the 1920s and early 1930s. He had a number one hit with “Singin’ in the Rain” in 1929. He also did voices for cartoons later in his career, and he is best known as the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Walt Disney‘s Pinocchio.

 

Mondays, beginning December 9th, at 10:00 AM

Oil Painting with Daniel Hauben (FULL)

For registered participants only.  Y class sponsored in part by a generous donor.

 

Tuesday, December 10th, at 11:30 AM 

Happy December Birthday!  Entertainment at 1:15 PM

Enjoy a special lunch and stay for entertainment and dancing with Mesha on Keyboards. Tickets are a suggested contribution of $3.50 in advance or $4.50 the day of the event.  Please be sure to purchase yours early to secure a seat.  

 

Wednesday, December 11th, at 12:30 PM 

Teal Room Kids’ Bake Sale

Special treats prepared by students in the Y’s Early Childhood Center will be on sale after lunch.  Come support our budding little bakers!

 

 

Friday, December 13th, at 10:00 AM 

Nutrition Lecture: 10 Foods for Health 

All too often, seemingly healthy snacks are secretly loaded with sugar, saturated fat, and carbohydrates. In this lecture, we will talk about the best 10 foods for health. We’ll discuss what to look for in olive oils and animal products and learn how to avoid ultra-high processed food and added sugars. Led by Registered Dietitian, Tamar Elkin, MS, RDN, CDN. 

 

Wednesday, December 18th, at 10:00 AM

Workshop: How to Avoid Senior Scams

Scammers often target older people because of their perceived vulnerability. This informative workshop will teach you about different types of scams, their warning signs, and how to put safeguards into place to avoid getting scammed. Don’t become the next victim! Facilitated by John Kim from Senior Services of North America (SSNA).

 

Wednesday, December 18th, at 10:00 AM

Shopping Trip: Ridge Hill Mall

The van leaves the Y at 10:30 am and returns at 2:30 pm. The $10 fee includes round-trip transportation and a bagged lunch. Sign up with Grethel by Monday, December 16th, 2024. Please arrive at the Center 15 minutes prior to departure. Registration opens Monday, December 2nd, 2024. 

 

Wednesday, December 18th, at 1:30 PM

Mobile Food Pantry 

Pick up food from The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty’s Mobile Food Pantry.  To register, please contact Shira Silverman at (718) 548-8200 ext 250 or via email at ssilverman@riverdaley.org You will be asked to sign an attestation for income eligibility each time you pick up food from the pantry. If you’re already registered, you can simply show up.

 

Thursday, December 19th, at 11:30 AM 

Hanukkah Luncheon/Concert at 1:15 PM

Join us for a traditional Hanukkah meal prepared by our talented Kitchen Manager, Nekiya Edwards, and her staff.  Afterwards, Concert Violinist Dr. David Podles will lovingly showcase Sephardic, Ashkenazi and Israeli Jewish music, popular Jewish hits and Hebrew pieces in this heartfelt and exciting trip through Jewish musical history in Europe and Israel. Tickets for the Hanukkah Luncheon are a suggested contribution of $5.00 in advance and $7.00 the day of the event. Please buy yours in advance to ensure a seat.

 

Friday, December 20th, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Intergenerational Discussion

Join us for an intergenerational discussion with students from Winston Prep. Young minds are eager to connect with you, exploring the joy of the holidays and sharing stories that bridge generations. After the discussion, the students are invited to have lunch with us, allowing us to continue to explore each other’s experiences and strengthen new friendships. To register for this event, please contact Alexandra at (718) 548-8200 ext 233 or via email at anyashina@riverdaley.org. 

 

Friday, December 20th, at 10:00 AM 

Shopping Trip: Walmart

FULL. This trip is full due to popular demand and there is a waiting list. We will add more Walmart trips if there is enough interest. The van leaves the Y at 10:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm. $15 includes round-trip transportation and a bagged lunch. Please arrive at the Center 15 minutes prior to departure.

 

Friday, December 27th, at 11:30 AM

New Year’s Luncheon Party and Entertainment 

Celebrate New Year’s with a wonderful meal prepared by our talented Kitchen Manager, Nekiya Edwards, and her staff!  After lunch, join us for a great performance by Manny. Tickets for the New Year’s Luncheon are a suggested contribution of $5.00 in advance and $7.00 the day of the event. Please buy yours in advance to ensure a seat.

 

 

TECH CLASS 

Wednesdays at 9:00 AM

Bring your mobile device and hone your tech skills. This month’s topics are:  

December 4th | Phone Calendar

Learn how to use your phone’s calendar to receive reminders of birthdays and appointments, etc.

December 11th | Amazon

How to shop effectively on Amazon.

December 18th | Zoom Basics 

Learn how to use zoom to participate in video classes and to stay connected with friends and family. Learn how to join a meeting, mute, unmute and turn on and off your video. Learn how to use the chat feature.

*For App classes, please make sure to have that App downloaded before class.*

 

 

 

THIS MONTH’S MOVIE PICKS  

December 6th | The Painted Veil (2006) A love story set in the 1920s of a young English couple, Walter (Edward Norton) and Kitty (Naomi Watts), who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where she falls in love with someone else. 2h 5m. Rated PG-13

December 13th | Because I Said So (2007) A meddling mother (Diane Keaton) tries to set her daughter (Mandy Moore) up with the right man so her kid won’t follow in her footsteps. 1h 42m Rated PG-13

December 20th | The Holiday (2006) Amanda (Cameron Diaz) lives in LA and is a movie trailer editor. Iris (Kate Winslet) lives in Surrey and is a journalist. The two decide to swap houses for two weeks at Christmas – both trying to forget their troubled love lives, until love finds them anyways. 2h 16 m Rated PG-13 

 

 

Group Chat with Karl Custer

Mental Health Discussion Topics

Monday, December 2nd, at 10:45 am | Open Group Chat: “Mindfulness: The Breath and the…Tongue?” 

Mindfulness is the skill to sit with difficulty by replacing judgment with curiosity. Join JASA’s Clinical Social Worker, Karl, for the guided 3-minute exercise to reset our mental health, how to handle our impulsive thoughts, and how we will be “raising our own experiences.”

 

Monday, December 9th, at 10:45 am | Open Group Chat: 

“I am. I can. I will: Our Core Beliefs” 

Clinician will distribute worksheets leading us toward our individual core beliefs, and the suggestive power of self-affirmation. So yes, you are able to grow. Yes, you can and change, yes, you will see yourself in a whole new light.”

 

 

Group Chat With Social Work Interns, Nava and Melissa

Note: There will be no Group Chats on December 23 or 30.

Monday, December 2nd, at 1:00 PM 

“Open-Mindedness” 

In this week’s group, we’ll discuss the importance of creating an environment filled with curiosity, empathy, and open-minded exploration. We encourage diverse perspectives, thoughtful dialogue, and the willingness to challenge assumptions in a respectful and supportive space. Join us in expanding our understanding of those different from us and understanding why it is important to view things from different viewpoints.

Monday, December 9th, at 1:00 PM 

“Managing Stress” 

Join the Riverdale Y’s Social Work Interns to talk about how to manage stress. We’ll provide practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. Through a guided discussion, we’ll explore ways to reduce stress, build resilience, and promote well-being. 

Monday, December 16th, at 1:00 PM 

“How to Set Achievable and Meaningful Goals for the New Year” 

We’ll discuss the process of setting realistic, meaningful goals and provide the support and accountability you need to stay on track. This group will empower you to take actionable steps toward your future success.

SAVE THE DATE 

1. We will facilitate an Estate Planning Workshop on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:00am. 

2. We will facilitate a 2nd Funeral Planning Workshop in January, date is TBD.  

3. We will host another AARP Safe Driver Course on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 from 9:00am-3:30pm. 30 minute lunch not included in class time and (2) 10-minute breaks included in class time. Participants must attend the entire class in order to be eligible for a driver insurance discount. You will need to register for this course with Grethel and pay the fee at the time of registration. Payment needs to be either Check or Money Order made out to AARP ($25 for AARP Member and $30 for Non-AARP Member). Deadline for registration will be on Monday, January 6th, 2025 and there will be a limited number of spaces. First come, first served.

4. TRIP: Philadelphia:  Flower Show, Terminal Market & More  

We are planning a full-day trip to Philadelphia in March 2025. The highlight of the trip will be a visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show, where you will witness the beauty and power flowers have to transform, inspire, delight, and connect us to one another.

Be on the lookout for a complete itinerary and sign up in January. 

 

 

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. MEDITATION: There will be no Meditation through Friday, January 24th, 2025. 

2. Singing Through the Seasons: Do you love children and love to sing? This is an opportunity to sing, dance and play instruments with four-year-olds from the Y’s Early Childhood Center.  You will learn new songs, celebrate the holidays together, and enjoy each other’s company.  Smiles and laughter are guaranteed. Please contact Renee Bock, the Early Childhood Director at 347-913-4445 and rbock@riverdaley.org Spots are limited to 10 and are on a first come, first served basis. This will usually take place every other week on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Due to schedule changes, December dates will be Dec 5 and 12.

3. Jacob’s Schmooze: The dates in December are Monday, December 2nd,  Monday, December 16th, and Monday, December 30th.

New Beginnings February Fundraiser

Rocking & Rolling Through the Ages

Buffet Lunch and Dance Party!

Sunday, February 2, 2025 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Early Bird Registration:  December 15, 2024 – January 15, 2025 – $60 per person

After January 15, 2025:   Price increases to $65 per person

Last Day for Tickets will be January 27, 2025

Attire: Get Decked out with Clothes from Your Favorite Decade

This event is planned by members of New Beginnings to raise money to supplement programs and support  our Older Adult Center.    

 

 

Riverdale Neighborhood House Holiday Party!

Wednesday, December 11, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

20 guests from the Riverdale Y are invited to a holiday party at the Riverdale Neighborhood House! Sign up with Grethel. First come, first served.

Refreshments will be provided and there will be a Musical Performance by Horace Mann Outreach Musicians followed by a holiday-related activity.

Organized by: The RNH Intergenerational Advisory Council