New Beginnings Program Descriptions & Schedule

NEW & NOTEWORTHY IN JANUARY 

In addition to our regularly scheduled events, be sure to check out these special additions!

 

 Note: The Jan 16 Jewelry Sale has been moved to Jan 23.

 

Thursday, January 2 at 10:00 am

Annual Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting

Join us for the Annual Bronx Borough President’s Hanukkah Celebration in the Riverdale Y theater. We will have the menorah lighting and musical performances by students from Kinneret Day School followed by light refreshments. This event is hosted in partnership with the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and our local elected officials.

 

Thursday, January 2nd and 30th, at 1:00 PM 

Book Club (Hybrid – FULL)

For registered participants.

 

Women’s Group with Lucy

Wednesdays, January 8th and 22nd, at 10:45 AM 

 

Wednesday, January 8th, at 1:00 PM 

General Membership Meeting

POSTPONED

 

 Thursday, January 9th, at 10:00 AM

Workshop: Senior Scams: Learn about different types of scams and how to avoid becoming a victim

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 Senior Services of North America. This workshop will be facilitated by John Kim from Senior Services of North America (SSNA). 

 

Thursdays, January 9th and 23rd, at 11:00 AM

Singing with Seniors 

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. Smiles and laughter are guaranteed. Please contact Renee Bock, the Early Childhood Director at 347-913-4445 and rbock@riverdaley.org. 

 

Friday, January 10th, at 10:00 AM 

Nutrition Lecture: New Year, Healthier You: Avoiding Fad Diets & Building Sustainable Habits

In this session, participants will learn how to avoid fad diets that rely on extreme restrictions, eating miracle foods, and diets that rarely work in the long run. This lecture is facilitated by Samantha Podob MS, RD, CDN.

 

Monday, January 13th, at 10:45 AM 

Pooled Income Trusts and Medicaid Savings Program 

Join JASA’s Clinical Social Worker, Karl, and Special Guest, Jose Vives from JASA Care, to learn about Pooled Income Trusts and Medicaid Savings Program. You are invited to learn about ways to expand insurance coverage, cut back on medication bills, and limit stress and anxiety through accessing support and understanding your healthcare options.

 

Monday, January 13th, at 1:00pm

The Riverdale Quartet

Join us as the Riverdale Quartet plays a New Year Concert. Join Oboist Mary Watt, flautist Peter Schultz, Clarinetist Monte Morgenstern, and Bassoonist Shotaro Mori as they take us on A Musical Trip Around the World. 

 

Tuesday, January 14th, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

AARP Safe Driver Course

THIS PROGRAM IS FULL.

 

Wednesday, January 15th, 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, January 16th, at 10:00 AM 

Shopping Trip to Walmart

The van leaves the Y at 10:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm. $15 includes round-trip transportation and a bagged lunch. Sign up with Grethel by Tuesday, January 14th. Please arrive at the Center 15 minutes prior to departure. Registration opens on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, spots fill up quickly.  

**If there is a waiting list, we will TRY to add a second trip**

 

Friday, January 17th, at 10:00 AM 

Information Session: Philadelphia Flower Show and More

We’ll visit the Philadelphia Flower show, the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, featuring stunning displays by the world’s premier floral, garden, and landscape designers.  Then, we’ll explore the Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. The trip is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5th, 2025.  We will review the trip itinerary and open registration at the information session on Friday, January 17th, 2025.  Registration ends on Friday, February 14th, 2025.  Full payment, with Grethel, is required to register.  The trip fee is $129.00, cash or check.   

 

Monday, January 20th, 10:00 AM

International Movie Music

Acclaimed International Concert Violinist David Podles will showcase some of the most  unforgettable and famous movie themes, both American and International, spanning the 1930s-1990s. Some of the movies to  be included: “Romeo and Juliet.” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “The Professional,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance  Kid,” “Sunflower,” “Summer of 42,” “The Toy” and “Titanic.” Let David transport you to the heart and soul of each poignant and epic story.     

 

Tuesday, January 21st, at 11:30 AM 

January Happy Birthday!  Entertainment at 1:15 PM

Enjoy a special lunch and stay for entertainment and dancing with Juan Ortega 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.  

 

Thursday, January 23rd, from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Jewelry Sale 

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE FOR THIS SALE.

Have jewelry that you no longer use and don’t know what to do with? Donate it to New Beginnings and it will be transformed into new programming!  A team of volunteers, led by Advisory Council President Loyda Camacho, are collecting jewelry from members which they will sell at this upcoming fundraising event. The proceeds from this sale will support classes, events and trips that are not covered by NYC Aging. Please bring your donations to the Meal Desk before Monday, January 13th, 2025.

 

 

Thursday, January 23rd, at 10:00 AM 

Estate Planning Workshop 

Estate planning is a crucial step for families. By taking proactive measures through workshops like these, we empower families to thrive, ensuring that hard-earned assets are passed down to benefit future generations. Presenters: Stephanie Garry, Executive Vice President of Communal Partnerships at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel and Anthony Caratozzolo, LFD, Certified Pre Plan Director. 

 

Friday, January 24th, at 10:00 AM 

Nutrition Lecture: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

In this lecture, we’ll learn why inflammation is damaging and talk about dietary and lifestyle changes to fight it. We’ll also discuss endocrine disruptors, PFAS, toxic load and more. Join Registered Dietitian, Tamar Elkin, MS, RDN, CDN, as she teaches us about inflammation and the best 10 foods for health.

 

Monday, January 27th, at 10:00 AM

Focus Group: Climate Change 

The Cornell Institute for Research on Climate and Aging is conducting a focus group study on aging and extreme weather in your community center. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and thoughts on how changing weather patterns and natural hazards, like floods or extreme heat, may affect your life and what you can do about it. Help shape programs and policies aimed at making New York City a safer, healthier place for older adults in the face of weather-related challenges. Please sign up with Grethel or Octavia. 

 

Monday, January 27th, at 1:00 PM

Vive La France!

Acclaimed International Concert Violinist Dr. David Podles will showcase and perform music of French classical composers and French waltzes, as well as French movie music and instrumental versions of the “chanson” style that is definitive of French music culture such as works by Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour. You will be brought on an enchanting musical journey through the cafes in Paris as well as the inviting French countryside. 

 

Chair Aerobics with Stuart

Tuesday, January 28th, at 9:00 AM

 

Thursday, January 30th, at 10:00 AM 

Workshop: Funeral Planning Pt. 2

Join us as we have our second Funeral Planning Workshop. Presenters will expand on and recap the first workshop and provide a simple guide to funeral planning. This workshop will also provide practical and emotional support, helping people feel more prepared and informed. Presenters: Stephanie Garry, Executive Vice President of Communal Partnerships at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel and Anthony Caratozzolo, LFD, Certified Pre Plan Director.

 

Friday, January 31st, 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 and share 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. 

 

 

TECH CLASS 

Wednesdays at 9:00 AM

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

January 8th | Alarm, Timer and World Clock Features

How to set an alarm and timer on your phone. How to use the world clock feature to see what time it is in different time zones. 

January 15th | 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.

January 22nd | Phone Apps *

How to download/add and delete apps on your phone.

January 22nd | How to extend your phone’s battery life. 

*Please make sure to have the App downloaded before class.*

 

 THIS MONTH’S MOVIE PICKS 

 

January 3rd | A Good Year (2006) An Englishman (Russell Crowe) inherits a vineyard in Provence, France. But when he arrives at his new property, he meets an American woman (Marion Cotillard) who claims that the land is hers. 1h 57m. Rated PG-13

 

January 10th | Eat, Pray, Love (2010) At a crossroads in her life, Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) travels to Italy, India and Bali to discover meaning and happiness in this inspiring true story, based on the best-selling book. 2h 13 min Rated PG-13

 

January 17th | Julie & Julia (2009) Julia Child’s story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book.  1h 58m Rated PG-13 

 

January 24th | Life as we Know It (2010) When a baby girl’s godparents (Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel) become all she has left in the world, they are forced to set aside their differences and find a way to raise her together. 1h 54 min. Rated PG-13 

 

January 31st | Morning Glory (2010) An upstart television producer (Rachel McAdams) accepts the challenge of reviving a struggling morning show program with warring co-hosts (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton).  1h 47m Rated PG-13 

 

 

Group Chat with Karl Custer

Mental Health Discussion Topics

Monday, January 6th, at 10:45 am | Open Group Chat: “SMART Goals, Accomplishing the Seemingly Impossible” 

“Where Will I Find the Time?” “Why is This Taking So Long?” Is this you or a loved one when trying to get anything done? Join JASA’s Clinical Social Worker, Karl Custer, in a group presentation and building block activities on common physical and behavioral goals, their common roadblocks, and the steps to overcome them. Remember: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

 

 

Group Chat With Social Work Intern Nava

 

Monday, January 6th, at 1:00 PM 

Historical Events 

Join us for a discussion as we explore historical events that have had a major impact on your life. From world-changing moments to personal milestones, we’ll reflect on how these events shaped experiences, values, and perspectives. This is an opportunity to share your unique stories, hear others’ reflections, and appreciate the profound ways history has influenced the lives of older generations. 

 

Monday, January 13th, at 1:00 PM  

Technology and Its Impact 

Join us for a conversation on the impact of technology on your life. From the rise of the telephone to the age of smartphones, we’ll look at how technological advancements have transformed how we live, work, and connect. Share your experiences with the tools and gadgets that have shaped your world, and reflect on how technology has changed society. 

 

Monday, January 20th, at 1:00 PM 

Praying with Your Feet … A Discussion About Advocacy

Join us for an engaging conversation in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service as we explore the power of advocacy. In this interactive discussion, we will reflect on the different ways we can stand up for what we believe in, whether through action, words, or standing in solidarity with others.

Have you ever participated in a march or demonstration for a cause close to your heart? Did you write a letter to raise awareness or speak up when you saw injustice? This is your chance to share your experiences and learn how others have used their voices and actions to create change.

Together, let’s discuss how we can continue to advocate for the things that matter most to us, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy of service and activism.

Monday, January 27th, 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 DATES

 

 Returning Program:  Watercolor Painting with Dmitriy Moshkovich Another session of this Y-sponsored Class for older adults will run for twelve weeks, starting Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 10:00 am and ending on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. Unlike NYC Aging-sponsored programs there is a fee for this class, but the full cost has been offset by a generous New Beginnings member donation.  The cost for New Beginnings members is $120 for the twelve-week session.  Please sign up and pay the full amount at the Y’s reception desk on the first floor. Registration opens on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 and will end on Friday, January 31st, 2025.  Scholarships are available to those in financial need.  See Director Sharon Asherman for scholarship information.

 

 

Rabbi Scott will lead a trip to the Anne Frank Exhibition presented by Anne Frank House on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. The bus will leave the Y at 10:00 AM. For the first time in history, Anne Frank House will present a pioneering experience outside of Amsterdam to immerse visitors in a full-scale recreation of the rooms where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jewish inhabitants spent two years hiding to evade Nazi capture. The Fee for this trip is $25.00 and there are only 8 spots available, so this will be first come first serve. Registration is currently open until all spots are filled, spots will fill up quickly.

 

 

Sign up for a free class to learn about preparing for emergencies. With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions. This class will take place on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Registration is required to attend the event. To register visit www.prepare.ny.gov or with Grethel.

 

 

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MEDITATION: Meditation will resume on Monday, January 27th. 

 

Book Club: The January Book Club will take place on the last Thursday of the month, January 30, at 1:00 pm.

 

Spanish Beginners and Spanish Intermediate will be canceled from Monday, January 20th, 2025 until Friday, January 31st, 2025.