Senior Holiday Calendar

The holidays are here, and with them come a sleigh-full of events to get into the spirit of the season. Take a look at our holiday event guide.

Dec. 1-6

Enjoy scrumptious holiday treats and join Excellence Assisted Living Facility for their annual Parade of Trees and bid on your favorite Christmas tree. It’s from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 6, then from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 is the tree auction. All proceeds are benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It’s all at Excellence Assisted Living Facility, 2250 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando. For more information, call 407-930-9291.

Dec. 2-4

Come to Seminole State College of Florida’s Harriett’s Theatre (building G) for “Tell Me a Story,” featuring some of the most engaging and entertaining storytellers in Central Florida. It’s at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Special senior price is $8. Call 407-708-2040 or email seminolestate.edu/arts

Dec. 3, 10 and 17

A favorite seasonal presentation of planetariums around the world, the Emil Buehler Planetarium-produced version of “The Star of Bethlehem” has been praised by both secular and religious audiences alike for the last decade. “The Star of Bethlehem” looks into the issue of the Christmas star from a scientific standpoint, breaking down the existence of Jesus of Nazareth, the story of the Magi and the astronomical events that may help to explain the star. With cutting-edge research that is both scientifically and historically accurate, “The Star of Bethlehem” deftly explores the fine line between faith and science. Most appropriate for ages nine and up. It’s at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10, and it’s at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Seminole State College Planetarium. Call 407-708-2360 or visit seminolestate.edu/planet

Dec. 5-6

A holiday band concert will play all of your holiday favorites with Seminole State College’s Jazz Ambassadors and the Community Symphonic Band. It’s at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. A matinee concert featuring the Jazz Ambassadors, Seminole Sound and the Concert Chorale is at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Dec. 8

The Beardall Senior Center in Orlando is hosting a Winter Wonderland Dance starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Admission is $10. It’s at 800 Delaney Ave. Call 407-246-4440 or visit cityoforlando.net/fpr/senior-programs

Dec. 8 and 20

Come to One Senior Place to have your gifts wrapped for you! There’s no charge, but we ask for a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Enjoy holiday cookies and coffee while we wrap your presents. For more information call 407-848-7362. It’s at 715 Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs.

Dec. 13

Share some holiday cheer with veterans. Create a holiday card at the Holiday Mail for Heroes event. The cards will be made for VITAS veteran patients in Central Florida. All supplies will be provided. It’s from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. RSVP to Arielle Karoub at 407-949-6727 or [email protected]

Altamonte Springs

One Senior Place is located at 715 Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs. See below, or visit oneseniorplace.com/calendar to see upcoming senior events at your local One Senior Place.

A S.A.F.E. class will teach you risk awareness and basic self defense. This women-only class will teach you how to be vigilant during the holidays and beyond. It’s from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

LTC Advisors and One Senior Place present “Blindsided: The Realities of Aging,” from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Whether you’re planning your own retirement or have aging parents, this will be a comprehensive discussion about what you need to know to plan well. Presenters include elder law attorney, long term care specialist, care manager, and social worker. Special guest presenter, WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Martie Salt, will present her Emmy-nominated series “Blindsided: The Reality of Caring for Aging Parents” and talk about her personal journey.

The AARP’s Driver Safety course, “SMART DRIVER”, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, at One Senior Place, located at 715 Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs. This program helps participants refresh driving skills and develop safer driving habits. Upon completion of this course, Florida Drivers aged 50 or older, may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Registration is required. Cost $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members, cash or check only. Please note, participants need to bring their own lunches. For registration, call 407-949-6733.

Casselberry adult fitness classes

The Casselberry Recreation Center at 200 N. Triplet Drive hosts a number of exercise classes available to seniors:

Chair Yoga is at 10 a.m. every Monday and will get you moving again! The cost is $2 per class.

Gentle/Restorative Yoga is from 8:45 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. The cost is $10 per class. Senior citizen’s discount is $5 per class. For more information, contact Alice Gomes at 609-290-8195 or email [email protected]

Yoga Technique is 8:45 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays. The cost is $10 per class. Senior citizen’s discount is $5 per class.

Chairobics is from 11:05 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays. The class is free. For more information, contact Claudia Laine at 407-718-9066.

Tai Chi for Beginners is at 1 p.m. on Mondays. For more information, contact Eric Raboy at 407-731-9130. The cost is $5 per class or $20 per month.

Tai Chi for Intermediates is at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. For more information, contact Eric Raboy at 407-731-9130. The cost is $5 per class or $20 per month.

Tai Chi for Advanced is at 1 p.m. at Wirz Park on Thursdays. For more information, contact Eric Raboy at 407-731-9130.

Tap Dance for Beginners is at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Bingo is from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The cost is $3 per session.

Duplicate bridge is from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays. Come out to shore up your skills in this classic game. Casual bridge is from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Progressive bridge is from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

Line Dancing is from 1 to 2 p.m. every Wednesday.

Classes are subject to change. For more information on classes and registration, call Karen Sorrentino at 407-262-7700, ext. 1575, or [email protected] or visit casselberry.org/register

Goldenrod Civic Center

The Goldenrod Civic Center will host hand and foot games from 1 to 4 p.m. every week on Mondays and Wednesdays at their location at 4763 Palmetto Ave. in Winter Park. For more information, call Madeline Koehler at 407-657-6862.

Maitland

RDV Sportsplex Athletic Club offers senior memberships for area residents age 60 and older for $59 a month. This membership includes unlimited free classes, with more than 500 monthly to choose from. Visit http://tinyurl.com/RDVsenior for more information.

The Maitland Senior Center is located at 345 S. Maitland Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will be closed from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Jan. 3. The schedule, which is listed below, is subject to change without notice. For more information about these and any other events at the Maitland Senior Center, please call 407-539-6251 or visit itsmymaitland.com

Join us every Friday at 1 p.m. to see your favorite movies! Check our calendar online to see what movies are showing. Please call to reserve your seat! Note: No movies on Dec. 16, 23 or 30.

Join John every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9 a.m. for Yoga. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring your own mat. Cost of the class is $3 to the teacher.

Join us every Monday at 10:45 a.m. for iPad classes. Cost of the class is $5 to the teacher. Call for reservations, seating is limited!

Join us every Monday at noon for our Bridge group. Spend some time playing bridge and making new friends!

Join us every Monday at 1 p.m. for our Conversational French group. Spend some time chatting with others and making new friends.

Join Esther every Tuesday at 9 a.m. for Tai Chi classes. Cost of the class is $10 per month to the teacher. Please wear a white shirt, black pants, and comfortable shoes.

Join us every Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. for our Current Event discussion group. This lively group discussed local, state, national, and international events.

Join us every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for our Beginning Bridge class. Class has limited seating. Class costs $2.50 per class per person.

Join us every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for our Conversational Spanish group. Spend some time chatting with others and making new friends. Must be fluent in Spanish to participate.

Join us every Wednesday for our Art Class. Come get help with techniques. Class is from 1 to 3 p.m. Seating is limited. Costs $16 a month. Supplies are not provided.

Join Donna every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. for Chair Yoga. Cost of the class is a $2 donation to the teacher. Space is limited.

Join us every Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. for a Beginning Spanish Class. Cost of the class is $4 a class. Call to inquire about availability!

Join Ann every Friday for Recorder classes at 12:30 p.m. Lessons are free! Please call the Senior Center at 407-539-6251 for specifics on this class.

Join us from 10 a.m. to noon for a Writers Group. Come share your autobiographical, fictional or opinion pieces with others and enjoy hearing theirs.

The last Tuesday of every month Brookdale Island Lake presents Brookdale Celebrates at 1 p.m. Come celebrate birthdays, play a game or two, and win some prizes. For more information, please call 407-767-6600.

The Maitland Senior Center presents a program for elders on the second Friday of the month (Dec. 9 this month) that is staffed by counselors from S.H.I.N.E. (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). The program provides free unbiased counseling about Medicare, Medigap, HMOs, Medicaid, prescriptions drug plans, and long term care. All counseling is first-come-first-served. Bring your list of medications or Rx bottles, insurance card and red, white and blue Medicare card. Call 1-800-963-5337 for a SHINE volunteer to help you determine eligibility for assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles and copayments. For more information, visit online at floridashine.org

Orlando

Come join a six-week horticulture program with
lectures, demonstrations, and participation starting in January 2017 at the Orlando Garden Club, located at 710 E. Rollins Street in Orlando. Attend one program or all six! Cost is
$90 for six classes
or $20 for individual classes. To sign up or to receive a list of the classes offered, email [email protected]

The Meet and Mix Dance Club hosts ballroom dancing for seniors with a 12-piece dance band every Tuesday night from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Marks Street Recreation Complex, located at 99 E. Marks St. in Orlando. Singles and couples are welcome and refreshments are served. Call 407-254-1066.

Join the Central Florida Community Arts Musical Minds Choir! CFCArts and Watercrest Senior Living Group invite all individuals with early stage memory loss from Alzheimer’s or dementia to join in choir rehearsals with their significant other or caregiver, regardless of experience or skill level at rehearsals The Musical Minds Choir rehearsals will be held at Central Christian Church, located at 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. For rehearsal dates and times, and additional rehearsal locations, please contact [email protected] or call 407-937-1800.

The Whirl & Twirl Square Dance Club hosts dances throughout the month at 6949 Venture Circle in Orlando. Square dancing is fun exercise for your body and your mind! Call 407-679-2882 or visit floridasquaredance.com/whirlandtwirl for more information.

The Belles and Beaus Dance Club hosts ballroom dancing with a live band every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Marks Street Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St. in Orlando. Adult singles and couples are welcome. Refreshments are provided. Cost is $4 per member and $5 per guest. Ballroom, line and Latin dance music is featured by the Soft Touch. Adult singles and couples are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Cost is $5 per person. Men attending the dances for the first time will be let in free. Enjoy a special Pre-Christmas dance on Dec. 21 and a special Pre-New Year’s dance on Dec. 28. For more information, call 407-644-4200.

The Your Adult Club Socials holds dances every Friday night from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Marks Street Recreation Complex, located at 99 E. Marks St. in Orlando. There is a different band each week. Singles and couples welcome and refreshments are served. Cost is $4 for members and $5 for guests. For more information, please call 407-339-5393 or 407-889-4047.

Orlando’s Beardall Senior Center is located at 800 Delaney Ave. Below is a list of the Center’s upcoming activities. Call 407-246-4440 or visit cityoforlando.net/fpr/senior-programs for more information. Daily activities are available as well as the weekly and monthly events below.

A special De Leon Springs State Park Field Trip is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Cost is $28, or $42 with boat ride.

Clogging is on Thursday nights. Beginners can learn at 6:30 p.m. and advanced is at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $4 per class.

Dances will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays for $4. A special Winter Wonderland Dance is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

A studio art class is offered at 1 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at a cost of $31.50 per month.

Free shuffleboard games are offered at 7 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month. It’s free!

Yoga is from 9:15 to 10 a.m. every Friday. Gain range of motion, flexibility, strength, balance and live a better life. It’s $5 for the class.

Weekly Mahjongg classes will help you shore up your skills and keep you mentally sharp. American Mahjongg is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday. Please bring your lunch. It’s free!

The monthly birthday party is at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19. It’s free!

Oviedo

The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center organizes support group meetings throughout Central Florida. In Oviedo, a meeting is the first Wednesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the Oviedo YMCA, 7900 Red Bug Lake Road. Visit adrccares.org or call 407-843-1910 for more locations and meeting times.

Florida Hospital is providing a variety of free screenings and lectures designed to make Oviedo one healthy community! In one convenient area, the Florida Hospital Network of Care offers primary care and specialty physicians, urgent care, imaging services and physical therapy, providing an array of prevention, diagnosis and treatments for the body, mind and spirit. For a complete schedule of screenings, visit floridahospital.com/oviedo-event-series

Winter Park Florida Blue Center

The Winter Park Florida Blue Center is located in the Winter Park Village at 434 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park. Call 321-441-2020 or visit http://bit.ly/1SNd5rk for information about programs.

A free Zumba class is at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Enjoy this fun class to get fit. It’s a great workout for any fitness level.

A chair exercise class is at 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays. It’s a fun, moderate intensity exercise class.

A free Tai Chi class is at 3:30 p.m. every Monday. Rejuvenate your body and increase flexibility. It’s free!

Winter Park

The AARP Winter Park Chapter #1047 will meet on Dec. 20 at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, located at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. The meetings, which are held the third Tuesday, are free to attend. For more information, call 407-671-8393.

A Living Healthy workshop for chronic conditions takes place every Thursday through Dec. 15 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Share the Care, located at 1524 Formosa Ave. in Winter Park.

Winter Springs

Mah Jongg players meet weekly Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 4 p.m., at the Grill Room at Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs. For more information and to sign up, visit meetup.com/Central-Florida-Mah-Jongg

The Winter Springs Senior Center is located at 400 N. Edgemon Ave. in Winter Springs. Call 407-327-6554 for more information or email Susie Coffman at [email protected]. Below is a schedule of the Center’s programs.

Ceramics — The Center’s ceramic class is growing bigger every week. Should you be interested in joining in on the fun, just come out on Monday’s class from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elaine Young, the fearless instructor, will be there to guide you through your first project. After that you will be a pro.

Line Dancing — Monday and Thursday mornings you will find line dancers moving to the music all in unison. Once you see the fun they are having you'll want to join in. You may have seen them performing at one of our community events such as Hometown Harvest or the Winter Wonderland. Join in on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Thursdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Yoga — Have you ever felt that yoga is something that is just too much for you to try to do, afraid that getting up and down off the floor will be impossible? Well all that has changed, we offer Chair Yoga and it comes along with all the benefits of traditional yoga. Come in on Friday morning at 10 a.m. and check it out.

Tai Chi — Click online to http://bit.ly/UOkXiQ to get a definition of just exactly what Tai Chi is. Balance and movement are targeted. Tai Chi is each Monday at 11 a.m.

Dance it Off — Looking for a good high intensity workout? You have found the right place, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m.

FLEX Silver Sneakers — This is an overall workout, targeting cardio, resistance, and flexibility — and it’s homeopathic. And you will have fun at the same time. Holly Foster has created the perfect workout and believes if you’re not having fun it's not worth working out. This class is offered Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

Bingo — What's there to say about Bingo but “Bingo!” It’s Wednesdays, Fridays and the last Sunday of each month. Packets are $4, $6 and $8. On Wednesday we also offer a full menu catered lunch for only $6. Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. followed at 1 p.m. by Bingo. Friday we have hot dogs and chips available for $1.25. Sunday lunch is served at 1 p.m., cost is $6 and Bingo follows. In order to participate in Bingo on Sunday you must participate in lunch. There will be no Bingo on the Friday prior to Sunday's lunch and bingo.

Computer Classes — Know a little? Know a lot? Need to learn something new? You can join us on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in our computer class. You will be able to work one-on-one with one of our instructors who will guide you painlessly through the confusing world of computers.

Game Room — If pool is your game, we have the room! We have also added a big screen TV with a Wii, so you can bowl, golf and much more. This is available Monday through Friday all day.

Bridge — Bridge has always been a standard on Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m., so if you need your bridge fix please join their game. If you don't play or are a little rusty and want to learn, Bridge Class is held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Art Group — Do you paint or draw? Would you like a nice quiet comfortable space with people who share your passion? Monday afternoon pack up your art supplies and join the Art Group from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Here you are offered the opportunity to meet people who share your interest.

Mah Jongg — Thursdays at noon join in for Mah Jongg. It is totally different than what you might play while sitting in front of your computer. The group is eager to teach the game so come on in and join the fun.

Mexican Train — If you like dominos then you’ll love Mexican Train. Join in on Mondays at 10 a.m.

Lunches – Wednesday and Sunday lunches are $6 for a fabulous meal. Please contact Susie at 407-327-6554 to make your reservations. It is requested that you call the day prior to ensure a meal is prepared for you.