By Ruth Troy

Executive Director

When you celebrate your 60th birthday, make Canton Woods the first place you visit after you blow out the candles on your birthday cake! You will be glad you did! The center is the place to be for food, fun, and fitness. Take advantage of everything this valuable community resource offers. 

Summer Entertainment Series continues

The La Fayette Community Band will perform 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Canton Woods. Enjoy an ice cream social before the concert at 6 p.m. Sign up in advance and pay $ 3 by July 6.

Staying fit

Zumba Gold (adapted for chair as needed) Zumba Gold fitness class is great for everyone even beginners.  Classes are taught by two licensed Zumba instructors. You’ll be dancing to Latin, pop and International dance rhythms in a party atmosphere.  Improve your balance and flexibility, and become more fit while having fun!  So wear your sneakers, bring your water and have fun! Time: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, June 25, July 9 and July 23. The cost is $15 for the remaining three classes of this session.  

Falls Prevention and Functional Movement Special Summer Program! 10 a.m. Tuesdays July 3 to Aug. 28 (approximately 45 minutes). The first class on July 3 is a free trial class. The class will focus on balance, strength and range of motion. Flowing movement and stretches to get bodies moving and joints hydrated. Class fee after July 3 is $5 per class, payable to instructor, Rachel Renzi. Call the center to let us know you plan to attend (315) 638-4536.  

Kripalu “Chair Optional “Yoga at Canton Woods! The class is taught by Kripalu Yoga Instructor Yvonne Martin. Kripalu Yoga is a mindful soothing practice that emphasis compassionate self-acceptance, and is adaptable to every person and everybody. If you are new to Yoga and not sure if a mat or a chair is right for you, this is an ideal setting to come find out that works best for you. Free trial class on Sept. 10. Classes resume on Sept. 17; (315) 638-4536.   

Tai Chi is held at 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Canton Woods. There is a small fee for this class; speak to the instructor. 

Active Older Americans Aerobics taught by a Y instructor. The class is held at 9:15 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. There is a fee, payable to the instructor. Summer Sample class days in June are June 19 and 26. The regular class schedule resumes in September.

Arm Chair Aerobics takes place at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. This is led by a volunteer. 

Also at Canton Woods

Join the Sharing Memories Writing Program at Canton Woods! The Sharing Memories Writing Program is held at 1 p.m. every Wednesday. This is a dynamic group who come to together to share their memories and put them down on paper. Experience this engaging process under the guidance of Tina Trainham. Your memories will come alive! 

HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program) offers free and unbiased information and assistance. This program is brought to you from the Onondaga County Office for Aging. If you would like to connect with a HIICAP representative, call (315) 638-4536. 

AARP Defensive Driving the next class with available space is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 2. The class is 10 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. Classes fill up quickly. Call Canton Woods for future dates, and to sign up (315) 638-4536.

Rotary Senior Citizen Summer Picnic Wednesday July 25! The picnic, hosted by the Rotary Club of Baldwinsville, is held at Canton Woods. Join the fun from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25. The event includes a picnic buffet, entertainment and door prizes. The buffet is served from 4 to 5 p.m. Call the center at (315) 638-4536 by Friday, July 20, to make your reservation. 

Canton Woods has a medication return collection unit. This is a safe environmentally friendly way to dispose of your unused medications. You may drop off your unused medication to the return box from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday at Canton Woods.

Senior nutrition 

You can enjoy lunch at the center. Canton Woods is a senior nutrition lunch site on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Make a reservation (315) 638-4536 and stop by at noon for lunch. The nutrition program is open to anyone 60 years of age and older. Suggested donation is $3. 

Wondering what’s for lunch? On Monday, June 25, the menu includes Gianelli Sweet Italian Sausage sandwich with peppers and onions, Italian blended vegetables and Mandarin oranges. Make a reservation and join us for lunch!

Canton Woods Senior Center is located at 76 Canton St. in Baldwinsville. The center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more, call (315) 638-4536 or visit baldwinsville.org/departments/cantonwoods.