By Ruth Troy

Director

Canton Woods’ holiday wreath fundraising event was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who supported Canton Woods by purchasing a beautiful wreath for your home or business, and to the committee who worked many hours on this fundraising event.

Speaking of the holidays, the deadline is fast approaching for the Rescue Mission Christmas Day Meal Delivery. If you are a senior interested in the free home delivered meal on Christmas Day, please call your Neighborhood Advisor/outreach worker at Canton Woods (315-638-4536) to make your request. The deadline to sign up for Christmas Day meal delivery is Dec. 10, 2019. The recipient must be home on Christmas Day to receive the meal.

Lift your spirits high with music at Canton Woods!

Our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony brings fabulous entertainment at Canton Woods at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Sentimental Serenade will bring their 2019 holiday show, “Stranded,” to Canton Woods. Sentimental Serenade’s holiday show has become a holiday tradition at Canton Woods. Plan to take in this lively performance!

Phoenix Middle School music students will perform a festive holiday concert at Canton Woods at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

Resources for seniors

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is an annual period of time when current Medicare users can choose to re-evaluate part of their Medicare coverage (their Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plan) and compare it against all the other plans on the market. The open enrollment period ends Dec. 7, 2019. If you have questions, the HIICAP representative can help.

HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program) offers free and unbiased information and assistance. This program is brought to you by the Onondaga County Office for Aging. The HIICAP representative is available by contacting Canton Woods.

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is federally funded and helps income eligible individuals and families pay their heating bills. Canton Woods Neighborhood Advisor is ready to assist you to determine your eligibility for HEAP. If you are a senior 60 or older call Canton Woods at 315-638-4536 to request assistance with the HEAP process.

Upcoming activities

It is never too late to unearth your inner artist. Retired B’ville art teacher Mike Conway leads an Art Group at Canton Woods that focuses on drawing and painting for beginner and intermediate students. The Art Group next meets at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. New participants are welcome!

The next Make and Take Card Making Workshop takes place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. This workshop includes packages of greeting card supplies to purchase (for approximately $2), instructions and assistance to complete the project. You will leave with beautifully decorated last minute Christmas cards and thank you cards of your own creation. Call 315-638-4536 to register; walk-ins are welcome.

Canton Woods Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Canton Woods Annual Craft Fair is Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! This year’s Craft Fair features exciting new items and additional local crafters. This is a perfect opportunity to shop for unique handmade holiday gifts.

Canton Woods Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. The book for the month is “Sold on Monday” by Kristina McMorris. Start reading and join the lively discussion! The Book Club is facilitated by Edwina Hay.

Sharing Memories Writing Program takes place Wednesdays at 1 p.m. The group is facilitated by Tina Trainham. Just come with your memories.

Take a stroll Down Memory Lane with Baldwinsville Mayor Dick Clarke at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. This is a friendly, informal conversation. You will have a very pleasant afternoon sharing memories and a few laughs!

Health and fitness

Find the fitness program that meets your needs and get moving!

Zumba Gold is back! Join instructor Susan Petrilli for 45 minutes of fun on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Class fee is $5 (pay as you go), payable to the instructor. Zumba Gold is an easy to follow program that lets you move to the beat at your own speed. Zumba Gold provides modified low-impact moves for all levels, and is designed for active older adults and beginners. Zumba is invigorating and fun!

A licensed massage therapist will offer chair massage at Canton Woods from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. The fee is $10 for a 10-minute massage. Call 315-638-4536 to make an appointment.

Instructor Yvonne Martin brings Kripalu “chair optional” yoga to Canton Woods. Kripalu yoga is a gentle mindful practice that emphasis compassionate self-acceptance, and awareness. Class is held every Monday at 10:30 a.m. Call the center for more information.

Aerobics is held at 9:15 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. There is a fee payable to the instructor September through May.

Canton Woods offers a free falls prevention class at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday lead by licensed physical therapist, Julie Hall.

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

Senior nutrition

The center is a PEACE senior nutrition lunch site on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Make your reservation by calling 315-638-4536 and stop by at noon for lunch. Suggested donation is $3.50.The nutrition program is open to anyone 60 years of age and older.

Wondering what’s for lunch? On Friday, Dec. 13, the menu includes beef bourguignon served over buttered egg noodles, lemon garlic green beans, diced pears, and fresh baked whole wheat dinner roll. Make a reservation and joins us for lunch and stay for an afternoon of holiday entertainment and fun!

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 or to register for programs, call 315-638-4536 or visit baldwinsville.org/departments/cantonwoods.