Heritage Center

The Heritage Center is Redding’s senior center, part of Redding’s Community Center and located behind the Redding Elementary School.  The Heritage Center’s mission is to provide community seniors with a place to come together in a friendly environment where they may participate in cultural, social, artistic and wellness activities.

 

Heritage Center Programs: Upcoming Events

November Classes: 

 

Cooking Demo, Education and Lunch

Thursday, November 2nd, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

 

Learn about the easy nutrition guidelines and recipes for a healthier mind and improved memory. A chef from Ridgefield Station will demonstrate a Mediterranean recipe that is brain healthy and serve a full lunch. There are still some spots available, please RSVP with Michelle: mstillman@townofreddingct.org / 938-9725.

 

Flu Clinic

Tuesday, November 7th, 12:00 – 3:00 pm 

 

After voting, go to the Lounge where Griffin Health will be providing both standard quadrivalent flu vaccine and high-dose vaccines designated for those 65 and older. They recommend that you wear a loose-sleeved or short sleeved shirt for easy access to your upper arm. Pre-registration is not necessary, walk-ins only. Bring your insurance card and photo ID. Note that this clinic is organized by the Redding Health Department. The Heritage Center has no other information other than what is above.

 

November Holiday Schedules

Tuesday, November 7th, 12:00 – 3:00 pm 

 

The Center is open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th, however because of room availability, there will be no Bridge or Ukulele, whereas Fitness to Fit You, Advanced Tai Chi and Drawing Basics will run. Tai Ji Quan Continued will be shortened that day (40 minutes) and free of charge.

 

We are closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veteran’s Day.

 

For Thanksgiving, the offices are open until noon on Wednesday, November 22nd, (but there will be no classes), closed on Thursday, November 23rd and November 24th.

 

There is also no Flex on Flow on Wednesday, November 1st.

 

Winter Birding

Wednesday, November 8th, 2:00 – 3:00 pm 

 

This workshop is both a stand-alone event and also builds on skills learned during the previous one. Learn basic skills, best practices, test out binoculars and learn what winter birds you may encounter or feed.

Our instructor is John McLeran, former Director of the Woodcock Nature Center and an experienced educator. He is currently the Open Space Manager for the Town of Redding and the Redding Land Trust. Although his formal education is not in ornithology, he grew up identifying birds by sight and sound. He now has about 75 years of birding experience, particularly in our local area.

John is kindly lending his own binoculars, but please bring your own if you have them. RSVP with Michelle, mstillman@townofreddingct.org or 203-938-9725. There is no cost to attend and John is volunteering his time. However, he will have a basket handy if you’d like to make a donation for the Woodcock Nature Center.

 

Aches & Pains

Thursday, November 9th, 1:00 pm 

 

Our Registered Nurse speaker, Christine Burns of Waveny LifeCare, visiting nurse and hospice, will speak about arthritic diseases and treatments. Learn what lifestyle changes can make a difference in pain and mobility. Please register with Michelle mstillman@townofreddingct.org / 203-938-9725.

 

Knitting Workshop

Tuesdays, November 14th and November 21st , 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, $15

 

Cida Elliott will demonstrate how to knit a hat or a scarf, your choice. If you are interested, please let us know which project you’d prefer. If you prefer to bring your own yarn or needles (size 4), please also let us know, otherwise they will be provided. Depending on your abilities, you may only need to come to one session. There are limited spots, please RSVP with Margherita by Monday, November 6: mpilato@townofreddingct.org / 938-9725.

 

Ways of Listening: Mozart : “The Journey of the Countess” in Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro

Wednesday, November 15th at 2:00 pm

 

Enjoy a deeper appreciation of Mozart’s music and discover new levels of listening. Musicologist, David Stein, will explore Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro which has been called “the most perfect opera ever created.” It is a romantic comedy that evokes both Shakespeare and Broadway, full of divine music, bawdy humor and rich characters. There will be special attention on the fascinating character Countess Rosina as she grows into self-knowledge and reforms her philandering husband. The Countess undergoes a remarkable evolution during the opera’s course, growing in self-awareness and freedom. All this is portrayed in the most beautiful music imaginable.

 

The one-hour program will use performance videos of the great arias and comic ensembles and live demonstrations at the piano to convey the music and the Countess’ deep humanity. All are welcome, the program is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music.

 

We are warmly welcoming back David Stein as his presentation this summer was well received. He studied music history and music theory at Columbia University, music therapy at New York University and piano performance at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was awarded the Conservatory Prize in performance of modern music. He has been playing and studying Mozart for over 50 years.

Please RSVP with Michelle mstillman@townofreddingct.org or call 938-9725.

 

Yoga Nidra and Meditation

 

Restore you body, mind and spirit before the holiday season! Please note the following schedule for these virtual programs. Please RSVP and get a link with Margherita mpilato@townofreddingct.org

• Yoga Nidra: Tuesday, November 14th at 4:00 pm
• Meditation: Wednesdays, November 15th and November 29th at 12:00 noon

 

Italian Classes

Mondays: Beginner 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Advanced Beginner 2:00 – 3:15 pm

Session runs Mondays, November 6th – December 18th

 

Our instructor Lisetta Farris has done an amazing job educating and motivating students to progress in their Italian language studies. If you are novice (but not total beginner), you are welcome to join in our seven classes for the November – December session. The beginner class runs from 12:45 – 2:00 pm on Mondays. The advanced beginners is at 2:00 – 3:15 pm. The session for 7 classes in November – December is $49.

 

In January, we will have three levels ranging from total beginner through intermediate. Please contact Margherita if you would like start in November or January: mpilato@townofreddingct.org. Stay tuned for those January class times.

 

Floral Workshop: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Monday, November 20th at 10:00 am, $12

 

Favorite mother-daughter duo Laura McCormick and Dymphna “Dimmi” Lotrecchiano will be helping make our Thanksgiving tables look beautiful again this year. Join them in creating centerpieces with flowers that will last. The vessel will be a ceramic pumpkin. All flowers, greens, etc. will be supplied. Thanks to Laura, Dimmi and Caraluzzi’s Market, we are able to offer this program for $12 only.

 

Talking Books: Good Night, Irene

Monday, November 27th, 1:30 – 3:00

 

Our book group usually meets at 1:30 on the last Monday of the month. In November they will discuss Good Night, Irene by Alberto Urrea. Taking as inspiration his own mother’s Red Cross service, Urrea focuses on an overlooked story: women’s heroism in World War II. With its affecting and uplifting portrait of friendship and valor in harrowing circumstances, Good Night, Irene powerfully demonstrated the author’s prodigious gifts as a storyteller. If you have any questions about the group, please contact Hilda Rhodes: stanrhodes@sbcglobal.net.

 

Lunch & Learn: Fraud Awareness & Prevention

Wednesday, November 29th

Salads and Pan Pizza from Good Old Days at 12:00 pm

Fraud Awareness with Redding Police Department 12:30 pm

 

Get informed on the latest national and local fraud schemes circulating and enjoy the notoriously delectable salads and pan pizzas from Good Old Days. We are welcoming Redding Police Department’s Detective Christina Dias to share about what types of cases she’s been working on. Being aware will help protect you and inform you of best prevention practices. Crime drama fans might be surprised to hear that local instances can nearly rival narratives from Dateline.

 

Halloween Display on the Town Green

 

Did you see the spooky, fun display of pumpkins on the town green? Thanks to Ruth Moran and the Garden Club for their time and creativity, as well as Caraluzzi’s for supplying pumpkins.

 

French Language Lessons and Conversation Group

 

A few members in our community have expressed interest in studying French. Are you looking for a beginner’s French class? Perhaps you are more advanced and simply want to practice within a small group? Please contact Margherita mpilato@townofreddingct.org / 203-938-9725 if you’d like to do either. Kindly indicate your skill level.

 

From Good Endings: Addressing and Overcoming Loneliness by Douglas Renfield-Miller

 

Loneliness and its impact on individuals and society has become a much-discussed topic lately. This past spring, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy designated loneliness and social isolation as a Public Health Crisis. His May 3, 2023 Advisory stated, “The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

 

In more uplifting news, Nicholas Kristoff points out in a recent New York Times Op-Ed that we know the cure for loneliness and it’s not “grand, high-tech or expensive.” It’s simply a matter of readopting methods of social engagement that bring people together. We are extremely fortunate to live in Redding, a town which offers many programs and resources to bring Seniors (and others) together. While it is hard to take the first step when one is feeling lonely or isolated, we have local resources in-place to help ease the emotional and physical burdens of too much time spent along. Local Redding resources include:

 

• Classes and programs at the Heritage Senior Center. The center offers over 20 classes and programs, including: fitness, crafts, music lessons, learning a language, bridge and more. Course fees are modest and can be reduced and waived if you have financial constraints. The Senior Center also has a wonderful lounge where you can meet a friend to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and make new friends as well. Special programs are also good opportunities to meet like-minded peers.
• Book groups or one of the many programs at the Mark Twain Library. The library has programs scheduled most days (some virtual) covering a wide range of subject matter — And they’re a great way to meet people.
• Recently profiled in the Redding Sentinel, SOAR Together is a local organization that provides online and in-person programming to promote engagement and connection among adults to help end loneliness and isolation here in Redding and beyond. Contact info@soartogetherct.org or call 203-810-6141 to learn more about their Flower Power, Social Seats, and SOAR Strolls programs and how to participate and/or volunteer.
• Speaking of volunteering — Think of causes you are passionate about and reach out to organizations or ask friends and family how to get involved. It will surely uplift you as well.
• As another resource, consider, AARP’s 13 Free or Low Cost Things You Can Do Now to Deal With Loneliness.

 

Finally, you can always reach out to Angelica Fontanez, Redding Director of Social Services (afontanez@townofreddingct.org or 203-938-9725) who can assist with connections, resources, and transportation.

 

Class Fees for November

On this page (to the right), you can view the class fees chart. You can pay for your class in person or by credit card through our website’s PayPal link. https://townofreddingct.org/government/services/heritage-senior-center/ Indicate in the comments which classes you are paying for. Please register for class prior to the monthly start. Please note, for all classes and programs, as a newcomer, you can drop-in. However, if we do not have an RSVP, enrollment might be low and we may have to cancel a class or program.

 

Please check out the calendar on this page for the schedule of our regular classes. If you have any questions about them, please call 203-938-9725 or email mpilato@townofreddingct.org or mstillman@townofreddingct.org. If you want to try one of our exercise classes, all but Advanced Tai Chi are available to drop-in without experience. You can try your first class free.

 

Weekly Class Schedule for November

Please call (203) 938-9725 to register. Note that some classes (designated with *) may have reached full capacity. The Center is closed on Veteran’s Day (11/10), Thanksgiving (11/23), and the day after Thanksgiving (11/24).

 

Mondays

• 9:00 am Beginner Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei June Fagan
• 10:00 am Flex & Flow
• 10:30 – 12:30 pm AM Clay* 
• 12:00 pm Beginner Pickleball 
• 12:45 – 2:00 pm Beginner Italian 
• 2:00 – 3:15 pm Continuing Beginner Italian
• 2:00 pm Playing with Clay*

 

Tuesdays

• 9:00 am Fitness to Fit You 
• 10:00 am Intermediate Qi Gong & Tai Chi with Sensei June Fagan
• 11:00 am Tai Ji Quan Continued (Free, 40 minute class on 11/7)
• 12:30 – 3:30 pm Bridge (No program on 11/7)
• 1:00 – 2:30 pm Drawing Basics 
• 2:30 pm Intermediate Ukulele (No class 11/7)
• 4:00 pm Beginner Ukulele (No class on 11/7)
• 4:00 pm Yoga Nidra (11/14)

 

Wednesdays (No Classes/Programs on 11/22)

• 8:30 am Barre
• 9:30 am Gentle Yoga
• 10:00 am Discussion Group (Current Events) 
• 10:00 am Sketch, Paint Create 
• 10:45 am Flex & Flow (No Class 11/1)
• 1:00 – 3:00 pm Mah Jongg 

 

Thursdays (No Classes on 11/23)

• 9:30 am Fitness to Fit You 
• 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Quilting Group
• 10:00 am Intermediate Spanish 
• 10:45 am Tai Chi with Deby Goldenberg
• 11:00 am Beginner Spanish
• 12:30 – 3:30 pm Bridge
• 1:00 – 3:00 pm Canasta

 

Fridays (No Classes on 11/10 and 11/24)

• 9:00 am Essentrics
• 10:00 am Moving & Grooving 
• 11:00 am Tai Ji Quan Continued 

 

 

 

Click Here for Weekly Class Program Descriptions

Click here for the latest Heritage Center News Blast.

 

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