Senior Programs for This Quarter

AARP

Come learn about AARP’s goals and mission. Various speakers will bring ideas and suggestions to empower you to assist with your daily tasks.

Air Fryer Cooking Class

Join JoDee Jeans from Ippy’s Restaurant as they teach you all about using an air fryer. Whether a meal for one or many, learn several new and easy recipes Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Art With Heart

Join Good Samaritan Hospice for Art with Heart, a fun and rewarding class in which participants will complete a guided painting with an emphasis on relaxation, mindfulness and healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238 

Art With Heart - Holiday

Join Good Samaritan Hospice for Art with Heart, a fun and rewarding class in which participants will create unique Christmas ornaments with an emphasis on relaxation, mindfulness and healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238 

Bingo

Join us each month to play fifteen games of bingo for some fun prizes.

Birthday Celebrations

Join us each month to celebrate birthdays. Bring a dish and we will enjoy a variety of birthday activities followed by a birthday treat. Registration Deadline: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Bridge

This group of bridge players play each week. If you know how to play bridge and are looking to join a group, give us a call at 540-483-9238, and we will connect you with others who play each week. 

Chair Yoga

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Wednesdays September 27th- October 25	10am - 11 am	Essig Center	$55 per session

Crafting With Seniors

Create a new craft every month to add a special handmade decoration to your home. All supplies included. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One week before class starts. 

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Mondays September 25, October 16, November 13, December 11	3:00 pm - 4:30 pm	Essig Center	$25 per class

Creative Drawing

These drawing classes are for those who wish to develop a fundamental understanding of drawing through various approaches, techniques, and media. Emphasis will be on building skills and knowledge through the act of drawing. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One week before session starts.

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Thursdays Session 1: October 5 - 26 Session 2: November 2 - 30	10:30 am - 12:30 am	Essig Center	$55 per session

Creative Writing

Romance! Mystery! Sci-Fi! Have you ever wanted to explore your imagination and all its facets? Then this class is for you! Open space allowing you to write at your own pace, receive feedback and show off your work at the end. Emphasis on creative story building, character development and plot formation. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One week before session starts.

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Wednesdays Session 1: September 27 - October 18 Session 2: November 15 - December 13	3:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Essig Center	$25 per session

Dinner & Land of Lights Trip

Enjoy a dinner at Ippy’s and view the lights in style by riding the Office of Aging bus. This activity is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The price includes transportation. Dinner will be on your own. Registration: Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center 

Elder Fraud Awareness Class

Don’t be a victim; learn what scams are targeting you. Ryan King, from the Rocky Mount Town Police will be here to educate you on the newest scams. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Farkle

Come learn to play the fun and easy-to-learn game of Farkle. It is a dice game that can be enjoyed by two or more people. 

Hamrick's & Lunch Trip

Get started on your holiday shopping early and have a delicious lunch at the Great 611 after you shop. The price includes transportation. Lunch and shopping will be own your own. Registration: Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center

Hook and Needle Club

If you enjoy cross stitch, knitting or crocheting with like minded needlecrafters, then come join this group! Experienced leaders will be available for assistance, if you would like to learn one of these crafting techniques! Participants should bring their own supplies. 

Holidays with The Templetons

Join us for an afternoon of Christmas tunes by Karen and Mark Templeton. Sweet treats will be provided for your enjoyment. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Intro To Pickleball

Want a better understanding of the basics of Pickleball? Come to this 1 hour clinic to learn the basics of the game. Register online or call 540-483-9238.

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
3rd Tuesday each month	9:30 am - 11: 30 am OR 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm	Essig Center	FREE

Line Dancing

Join us every Tuesday for a little dance exercise! No experience needed — just a little bit of rhythm and a willingness to have fun! Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One week before session starts

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Tuesdays September - December	11:30 am - 12:30 pm	Essig Center	$10 per month

Low Impact Exercise & Balance Classes

Led by a certified and trained instructor, this low-impact physical activity program is proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. These classes include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. Reister in person or call 540-483-9238. Registration Deadline: Friday, September 15, 2023

Mahjong

Come learn to play a tile game called Mahjong. Groups of four play at a time. To join a group give us a call at 540-483-9238, and we will connect you with others that play each week.

Medicare Information From SAAA

Do you need help navigating Medicare? Let Ciera Wilson at Southern Area Agency on Aging help you. Please call 276-632-6442 to make a phone appointment or schedule an in-person visit at the Essig Recreation Center

Movie Matinees

Enjoy time with friends while eating popcorn and watching a movie. Movies will be announced a week before the showing. 

Opioid Education For Older Adults

Get educated about how to handle opiods in your home and, if needed, how to use Narcan. Ryan King, from the Rocky Mount Police Department, will be here to lead this informative class. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Pickle A Mile Club

This fun FREE pickleball club is for those who want to record their pickleball games each week. Picklers will choose a National Park or Arch to try and accomplish as many miles/games as possible to pickle their way to their destination. 4 pickleball games equal 1 mile and there will be incentives for those who make it to their destination. Tally sheets are in the gym. Just record your destination and games each week.

Pickleball (50+) 

Come get your exercise while socializing with others who enjoy the game of Pickleball. No registration needed. Paddles and balls are provided.

Pickleball Drill Clinics

Looking to practice and get better at the game of Pickleball? Each month we will focus on different aspects of the game such as dinking, drops, blocking and will use the ball machine to strengthen our skills. Register online or call 540-483-9238. Max 8 players

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
2nd Tuesday of each month	9:30 am - 11:30 am	Essig Center	$10 per clinic

Pumpkin Patch Trip

Let’s go for a ride to Sinkland Farms to the pumpkin patch. Enjoy a boxed lunch and tour of the farm. Price includes transportation, boxed lunch, and admission to Sinkland Farms. Registration Deadline: Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center

Respecting Choices Workshop

In this workshop, hosted by Carilion Clinic, we will discuss the purpose and importance of Advanced Directives. You will learn the benefits of making advance healthcare decisions and how to transfer your individual goals, values and preferences into a written plan. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Rice Cooker Cooking Class

Do you want to learn how to make delicious food in a rice cooker? JoDee Jeans, from Ippy’s Restaurant, will be here to give you all the tips and tricks to get the most out of your rice cooker. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238

Senior Cafe

Would you like to join us every Thursday for a “lunch and learn” program? It’s free and will be at the Essig Recreation Center from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Thanks to STEP Inc. for partnering with us and offering this to our senior community. Call 540-483-9238 for more information.

Senior Expo

Hope that you can come to the largest Senior Expo in Southwest, VA, visit with over 75 vendors, and learn more about opportunities to assist you as you age. This free event will include food trucks, live music, giveaways and activity demonstrations.

Silver-cise Exercise Room

Come check out our senior-only exercise room at the Essig Recreation Center. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Whether you would like to walk a few miles on the treadmill, take a ride on a stationary bike or work on your rowing — you can, with folks your own age! The only payment required is that you sign in and out at the front desk! 

Smart Drive AARP Course

AARP is here to offer a great class that is educational AND you could be eligible for an insurance discount. This course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Registration: Register in person or call 540-483-9238. 

Tai Chi For Beginners

This graceful form of exercise is used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: Friday, September 22, 2023.

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Wednesdays September 27 - December 20	11:30 am - 12:30 pm	Essig Center	$60

Tai Chi For Advanced

These advance martial art classes are for those who have taken the beginner class and want to progress through learning more advanced Tai Chi. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: Friday, September 22, 2023 

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Wednesdays September 27 - December 20	12:30 pm - 1:30 pm	Essig Center	FREE

Watercolor Expressions

Do you wish to discover the joy and fluid beauty of watercolor painting? These classes include demonstrations, individual assistance and discussion. The instruction and class atmosphere is informal and self-expression is encouraged. This creative class is designed for all levels of experience and to share the magic of creating art with watercolor. Brushes, palettes and water jars are available. Supplies are not included. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One week before session starts.

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Tuesdays Session 1: October 3 - 24 Session 2: November 14 - December 5	10:30 am - 12:30 am	Essig Center	$55 per session

Senior Giving Tree

If you would like to help a senior this holiday season, come by the Essig Recreation Center and pick up a “Star” to see their wishes, beginning the week of November 13th. Please return unwrapped gifts and star to the Essig Recreation Center no later than December 18th. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Yoga

DATES	TIME	PLACE	COST
Wednesdays 6 week session starting September 27th	8:30 am	Essig Center	$55 per session