Senior Programs for This Quarter

AARP MEETINGS

Join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month to learn about AARP’s mission. Various speakers will bring ideas and suggestions to empower you to accomplish your daily tasks.  January 11, February 8, March 8 and April 12, 2023 at the Essig Recreation Center from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  FREE!  Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.

AARP - TAX PREPARATIONS

AARP offers free, in-person tax preparation and assistance to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. February 2 - April 13, 2023.  By appointment only at Essig Recreation Center.  Give us a call at 540-483-9238 starting January 23rd to schedule your appointment for this free service.

ACTIVE LIVING EVERY DAY SERIES

Active Learning Every Day is a behavior change program that addresses physical inactivity.  We will address the root causes of inactivity rather than simply prescribing exercise.  Participants will learn skills they need to become and stay physically active. Tuesdays, March 21 - April 25, 2023 10:00 am to 11:00 am.  FREE!  Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center or call 540-483-9238. 

ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION - 10 WARNING SIGNS WORKSHOP

The Alzheimer’s Association will be here to teach the common warning signs of Alzheimer's and inform you of what symptoms to look for in yourself and others.  Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Essig Recreation Center from 11:00am-noon.  FREE! Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.  

ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION - UNDERSTANDING & RESPONDING

Learn from the Alzheimer’s Association about some of the common triggers of behavior associated with dementia, how to assess the person's needs and how to intervene.  Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Essig Recreation Center from 11:00am-noon.  FREE!  Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.  

BINGO

Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month to play bingo for some fun prizes.  January 10, February 14, March 14 and April 11, 2023.  Essig Recreation Center from 11:00am-noon.  FREE!  Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Join us the 3rd Friday of the month to celebrate everyone‘s birthdays. Bring a dish and we will enjoy a variety of birthday activities followed by a birthday treat. January 20, February 17, March 17 & April 21, 2023.  FREE!  Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.

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 that play each week.  Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (January - April, 2023) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Essig Recreation Center.  FREE!

CHAIR YOGA

Join us for a relaxing hour as we explore developing our breath and practice restorative “yoga belly breathing” to self-regulate stress levels from a chair. Learning to pair your breath with gentle movement and stretching, we can maximize our own natural ability to promote better breathing, relaxation, wellness, flexibility and better health. Each class will end with a guided meditation. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins the first day of class. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: 1 week prior to start of classes

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Wednesdays Session 1: Jan 25 - March 1 Session 2: March 22 - April 26	10:00am-11:00am	Essig Rec Center	$45.00

CHRISTMAS WITH THE TEMPLETONS

Join us for an afternoon of Christmas tunes by Karen and Mark Templeton. Sweet treats will be provided for your enjoyment. Please call 540-483-9238 to let us know that you would like to attend.  Friday, December 16 at the Essig Recreation Center from 1:30pm-3:00pm.  FREE!

CREATIVE DRAWING - 4 WEEKS

Four consecutive Thursday mornings joy with others 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 at PlayFranklinCounty.com. Registration Deadline: One Week Before Session Starts

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Session 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 Session 2: March 2, 9, 16, 23 Session 3: April 6, 13, 20, 27	10:30am-12:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$55.00 per session

EATING HEALTHY & STARTING THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Learn from the Virginia Cooperative Extension how to eat healthy, lower your sodium and cut fat.  Learn the correct portion sizes with My Plate and start the new year healthier.  Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center or call 540-483-9238.  January 24 and February 7, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.  Cost $5.00

FALL PREVENTION AND RECOVERY WORKSHOP

Join Brooke Martin, Physical Therapist, to learn about common risk factors and reasons for falls.  Learn how to prevent these and what to do in case of a fall.  Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center or call 540-483-9238.  Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 11 am to noon.  FREE!

FIRE SAFETY WORKSHOP

Franklin County Public Safety will be here to teach you how to keep yourself and your home safe from fires.  Come discuss and ask questions in this informative workshop. Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center or call 540-483-9238. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 10:00am-11:00am.  FREE!

FOLK ART PAINTING – 4 WEEKS

Immerse yourself in the joy of painting in watercolor and acrylic. These Monday classes will involve a creative experience for all who wish to paint, offering the simple joy of expressing daily life with light and color, bringing delight to artist and viewer. The instruction and class atmosphere is informal. Come and express your inner folk artist. Includes demonstration, individual assistance and discussion. Supplies not included. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: One Week Before Session Starts.

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Session 1: Feb 6, 13, 20, 27  Session 2: March 6, 13, 20, 27  Session 3: April 3, 10, 17, 24	10:30am-12:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$55 per session

HOOK AND NEEDLE CLUB

If you enjoy cross stitch, knitting or crocheting with like minded needle-crafters, 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. Every Tuesday January to April at Essig Recreation Center 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  FREE!

LINE DANCING

Join us every Tuesday for a little dancing 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

DATE	TIME	WHERE	COST
Tuesday's Jan - April	11:30am-12:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$10 per month

MILL MOUNTAIN THEATER TRIP - JERSEY BOYS

Ride with us to go see the musical, Jersey Boys at Mill Mountain Theater.  We will go to the 611 Steakhouse after the show. Transportation and show tickets are included and dinner is paid by you on site.  Register at the Essig Recreation Center. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm.  Cost $45.00.  For ages 60 & up.  Registration Deadline: Monday, March 6, 2023.

MOVIE MATINEES

Join time with friends while eating popcorn and watching a movie. Movies will be announced a week before the showing. January 6, February 3, March 3 and April 7, 2023, at Essig Recreation Center.  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.

PICKLE A MILE CLUB

Want to travel around the states through playing the games of Pickleball?  You chose your destinations, and we will plan your route.  Example: Washington D.C. (66 games), Martha's Vineyard (189 games) or Niagara Falls (136 games). Calculations will be completed weekly and posted on the white board.  Get the new year moving by taking this challenge. Let the Front Desk Staff know if you are interested.  Challenge is February - April 2023.  FREE!

PICKLEBALL - DAYTIME

Come participate in the great game of pickleball and meet other folks who love the game.  Balls and paddles are provided. Ages 50 & up.  Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Essig Recreation Center. FREE!

PICKLEBALL DRILLS CLINIC

Want to improve your game of pickleball?  If so, sign up to learn how to improve your games in these clinics as we practice, practice and practice.  Pickleball literature, drills, games and knowledge will be shared as we strengthen our skills. Ages 18 & up.

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
3rd Thursday of month	9:30am-11:30am	Essig Rec Center	$10

PICKLEBALL - EVENING

Come participate in the great game of pickleball and meet other folks who love the game. Balls and paddles provided.  Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Essig Recreation Center.  Ages 18 & up.  FREE!

PICKLEBALL - INTRO CLINICS

Want to learn about the fastest growing sport around?  Come learn about pickleball equipment, scoring and the basics of the game.  Pre-Registration is required. Ages 18 & up.

1st Thursday of month	9:30am-10:30am	Essig Rec Center	FREE

PICKLEBALL - NEW PLAYERS

If you are new to the game of pickleball, this is a great time to learn and better your skills with beginners that are just learning how to play.  Balls and paddles are provided.  Tuesday's & Thursdays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Essig Recreation Center.  Ages 50 & up.  FREE!

PICKLEBALL - GLOW CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Start your holiday season off with some glow pickleball. Wear a white shirt and come glow the evening away. Pre-registration is required for this event. As with any social, food will be there! Register online or on-site. Deadline to Register: Friday, December 9, 2022

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Friday, Dec 16	4:00pm-8:00pm	Essig Rec Center	$10.00

"PRE-HAB" BEFORE JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Come join Brooke Martin, Physical Therapist, as she describes the benefits and importance of participating in a Rehab Program (Pre-Hab) prior to joint replacement surgery.  Register in person at the Essig Recreation Center or call 540-483-9238.  Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 11:00 am to noon.  FREE!

SENIOR CAFE

Would you like to join us every Thursday for a lunch and learn program? Thanks to STEP Inc. for partnering with us and offering this to our senior community. Every Thursday January - April 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Essig Recreation Center.  FREE!

SENIOR GIVING TREE

If you would like to help an elder this holiday season, come by the Essig Recreation Center and pick up a “Star” to see what they need, beginning the week of November 14th. Franklin County Office of Aging hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5pm. If you have questions, please call us at 540-483-9238. Unwrapped gifts should be returned no later than December 12th.

SILVER-CISE EXERCISE ROOM

Come check out our senior only exercise room. 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!  Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at Essig Recreation Center.  FREE!

SMARTPHONE BASICS

Stumped by your phone? Come learn the basics of your smart phone. This class will be lead by the Franklin County Information Technology Department. Register in person or call 540-483-9238 to register.  Tuesday, February 28, 2023 and Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Essig Recreation Center 10:00am-Noon.  FREE!

SOUP FOR SENIORS

Can you help us as we collect canned soups, peanut butter, crackers and fruit the month of January? You can make a difference in our community by starting a soup drive in your church, business or organization or donating a few cans of your own. Please deliver items to the Essig Recreation Center the week of February 6-10, 2023. We are located at 295 Technology Drive in Rocky Mount, Virginia. All items collected will be bagged into reusable cloth bags and distributed to the elderly here in Franklin County. The more we collect the more we can serve. For more information please 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 at PlayFranklinCounty.com. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Wednesday's Jan 25 - April 12	11:30am - 12:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$60.00

TAI CHI FOR ADVANCED

These advanced martial art classes are for those who have taken the beginner class and want to progress to learning more advanced Tai Chi. Register in person or online. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

DATES	TIME	WHERE	COST
Wednesday's Jan 25 - April 12	12:30pm-1:30pm	Essig Rec Center	FREE

WATERCOLOR EXPRESSIONS

Four consecutive Tuesday mornings join with others who wish to discover the joy and fluid beauty of watercolor painting. Includes demonstration, 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 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 at PlayFranklinCounty.com. Registration Deadline: One Week Before Session Starts.

DATE	TIME	WHERE	COST
Session 1: Feb 7, 14, 21, 28  Session 2: March 7, 14, 21, 28 Session 3: April 4, 11, 18, 25	10:30am-12:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$55 per session

YOGA

Join us for 6 consecutive weeks of yoga that will begin to improve your stamina, balance and flexibility. Posture, blood circulation, lung capacity and your stress and anxiety will see improvement as well. Each class will end with a guided meditation. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Pre-registration is required, no walk ins the first day of class. Register in person or online. For ages 18 & up. Registration Deadline: 1 week prior to start of classes 

DATE	TIME	WHERE	COST
Wednesdays Session 1: Jan 25 - March 2  Session 2: March 22 - April 26	8:30am-9:30pm	Essig Rec Center	$45 per session