Happy New Year

BROOKLYN PARK

SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Hello members, and Happy New Year! We have a busy month scheduled for January and we hope you'll stop by and see us. We ended the year with a wonderful holiday party at the Elks Lodge in Severna Park, and even had a visit from Santa! Thank you to our local businesses Bruster's, Cheesecake Factory, Crab Depot, Hibachi, and the Annapolis Home Depot for providing Brooklyn Park Seniors, Inc. some of our Christmas party door prizes.


We are sad to announce that our center associate, Lisa Sinnett, has taken another job and is no longer with us. See below for her farewell letter.


As a reminder, the center will be closed from 12:00 PM on Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 1st. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

~Sarah


It is with mixed emotions that I write this farewell letter. While I am excited to start this new chapter, it is difficult for me to say goodbye. Working at Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center has been one of the best experiences. It saddens me for I know I won’t see and interact with our members whom I’ve grown so close to. The center, I have realized, is like a second home to so many including myself. My last few weeks I would sit back and watch people interacting. To see the compassion, appreciation, and commitment for each other and our community is genuinely remarkable. I will miss everyone’s stories, smiles, and laughter. These memories I will cherish forever. If I have learned anything it is to cherish your moments, laugh often, and look for the good in each day. 


With heartfelt appreciation and warmest regards,

Lisa Sinnett

    January 2024 Programming


All events listed below will be held at the Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center. Unless noted, programs are free and sign up is not required. Programs in bold indicate one-time events. To register for a class or workshop, sign up at the front desk or call the center at 410-222-6847. Members can sign up for all January & February events listed below, once the monthly newsletter is out.


Week of January 1st - January 5th

Monday 1/1

  • Center Closed in Observance of New Year's Day


Tuesday 1/2

  • Beginning Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM


Wednesday 1/3

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Korean Choir: 1:00-2:30 PM *sign up required


Thursday 1/4

  • Intermediate Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Chair Exercise: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required


Friday 1/5

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM


Week of January 8th - January 12th

Monday 1/8

  • Chair Exercise: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • BP Library Technology Assistance: 10:30-11:30 AM
  • Ping Pong Open Play: 11:30-3:00 PM
  • Roman Holiday’ Movie: 12:30 PM


Tuesday 1/9

  • Beginning Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Mindful Moments: 11:00-12:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM


Wednesday 1/10

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM


Thursday 1/11

  • Intermediate Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Chair Exercise: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required
  • Harry Evans Entertainment: 1:00-2:00 PM


Friday 1/12

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM


Week of January 15th - January 19th

Monday 1/15

  • Center Closed in Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday


Tuesday 1/16

  • Beginning Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Sound Meditation Workshop: 10:30-11:30 AM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM


Wednesday 1/17

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Korean Choir: 1:00-2:30 PM *sign up required


Thursday 1/18

  • Maryland Legal Aid Outreach: 10:00-12:00 PM
  • Intermediate Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Chair Exercise: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required
  • Purse Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required


Friday 1/19

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • English as a Second Language: 9:00-11:30 AM *sign up required
  • Dollar Tree & Olive Grove Van Trip: 9:45-1:15 PM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Computers 101 (Taught in Korean): 1:00-3:00 PM *sign up required


Week of January 22nd - January 26th

Monday 1/22

  • Chair Exercise: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Tobacco Awareness - Lunch ‘n Learn: 11:00-12:00 PM *sign up required
  • Ping Pong Open Play: 11:30-3:00 PM


Tuesday 1/23

  • AARP Smart Driver™ Course: 9:00-1:00 PM *sign up required
  • Beginning Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Exercise Equipment Room Orientation: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM


Wednesday 1/24

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM


Thursday 1/25

  • Hobby Lobby & Bob Evans Van Trip: 9:45-1:15 PM *sign up required
  • Maryland Access Point Outreach: 10:00-12:00 PM
  • Intermediate Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Chair Exercise: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required


Friday 1/26

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • English as a Second Language: 9:00-11:30 AM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Computers 101 (Taught in Korean): 1:00-3:00 PM *sign up required


Week of January 29th - January 31st

Monday 1/29

  • Chair Exercise: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Special Breakfast: 9:30 AM *sign up required
  • Ping Pong Open Play: 11:30-3:00 PM
  • Pet Rock Performance: 1:00-2:00 PM


Tuesday 1/30

  • Beginning Line Dancing: 10:00-11:00 AM *sign up required
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:00 PM
  • Ryan’s EDM Dancercise: 1:00-2:00 PM *sign up required


Wednesday 1/31

  • Ping Pong Open Play: 9:00-3:00 PM
  • Bingo: 1:00-2:30 PM



⧫   Classes and Workshops    ⧫


Mondays 11:30AM-3:00 PM, Wednesdays 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, and Fridays 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Ping Pong Open Play


Mondays, January 8, 22 & 29; 10:00-11:00 AM

Chair Exercise (sign up required every month) 

Instructor Marilyn Bjorge will lead the class in seated stretches, using weights, balls and resistance bands as tools. Exercises are designed to condition and tone the body. This class is perfect for anyone with physical limitations, and prior experience is not required. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Monday chair exercise OR Thursday chair exercise class.


Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; 10:00-11:00 AM 

Beginning Line Dancing (sign up required every month) 

Led by instructor Sis Denton. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Tuesday line dancing OR Thursday line dancing class.


Tuesdays; 1:00-2:00 PM 

Bingo 

Come join us for a fun-filled game of Bingo! Please bring a prize for the Bingo table.


Tuesday, January 16th; 10:30-11:30 AM

Sound Meditation Workshop (sign up required)

Experience the peace and tranquility of sound meditation. Playing songs that calm the soul and bring peace to one's spirit, Dara Kamilah Thomas will perform music that is gentle, like a breath of fresh air. This meditative program hopes to bring you to a centered and peaceful state, physically, mentally and spiritually.


Thursday, January 18th; 1:00-2:00 PM

Purse Bingo (sign up required)

Join us for Brooklyn Park's first Purse Bingo! Sign up at the front desk to participate in a special Purse Bingo, where we will have food, fun and plenty of purses! Spots are limited! $3 fee to participate. Sponsored by the Brooklyn Park Seniors, Inc.  


Tuesday, January 23rd; 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM

AARP Smart Driver™ Course (sign up required)

Refresh your driving skills with the AARP Smart Driver™ Course. You will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new laws and rules of the road. Upon completion of the course, you may be eligible to receive a multi-year discount on your car insurance. Please bring your driver's license and AARP membership card to class. Fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Fee is collected at time of sign-up; pay by cash or check (checks payable to AARP). Register at the front desk by Friday, January 19th. Makeup date is Thursday, January 25th from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.


Tuesday, January 23rd; 10:00-11:00 AM 

Exercise Equipment Room Orientation (sign up required)

The senior activity center has an exercise equipment room with a treadmill, bike, elliptical and weights. Before using this room, members must first attend a free one-time safety orientation session, taught by Louise Mulvey. 


Tuesday, January 30th; 1:00-2:00 PM

EDM Dancercise (sign up required)

Get ready for some high energy exercise as Ryan presents EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Dancercise! We’re going to move, groove, and turn up the BPM (beats per minute) to some new types of music for this event! Participation encouraged, fun required! This class will be led by Department of Aging and Disabilities staff Ryan Shupp. 


Wednesdays & Fridays; 1:00-2:30 PM

Bingo

Come join us for a fun-filled game of Bingo, called in English and Korean. Please bring a prize for the Bingo table.


Wednesdays, January 3 & 17; 1:00-2:30 PM 

Korean Choir 


Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25; 10:00-11:00 AM 

Intermediate Line Dancing (sign up required every month) 

Led by instructor Sis Denton. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Tuesday line dancing OR Thursday line dancing class.


Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25; 1:00-2:00 PM

Chair Exercise (sign up required every month) 

Instructor Marilyn Bjorge will lead the class in seated stretches, using weights, balls and resistance bands as tools. Exercises are designed to condition and tone the body. This class is perfect for anyone with physical limitations, and prior experience is not required. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Monday chair exercise OR Thursday chair exercise class.


Fridays, January 19 & 26; 9:00-11:30 AM 

English as a Second Language (sign up required through AACC)


Fridays, January 19 & 26; 1:00-3:00 PM

Computers 101 (Taught in Korean) (sign up required)

Instructor Jong Park covers a variety of computer topics in this class, taught in Korean. *Note: Class will not be held on January 5th or 12th.


⧫  Trips and Events  ⧫


Monday, January 8th; 10:30-11:30 AM

Brooklyn Park Library Technology Assistance

Staff from the Brooklyn Park Library will be available to assist members with their smartphone or tablet. Bring your device and get tips on how to use your device or troubleshoot issues. Library staff can also offer reading recommendations and discuss services available at the library. No appointment needed. 


Monday, January 8th; 12:30 PM

‘Roman Holiday’ Movie

Enjoy some popcorn and join us for a showing of this classic movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.


Tuesday, January 9th; 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Mindful Moments

Come join us as we continue our monthly series to engage with others around mental wellness and discuss mental health, the brain, and related tips and resources. Presented by staff from the Department of Aging and Disabilities. January’s topic will be Healthy/Normal Aging- what to expect as part of the normal aging process versus health concerns such as dementia. 


Thursday, January 11th; 1:00-2:00 PM

Harry Evans Performance

This one-man band will be performing for us on his steel guitar! Come listen to Harry perform hits from country, blues, Motown and oldies.


Thursday, January 18th; 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Maryland Legal Aid Outreach

Staff from Maryland Legal Aid will be available to meet with members to answer any questions they have and help with any information they may need. No appointment needed. Maryland Legal Aid is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and basic human rights of clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system. 


Friday, January 19th; 9:45 AM- 1:15 PM

Dollar Tree & Olive Grove Van Trip (sign up required)

This trip location will be to Dollar Tree in Glen Burnie and Olive Grove Restaurant in Linthicum. The van will depart the senior activity center at 9:45 am and return at 1:15 pm. Participants are responsible for the cost of their purchases, meal, and tip. Sign up at the front desk, spots are limited!


Monday, January 22nd; 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Tobacco Awareness Lunch ‘n Learn (sign up required)

Learn about the emerging tobacco products and trends happening here and across the state, and get details about free help to quit smoking offered by the county. Lunch will be provided. Sign up at the front desk by January 16th.


Thursday, January 25th; 9:45 AM- 1:15 PM

Hobby Lobby & Bob Evans Van Trip (sign up required)

This trip location will be to Hobby Lobby and Bob Evans Restaurant in Pasadena. The van will depart the senior activity center at 9:45 am and return at 1:15 pm. Participants are responsible for the cost of their purchases, meal and tip. Sign up at the front desk, spots are limited!


Thursday, January 25th; 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Maryland Access Point Outreach 

Information and Assistance staff Saes Kim from the Department of Aging & Disabilities will be on site once a month to assist center members with resources and services. Saes will be able to assist with applications, provide referrals to local services, discuss housing options, and provide education on community resources. No appointment needed.


Monday, January 29th; 9:30 AM

Special Breakfast (sign up required)

Did you know that January 15th is National Bagel Day, and January 30th is National Croissant Day? We will celebrate with free bagels, croissants, and juice provided by the Brooklyn Park Seniors, Inc. Sign up at the front desk by January 25th.


Monday, January 29th; 1:00-2:00 PM

Pet Rock Performance

Come listen to Tim Amann perform popular hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s!


⧫  BPSC January Online Programming  ⧫


Mondays, January 8, 15, 22 & 29; 1:00-2:15 PM

Zoom Chair Yoga Class

Taught by Linda McGill, this class is designed for relaxation. You will experience deep, rhythmic breathing accompanied by simple stretches in a safe and comfortable setting.

For the following class, click on the Zoom link below at the start time of the event to enter the program. *Note: Class will not be held on January 1st.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957814368   Meeting ID: 829 5781 43684



⧫ Coming up in February  ⧫


Mondays, February 5, 12 & 26; 10:00-11:00 AM

Chair Exercise (sign up required every month) 

Instructor Marilyn Bjorge will lead the class in seated stretches, using weights, balls and resistance bands as tools. Exercises are designed to condition and tone the body. This class is perfect for anyone with physical limitations, and prior experience is not required. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Monday chair exercise OR Thursday chair exercise class.


Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27; 10:00-11:00 AM 

Beginning Line Dancing (sign up required every month) 

Led by instructor Sis Denton. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Tuesday line dancing OR Thursday line dancing class.


Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 10:00-11:00 AM 

Intermediate Line Dancing (sign up required every month) 

Led by instructor Sis Denton. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Tuesday line dancing OR Thursday line dancing class.


Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 1:00-2:00 PM

Chair Exercise (sign up required every month) 

Instructor Marilyn Bjorge will lead the class in seated stretches, using weights, balls and resistance bands as tools. Exercises are designed to condition and tone the body. This class is perfect for anyone with physical limitations, and prior experience is not required. *Note: Members can sign up for either the Monday chair exercise OR Thursday chair exercise class.


Friday, February 9th; 9:30 AM- 1:30 PM 

Dollar Tree & Seafood Palace Van Trip (sign up required)

This trip location will be to Dollar Tree and Seafood Palace in Annapolis. The van will depart the senior activity center at 9:30 am and return at 1:30 pm. Participants are responsible for the cost of their purchases, meal and tip. Sign up at the front desk, spots are limited!


Thursday, February 22nd; 9:45 AM- 1:15 PM 

Five Below & Park Tavern Van Trip (sign up required)

This trip location will be to Five Below and Park Tavern in Severna Park. The van will depart the senior activity center at 9:45 am and return at 1:15 pm. Participants are responsible for the cost of their purchases, meal and tip. Sign up at the front desk, spots are limited!


Thursday, February 29th; 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM 

Heart Health Lunch ‘n Learn (sign up required)

During American Heart Month, learn about heart disease, signs, symptoms, prevention, and how to keep your heart healthy. Lunch will be provided. Sign up at the front desk by February 22nd.


Senior Activity Center Information

  • Brooklyn Park Seniors, Inc. is a fundraising board made up of elected members of the center. Their mission is to supplement the county budget for supplies, services and programs offered at the Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center. The Brooklyn Park Seniors, Inc. meets the first Monday of every month at 10:00 AM. Meetings are open to all center members. *Note: There will not be a meeting held in January.
  • BPSC sends our monthly newsletters via email, with upcoming center programming and community events. See staff if you would like to be added to our email list.
  • We are on Facebook! Like our page and check out our Facebook page under 'Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center.'
  • We are currently accepting donations for books, word search puzzle books and adult coloring books.
  • Meals are served at the senior activity center Monday-Friday at noon. Call the Nutrition Program at (410) 222-6869 from 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM to reserve a meal one week in advance. In an effort to support the ongoing and future work of the Congregate Meal Program, voluntary donations are encouraged, if one is able. No eligible person will be denied a meal if unable to donate. Each congregate meal costs $5.25.
  • Transportation to the senior activity center can be scheduled one week in advance through the Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation at (410) 222-0022.
  • Senior Activity Center Eligibility Guidelines- Anne Arundel County senior activity centers offer free memberships to individuals age 55 and older who are active, self-sufficient and able to function independently. Your key tag allows participation at any of the eight senior activity centers in the county. Adults age 55 and older who need assistance with daily living activities, or their caregivers, should contact Information and Assistance at (410) 222-4257 to learn more about alternatives to senior activity centers.
  • Department of Aging & Disabilities staff from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are available to discuss your questions about Medicare and Medicaid, supplemental health insurance, medical claims management, Medicare Open Enrollment, and more. Call the SHIP office at (410) 222-4077 to schedule an appointment.


Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center

202 Hammonds Lane; Brooklyn Park   (410) 222-6847

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM


Anyone needing accommodations must contact the Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center at 410-222-6847 or by email at [email protected] at least seven days prior to an event. TTY users please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. All materials available in alternate formats upon request.