New Beginnings In-Person Programming

New and Noteworthy This Month

All activities are in person unless otherwise specified.

January Fitness Features

New! Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Chair Aerobics for Older Adults

Stuart Haden, a Certified Senior Fitness Instructor experienced in working with older adults, is teaching a one-hour cardio and flexibility workout that can be performed seated or with the support of a chair.

New Instructor! Thursdays at 1 pm

Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga is back with new instructor Anthony Purdy. Anthony is a certified yoga instructor as well as an award winning classical guitarist, teacher and poet.

Special Events in January

Monday, January 16, 9 am – 4 pm

Martin Luther King Day of Service 

The Riverdale Y is once again observing Martin Luther King Day with a variety of service projects and interfaith, intergenerational and environmental initiatives.  In the lobby, stop by our Interfaith Table to share stories about your family traditions and culture, or learn how to help create a green and accessible economy at our Climate Change Table.  Sign up to help pack meals or medical supplies for those in need, or volunteer to interact with a young person for 30 minutes.  A series of prompts will help you get to know each other across the generations.  Teens will also join us for lunch.  Between 10 am and 1 pm, get rid of your paper clutter at our shredding truck.  Learn more and register for your preferred activity at https://www.riverdaley.org/mlk-day-of-service-2023/.  You can also contact  Alexandra at (718) 548-8200 ext 233 or email her at anyashina@riverdaley.org.

Tuesday, January 17, at 11:30 am

January Birthday Party Lunch and Entertainment!

Join us for our January Birthday Lunch at 11:30 am and at 1:15 pm dance to Mesha’s music – Motown, Soul, Caribbean, Jazz Standards, Latin and Pop of 1940s-1980s. Tickets for the Birthday Lunch are a suggested contribution of $3.50 in advance/$4.50 the day of the event. Please buy yours in advance to ensure a seat.

Tuesday, January 17, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Mobile Food Pantry

Join us in the back parking lot to pick up food from the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty’s Mobile Food Pantry.  You will be asked to sign an attestation for income eligibility each time you pick up food from the pantry,  To register, contact Alexandra at (718) 548-8200 ext 233 or via email at anyashina@riverdaley.org. Provide your name, phone number, date of birth, zip code, and email (if available) to complete registration. If you are already registered, you can just show up.

Tuesday, January 24, at 10:00 am

Krav Maga with Grand Master Rhon Mizrachi 

Join us to learn about and practice this increasingly popular Israeli martial art. Derived from techniques used in aikido, judo, karate, boxing, and wrestling, Krav Maga is known for its focus on real-world situations and is taught for self defense.  Grand Master Rhon will teach you basic strikes and defense techniques. https://kravmagafederation.com

Pre-registration is required with space for 13 New Beginnings members. Suggested contribution is $8.00 in advance.  

Thursday, January 26, at 10:00 am

Improv with Frank

Join Frank Ingrasciotta for a fun-filled class on improvisation! Explore your creativity, boost your mental agility and build confidence through theater games that focus on spontaneity, awareness, energy, and concentration. You’ll get to practice your skills just like on the hit show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? The main goal of this class is to get you excited about improvisation and have a great time while doing it. Let’s support, encourage and have a blast together!

Friday, January 27, at 12:45 pm

Interactive Workshop: Afro-Caribbean Music, Dance and Percussion with Juan Usera!

Join dancer, percussionist and community educator Juan Usera for Caribeando: A Music and Dance Workshop. This fun and exciting workshop will engage us in creative movement and expression while enriching our understanding of the diversity of Caribbean culture. The workshop will include Caribbean music and dance (Bomba, Merengue, Salsa, Plena, Danza) and instruction on traditional percussion instruments such as congas, bombas, tamboras, güiros, maracas, claves, and panderos. Juan is the founder of the Samuca Tribe, an ensemble that has been featured at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, and he has taught at LIU and John Jay.

January’s Friday Flicks

Friday, January 6, at 12:45pm

Hustle  (2022)

(1 hrs, 57 min) When a fired basketball scout discovers a gifted amateur playing on the streets of Spain, he sets out to prove that they both have what it takes to make it in the NBA. With Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah and a team or two of NBA players past and present.

Friday, January 13, at 12:45pm

The Fabelmans (2022) 

(2 hrs, 31 min) Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story. Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

Friday, January 20, at 12:45pm

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

(1 hrs, 54 min) A dark tragicomedy set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland. Two lifelong friends (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) find themselves at an impasse when one unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship.  Events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.

January Lectures

Friday, January 6, at 10:30 am

Art Lecture with Photographer Dick Frank

Photographer and New Beginnings member Richard “Dick” Frank will talk about his career and his approach to photography.  Dick is known for his ability to capture his subjects in a natural and authentic style.  He has worked with a variety of national magazines, including TimeLife, New York Magazine, and Car & Driver.

Thursday, January 12th, at 12:45 pm

Nutrition Lecture: Nutrition 101 with Tamar

Kick start the new year with important nutritional advice to help you meet your health goals! Presented by Tamar Elkin, MS, RDN, CDN.

January Trips

Thursday, January 12, at 10:00 am
Shopping Trip to Trader Joe’s and H Mart

Join us for a fun shopping trip to Trader Joe’s and H Mart in Hartsdale.  Find all your grocery essentials and discover new products.  There’s also a great Food Court at H Mart.  The van leaves the Y at 10:00 am and returns at approximately 3:30 pm. $14 includes lunch-to-go and round-trip transportation.  Sign up with Mindy by Monday, January 9, 2022.  Please arrive at the Center 15 minutes prior to departure.

Thursday, January 19, at 1:00 pm
Let’s Go to the Movies!

Get ready to grab your popcorn and settle into your seat because we’re heading to the movie theater to catch the latest blockbuster film! The van leaves the Y at approximately 1:00 pm and returns at approximately 4:00 pm. $8 includes round-trip transportation.  Purchase your own ticket to whatever movie you want to see, as long as it fits our time frame for departure. Sign up with Mindy by Monday, January 16, 2022.   Please arrive at the Center 15 minutes prior to departure.

New and Weekly Classes

New Programming Alerts!

New! Mondays at 10:00 am

Manicures with Frances 

Keep calm and get your nails done! New Beginnings Member Frances Feintuch will provide nail polish removal, filing, painting and lotion.

New! Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 am – 11:15 am

Meditation

We’ve added a second Meditation Group on Mondays. Find inner peace and clarity through meditation! Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, our meditation classes offer something for everyone. Join us to learn different forms of meditation, practice mindfulness, and find relaxation in the present moment. Discover the transformative power of meditation for yourself!

New! Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Technology Class with Trinity

We’re continuing to offer technology classes this month.  Join Trinity (aka Kim Schmidt) to learn how to use YouTube, how to text, and more.  (Note: This class will complement, not replace, one-on-one Tech Lab with Jerry on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am.)

January Topics:

Jan  4 – YouTube –  A video-sharing website that allows users from all over the globe to upload and share videos.

Jan  11-  Google  Maps –  Explore the city with confidence and ease using Google Maps.

Jan 18 –  Text Messaging –  Stay connected with ease and convenience by text messaging.

Jan 25 – Touch Screen on Phone –  Become a pro at navigating your cell phone.

An Old Favorite is Back! Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
Brain Games and Charades with Marv

Marv Goodman will once again challenge us with a wide variety of word and picture puzzles, trivia and nostalgic quizzes, plus games to flex your gray cells in gentle workouts. We’ll play Charades the second half of each session.

Ongoing Classes

Mondays and Fridays (In Person and Online) at 9:15 am, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (Online) at 10:00 am

Stay Well Exercise 

An exercise program that accommodates participants of all fitness levels, Stay Well enhances balance, builds muscle strength and aids in the performance of tasks associated with daily living.

Mondays at 10 am

Chess Clinic

Join Joel Perlmutter to learn how to play chess or find a partner. All levels welcome and no experience necessary.

Mondays, January 9 and 30, at 10:45 am

Women’s Group

Explore gender-specific issues with Lucy Hoffman, our Safe at Home Social Worker.

Tuesdays, January 3 and 10, at 9:30 am

(Classes will resume in February.)

Baking with Galina and Isabel

Galina and Isabel are inviting three members each week to join them in their “little kitchen” to bake delicious muffins. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from these talented bakers and create some mouth-watering treats! Please register with Gladys at 347-913-4444 (grodriguez@riverdaley.org) or Mindy at 347-913-4395 (hsaldana@riverdaley.org).  Coffee and muffins will be on sale afterwards in the Card Room. There is a limited number of muffins. First come, first served!

Tuesdays at 10:00 am

T’ai Chi with Steve Shulman

Practice T’ai Chi for health, relaxation, stress relief, meditation and more.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am

Tech Lab with Jerry 

Looking for expert tech support? Look no further than Tech Lab with Jerry! For personalized assistance, simply reach out to Gladys at 347-913-4444 or via email at grodriguez@riverdaley.org to schedule your appointment.

Tuesdays, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Art Explorations with Danny Hauben (In Person and Online)

Renowned Bronx Artist Daniel Hauben shares insights on the work of famous artists:

January 3 –    Gregory Gillespie

January 10 –   Rackstraw Downes

January 17 –   Odd Nerdrum

January 24 –   Salvador Dali

January 31 – Hieronymus Bosch

Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
Knitting with Barbara

Join Knitter Extraordinaire Barbara Goodman to make your first scarf or work out a complicated new sweater pattern. All levels welcome and no experience necessary.

Wednesdays, January 4 and 18, at 1:00 pm

Karaoke 

Sing your heart out! Whether you’re a pro or just looking to have a good time, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere to croon or belt out songs solo or with friends. Judgment free zone!

Wednesdays, January 11 and 25, at 1:15 pm

Bliss Fit with Trinity (In Person and Online)

A fun class that combines dance with stretching and strength training.

Wednesdays at 1:30pm

Open Swim and Water Aerobics

Advance registration is required weekly for Open Swim and Water Aerobics. Pool capacity is limited to 25 persons. To register contact Gladys at ext 223 (grodriguez@riverdaley.org) or Mindy at ext 204 (hsaldana@riverdaley.org).

Thursdays at 9:30 am
Conversational Spanish for Advanced Beginners

Ready to take your Spanish skills to the next level? Join Rhonda for a fun and interactive language learning experience! Open to members with a basic understanding of the language, this class is the perfect opportunity to build upon your foundation and become fluent in no time. ¡Hasta pronto!

Thursdays at 1 pm
Chair Yoga with Anthony (Hybrid)

Join new instructor Anthony Purdy to experience the benefits of yoga.  This class can be performed seated or with the support of a chair, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Come discover the power of yoga to enhance your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Mah Jongg classes are currently full. Sign up will resume in the Spring.