Classes

Check to see what is available to meet  a wide variety of interests such as fine arts, knitting, quilting, languages, Bible study, and more. You must be a member of the Modern Maturity Center to participate unless otherwise noted.  Sign up at MMC Member Services. 302-734-1200 x167.

SEPTEMBER IS MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL MONTH!

NEW - SEPTEMBER IS MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL MONTH! You may renew your membership at Member Services or online. It's quick and easy. Complete the membership form (MUST BE DONE EVERY YEAR BY EVERYONE EVEN LIFETIME MEMBERS!) pay the fee and you are done! The annual membership fee is $30.00 per person and $55.00 per couple (must reside in the same household). Please contact Member Services at 302-734-1200 ext. 167. Get a friend to join and your name will be entered in a raffle for a cool prize! Something else new this renewal year you will get a key tag to attach to your keychain to make scanning in easier and we know that you won't forget your keys! We will no longer mail out your membership cards you will be able to pick them up at Member Services.

A MATTER OF BALANCE

Fall Prevention Education Course: A Matter of Balance is an 8-week fall prevention course led by a trained facilitator. Classes emphasize practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risks and learn proper exercise techniques that promote strength and balance. Classes are FREE and open to the public. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from September 20 to November 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in the West Conference Room There is a strict 15 participant limit so be sure to sign up at Member Services to reserve your spot in the course. September 6 is the last date to register. Please note - this is not a fitness center class offered by the MMC nor is it an "exercise" class. Physical exercise during the class time is minor. Member Services can be reached at 302-734-1200 ext 167.

NEW – IT’S TAP SECRET!

Come join Darlene Meyer former Rockette for a more advanced tap class. She is a graduate of Juilliard School of Music and Dance. She studied at the June Taylor School of Dance and with dance greats Gene Kelly and Bob Fosse. Darlene will teach a Broadway style tap dance class every Thursday from 2:30 - 3:30 in the Palmer Room. She will teach dances and provide you with dance notes so you can practice on your own.

FALL IS TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT AND COVID BOOSTER!

MMC is offering numerous vaccination opportunities for you to protect yourself and others. Are your vaccinations up to date? These shot clinics are open to the public.
Rite - Aid will be offering flu shots, the latest COVID booster and Prevnar 20 (pneumonia shot recommended for people over the age of 65) on the following dates on the MMC lobby from 11:00 - 1:00: Thursday October 26 and Wednesday November 8
Kent Coalition and Atlantic Apothecary will be offering flu shots, and COVID boosters in the MMC lobby on Thursday September 28 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. They will have both Moderna and Pfizer available. They will also provide vaccinations for persons who have never been vaccinated before.
Please bring a photo ID, your Medicare and/or insurance card and your COVID vaccination card.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Join Monet Clark a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) to chat about mental health issues. She has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years and often wondered why some individuals struggle while others appear to function well. Through years of self-reflection, Monet realized loving yourself is a priority and we all just need a little help with working through this thing called life.
Monet has counseled individuals struggling with issues including depression, communication, anxiety, grief, and loss. Her current private practice, Positive Vibes Holistic Group provides treatment for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. It is easy to get caught up in life and sometimes feel alone.
During this 4-week session, you will learn about depression and anxiety. Monet will also provide tips on how to cope with these feelings, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Monet seeks to be a source of support while helping others through this journey of life. The class begins Tuesday September 12 and ends on Tuesday October 3. The class is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Activity Room 8. The class is $15.00 for the 4- week session. Please register at the Member Services desk or by calling 302)734-1200 ext. 167. The deadline to register is Friday September 8. Advance payment is required. Refunds will not be issued with less than a 24-hour cancellation notice.

NEW – DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT CLASSES COMING IN OCTOBER.

The Delaware Department of Health & Social Services, Division of Public Health brings you a 6-week course on managing your diabetes. Learn techniques such as healthy eating, lifestyle planning, medication management and other helpful practices. Class time includes interactive teaching and sharing mutual support. Class meets on Mondays October 23, 2023 to November 27, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Activity Room #5. This course is open to both members and non-members who have diabetes. This course is FREE, but registration is required. To register please call 302-990-0522 or register online at https://www.HealthyDelaware.org/Self-Management.

NEW IN OCTOBER - Cyber Security Awareness for Seniors

The State of Delaware Department of Technology and Information will be at the Modern Maturity Center on the following dates with presentations on how to protect your identity and recognize scams: Classes are FREE but you must register at Member Services.
• Cybersecurity Information Table in the Longwood Dining Room -Thursday October 5 from 11:00 am-2:00 p.m.
• Presentation #1: Protecting Your Identity on Thursday October 12 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in the West Conference Room . Stealing identities and other data has become BIG business! Learn ways to safeguard your identity while still using the Internet.
• Presentation #2: Securing Your Devices on Thursday October 19 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in the West Conference Room . Our devices can become a threat to us when we are not safely securing the data that is housed on them. Learn how to secure your devices and ultimately your information.
• Presentation #3: Detecting Current Scams on Thursday October 26 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in Activity Room #5. It is important to gain the skills to differentiate legitimate activities from scams that seem to be real. Join us to learn about current scams and what you can do to not become a victim.

FIVE WISHES COMING TO MMC - OCTOBER 13

Five Wishes Workshop: A Five Wishes workshop takes you and your loved ones through the process of deciding on your wishes for end-of-life care. This topic can be sensitive, confusing, and sometimes difficult but Five Wishes is here to help you through it.
The 5 topics that will be covered are "My wish for":
The person I want to make care decisions for me when I can't.
The kind of medical treatment I want or don't want.
How comfortable I want to be.
How I want people to treat me.
What I want my loved ones to know.
With the help of the American Bar Association Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly, Five Wishes meets the legal requirements under the health decisions statutes. This program is free to members of the MMC and $15 for non-members who want to attend. You must sign up at Member Services to reserve your spot in the workshop. The next workshop is Friday October 13, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. in the West Conference Room. Minimum of 5 participants needed for class to be conducted. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER SERVICES. AT MEMBER SERVICES. You can reach Member Services by calling 302-734-1200 ext. 167.

SELF DEFENSE FOR SENIORS IS BACK IN DECEMBER

NEW - SELF DEFENSE FOR SENIORS IS BACK - Learn tips on how to protect yourself plus some hands-on practice for those who want more. Seminar. The instructors will be Reese and Judy Rigby who taught karate and other martial arts for 47 years in the Dover area. Recommend wearing comfortable clothing Class will be held Tuesday December 12, 2023 10:00 - 11:30 in the West Conference Room. The cost of the class is $5.00. Class limited to 15 students. Please register at Member Services. Registration deadline is Friday December 8, 2023 . Advance payment is required Refunds will not be issued with less than a 24-hour cancellation notice.

NEW - Jump Starting Your Legacy – Writing Your Living Obituary December 1

NEW - Jump Starting Your Legacy - Writing Your Living Obituary - A living obituary is written by a living person in the first person singular. It is a life review for the purpose of inspiring people to articulate and fine tune the legacy they will leave behind. Participants will learn how to reflect on their life and capture moments and events that helped them to grow their values, morals and attitudes that will help define their life purpose. Join Fr. Paul Mast, who has 51 years of ordained ministry including funeral planning, grief counseling and presiding at funerals for this 90-minute class. He is also the author of numerous books. The class will be held on Friday December 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Activity Room #5. The cost of the class is $10.00. There must be a minimum of 15 students. Please register at Member Services.

All Art Tuesdays is Back!

Join artist/instructor Phyllis Shier at her bi-weekly art classes focused on oils and featuring wet on wet technique. Acrylic painters welcome. Phyllis has taught art to all ages in various venues. This class is fun and relaxed. Beginners welcome! Classes are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon in Activity Room #1. Learn a new painting the first week of the month. The first class of the month begins new instruction on a specific painting. The second class takes that same painting and helps it come alive as a finished piece. You must be a member of the Modern Maturity Center to participate. The cost is $10 per class or you may purchase an art card for $60 for 6 classes. Students must provide their own supplies. Class size is limited to 6 students. Sign up at Member Services.

October Class Supply List
Prussian Blue
Titanium White
Yellow Ochre
Black
Burnt Umber
Alizarin Crimson
Paint thinner for cleaning brushes { Please be sure your brushes are for oil paints.}
Paper towels
Liquid clear
!" brush
Filbert brush
Fan Brush
Liner brush
Foam plate or Pallette to work on

BIBLE STUDY

Join Glenn Johnson of Grace Presbyterian Church in Dover for in-depth Bible study and expository teaching also with Q&A. The group will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 in Activity Room #5.

Due to Gala preparations this group will meet in Activity Room #7 in August, September and October.

Book Club

Do you love to read? Are you a bookworm? Would you like to discuss your thoughts, reactions and opinions of books with other book lovers? If you answered "yes" to any of these then the MMC book club has a place for you! Meetings are held the last Thursday of the month from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Activity Room #1. This activity is FREE, but you must be a member of the Modern Maturity Center to participate.
Here is the reading list for 2023:
MMC BOOK CLUB 2023 READING LIST

October Stranger in the Lifeboat Mitchel Albom
November After Life Julia Alvarez
December Jane Austin Book Club Karen Joy Fowler

Broadway Dancing

Express yourself while dancing the Broadway style. Class provides a great form of exercise while we learn a routine for inclusion in the June show. It is not necessary to have previous dance experience, just a good sense of rhythm and a desire to dance. Classes will be held on Mondays and will be held from 1:30- 3:30 in the Palmer Room. This class is FREE for MMC members.

Broadway 2

Broadway 2 - Advanced class. Students will learn a routine that will challenge themselves to use more expression and acting while dancing. This will build on the Broadway class skills to elevate your performance skills. This level does require more body flexibility, and expressive movement. Class will meet on Thursdays at 1pm in the Palmer room. Class is open to MMC only.

Computer and CellphoneTutor

Our computer and cell phone tutors are available to teach the basics (what type of computer to purchase, general orientation, internet use, antivirus), communication programs (email, Skype, Facebook) and help members set up and operate an eBay or Craigslist account. The Computer and Cell Phone Tutors are available by appointment only. Please contact Member Services to reserve an appointment. Tutoring sessions are $10 an hour for members. Advance payment is required. Refunds will not be issued with less than 24-hour cancellation notice.

Conversational Italian

Conversational Italian is on break for the summer, but will return on Wednesday October 4th.
Learn the basics of Italian and get to know other Italian enthusiasts at the MMC. Giuliano "G" Gregoretti teaches this fun and free class on conversational Italian. Classes are free for MMC members and are held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Classes are held on Wednesdays in Activity Room #8. Registration is not required.

"Dancing In Your Chair" with Ida Kirkendall

It's Fun, It's Free for MMC Members!!!!! "Dancing In Your Chair" with Ida Kirkendall. This is a fun low impact class where Ida will have you moving in your seat to great music. Everything is done safely in a chair. **NO STANDING REQUIRED** You will do aerobic exercises, stretching, Latin dancing, Line dancing and more. Let's get those bodies moving! Classes are held every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. -9:40 a.m. and Friday from 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Palmer Room.
This class will not meet from August 20th through September 9th. . The class will resume on September 12.

Documenting Your Legacy

Documenting Your Legacy - a how-to-guide made quick and easy! Join Dr. Brenda Farmer as she takes you through the steps to document your legacy. Expressly designed for seniors, this workshop is a "how-to-guide" to documenting and publishing your or a loved one's life story in 30 days or less! It is broken down into an easy step-by-step method to complete what most see as an overwhelming task-becoming a published author. This workshop is unequivocally the answer to leaving current and future generations your legacy/life story. The class objectives (what the participants will learn/the benefits of taking this class) are to explore your individual uniqueness, to prepare your documented legacy-quick and easy, and become a published author. Participants will be inspired and filled with pride and joy. The classes are available the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Activity Room. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE MODERN MATURITY CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS. The cost is $15.00. Sign up for an appointment with Member Services at (302)734-1200 ext. 167. Advance payment is required and due the Monday prior to the class. Refunds will not be issued with less than 24-hour cancellation notice.
Due to Gala preparations this group will meet in Activity Room #8 in September and October. The October class will begin at 9:30.

Extreme Beginners Line Dance Class

Come to the "Extreme Beginners" class on Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Palmer Room. Instructor: Jacci Kenny This class is FREE for MMC members. THIS CLASS WILL BE ON HIATUS FROM SEPTEMBER 22 UNTIL NOVEMBER 3.

Get Up and Move!

Let's Get up and move! with Ida Kirkendoll, owner of Forever Active Lifestyle! She'll get your heart pumping and the joint will be jumpin! This class is an intermediate standing class that will include Aerobics, Kickboxing, Zumba and more. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 8:00 - 8:40 in the Palmer Room. This class is FREE for members.

Green Thumb Garden Club - SEE YA NEXT SPRING!


Have you ever wanted to start a garden but didn't know how to begin? Do you want to grow your own vegetables on the patio? Well we've got answers for you. We are happy to announce the Green Thumb Garden Club is ready to bloom! The Green Thumb Garden Club is a 12-week series of classes on gardening for MMC members. The classes, which are held on Fridays from February to June, are led by volunteer master gardeners on various topics. The topics include subjects such as "Small Space Gardening and Raised Beds," and "Native Plants for Birds and Bees." The two goals are to: 1) provide the knowledge a new gardener needs to get started; and, 2) provide interesting topics to keep students coming back in subsequent years. There is a $10 fee and is open only to for MMC members. No gardening experience is required so come join the garden club and watch your garden grow!
Some of the highlights of the Green Thumb Garden Club are:
• A special propagation class with Dr. Rose Ogutu from Delaware State University in March
• Transplanting tomato plants in April
• Annual tomato plant sale in May
• Field trip to special location (last year we went to Lavender Fields)
Spaces in the Green Thumb Garden Club sell out fast so be sure to register today at Member Services.
If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl on 301-332-3715 or email her at cfisher313@aol.com.

“Make and It and Take It”

Local artist Joyce Lapp will teach you a DYI craft or painting that you can do for fun, décor, or a gift! All materials will be provided. The class will meet the first Thursday of every month in Activity Room #1from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The March project is a basic drawing class and the April class is Spring card making. This class is open to MMC members only. The class is $13.00 and you must register and pay in advance. Register at Member Services. Class is limited to 12 participants. Refunds will not be issued with less than 24-hour cancellation notice.

Massage Therapy

Lisa a licensed massage therapist. She offers a gentler alternative to a traditional massage with her "soft touch" massages. This style of massage is ideal for individuals who bruise easily, suffer from arthritis, are fragile or cannot tolerate traditional massages. Massages are offered while fully clothed and can be performed on a table or chair. Benefits of soft touch massages are improved circulation and relief for stressed or tired muscles. Lisa offers 30-minute soft touch massages in Activity Room #7 on Wednesdays. PLEASE NOTE ROOM CHANGE. The cost is $20 for members and $35 non-members. Sign up for an appointment with Member Services at (302)734-1200 ext. 167. Advance payment is required. Refunds will not be issued with less than 24-hour cancellation notice.

Pump Your Brain

This exciting brain exercise is designed to keep older adult's brains sharp and healthy. Participants engage in brain teasers, puzzles, and visual illusions. Take home hand-outs are available to exercise your brain at home! This group will meet on Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Activity Room #1. THIS CLASS IS ONLY OPEN TO MMC MEMBERS. THERE IS A 3-MONTH FEE OF $10 FOR MEMBERS TO COVER THE COST OF SUPPLIES. Please note this class is designed for members who can engage in independent learning. Payments are to be made at Member Services every three months.

PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS
P.U.S.H. Is a group that comes together to pray for our communities, our nation and one another.
The group also studies the Bible to learn how to strategically and effectively intercede in prayer.
The group led by Minister Myra McNair meets every Friday from 9 to 10:00 a.m. in Activity Room #1.
All are welcome.

Social Security Assistance

Need Assistance with Your Social Security Benefits? Coleman Jackson, a volunteer who has been certified by the Social Security Administration will be available every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in Activity Room #6/Chapel. He will answer your questions regarding Social Security. He can also assist you if you need representation during the entire Social Security Administration process, request a review, reconsideration, or a hearing, on your behalf if necessary.

Due to Gala preparations this group will meet in Activity Room #7 in August, September and October.

Veterans Assistance

John Richter from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, will be on-site the third Thursday of every month to aid veterans. He will be available between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. in Activity Room #6/Chapel. The next scheduled visit is Thursday October 19, 2023.

Visually Impaired Support Group

Darryl Garner leads this monthly visually impaired support group. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Activity Room #8. The group also meets every Thursday in Activity Room #8 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The meetings are free and no sign up is required.

The Awareness Club Coming in October

The Awareness Club
Do you ever feel like you are stressing yourself, more upset with a situation than you should be, mentally scattered when you need to be focused? Mindfulness meditation will help you gain concentration, clarity, and balance with the challenges of life. Mr. Kim Palmer is an experienced meditator who will give instruction on various types of meditation that you can practice. You may reach him at 302 598 3014 if you have questions before visiting the group. The group will meet for one hour on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. beginning October 25 in Activity Room #8. This activity is FREE for MMC members.