from our staff

THURSDAY, MAR 30 • 12:45 PM

Birthday Party

Stephanie Snowden

Michael Dennis

Cay Savel

Beatrice Brittenham, Sylvia Craig, Stewart Lloyd

Dee Gherna

As I write this letter, it is still February and we are so very close to hitting 500 members!! We only need 12 more people. Please send me your ideas for what would make a great party to celebrate this milestone, I think we will be partying down in April!

21 24

31

Carol Ratner

Leslie Shapiro

Martha Gaba, Betty Pamplin

Free. Registration Required.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Doris Frye and Jane Nugent.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP & FEES

$50 Individual • $80 Two Persons Nonresidents

$125 Individual • $195 Two Persons Fitness Center (BGC Members only)

$75 per year • $15 per month

Non-member Program

Attendance Cost and Annual

Membership:

If a person wants to go on a trip or attend a program and is not a member, they may join the Center for a 30-day period (City residents: $10, nonresidents: $25). During the period they have all the privileges of a member, and if they decide to join for a year during the first 30 days, the cost of their 30-day trial will be applied toward an annual membership. Please note that cumulative one-month membership fees will not apply.

Have you heard the great news? Our lunch program has restarted! We are currently serving lunch Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and ursdays at noon sharp. If you would like to participate in the Senior Nutrition Program, reach out to the o ce and let us know. Menus are available and lunch must be ordered no later than 2pm the Friday before you want to eat. Lunch is $9 or as much as you can donate so that we can keep the program going. Once we have enough participants, we will add lunch on Mondays and Fridays.

Save the date! e Active Aging Expo is coming up on ursday, May 4th. Spread the word and invite your friends to the best event of the year.

I’ll BGC-ing you!

Charlyn Simpson

MONDAY, APR 10 • 12:45 PM

Easter Celebration

We will learn about Easter, its importance to Christians around the world, and learn how it is celebrated among different denominations. We will share our own traditions and enjoy a game or two. Light refreshments provided. Free. Registration Required.

activity center at bohrer park FITNESS CENTER

Monday-friday8 am - 10 pm saturday8 am - 5 pm sunday8 am - 5 pm

THURSDAY, MAR 16 • 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Senior Information and Assistance

Do you need information on senior housing, financial assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, or help filling out forms? Please call the Front Desk at 301.258.6380 to make an appointment with Tracy Carter of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

Our Mission

The Benjamin Gaither Center is committed to enhancing the quality of life of those 55 and over with a variety of activities that encourage fitness, personal interest, health, and social interaction.

FRIDAY, MAR 31 • BY APPOINTMENT

Podiatrist Services

Sign up at the front desk for an appointment with one of the doctors from Maple Springs Foot Center. Most insurances are accepted, including Medicare.

TUESDAY, MAR 7 • 10 AM

TUESDAY, MAR 21 • 10 AM

Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressure screening on-site with Community Angels Nursing Services and nursing students of Montgomery College.

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TUESDAYS • NOON (VIRTUAL) COPING

With Change

Are you not bouncing back like you used to? Learn how to roll with the punches by joining our group discussion facilitated by Jamie Lomison, LCPC from Senior Services at The Affiliated Santé Group. Email: jlomison@santegroup.org to receive the zoom link. Free. Individual appointments available by calling 301.741.7764.

Inclement Weather

Emergency Closing Policy

• If Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Benjamin Gaither Center will be closed.

• If Montgomery County Public Schools have a delayed opening, the Benjamin Gaither Center will open at 10 a.m.; classes and programs scheduled before 10 a.m. will be canceled, classes and programs scheduled at 10 a.m. or later will run; City transportation will be provided with pick-ups starting at 10 a.m.; transportation on the County bus is canceled.

• If Montgomery County Public Schools have an early dismissal, afternoon and evening classes and programs are canceled; City transportation will be provided before the regular 2 p.m. departure time; County transportation will be provided at the regular 2 p.m. departure time or earlier as available.

• In the event of inclement weather or an emergency on a weekend or holiday, please call 301-258-6380 or go to the City’s website gaithersburgmd.gov to learn about cancellations and closures.

TUESDAY, MAR 7 • 10 AM

Memory Care Screening

Memory Care screening appointments with Community Angels Nursing Services are available on site. Please call the Front Desk at 301-258-6380 to reserve your space. The screening consists of a series of questions on memory, language skills, thinking ability and other intellectual functions. Make the appointment today! Free.

FRIDAYS • 11 AM

COMPUTER HELP!

Do you have a computer question? We have the answers. Visit the computer lab, and a volunteer will be available to answer your questions. Free.

Please call 301-258-6380 before coming to check for availability.

Attention Please

Out of an abundance of caution, it is advised to have your COVID Vaccine information and a mask with you when going on trips. Proof of vaccine and masks are being required at more and more venues.

THURSDAY, MAR 9 • 10:45 AM –2:30 PM • WASHINGTON, DC

GALLOPING GOURMETS TO MOMO CHICKEN & GRILL

Come join us for some of D.C.’s best chicken!!! Bethesda Magazine

Editor’s Choice: MoMo Chicken and Grill voted as one of the Best Dish of The Year! DC Outlook: Voted 2nd best chicken in the Washington D.C. area! Washington Magazine: An awesome weekend dine out spot! Reviewed as having some of the best Korean chicken in the area! They make the ordinary, extraordinary and exciting. Please bring cash.

Fee { $20 } … Deadline { Mar 7 }

TUESDAY, MAR 14 • 10:45 AM –2:30 PM • ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Year Of The World

CUISINES STOP #8: KELSEY’S RESTAURANT

Kelsey's Irish Restaurant and Pub has been the "Neighborhood Meeting Place" for over 20 years! A step above pub food, Kelsey's offers it all. Voted area's Best Burgers and voted top Corned Beef and Cabbage in the Baltimore Metro Area. It will feel like you have made a new friend! Please bring cash.

Fee { $20 }… Deadline { Mar 10 }

THURSDAY, MAR 23 • 10 AM – 4 PM WASHINGTON, DC

Museum Of Illussions

Enter the wonderful world of illusions where you can truly experience the impossible. Illusions challenge us to see things differently and reveal a lot about how our brain interprets reality. Join us as we visit the Museum of Illusions Washington, DC where nothing is quite as it seems! Lunch on your own at a nearby restaurant after the museum visit. Please bring cash.

Fee { $40 }… Deadline { Mar 17 }

SATURDAY, MAR 25 • 10 AM – 4:30 PM HAGERSTOWN, MD

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

One of the finest small museums in the nation, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is located in historic City Park in Hagerstown, Maryland. We will tour the museum, witness a floral demonstration and check out the “Arts in Bloom” exhibit. Lunch on your own at a nearby restaurant before the museum visit. Please bring cash.

Fee { $25 }… Deadline { Mar 20 }

MONDAY, MAR 27 • 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM FREDERICK, MD

Puerto Rico Distillery

A father-daughter craft rum distillery located in Frederick, Maryland focused on family, culture and traditions as embodied in Puerto Rican Moonshine, known as Pitorro in Puerto Rico. The tour will include a tasting with a brief discussion of the rum manufactured in the distillery with an explanation of the rum making process. Dinner on our own after the tasting at Cacique Restaurant. Please bring cash.

Fee { $32 }… Deadline { Mar 17 }

WEDNESDAY, MAR 29 • 10:30 AM –4:30 PM • WASHINGTON, DC

“THE HIGH GROUND” AT ARENA STAGE - FULL

A Black man in an army uniform stands his ground atop Tulsa’s Standpipe Hill, bearing witness to the destruction and desecration of Tulsa’s Greenwood District — but other forces, both friendly and hostile, conspire to remove him. A play in conversation with Tulsa, Oklahoma’s 1921 race massacre, The High Ground offers a complex portrait of what it means to root, to resist and to proceed from devastation. Bring a snack.

Fee { $63 }

MONDAY, APR 3 • 10 AM – 4 PM WASHINGTON, DC

Cherry Blossom Cruise

We are taking a 45-minute narrated sightseeing tour with stunning views of Washington’s monuments, historic landmarks, and (hopefully) cherry blossoms. After our cruise, you will have time to enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many restaurants.

Fee { $48 }… Deadline { Mar 24 }

WEDNESDAY, APR 19 • 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM WASHINGTON, DC

“ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART I: MILLENIUM APPROACHES” – ARENA STAGE

Tony Award-winning drama “Angels in America” is one of the great epic American plays of this past century. We meet Louis and Prior and Harper and Joe, two couples whose relationships are on the rocks; the former because of Prior’s AIDS diagnosis and Louis’ inability to cope with illness, and the latter because of Joe’s closeted homosexuality and Harper’s incessant fears and hallucinations. Bring a snack.

Fee {$63}… Deadline {Mar 20}

Coloring Book

MONDAYS AT 11 AM

Coloring books for adults are a popular trend and the activity is actually good for you. Coloring is relaxing, social, reduces stress and anxiety, trains your brain to focus, helps your fine motor skills and vision, and gives you a chance to express your originality. All supplies will be provided.

Fee { $2 }

Movie Afternoons

Thursdays at 1 PM

Enjoy and discuss a movie every week. Call ahead to find out what movie will be playing.

Book Discussions

Thursday, March 9 • 2 PM

“Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey

Thursday, April 13 • 2 PM

“The Mitford Murders” by Jessica Fellowes

Member Orientation

Wednesday, Mar 15 • 11 AM

Come learn the ins and outs of the Center. Call the front desk at 301.258.6380 to sign up and bring your Welcome Packet with you.

BINGO Mondays & Fridays • 12:45 PM

$2 buys two cards for every game

MAH JONGG Tuesdays & Fridays • 12:30 PM .....................................................................................

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Tuesdays & Thursdays • 12:30 PM .....................................................................................

POKER Most afternoons. Come check it out! .....................................................................................

LEARN CANASTA Call Annette 301.938.0893

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS• 11 AM

Power Stretch

Improve your flexibility. This class will address muscular imbalances, body alignment, proper breath control, range of motion, elongation and posture.

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MON, WED, FRI • 10 AM fit 4 all

Low or no-impact aerobics appropriate for those who prefer a seated workout as well as those wanting moderate standing exercise.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS • 10 AM stretch & strengthen

Tone muscles while strengthening heart and lungs. All abilities welcome. .............................................................

TUESDAYS • 11 AM

Weight Training

Good balance and a strong core go hand in hand. This is a partially seated resistance training class for all fitness levels.

WEDNESDAYS • 11 AM

Coreandstretch

After a gradual warm up, the class will alternate between balanced toning exercises derived from Pilates and replenishing stretches derived from Yoga. Chairs and light hand weights are used. .............................................................

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS • 9 AM

DANCE RHYTHM

A fun cardio dance workout that tones the entire body. This class offers easy-to-follow, lowimpact aerobic dance moves for all fitness levels. We make sure your workout is safe, intense and gratifying.

TUESDAY, APR 11 – MAY 16 • 9:15 AM

THURSDAY, APR 13 – MAY 18 • 9:15 AM

Hit

Low Impact High-intensity Interval Training taught by Denise Mornini

Interval endurance training for the athletic adult. Warm up, and then go into high-intensity bursts (run or power walk, interspersed with recovery periods using other muscle groups) followed by balance challenges, strength training and floor work.

Fee: Tuesdays { $30 } Thursdays { $30 }

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS • 8:25 AM walking tape

Wake up with a brisk two mile workout.

BY APPOINTMENT

personal training

Fee { $20 for 30 minutes }

TUESDAY, MAR 7 – APR 25 • 12 PM

HATHA YOGA WITH JANE STELBOUM

Instructor Jane Stelboum is back with even more techniques to share. This class offers instruction on yoga poses, somatic breathing and movement, healthy/happy back therapy, and meditation. Learn proper and safe alignment. Modifications offered to suit your own body and ability. Dress comfortably. Bring your own mat or use one of ours. Yoga mats are recommended. Bring your own or use the Center's.

Fee { 75 }

MONDAY - FRIDAY, MAR 6 – MAR 31

Virtual Exercise Classes

Take one class or take them all! Register online and you will receive a Zoom link that lets you participate in a month’s worth of classes for one price. Members { $25 } Non-members { $35 }

TimeMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

9 a.m. Dance Rhythm

10 a.m.Fit 4 All Stretch & Strengthen Fit 4 All Stretch & Strengthen

11 a.m. Power Stretch Weight Training Core & Stretch

THURSDAYS, MAR 9 – APR 27 • 11 AM

Ballet For Fitness

This unique exercise class uses ballet moves for improving strength and conditioning. Ballet for Fitness is a total body workout that features movements that engage your mind and have you moving to music. Join instructor Becci Kim as she leads you through your workout. No previous ballet experience is required.

Fee { $70 Members, $90 NonMembers }

MON & WED, APR 10 – JUN 14 • 8:45 AM (NO CLASSES: 5/29)

Bone Builders

Bone Builders is a free, volunteer-led exercise program for ages 55+ in partnership with the Montgomery County Departments of Recreation and Health and Human Services, and the RSVP volunteer program.

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MONDAYS, MAR 6 – APR 10 • 11 AM

Chair Yoga

Instructor Archana Gupta will provide instruction on yoga poses that benefits in increasing mobility and strength, stretching the body, reducing stress and pain, and clearing the mind. This class is designed to allow you to use the support of a chair to perform yoga poses, move, breathe and ultimately feel good.

Fee { $48 Members, $58 NonMembers }

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8 – APR 12• 12:30 PM

LINE DANCE – PARTY FAVORITES

Are you ready for the next social gathering? Come and learn classic party line dances and the latest contemporary favorites. No dance experience needed. Taught by Robin Marshall.

Fee { $38 Members, $48 NonMembers }

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 17 – JUN 21 • 5:15 PM

Tai Chi Beginning

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese movement form practiced by millions to exercise the body, calm the mind and uplift the spirit. It benefits the average person, athletes or those recovering from injuries or back problems. Wear loose clothing.

Fee { $39 } ....................................................................................................

FRIDAYS, MAR 24 – MAY 5 • 11 AM

THRIVE WITH ARTHRITIS/CHRONIC PAIN (SEVEN WEEK PROGRAM)

This class improves mobility and decreases pain in individuals who suffer from arthritis/chronic pain through exercise. The class will increase motivation and confidence as a group through education, goal-setting and team-building. Create a sense of community among participants through group discussions and socialization and improve mental wellbeing. Taught by Becca Gedalowitz.

Fee { $45 Members, $55 NonMembers }