ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTIONS
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The Activities and Program information can be found in the current Griffin Bulletin
(Acrobat Reader is required).

FITNESS

Body Conditioning
A great flexibility workout with Janet Light, Fitness Instructor & Licensed Massage Therapist. 

Flex & Stretch
MPC Instructor, Janet Light. This class concentrates on increasing muscle elasticity through breathing. The body is warmed up by taking deep breaths to increase blood flow and oxygen intake. A series of stretching techniques are performed standing, sitting and lying on a mat. Relaxation will also be an emphasis in this routine.  Informal.  Mats provided.

Gentle Pilates
Class for beginners - a gentle form of Pilates by Susan Dixon.  To help strengthen your "Core Muscles".  Class fee is $5 per class for members, $6 drop-in fee.


Gentle Yoga I & II
Instructor: Nancy Melton. This class will be a very gentle practice with modifications offered. The practice cultivates balance, flexibility and strength through increasing awareness, relaxation, and release. All of the yoga postures will be modified as needed to allow each student to participate as fully as possible at their individual level of fitness and skill. The level of the Yoga class will be determined by the overall level of ability of the class participants.


Lite Aerobics
Pacific Grove Adult Education Instructors Joan Nattress and Laverne Leyva-Baker lead this one-hour, low-impact, Aerobics Class that incorporates lively music, and moves that most everyone can do.  This class is followed by a Strength Building class. 

Movement & Meditation Instructor: Nancy Melton. Each session will include: guided
awareness/relaxation and/or a reading, silent meditation, walking meditation, Qi Gong (Chi Kung/Mindful Movement) Practice. Please bring a blanket/towel/exercise mat, meditation cushion if you have one. Chairs will be available. Please feel free to attend only one session per week if that is best for your schedule.


Qi Gong (Chi Kung)
Instructor: Nancy Melton. Qi Gong (Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese breathing exercise.   "Chi" means "breathing" and "Gong" means "exercise".   It relies on proper deep breathing with some gentle body movements and mental visualization to massage and stimulate our internal organs, improving blood circulation and removing toxins.  This Asian health-building art cultivates calm and harmony in body and mind through focused awareness and concentration on breath and the practice of gentle, slow, fluid movements.  The movements are practiced while standing (or seated if necessary) and are similar to those one would see in Tai Chi.

The practice is very accessible to a broad spectrum of levels of physical ability and fitness. Guided awareness/relaxation will be offered as part of the practice.Participants feel both energized and relaxed after a session.  This movement is extremely gentle and can be practiced even by chair and bed bound individuals.  

Strength Building
Pacific Grove Adult Education Instructors Joan Nattress and Laverne Leyva-Baker collaberate to lead this class.   Exercise is all done from a chair using light free weights and resistive rubber bands.


Stretching & Movement to Music
This Monterey Peninsula College Older Education Class taught by Mary Ann Schauup is a gentle 50 minute workout from both a chair and standing position.  Mary Ann comes from a theatre and dance background and incorporates the music and moves from both into her enjoyable and gentle workout.  It is a great warm up for starting your day.


Tai Chi
Class with Jim Scott-Behrands is for beginners and intermediate students.  Discounts for members and multiple classes. Session of 8 classes.  Drop-in fee is $5.00.  Members $28.   Non-members $32

Wake Up - Warm Up!
A cardiovascular, and muscle tone & strengthing class with Janet Light of the Pacific Grove Adult School.  This is a 50 minute work-out that combines a warm-up, brisk walk along the beautiful Monterey Bay and a cool-down back at the Sally Griffin Center.   Janet Light is an experienced trainer who currently teaches additional stretch, toning and cardiovascular fitness classes through the Pacific Grove Adult School.  All are welcome.    


Walking
A collaborative Pacific Grove Adult Education Class.  Instructor, Laverne Leyva-Baker, leads two gentle walks a week on the Pacific Grove section of the recreation trail.  The walk begins on the trail above the snack shack at Lovers' Pt. and follows the beautiful coastline.  All are welcome.


WELLNESS

Blood Pressure Screening
No charge.

A NEW NORMAL!  
Did you know that your blood pressure is normal only if it's below 120/80?
In the past, normal was anything below 130/85, and optimal — the blood pressure most healthy people aimed for was a reading of 120/80 or lower.  But new evidence (guidelines established in 2003) shows neither of those readings are low enough to prevent cardiovascular complications. In fact, some data indicate that 115/75 mm Hg should be the new gold standard.  Once blood pressure rises above that threshold, your risk of cardiovascular disease may begin to increase.  The new guidelines also include a category called prehypertension. Prehypertension is a systolic pressure (top number) ranging from 120 to 139 or a diastolic pressure (bottom number) ranging from 80 to 89. So, under these new classification criteria, if your blood pressure is right at 120/80, you have prehypertension — your blood pressure isn't normal or optimal.  The bottom line: The lower your blood pressure, the better, as long as you are otherwise healthy.  Get yours tested regularly at the Center!

Members Only Massage
By Appointment Only.
Massage for relaxation has been offered for over a decade at the Sally Griffin Center by certified Massage Practitioners.  The healing power of touch can be amazing to the human psyche as well as the human physique.  Research released by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork says some of the benefits are:
     Triggers natural joint lubrication through increased circulation, improving mobility
     Increases coordination, strength, flexibility and posture
     Reduces muscle tension, which can assist in a more restful sleep
     Expedites healing of wounds
     Boosts energy level and mental awareness.
Our goal is to offer the older adult affordable access to gentle massage.  The certified massage practitioners who participate in our program are all committed to providing a relaxing massage in a safe and comfortable environment.  Massages are "clothes on" and last for approximately 20 minutes.  Time is allowed for a comfortable transition between clients.  A $10 contribution is requested for the practitioner's time.   Members of the Sally Griffin Center can make appointments for massage offered currently on Monday afternoons.  Suggested contribution $10 for 20 minute session.  Call 375-4454 to make an appointment. 

ENRICHMENT

Book Group (Monthly)
What books have most influenced your life or your thinking?  What books have you most enjoyed?  What authors or titles have you been most interested in reading?  Titles, format, meeting times will all be discussed.  All welcome! Are you looking for a good read?   Don't miss this opportunity!  Facilitator is Mary Hickey.

Computer Coaching
By Appointment Tuesdays & Thursdays computer coaching is available.  PC's, Macs, scanners, digital cameras, internet.  No charge for Members; $10 for non-members.

Discussion Group
World Issues, Current Events, Politics...Have an opinion?  Want to share it and learn what others are thinking?  The discussion group's format allows everyone to participate and encourages a wide range of topics.  Ongoing - Lunch Available.

Fabulous Friday Luncheon Presentation
The last Friday of each month, the Griffin Center co-hosts a special luncheon program with the Alliance on Aging.  Programs include entertainment and informational presentations.  They begin at 11:15 a.m. and lunch is served at Noon.  Bring a friend and enjoy a Fabulous Friday.  $3.00 suggested donation for seniors, $6.00 charge for guests.   Volunteers Needed For the Fabulous Friday Luncheon.  Call Kathleen at the Alliance on Aging, 646-4636 if you can help.

Free Computer Access
By Appointment weekdays - Highspeed web connection.  Members may access e-mail, search the internet, word process, use scanner,view photos, save important documents and much more.  Call 375-4454 for use.

Financial Well-Being (Monthly)
A timely and informative presentation each month by estate planning attorney, Eric Holk.  A different topic at each seminar throughout the year.  These are invaluable seminars helping you to better understand your estate plan.   No Charge. 

MPC Writing Class (Writing: Record Your Stories and Memories)
A new creative writing class led Wednesday afternoons by author and MPC instructor Illia Thompson.  Ms. Thompson assists you in easily creating a record of your unique life journey.  Register the first week of class.  

Poetry Group
Open to all.  No Charge.

Resource Library
Books, videos & reference guides on pertinent topics for those in the second half of life.  Open to all.  No Charge. 


SOCIAL

Duplicate Bridge - Learn, Practice & Play
A small group of regulars welcome all new players for this low-key, but stimulating game.  Come early to sign-in and join a table.  Dr. Jim Harper helps you learn and refine your bridge game.

Movie Matinee
Come join us at the movies once a month. Bring a cushion for your chair.  No Charge.  Volunteer projectionists: Ken & Francine Meadors.  Movie compliments of Movie Mart, 300 Grand Ave., P.G.

Party Bridge


Pinochle
All welcome.  Come early to sign-in and join a table.  Refresher sessions can be arranged.

Quilting & Textile Arts
MPC Instructor Billie Steet.  Ms. Street has decades of experience with textile arts. Come learn from a master in a relaxed, friendly environment. Sewing machines available.  All levels welcome. 

Table Games
Scrabble, Dominos, Checkers. What's your pleasure?  Meet fellow players.  In the Lobby. Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.  It takes two to play so there is early signup available to help you find others who want to play your game of choice.

SERVICES

Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group
The Alzheimers Association invites family, friends, and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias to come share, and exchange practical ideas and information.  Call 647-9890 for more info.  

Legal Services for Seniors
One-on-One.  Free Consultation.  For appointments call 899-0492.  

Medicare Information and Counseling
HICAP - Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, One-on-One Counseling.  Information on discount cards, physicians, skilled nursing facilities, and most any other Medicare subject.  Offered by Bob Petty, Alliance on Aging, HICAP Director.  For appointments, call the Alliance on Aging, 655-1334.


Medicare Updates
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) Director Bob Petty presents a timely update on current Medicare topics.  Sponsored by Alliance on Aging. 

Social Security Services
One-on-One.  Free Consultation.  Drop in, first come, first served.   For appointments or questions call 372-0337.  For other locations or times, or additional information call 372-0337 for questions.


The Resource Library at the Center is always available.

Books, Videos and Reference Guides for health, wellness, enrichment and age-related topics.


Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula / Sally Griffin Center
700 Jewell Avenue | Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | 831-375-4454
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