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Monthly Program Calendar
A calendar of programs, activities and special events is made available on a bi-monthly basis. You may pick up a hard copy of the schedule at the front desk or view online.
January 2019
February
Complete Listing of Programs and Activities
The Branch Connection offers a large variety of different programs and activities each week to meet the diverse needs of those 50 years of age and older.
Complete Listing of Programs and Activities
All New Exercise Classes for 2019
Strong Forever
Mondays 8:15 - 9 am
All levels of fitness are welcomed.
Gain balance, core strength, flexibility, and increased functionality for an active lifestyle. Some floor exercises - mats provided.
Everyone's Yoga
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 - 9:45 am
All levels of fitness are welcomed.
Integrate strength, balance, and flexibility with modifications for everyone. You will learn to meditate and quiet your mind.
Balanced Bodies
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 - 11 am
All levels welcomed; no floor work
Be inspired to thrive in our balance class that fuses strength and balance training, functionality, and flexibility. Chairs are used to ensure safety and to allow for modifications.
Crafts
Drop-In Arts & Craft Groups
Come enjoy the fellowship of others who enjoy arts and crafts and meet new and old friends each week. Be sure to bring your current project or try something new. There’s no fee to participate. Join us!
Art Group Mondays 2 - 5 pm
Evening Crafts Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 5 - 8 pm
Advanced Quilting
Fridays 10 am - 12 pm
Join quilt enthusiasts as they explore more difficult and challenging quilting patterns and techniques.
Beginner Greeting Card Techniques
Tuesday, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14
10 am - noon
Instructor: Vicki Young, Fee $10 per class
Learn to make the perfect greeting card for every occasion by learning basic stamping techniques, embossed textures and more.
Advanced Greeting Card Techniques
Tuesday, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14
1 - 3 pm
Instructors: Jan McCord & Carmel Mosley, Fee: $10 per class
Prerequisite: Beginner Greeting Card Class or the equivalent
New! Just Craftin’ Around
Monday, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8
6-7:30 pm, Fee: $8
Instructor: Bettie Smith
Craft made with fabric, paint, wood and other craft materials. All supplies furnished. Check the display case for upcoming crafts.
New! Create and Decorate
Friday, January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26
1-3 pm , Fee: $8
Instructor: Bettie Smith
Seasonal crafts made with fabric, paint, wood and other craft materials for gifts and decorations. Pick up your supply list at the front desk.
New! Kickin’ Crochet
Fridays, March 8, 15, 22, April 5
1-3 pm, Fee: $15
Instructor: Bettie Smith
Beginning crochet, you will learn stitches, reading a pattern while making a project. In this four week class all supplies will be furnished. Limited spaces.
S
pring Sweatshirt Jacket
Tuesday, April 2
1-4 pm, Fee: $20
Instructor: Bettie Smith
Spring themed just in time for Easter. With your sweatshirt create an appliqué sweatshirt jacket. All other supplies will be furnished.
Special Events
Monthly Breakfast
March 4: Buck Criner, singer
April 1: RL Turner Jazz band
May 6: Terry Lakes, piano player and singer
Monthly Birthday Lunch
Third Wednesday of each month
12 - 1 pm
Fee: $4 or free if it's your birthday month
Sponsor: Brookdale Assisted Living at Farmers Branch
Menu
12 - 1 pm
Fee: $4 or free if it's your birthday month
Sponsor: Brookdale Assisted Living at Farmers Branch
Menu
February 20: Lasagna, Salad and Garlic Bread
March 20: Corned Beef and Cabbage
SPUD & SHOW
Wonder
Tuesday, March 26
11:30 am, Fee $4
A movie starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic and Julia Roberts. WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters 5th grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Purchase movie ticket at the front desk before Wednesday, March 20.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Tuesday, May 28
11:30 am, Fee: $4
Staring Melissa McCarthy, Richard Grant and Dolly Wells, this story is about a writer named Lee Israel who was successful in the 70’s and 80’s. When Lee is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack. This movie relays the true story of the best-selling celebrity biographer. Purchase movie ticket at the front desk before Friday, May 24.
VALENTINE TEA
Thu, Feb. 141 pm
Ticket Fee: $10
Harpessence entertains while you enjoy delightful tea and special treats. Don’t miss this special event with limited seating.
Check for ticket availability. 972.919.9870.
Special Interests
Random Acts of Kindness
Sponsoring: Farmers Branch Fire Department
Thursday, February 14
10 am, No Fee
Needed: Bring treats and kitchen staples, such as coffee, cereal and sugar.
Garden Group
Third Wednesday of each month at 10 amFebruary 20: Rain Water Harvesting
March 13 Field Trip to the Dallas Arboretum
April 17, "Can I Eat That?" Browsing for Food in the Ornamental Garden
Speaker, CA Hiscock, Master Gardener
This presentation covers some of the flowers, fruit, leaves, and roots that can be grown and eaten in the Dallas area. The nightshade (tomatoes, petunias, tobacco and potatoes) and umbel (hemlock and carrots) families are discussed as they include both edible and poisonous members. Handout includes recipes.
May 15 Attracting Pollinators with Native Plants
Stephanie Suesan Smith, Master Gardener
If you plant them (native plants), they (pollinators) will come! Create an oasis of beauty in your garden. Enjoy butterflies and more as you support the pollination process by planting native plants.
June 19 Plant Wars -- The Ongoing Battle: Homeowners vs. Insects and Disease
Jean McIntosh, Master Gardener This talk covers the most common pests and diseases in North Texas gardens. For each topic the speaker includes and overview, symptoms, management protocols, and control methods with emphasis on non-chemical solutions as a first response. Pictures, where appropriate, illustrate the information presented.
July 17 Wicked Plants
Kevin Burns, Master Gardener This fun presentation covers plants that are deadly, illegal, intoxicating, dangerous, painful, and destructive/invasive. This presentation uses interesting historical anecdotes, photos to identify the plants and facts so gardeners can avoid these plants in their landscapes. The presentation can be adapted for time periods ranging from 30 minutes to an hour+ in length.
August 21 Fall and Winter Gardening are the Best Times to Garden
Barbara Gollman, Master Gardener Learn how and what to plant for the fall and winter garden.
Texas Hold ‘em Tournament
Thursday, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20
1 pm, No Fee
Snack sponsor: The Avenues of Park Forest
Fridays at 9:30 am
No Fee
Join this weekly class that explores past events and topics and discovers new ways of viewing history.
Special guest speaker and book author, Dr. Richard McCaslin from UNT will speak:
Wednesdays
1 - 2 pm
Instructor: Deborah Hutchins, No Fee
Come and share your love of photography. Learn basic photography techniques, go out and take pictures and then view your pictures with the group with slideshows.
Anyone with a camera or smart phone camera is welcome!
4th Thursday of each month
January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Fee: AARP members $15, Non Members $20 (Check or cash only)
Learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Does not qualify for dismissal of a traffic violation, but may be good for an insurance discount.
Tuesday, January 22, February 26, March26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23
9:30 am - 3 pm Fee: $2 Bring your lunch or eat out
Register to join this monthly group and we’ll transport you to and from the Dallas Public Library where you can search the most comprehensive collections for family history research in the Southwest.
Talks
Thursday, February 7
10:30 am, No Fee
The City of Farmers Branch provides its citizens with this program for people who live alone. You register and are contacted by someone daily just to check on you. Linda Argo Bertl will be here to explain the program and register seniors.
Wednesday, February 20
1 pm, No Fee
Shannon K Willis will be here to discuss probate and alternatives to probate. These alternative include Pay on Death accounts, Lady Bird Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds accounts, Beneficiary accounts, Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship accounts, Lady Bird Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds and Living Trusts.
Friday, March 15
11:30 am, No Fee
Do you have trouble hearing on the phone? Jason Taylor will be here to explain the caption phone and explain how hearing impaired can qualify for free service. No cost to the user. Carrollton Family Chiropractic Lunch and Learn How To Stay Young The First 100 Years Friday, March 22 11:30 am, No Fee Register and get your lunch ticket. Our world has and is changing at a pace we have never before witnessed, We living longer but certainly not better. Learn about your Life Force... learn how to stay well without drugs. Learn what science really has to offer you. Your are never too old to learn, to be healed or out of pain. Lunch provided for those who have registered.
Thursday, April 25
11:30 am, No Fee
The 60-minute training is designed to provide older adults with basic money management concepts for a fixed budget, the benefits of banking, and an overview of public benefits and how to access and retain them. It is difficult and uncomfortable to teach an older adult about money. While older adults may be engrossed in learning how to manage and protect their money, they may be resistant in sharing their financial management choices. This training would be used to empower older adults to take advantage of available resources and begin safeguarding their money by taking steps to ensure their economic safety. Register at the front desk to get your lunch ticket.
Thursday, July 25
11:30 am, No Fee
The 60-minute training is designed to provide older adults with a basic understanding of the types of scams targeting seniors and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim. It is difficult and uncomfortable for any generation to discuss one’s vulnerability to scams. While older adults may be engrossed in learning how to manage and protect their money, they may be resistant in sharing their financial management choices. This training would be used to empower older adults to take advantage of available resources and begin safeguarding their money by taking steps to ensure their economic safety. Register at the front desk to get your lunch ticket.
1 pm, No Fee
Snack sponsor: The Avenues of Park Forest
Conversations in Neglected History
Fridays at 9:30 am
No Fee
Join this weekly class that explores past events and topics and discovers new ways of viewing history.
Special guest speaker and book author, Dr. Richard McCaslin from UNT will speak:
- February 15: Attack and Die:The 19th Texas Infantry
- March 15: Dixie Blues: Company E, 5th Texas Infantry
- April 19: Battle of the Nueces, August 1862
- May 17: William Longworth, Texas Carpetbagger
- June 21: Wade Hampton III. South Carolina Icon
Photo Club
Wednesdays
1 - 2 pm
Instructor: Deborah Hutchins, No Fee
Come and share your love of photography. Learn basic photography techniques, go out and take pictures and then view your pictures with the group with slideshows.
Anyone with a camera or smart phone camera is welcome!
AARP Smart Driver Course
4th Thursday of each month
January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Fee: AARP members $15, Non Members $20 (Check or cash only)
Learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Does not qualify for dismissal of a traffic violation, but may be good for an insurance discount.
Genealogy Trip to the Dallas Library
Tuesday, January 22, February 26, March26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23
9:30 am - 3 pm Fee: $2 Bring your lunch or eat out
Register to join this monthly group and we’ll transport you to and from the Dallas Public Library where you can search the most comprehensive collections for family history research in the Southwest.
Talks
STEAR At Home Program
Thursday, February 7
10:30 am, No Fee
The City of Farmers Branch provides its citizens with this program for people who live alone. You register and are contacted by someone daily just to check on you. Linda Argo Bertl will be here to explain the program and register seniors.
How To Minimize Probate in Texas
Wednesday, February 20
1 pm, No Fee
Shannon K Willis will be here to discuss probate and alternatives to probate. These alternative include Pay on Death accounts, Lady Bird Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds accounts, Beneficiary accounts, Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship accounts, Lady Bird Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds and Living Trusts.
Caption Call
Friday, March 15
11:30 am, No Fee
Do you have trouble hearing on the phone? Jason Taylor will be here to explain the caption phone and explain how hearing impaired can qualify for free service. No cost to the user. Carrollton Family Chiropractic Lunch and Learn How To Stay Young The First 100 Years Friday, March 22 11:30 am, No Fee Register and get your lunch ticket. Our world has and is changing at a pace we have never before witnessed, We living longer but certainly not better. Learn about your Life Force... learn how to stay well without drugs. Learn what science really has to offer you. Your are never too old to learn, to be healed or out of pain. Lunch provided for those who have registered.
Savvy Saving Senior
11:30 am, No Fee
The 60-minute training is designed to provide older adults with basic money management concepts for a fixed budget, the benefits of banking, and an overview of public benefits and how to access and retain them. It is difficult and uncomfortable to teach an older adult about money. While older adults may be engrossed in learning how to manage and protect their money, they may be resistant in sharing their financial management choices. This training would be used to empower older adults to take advantage of available resources and begin safeguarding their money by taking steps to ensure their economic safety. Register at the front desk to get your lunch ticket.
Avoiding Scams
Thursday, July 25
11:30 am, No Fee
The 60-minute training is designed to provide older adults with a basic understanding of the types of scams targeting seniors and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim. It is difficult and uncomfortable for any generation to discuss one’s vulnerability to scams. While older adults may be engrossed in learning how to manage and protect their money, they may be resistant in sharing their financial management choices. This training would be used to empower older adults to take advantage of available resources and begin safeguarding their money by taking steps to ensure their economic safety. Register at the front desk to get your lunch ticket.