Canton Woods Senior Center

Senior Citizens are a valuable community resource. Canton Woods multipurpose Senior Center meets the challenges facing older Americans by offering stimulating social activities, education and recreation programs, nutrition, health and other activities. Canton Woods - Helping Seniors to remain active members of the community.

Canton Woods is a friendly inviting place. You will be greeted with a warm welcome. Any person 60 years of age or older and living in the Village of Baldwinsville or the Towns of Lysander or Van Buren is eligible to participate in all Canton Woods activities. However, any senior living in Onondaga County is eligible to come to the Center for congregate meals. There is an annual building use fee for seniors who live outside of Lysander or Van Buren and wish to participate in the full array of programs and activities at Canton Woods. We ask each person interested in participating in Center activities to fill out a brief information sheet. Stop by the Center to subscribe to the newsletter which will be delivered to your mailbox each month! The newsletter provides information on all center activities, as well as a handy calendar outlining the month's activities on a daily basis. There is a minimal charge for the newsletter.

The original Canton Woods building was constructed as a medical center in 1968 in an effort to attract physicians to the village. Unfortunately, after a few years, they departed and the building stood empty. In 1978, The Senior Club purchased the building aided by funding from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth.

Unique in its original concept, Canton Woods Senior Center is one of the few rural Senior Centers where responsibility is shared by three municipalities. It is a fine example of inter-municipal cooperation. The property is owned by the Village of Baldwinsville, with fiscal responsibility shared by the Village, and the Towns of Lysander and Van Buren.

Between 1979 and 1980, the building underwent two major renovations. This included the addition of a large dining and kitchen area. Again in 1989, the dining area was doubled in size and the office space was moved to the center of the building. The recreation area was also increased in size.

Two full and three part-time staff, and a host of volunteers perform the tasks needed to keep the center operating smoothly.

Canton Woods Senior Center is incorporated under the laws of New York State and operated as a private, not-for profit organization by its community Board of Directors.

All seniors are invited to participate in the Senior Activity Group, which elects officers each June and has a business meeting the first Friday of the month at 11:30 am, following the Canton Woods Board of Directors meeting on the first Thursday.

Neighborhood Advisor program

The Neighborhood Advisor Program goal is to reach isolated seniors in the Towns of Lysander and Van Buren by providing information, referral, and assistance accessing services.

The Neighborhood Advisor helps seniors determine eligibility and fill out forms for entitlement programs. The Neighborhood Advisor Program is funded by the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services

The workers are available by telephone through Canton Woods at (315) 638-4536.

TRANSPORTATION

B’Ville Express, at Canton Woods, is operated through a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services. This program coordinates volunteer drivers with seniors in need of transportation to essential services.

For further information call the B'ville Express Coordinator at (315) 638-4536.

MEALS ON WHEELS

The Meals on Wheels program operates independently of the Senior Center and works out of the Canton Woods kitchen. They provide nutritious, balanced meals for people living alone, handicapped, or temporarily shut-in.

Meals are delivered by volunteers, five days a week, including holidays. A volunteer will deliver a hot meal and a bag lunch to the door in the morning. A small fee is charged. To order Meals on Wheels, call (315) 638-2171.

AARP

AARP Defensive Driving Classes are taught at Canton Woods throughout the year. Contact the Center for dates, times and additional guidelines. *Taking this class may save you money on your Auto Insurance.

LEGAL SERVICES

Through Onondaga County, Canton Woods offers free legal assistance to seniors over the age of 60. You must be an Onondaga County Resident to receive this service. Call the center for more information.

THE "CENTER"

Canton Woods Senior Center is a multipurpose senior center with facilities for all types of recreation. The facilities include a large dining area, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, as well as a library. A wide range of programs are offered within the Center to meet the needs and interests of the diverse senior population. A few of the Center’s facilities are highlighted below.

LIBRARY

The Canton Woods Library is the pride of the staff and seniors and contains over 2000 hardcover books including monthly best sellers. There are also large print books and a wide selection of audio books. The variety of books parallels those found in a public library. Public donations to the Library are accepted at the Liberian’s discretion.

MOVIE LIBRARY

Feel like escaping with a good movie? Canton Woods has a Free movie library available to all seniors! There are over 400 titles available on DVD in the collection. Taking them out is simple and easy! Simply check out your selection like a library book, then go home and enjoy! We accept donations of DVD's.

OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA

Canton Woods Senior Center features a wonderful outdoor facility, with gazebo, pavilion and picnic area.  

P.E.A.C.E, Inc. Luncheons

Canton Woods houses P.E.A.C.E. Inc.'s Senior Nutrition program each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00pm.

FOOD SERVICES DIVISION SENIOR NUTRITION

"YOU'VE DONE ENOUGH COOKING; LET US DO THE COOKING FOR YOU!"

Connect with your friends and neighbors and enjoy a delicious, affordable lunch at Canton Woods, your Senior Nutrition Site. The meals are wholesome and mostly made from scratch.

The best part is the suggested contribution of $3.50

For information regarding PEACE’s Senior Nutrition Sites contact Food Services, (315) 470-3331 or visit their website at www.peace-caa.org
P.E.A.C.E., Inc.'s Senior Nutrition Program is funded by: U.S. Administration on Aging,
NYS Office of Aging and the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Services.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

The Center offers blood pressure screening on most Friday mornings at 10am. A qualified health care professional will take your pressure and help to keep track of your numbers from month to month. Come in and keep up with your health!

CHAIR MASSAGE

Cahir massage by licensed Massage Therapist, Rachel Renzi. Chair massage may reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles, increase circulation and reduce stress.

FLU SHOTS  

Each year, Canton Woods offers flu shots, given by local pharmacies at the center. The shots are generally available in the end of September, or beginning of October. Check our monthly calendar for the dates in the fall.

FITNESS

(Falls Prevention is a FREE class; there is a minimal fee for all other fitness classes)

Aerobic exercise for Active Older ADULTs 

The class format is extensive, with emphasis on strengthening, aerobics, flexibility and relaxation, and floor exercises for abdominal, hip and leg strengthening. The group is under the leadership of an experienced instructor.

Falls Prevention

This FREE class is facilitated by a Licensed Physical Therapist. Strengthen your core, and improve your balance. Reduce your risk of falling. 

TAI CHI

Tai Chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. It may reduce stress, improve balance, and alleviate pain.

YOGA

Experience   Chair Yoga with Yvonne Martin, RYT500 Certified Kripalu Yoga teacher. Discover Kripalu Yoga, a gentle mindful Hatha Yoga practice that emphasizes compassionate self- acceptance and mind –body awareness.  New to Yoga? Come give it a try.  The first class is always FREE

ZUMBA GOLD

Zumba Gold provides modified low impact moves for all levels yet specifically designed for the active older adult and beginners. Instructor Susan Petrilli leads the class as you move to the beat at your won speed. Invigorating and fun!

ART GROUP

This dynamic Art Group meets under the guidance and encouragement of retired art teacher, Mike Conway. Come and explore your inner artist!

BOOK CLUB

Canton Woods Book Club meets once each month. Call the center for the current book selection, start reading and join in the lively discussion.

CRAFT GROUP

Join fellow crafters each Tuesday morning to share ideas, patterns, techniques and a few good laughs!

WRITING GROUP

Take the time to put your special memories and experiences down on paper for family, friends or simply for your own enjoyment.  This group shares stories laughter and occasionally a few tears.

THE CENTER OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF CARDS and GAMES

In addition to the many regularly scheduled activities, the Center also is host to a number of classes, groups, trips and special events each month. Be sure to check out the monthly newsletter, found on Town of Lysander and the Village of Baldwinsville Websites. It’s time for you to enjoy all the opportunities at Canton Woods. We look forward to meeting you!