Love & Knishes, BP Self-Care

On Tap At Federation

SOUTHBURY — “Love Songs with a Little Kick” will be the theme of the Wednesday, February 2, Love & Knishes lunch as Bob Lupi on keyboard and vocals and Dr J (Julio D’Aquila) on sax perform songs about love, including music by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Elvis, Paul Anka, Bobby Darin, and Rod Stewart.

The program takes place at noon in the Jewish Federation’s social hall at 444 Main Street. On February 9, singer/guitarist Larry Ayce performs a variety of beloved country, folk, and popular songs from many decades. He is always happy for guests to request their favorite songs.

The February 16 program features favorite 19th Century music and more performed by two Southbury residents, flutist and vocalist Jenny Li accompanied by pianist Susan Theodos. They will feature songs for both flute and voice, including music by Gabriel Faure, Charles Gounod, and Franz Lehar, as well as a Spanish tango and a Chinese folk song.

And on February 23, a heart health talk with a question and answer session will be given by Sandy Micalizzi, APRN, CDE, clinical nurse specialist at the Heart Center of Greater Waterbury. Ms Micalizzi is a familiar figure at the lunches, where she has been doing monthly blood pressure checks for years. She will speak about antioxidants in food and how they keep individuals healthy, helping to prevent or slow the oxidative damage to the body that is produced by free radicals.

Area adults age 60 and better are invited to enjoy the healthful hot lunch, which is served at noon and followed by entertainment at 1 pm. Lunch reservations should be made by noon Monday for that week’s program.

All programs are open to the public, and there is a suggested lunch donation of $7.50 for adults age 60 and better and $9.50 for those under 60.

In other news, a free three-week High Blood Pressure Self-Care Program starts on February 3 at 11 am at the Federation, and will be taught by Ms Micalizzi. This course is aimed at helping adults with high blood pressure reduce their risk of complications from hypertension and will emphasize a healthy lifestyle and preventive care.

Participants will learn strategies to help them gain or maintain control of their blood pressure levels. Ms Micalizzi will discuss high blood pressure and its complications as well as self-monitoring, nutrition, medications, stress management, and other lifestyle habits. Participants will also receive educational materials and have ample time for questions and answers.

This program is open to any adults who have hypertension. Family members are encouraged to attend as well, since they often play an important role in a person’s self-care routine. There is no cost for this program, but sign up is required because of limited space.

To RSVP for either program, call Debby Horowitz, Brownstein Jewish Family Service director, at 203-267-3177, extension 105.