Our Programs

"Always do whatever's next."
                                --George Carlin

Programs, Classes, Trips, Adventures, Fun

The Gibson Center has developed a HUGE menu of programs for seniors of all abilities and interest levels. Much of what we do has come directly from your suggestions, so keep them coming!

For complete information on ANY Gibson Center programs, please email Jill or call 356-3231, Extension 16. Program information is regularly updated in the Calendar and Special Event section of the web site and can also be found in the "Gibson Gleanings" usually published in the weekend edition of the Conway Daily Sun.

Up coming day trips:

Look for trips listed in green on our new calendar page.

Click on the event (with a green background), and details will appear in a box in the upper left hand side of your screen.

Please sign up for trips as soon as possible, we often need to make reservations weeks in advance.

Special Programs:

Look at new calendar page, and click on the event.  A box will appear in the upper left hand side of the page.

Ongoing Programs

Game Day is every Wednesday from 12:30-3:00 PM!
Play bridge, cribbage, scrabble, checkers, cards, monopoly, friendly poker, and have fun while meeting new friends!   Looking for Canasta Players.

The Pool Hall Gang meets just about every day before and after lunch in the Carroll Reed Room at the Center. Stop in and enjoy a game. We're usually pretty well behaved and our pool table is professionally maintained.

Movie Matinee runs two Mondays a month in the Glenna Mori Room from 12:30 (after lunch) until the movie is over. We have a large screen television and show the latest releases as well as classics. And yes, we take requests.

The Carriage House Thrift Shop is right in our parking lot in North Conway. The Thrift Shop is generally open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM until 2:45 PM and on Saturdays from 10 to 2. The Shop is staffed by volunteers. Donations of clean clothing and items are appreciated. If you have ANY question about the suitability of a donation, please call Karen James at the Center at Extension 13.

The University of New Hampshire Speakers Bureau provides world class experts from New Hampshire's flagship public University to New Hampshire citizens.  Look for specific topics in the above list of events.

Fitness & Wellness

Without a doubt, one of our most popular programs is our Exercise Class. Since 2001, Bobbi Broeme, RN has been keeping us in shape with her custom classes. Since 1973, Bobbi has a wide range of experience including: ER, rehab, public health, well child, corporate health and safety. Bobbi has been active in the fitness industry giving classes since 1985. She is certified by Aerobics & Fitness Association of America and the Aquatic Exercise Association. Bobbi has been trained and is certified by the Dept. of Health & Human Services for the Strong Living Program.

Thanks to Bobbi's expertise and training, almost anyone can participate in her classes. If you are taking her class for the first time, she will consult with you to see what exercises are right for you. In some cases, your doctor's permission may be required. ALL participants are required to sign waivers.

Our  Strength, Balance & Stretch exercise program meets on Tuesdays & Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM  in the Glenna Mori Activity Room. The cost is $65 for Gibson members, $75 for non-members. Scholarships are available.  Current Class: Have a nice summer, see you in September. Next Class: September 9-November 25, 2008

Alice Clapp's Ballroom Dance Class in the Glenna Mori Activity Room.  Alice is an expert teacher, dancing anything from the waltz, to the swing, with line dances and ice breakers in between. The cost is $30 for Gibson members, and $35 for non members.  Keep Posted for next class! .

Yoga   Start the week out with a relaxing stretch. Every Monday at 9:00 AM.  Six classes are $30 for Gibson members, and $35 for non members, $7 for an individual class. If there is interest in a class, please see Jill.

Chair Exercises.  We have been awarded a grant for an exercise program for people with balance issues or people who need assistance walking, getting out of a chair or in and out of a car.  The aim of the class is to improve balance, increase independence and reduce the risk of falls.  If you are interested, or know of someone who is, please contact Jill at the Gibson Center, 356-3231 extension 16.  Classes start at 10:30 so people who ride the bus can attend, and stay for lunch.  Current Class, Mondays and Thursdays, July 14-Sept. 25.  8 week class is $40 for members and $50 for non Gibson Members.

Growing Wiser is an innovative health and educational program in support of senior independence and healthy life choices. The program was designed by Healthwise in Boise, Idaho to help seniors cope in a constructive manner with life changes, especially personal losses. It offers techniques for sharpening memory and enhancing mental alertness. The series combines discussion and activities with relaxation and laughter. The primary goal is to replace the negative myths of aging with positive expectations for healthier and more fulfilling golden years. The idea is to celebrate aging as an adventure, honoring the wisdom within as a guide to personal growth. Our staff is proud to facilitate this program which is offered every March.  

Walking Club  Fridays at 10:30 AM   We will walk the local sidewalks here in North Conway.  We will be back to the Gibson Center in time for lunch. Join our walking goup as we attempt to "Walk New Hampshire" .

Introductory Taoist Tai Chi   Please speak with Jill if you are interested in this class.

AARP Safe Driving Program next class is   September 23 & 25; 12:15-4:15 PM Please sign up 356-3231,

We also have regular dance classes, yoga and after-lunch presentations on health and wellness issues. Check the Calendar section for updates.

Adventures and Fun Trips

There are lots of events and attractions within a short driving distance of The Gibson Center. We take full advantage of this whenever possible. Just a sampling: Portland SeaDog's baseball, Currier Museum, Lupine trips to Sugar Hill, State House tours, summit trips to Mt. Washington, Portland Museum of Art, whale watching, Portland Flower Show and ..well, you get the idea. The cost is as reasonable as possible and scholarships are available.

Gibson Global Gallops

While there's lots to do in our own backyard, we sometimes travel farther afield. Several times a year, the Gibson Center arranges spectacular multi-day trips. We have been to Great Britain, Austria, Ireland, Williamsburg, Niagara Falls and Ontario, Montreal, Quebec City and taken an Alaska Glacier Cruise. Some of these trips sell out almost instantaneously, so early sign up is strongly suggested. These tours are very competitively priced and are escorted by a Gibson staff member.

Branson Musical Holiday : Join the Gibson Center as we travel to Branson, Missouri.  We will experience Christmas in the Ozarks, the air will be aglow with the holiday spirit and cheer.  We will enjoy an array of fabulous Christmas performances such at Doug Gabriel, Andy Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, and Soji Tabuchi.  We will tour the Silver Dollar City.  There is an optional River Boat ride.   We will be staying in the same hotel every night so no need to pack and unpack!  November 11-18, 2008.  Price $1499ppdo, $1749 single, $1469pp for a triple.  Includes transportation to Manchester Airport, airfare, travel insurance, 5 meals (3 breakfasts, 2 dinners).

Please reserve your seat by making a deposit of $160, due by July 20.  Final payment is due August 29th.

Spirit of Washington DC : Join the Gibson Center as we travel to Washington DC for 5 days.  We will fly out of Manchester, NH and stay in the same hotel all 4 nights.  This is a Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventure.  We will travel March 26-30, 2009, this may be Cherry Blossom time.    We will tour several of the cities Smithsonian Museums, including the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Freer Gallery of Art.  Between museum visits we will take sight seeing tours of Pennsylvania Avenue, Arlington National Cemetery, the Presidential Monument on the Mall, as well as  the newly opened World War II Memorial.  There will be 4 breakfasts, and three dinners, with one free evening to take in a show,or sample one of the fine restaurants in Washington DC.  The tours, air, hotel, 7 meals, and insurance will cost $1459.  See Jill for more information.

Mexico's Colonial Jewels : Join the Gibson Center in dreary November 2009, as we travel to sunny Mexico.  We will be staying in each 4 star hotel for two nights.  We will start and finish the tour in Mexico City.  We will tour Cathedrals, and Ruins, Spanish communities, and cultural attractions.  We will visit Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrim center.  We will see dancers in colorful costumes, visit native jewelry craftsmen, and see native plants being cultivated.  We will be visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The cities we will stay in are Mexico City, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Guadalajara, and Morella.  Places we will visit also include Queretaro, a city of beautiful Baroque architecture; San Miguel de Allende a 16th century mining town; Tequila, where we will visit the agave fields and the Mundo Cuervo Brewery; Tlaquepaqe, one of Mexico's largest arts and craft centers. $2499 for 12 Days, 17 meals, tours, air, travelers insurance, this is only $211 a day!  See Jill for more information.