We’re all guilty of being over indulgent during the holidays. Try substituting healthier ingredients to make those familiar favorites.   Healthy Green Bean Casserole Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 1/2 pounds green beans 1 medium onion 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups 2% milk 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 7 ounces 2% Greek yogurt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to broil. Lightly coat a 2-quart, baking dish with nonstick spray.

In a small bowl, stir together the Panko, Parmesan, parsley, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.

Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare an ice water bath. Place the beans in boiling water and cook just until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain and lightly pat dry.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms. Stir frequently until the onion is soft and the mushrooms have given up their liquid, about 15 min. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the flour over the top. Cook, stirring until all of the flour turns golden.

Slowly add the milk, stirring between each to prevent lumps from forming. Increase the heat to medium high. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Allow sauce to bubble. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to resemble a creamy gravy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt.

Transfer half the green beans to the prepared baking dish. Spread half the sauce over the green beans. Add remaining green beans and top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.

Broil, watching closely, until the casserole is bubbling and beginning to brown on top, 1 to 3 minutes, depending on your broiler. Garnish with parsley.

Line Dancing: Join us on Thursday Dec. 12th from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. here at Shelby Senior Services.  No cost.

Parkinson’s Exercise and Support Group: This is a FREE event that meets at SportWorks at the Renovo Clinic on Wednesday Dec. 4th and 18th at 2:00 p.m.  Instructed by Lisa Coppetelli.

Attention: Punch back against Parkinson’s! Rock Steady Boxing Shelby County is a non-contact exercise program designed for those with Parkinson’s. Each class helps to improve physical and mental health through boxing, exercises, and friendship. Stop by a class to see what it is all about!

If you have Parkinson’s and are interested in becoming a boxer with ROCK STEADY BOXING, please contact Liz Oeffinger at 317-398-0127 for more information. Classes meet every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.; Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.; as well as Saturday at 9:00 a.m. (call for Saturday availability) at the Briley Family Center located at 643 Fair Avenue, Shelbyville.

 Geri-Fit: Classes take place Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. There’s no cost for this program, only healthy benefits and rewards! This is a chair exercise, strength training, and muscle building and maintaining class for seniors. This class helps prevent falls and reduces arthritic conditions. Please bring your water bottle and 2 lb. weights. Contact Liz Oeffinger if you are interested in joining the class or have any questions.

Yoga: Chair yoga Mondays at 12:30-1:00 p.m. Cost is $5; regular yoga Mondays at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $5. Class is led by certified instructor Jerrillee Lucas. Classes are helpful for balance, flexibility, and strength. Anyone is welcome to attend!

T’ai Chi Alumni: Thursdays at 11:00-11:30 a.m. No cost or reservation needed!

Walk with Ease: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00 p.m. We will meet at the Parks Department Paul Cross Gym. When weather permits, we will be meeting at Blue River Memorial Park. Contact Liz at Shelby Senior Services to check location or with questions (317)398-0127. Bring a water bottle and your walking shoes!

T.O.P.S. – Taking Off Pounds Sensibly – Meets Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. Have you thought about joining a weight loss program? Make 2019 your year towards a healthier lifestyle! Membership is $32 for the year and $5 per month. Your first meeting is FREE!!! Come check it out and learn about healthy eating and exercise. This is a great group of people who are tons of fun. This is a chance to meet others who are on their weight loss journey!

Bowling: Fridays 12:30 p.m. at Blue River Bowl. Cost is $2 a game and $2.50 for shoe rental. Anyone is welcome!

Chair volleyball  Join us on Monday Dec. 9th and 23rd at 10:00 a.m. in the back room for volleyball.  This is a free event open to everyone! All you need to bring is yourself and a little bit of competition! Contact Liz with any questions at 317-398-0127.

Interested in joining a Zumba Gold class? We need at least three people per class and scheduling is flexible. Contact Liz Oeffinger at 317-398-0127 and request a class in the near future!

The agency offers blood pressure and blood sugar checks to seniors every Friday morning 8:30-9:30 a.m. Can you help administer those for us? Call 317-398-0127.