Highland Senior Center

Italian
Date: April 24, 2020
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Length: 8
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Rita Sicilliano
Location: Game Room
Description: Italian is taught by Margherita Sicilliano. Margherita, who also goes by the names Margo or Rita, and is from the old country. Born in Caserta, Italy, she was actually born in the Italian Royal Palace (the Reggia di Caserta). Her mom was touring the palace when she went into labor. Not many people can say that they were born in a royal palace, much less a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Raised and educated in Italy, she was still in college when she came with her family to the United States. She continued with her education getting a Bachelor's Degree. She then went back to Italy to get her Master's Degree. Her teaching experience spans 42 years and includes teaching high school French, Spanish, and Italian in New York, as well as French and Spanish Advanced Placement classes at the local Aquinas High School. After retiring some friends told her about the center. She took a trip here and discovered a fellow Italian, Virginia Kautzman, and the two became friends. Margo also found out about our University Language classes, and decided to get back into teaching. She approached us about teaching here, and after offering a choice between Italian and German, everyone decided that Italian would be perfect. Now it is the only Italian class being offered in the area. Student’s need to bring only a pencil and paper to class. There is a work book students can purchase through Amazon for $16, but it is not necessary. The class is open to absolute beginners and those who wish to keep up their Italian. A presto! See you soon!

Friendly Visitor and Phone Pal
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
       non-members
Location:
Description: This month we'd like to shine the light on two programs that not only help out those who participate, but the people they help out as well: The Friendly Visitor, and Phone Pal programs. The Friendly Visitor Program is a free program designed for those who have trouble getting out of the house on their own, to make friends and maintain social interaction. We have volunteers who go and visit people in their own homes and let them know that someone does care about them. Sometimes the two will simply talk or play a game of cards. Other times they will go out to lunch or a movie. The level of interaction depends on them. Our Phone Pal Program is similar to the Friendly Visitor Program, but is more designed for those who don't want or need someone to come over to their house. They are happy with a simple phone call. Some enjoy long conversations, while others just want someone to check in on them once a week. This program has come in handy several times when a senior could not be contacted by phone. The Phone Pal volunteer either went over to the house or contacted us with their concern and we went over. On a few occasions we discover that the person had fallen and injured themselves, and had this program not been in place, might have died. If you would like to be a part in volunteering in these programs, or if you could benefit from any of these programs, or if you know of someone who could, please feel free to contact us at (909)862-8104 and ask for the Outreach Office.