Volunteer of the Month
Archives
October 2021
Don Harper
This month we’d like to shine the light on Don Harper is one of our longtime Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. Don has been a member for about 7 ½ years, and has been driving for 5 ½ years. During that time he has become one of our go-to drivers driving multiple times a week, and sometimes several trips in one day. He first heard about the center from his mother-in-law, who is a Wii Bowler. She got him a membership and he came and joined the Wii Bowling league. He then remembered then Outreach Director, Holly Andrade, talking about TAP and how they needed drivers. He gave it a test drive, enjoyed it and has been doing it ever since. He loves driving, and loves the people. He thinks of this as his job, but a job he enjoys. The clients love him too and has clients who ask for him. Originally from Fort Worth, TX, his mom brought him out here when he was two. He inched his way over from Blythe, to Beaumont, to Highland. We are thankful that his travels brought him closer to us. Thanks Don for driving that extra mile for us!
Featured Class
Watercolor
Date: September 14, 2021
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Length: 8 weeks
Cost: $8 members
$8 non-members
Instructor: Avon Hall
Location: Game Room
Description: Not only is this one of our oldest classes, but is also one of the oldest art forms going back to paleolithic times. Watercolor is a painting method in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Watercolor refers to both the medium and the resulting artwork. Working with watercolors is difficult because with paint, it stays put. However, with watercolor, the paper and absorption changes the outline and appearance as it dries. Additionally, you have to be careful as colors can run into each other as they are absorbed, changing the shape and color of objects. If you mess up with paint you can paint over or scrape off the paint but in watercolor you might be able to partially correct a mistake by re-wetting and blotting making errors costly. To help you with this is Avon Hall, our Watercolor instructor. While Avon has no formal instruction as an art teacher, but does have lots of experience in art. While in the Air Force, and stationed in France 50 years ago, he took some art classes in oil painting and drawing. He did not take up watercolor until eight years ago, when he heard that we had a class and he was curious about it. Avon has won several prizes for his art, and has even sold some.
Featured Activity
Cross Training Equipment
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
non-members
Location: Execise Room
Description: Our members will appreciate this: New exercise equipment! A long while back we tried to take a survey of those who use the exercise room, assessing what types of equipment they would like us to get. No surveys were turned in, although thoughts were scribbled on the poster announcing the survey. Still, not to be deterred, we were able to purchase some 'Life Fitness' equipment. We now have a new treadmill, an elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent bike, replacing much older equipment. We hope to eventually replace all of our old equipment, getting several exercise circuits in place. Check your newsletter to see when the equipment is available for use and be prepared to break a sweat.
2010 Christmas Open House
By: Mike Sylva
Well, we have to admit that it was one of our smaller crowds for our Annual Christmas Open House, but the rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended. Those who did show up, made twice as much noise.
We mixed things up this time with some new acts. First we started out with a special guest, Supervisor Neil Derry, who got things festive with some Christmas Carols, before finishing with a less festive, yet very popular, Burning Ring of Fire ala Johnny Cash.
A party with no dancing? Not here. The winners of our holiday Seniors Got Talent, the Offbeats, came next. Giving hoofers a new meaning, the dancing reindeer troupe of Bobbie Anderson, Suzanne Marconett, and Jennifer Stegall, tapdanced to some holiday favorites.
Following a break of cookies, provided by the Moms and Daughters of the Inland Empire National Charity League, and cake, came the Redlands East Valley Jazz Ensemble, whose carol stylings got everyone jazzed up for Christmas. We also held some 50/50 raffles which enabled us to donate $200 for their band.
Our final act was Harriet Foucher and her Kristal Bells. Everyone got into the act as the audience were given the chance to show their musical talent with handbells. This gave us time for only two more guests. Very special guests: Santa and Mrs. Claus. They took time out of their very busy schedule to take in some last minute Christmas wishes, and to hand out some treats to good boys and girls. Luckily no one walked away with any coal.
Special thanks to our talented musicians and volunteers to helped us to spread a little Christmas cheer. Finally we would like to thank our sponsors, Leisure Point and the San Manuel Tribe of Mission Indians for sponsoring the event.
