Volunteer of the Month
Archives

No volunteer selected this month

Featured Class

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!

Featured Activity

Hula
Time: Thursdays 10:00 - 10:30 am
Cost: Free members
      Free non-members
Location: Exercise Room
Description: Get ready to shake your groove thing as we welcome back Hula! In January, our Hula returned on Thursdays from 10:00 - 10:30 am. The class is officially called Hula and is being taught by Yolanda “YoYo” Hernandez. YoYo is our new instructor. She learned Hula when she was 72! She always wanted to learn, but didn’t the time, being busy with raising a family and work. She first started with yoga, learning balance. From there she worked on her flexibility, and finally learned Hula. She also believes that Hula is good for the body and the brain, having to remember the dance calls, the steps, and of course, the dancing itself. She first started teaching at another center, before she was asked to start teaching here. YoYo teaches both men and women and begins with the basics. She teaches both “hapa haole (Hula dance with English words), and traditional Hawaiian dances. Classes are taught on Thursdays, from 10:00 – 10:30 am and are free to attend. All one needs to bring is a willing spirit. Until then ke nānā aku nei mākou e ʻike iā ʻoe (we look forward to seeing you).
Center presents at the Highland Chamber Luncheon
By: Mike Sylva
In January the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon. What made it special was that, on the heels of the center being honored was the Chambers 2010 Business of the Year, the center gave a presentation. Penny Lilburn wanted to show the members exactly why we were worthy of such an award.

One of our aerobics instructors, Julia Regan, started things off with a short, heart pumping, aerobics warm up. Once everyone was done burning off the calories from their lunch, Penny showed a short power point presentation, in which she talked about the center and all the activities and resources we provide. Next came a short video, which highlighted a year in the life of the Highland Senior Center, showcasing all of our events and activities. In the end, the audience all agreed that the Chamber made the right choice!