Volunteer of the Month
Archives

October 2021
Don Harper

Photo of 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

Magic
Date: January 26, 2022
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Length: 8 weeks
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Steve Micklas
Location: Parlor
Description: The class is on hiatus for now but will return next year. Until then to let you know about the class we'd like to introduce you to the mysterious and mystical world of our Magic Class. There you'll be taught by Stephen Micklas, a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Come learn basic magic, including misdirection, card magic, and close up magic (coin manipulation). Students learn inexpensive tricks that Grandparents can do, to amaze their friends, family and, of course, Grandkids. Students are only required to bring a deck of cards and maybe some rope or string. Most of the tricks students learn can be done with things found around the house. Stephen will bring in most of the other props needed. You just need to bring a 3 ring binder for notes and handouts. For those interested in magic you just need to remember a few things. Magic is a bit of misdirection and a lot of acting. If you are going to be a member of the class you will be taught a lot of secrets. Remember, that a Magician never reveals his secrets. You also need to practice to do it well. So if you'd like to amaze your family and friends, sign up. For you who already know a card trick or two Stephen is ready to show our Seniors that you can teach an old dog, new tricks.

Featured Activity

Striders
Time: Dailys 6:30 a.m.
Cost: Free members
      Free non-members
Location: Meet in Dining Room
Description: This month we'd like to put the spotlite on a group that already shines. 'Striders' is a walking club filled with members who believe that both exercise and social activities are important to a Seniors' physical and emotional health. The Striders want to stay fit, but enjoy doing this at their own pace while enjoying the company of others. Striders walk from 1/2 mile to 2 miles at a time. They walk on the paths around the Patton State Hospital grounds varying according to individual members. The group is open to anyone interested in 'walking for health.' They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:00 a.m. at the Highland Senior Center. This time was chosen to avoid smog and the heat. Anyone wishing to join this active group or just interested in more information may come to the dining room of the Highland Senior Center before 6:30 a.m. any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning. So put your best foot forward and come on out.
Mentalist Dinner Show
By: Mike Sylva
If you’ve ever seen “Psych” or “The Mentalist” you know what a Mentalist is. It’s a person who professes to read minds or tell fortunes. Again, if you’ve seen those shows, you know that a mentalist just uses observation and powers of deduction. Still, it’s pretty impressive and looks pretty magical.

Last month we had our own Mentalist/Magician, Carl Christman. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He is also a professor of Communications at Riverside Community College, and uses his knowledge of psychology, nonverbal communication, and language to “read” people’s true thoughts and influence their choices.

One of the “tricks” he did was to take four audience members (3 females and 1 male), who drew pictures, and traded with each other while Carl’s back was turned. He then produced an envelope addressed to “THE MAN.” Inside the envelope was his prediction of the picture male would end up with and TADA...he was right.

Thanks to Linda Brian and Rosa Peraza for helping serve the audience their pasta dinner before the show, who made their food disappear.