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

Chair / range of motion class - ON HIATUS
Time: Mondays 10:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: 0 members
      0 non-members
Location: exercise room
Description: Get Arthritis Relief at the Highland Senior Center The Highland Senior Center is host to two unique programs designed for those suffering from Arthritis. On Mondays they have the 'People with Arthritis Can Exercise' (P.A.C.E.). The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is held from 10-11 am. The Program is geared toward gentle range-of-motion exercises with additional activities designed to help those with arthritis.
Remember to Celebrate Grandparents Day
By:
It’s time for us to thank those of us, who have the honor of being called Grandma or Grandpa. September 12th is National Grandparents Day. It was the brainchild of Marion McQuade, a housewife. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. Something we can all understand. Then, in 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Grandparent’s Day even has an official song “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” by Johnny Prill, as well as an official flower, the “Forget-me-not,” symbolizing that the memories of grandparents are not faded out with the span of time. So make sure to spend some time with the grandkids and talk to them. Let them know what life was like growing up and how things have changed (for the worse and the better). Give them a family ancestry; teach them about their lineage. After of course they take you to dinner!