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

Italian
Date: January 24, 2022
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Length: 8
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Rita Sicilliano
Location: Game Room
Description: The class is on hiatus until the new year. When is comes back here are some things to know...Italian is taught by Margherita Sicilliano. Margherita, who also goes by the names Margo or Rita, and is from the old country. Born 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, Rita 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

Yoga
Time: Fridays 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $5.00 per class members
      $5.00 per class non-members
Location: Exercise Room
Description: In these stressful times we have the perfect solution to help you relax. Yoga. Yuki Mugimiya, our yoga instructor, came to us from Kumamoto, Japan. It was there that he mastered karate and yoga. It was this mastery that brought him to the states. He was hired in 1971 by the Cincinnati Police Department to teach them karate. While there he also taught at the University of Kentucky. Then he transferred to the west coast to teach at U.S.C. He said that he teaches seniors the same techniques he taught the police and college students. He just slows down the pace. It is a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian yoga. [Sendo which blends Asamas (postures), Seifuku-ho, Qi-Gong, Mantras, and a few other techniques into this unique style.] He is also certified with the Bodden Institute for Yoga Holistic Studies and the International Yoga Alliance. So whether you have trouble getting into the lotus position, or if you can get both legs behind your head, this class is for you, he'll be able to get you relaxed. He also shows Shia-tsu and other massage techniques as well. The classes are on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am and are only $3 per class, so come and join them for a stress free time.
Yoga Teacher Goes World Wide
By: Mike Sylva
Yuki Kugimiya, our Yoga instructor, is now recognized worldwide! Yuki was already trained in Sendo, but wanted to expanded on what he knew. He then went back to school, attending the Bodden Institute for Yoga Holistic Studies, a registered Yoga School with the International Yoga Alliance which consists of over 55 countries.

After completing 200 hours of learning additional physical and theoretical aspects of Yoga, he also had to do a practicum, actually teaching to students. He spent every weekend for 6 month going to classes and doing homework. He did very well, not only becoming certified but also graduating as their valedictorian.

Now Yuki is able to teach yoga in over 55 different countries (although he plans to stay with us for many years). Congratulations to Yuki for this outstanding achievement. You can congratulate him yourself, or take some yoga lessons. Just stop by the exercise room on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am for a stress free time.