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

Aerobics
Time: Dailys 9:00 am
Cost: 1:00 per class members
      same non-members
Location: Exercise Room
Description: Just like the lemurs in Madagascar the people in our aerobics class like to move it. The class is held Monday through Friday from 9 - 10 am in the exercise room. The class is taught by two instructors. Julia Ragan leads on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Penny Holt takes the reigns on Mondays and Fridays. Both Julia and Penny were originally trained for Jazzercise and have adapted their exercies and classes for older adults. They teach on a circuit, starting out with a short warm up, then climbing or increasing the intensity for 35 minutes, before cooling down. They finish with chair aerobics focusing on arms, abs, and legs. In her Wednesday class, Julia tries to mix it up with different types of exercise such as Zumba or Bollyrobics (a mixture of Bollywood and aerobics). You can come to either or both instructors classes. Classes are only $1 per class and are open to all seniors. Just wear some comfortable clothes, and bring water and a sweat towel and get ready to move it.
Zumba is Back
By: Mike Sylva
We have brought back a new exercise class to the center, Zumba. Zumba is a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity set to interval-style, calorie-burning Latin and World dance moves. For those who see the words \"high-intensity.\" Fear not. This class is \"Simply Zumba for Seniors\", similar to Zumba Gold.

This class will be tailored towards active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves at a lower-intensity. The instructor is Faith Knox, a certified Zumba instructor, who says the class will consist of toning, cardio, and some resistance.

Class start in November, every Thursday starting at 11:00am. Be sure to bring some water, a towel, and wear comfortable clothing and good shoes. Classes are free but donations will be gladly accepted.