Mexican Train Dominoes |
| Time: | Fridays 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | None members |
| None non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | This month we’d like to spotlight a relatively new game, not only here at the center, but in general as well. Mexican Train was developed by two people from Newport Coast, California in 1994. Back then it was just called Train. Mexican Train Dominoes, as well call it, is a game played with 91 double-twelve dominoes. Between four to eight players may participate, but if less than six people are playing, it is recommended that only the double blank through nine (or a set of Double 9 dominoes) be used. The object of the game is to discard all your dominoes. You discard onto your own train, onto the Mexican train, onto other trains at the station, or onto other players trains. The game\'s most popular name comes from a special optional train that belongs to all players although any sort of marker (such as a bead, button, or coin) can be used. The game has also been called Private Trains and Domino Trains. The train leaves the station on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. and the best thing is no ticket is required.
|
|
Senior Bingo |
| Time: | Mondays 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | 3:00 Buy - In members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Highland Senior Center |
| Description: | Games pay out Cash money...also have a chance to win the big pot!!
|
|
Community Bingo |
| Time: | Wednesdays 6:30 pm Early Birds |
| Cost: | 10:00 Buy-In / $5.00 second pack members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Highland Senior Center |
| Description: | All games pay out $100. cash
|
|
Sing A Long |
| Time: | Mondays 10:00 am |
| Cost: | No cost members |
| No cost non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | I don\'t sing because I\'m happy; I\'m happy because I sing. -William James Songs are great. They can lift the spirits, or bring back a flood of memories. Even people who sing the blues do it with a smile on their face. So, if you are looking to lift your spirts you might try lifting your voice with our “Happy Notes.” “Happy Notes is the Center’s singing group. Every Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. the group gets together to bring old favorites back to life. Just like clothing, the classics never go out of style. But they sing more then songs. They sing memories. They go back to the days when family and friends would get together, gather around the piano, and sing till their hearts content. When a gathering was an interactive affair. The group has songbooks for people to follow, (all made by Donna Hunter, who tickles the ivories as well) as well as lots of helpful and friendly people. The “Happy Notes” mainly sings for their own enjoyment, but they also love to sing for groups when invited. They try to go out at least twice a month to different hospitals and convalescent homes to brighten people’s days. All are invited to come on in and all are welcome! Just as long as you have a song in your heart and a smile on your lips.
|
|
Bunco |
| Time: | Fridays 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | 1:00 Buy-In members |
| non-members |
| Location: | |
| Description: | Come join in the fun...play a dice game that is easy to learn...
|
|
Ceramics |
| Time: | Wednesdays 9:00 am |
| Cost: | $1 per class members |
| $1 per class non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | This month The Highland Senior Center would like to shine the light on one of our more hands on classes: Ceramics. They are glad to welcome back their instructor, Barbara Bradley. She is able to teach anyone, from novice to advance. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, as some pieces take longer to work on, and each student may work more on a piece than another. The class does a monthly project, but some students have particular pieces they want to work on and are encouraged to do so. Work is generally done on site, (including firing), but many students take things home to work on over the week (sanding, prep-work, painting, etc.). In fact, Barbara also works at home pouring molds, and getting items cleaned up and ready for students that just want to paint and fire. Barbara first became interested in Ceramics in 1960, yet it wasn’t until 1993 that she became certified to teach by Duncan & Gare, which took 8 weeks. Since then she has taught in several places including a home shop, and at the Orange Show for the Ceramic Doll Show. She is not only a teacher, she’s also a student. She is always learning new techniques, and took a course at the Ceramic Art Institute. It was a tough course with only half of the class passing (including Barbara). So if this sounds like something you’d be interested in stop by the game room on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and for only $1 per class, come play in the mud.
|
|
Aerobics |
| Time: | Daily 9:00 am |
| Cost: | 1:00 per class members |
| same non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | Stay in shape....join us for aerobics
|
|
P.A.C.E |
| Time: | Mondays 10:00 |
| Cost: | No Fee members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Exercise |
| Description: | People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) is an exercise class designed specifically for people with arthritis. The hour long program is on Mondays at 10:00 p.m. and provides gentle movements and activities under the guidance of trained personnel to help increase mobility, muscle strength and stamina. It is designed for those who can barely stand or if they can stand get exhausted quickly. It keeps the body active by providing proper exercise for optimum joint flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and cardiovascular conditioning. Enhanced self image and self esteem is also a possible benefit. Our instructor is Pauline (Polly) Miller, a Certified Arthritis Foundation Instructor, who has been involved with PACE since 1995. She started taking them because she could barely get out of a chair due to her bad knees. The class was being taught by a friend of hers, and after months of participating, her friend asked to take some training classes. Polly did so well that she took over the class for her friend in 1996. The next year she began teaching at the Highland Senior Center and has been doing so ever since. So if you have arthritis, or have some sore joints, stop by and try it out.
|
|
Water Aerobics |
| Time: | Daily 10:00 am |
| Cost: | No Free members |
| Must be a member non-members |
| Location: | Jerry Lewis Community Center |
| Description: | Join us Daily for Water Activites 10:00 - 10:30 Lap and Free Swim, 10:30 - 11:30 Water Aerobics Class 11:30 - 12:00 Lap and Free Swim You must be a member of the senior center to have access to the pool. This time is for exercise NOT socialize. Please leave the pool time for those who wish to work out.
|
|
Men's Poker |
| Time: | Wednesdays Noon |
| Cost: | No Cost members |
| non-members |
| Location: | |
| Description: | Join the mens poker group on Monday, Wednesday or Friday...If your really feeling lucky, join them all three days.
|
|
Women\'s Poker |
| Time: | Mondays 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | No Fee members |
| non-members |
| Location: | |
| Description: | Join the Womans Poker group for a great afternoon of poker...!!
|
|
Wood Carving |
| Time: | Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:00 pm |
| Cost: | Free members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | First session is to make your own pudle Duck. Wood piece is supplied for the first 10 people..Participate needs to bring their own pocket knife, fine grade sand paper and a rubber mat to keep project in place
|
|
Movie Day |
| Time: | Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
| Cost: | Donation members |
| Donation non-members |
| Location: | The Parlor |
| Description: | Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, “Movie Day” is slowly getting back to it’s glory days. For a while “Movie Day”, where we show recently released dvd movies had audiences of 1 or less. (Yes we start the movie even with an empty house in case someone shows up). However, it is not cost effective to show a movie to an empty house. Word got out that movie day was about to be cancelled, and wouldn’t you know it, people started to show up! All types of movies are shown. Some of you like action movies, westerns, kid movies (for the kid in all of us), mystery, drama, comedy, romance. We show a bit of everything. We have even gotten away from our formula of showing brand new recently released movies. After taking a survey of what YOU would like to see a classic came up: “From Here To Eternity.” Just let us know what will get you in the seats and we will get it. So as long as people show up, we will continue “Movie Day.” The movie is free but we gladly accept donations to offset the cost of the movie. So if you missed that big hit at the theaters, or enjoyed it so much you’d like to see it again, premieres are every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
|
|
Wii |
| Time: | Daily TBA |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | The Parlor |
| Description: | Would you like to Wii? The Christmas sensation for the past two years, has arrived at the center. The Wii is a video game console with a twist. You don’t just sit there to play. There is active participation involved. With an innovative motion-sensing remote and simple graphical interface this was made for kids of all ages. From 3 to 99 years of age. The games that game with the console are golf, baseball, tennis, boxing, and bowling. You move, the character on the screen moves. You turn your wrist when you bowl, get ready for ball to curve on the screen. You can get quite a workout playing a game. We also hope to get other games which include billiards, darts, skeet shooting, swimming, crew, archery and much more. There are even games to help with memory and hand eye coordination. The Wii is mobile so we can use it in any room, but the best TV to use it on will be the big screen in the parlor. Games and the controllers will be secured to prevent the growing of feet and walking off, but get ready to get into the swing of things, then impress your grandkids when you beat them on “their” territory.
|
|
Pool |
| Time: | Daily |
| Cost: | FREE members |
| FREE non-members |
| Location: | The Game Room |
| Description: | With the recent restoration of our pool table, and the kind donation of a new pool bridge, we thought it only fitting to shine the spotlite on pool. Billiards is an umbrella term for billiards and pool, which are not the same thing. Billiards is pool without pockets, played with smaller balls (three balls; white, yellow, and red) striking a ball after a bank. A type of snooker could be played on our table with a bit of imagination. Snooker involves a larger table, smaller pockets and red and colored balls and a white cue, alternating sinking red and colored, except after sinking a colored ball you put it back in it’s original spot. Pool involves a table with 6 pockets, a clue ball, and 15 object balls that may or may not be pocketed in order, depending on whether you’re playing 8 or 9 ball pool. Nine ball is played with nine balls numbered one through nine, and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the ball need not be pocketed in order. Players are not required to call any shot. A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games (as determined by the players. Eight ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket ball of the solid colors, and the other player pockets the stripes. The player pocketing his group first and then legally sinking the 8-ball wins. If this sounds confusing we usually have someone in the room playing, especially in the late afternoons. If we get enough interest we can even set up a dedicated pool time for you sharks. There are also sets of rules in Program Director Annette Mendehall’s office. Be sure to get some practice in, so you’ll be ready for our upcoming Pool Tournament on July 31st beginning at 10:00 a.m. The entry fee is only $5 and there will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Just be careful if your opponent is named Minnesota Fats!
|
|
Toastmasters |
| Time: | Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | No fee members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | Does speaking in front of a crowd give you the hebejebees? Maybe you don’t like picturing your audience naked because they’re just not someone you want to see? We have a solution to your problem. The Toastmasters is a group of people to meet here at the center every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Game Room. They practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. There is no instructor. Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. Participants learn skills related to use of humor, gestures, eye contact, speech organization and overall delivery each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved. So if you have a wedding toast in your future, a presentation for work, need help in getting over your shyness, or if you just like to hear yourself talk, come join the over 235,000 members in 92 countries and get your voice heard.
|
|
Scrabble |
| Time: | Mondays 1:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | This month we’d like to our first spotlight on an activity that’s been here awhile. Scrabble has been around since the Great Depression, when Alfred Mosher, an out-of-work architect, decided to invent a board game. Basically, “Scrabble” is a word game in which two to four players score points by forming words from individual lettered tiles on a game board marked with a 15-by-15 grid. The words are formed across and down in crossword fashion and must appear in a standard dictionary. You cannot use proper nouns, abbreviations, or hyphenated words, although there are some exceptions to the rules. Now there are 10 different variations, however standard Scrabble is the game of choice, especially those wishing to complete in the World Scrabble Championship or National Scrabble Championship. And with a lot of practice, and maybe just a bit of luck, you can break the world record high school of 830 points. It helped having the record for having the highest single play, QUIXOTRY, for 365 points Our Scrabble group meets every Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the game room, and is free for everyone. By the way, the word scrabble means “to grope frantically.”
|
|
Tai Chi |
| Time: | Mondays 11:30 a.m. |
| Cost: | $3.00 members |
| $3.00 non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | The Chinese characters for Tai Chi Chuan can be translated as the \'Supreme Ultimate Force\'. The notion of \'supreme ultimate\' is often associated with the Chinese concept of yin-yang, the notion that one can see a dynamic duality (male/female, active/passive, dark/light, forceful/yielding, etc.) in all things. \'Force\' (or, more literally, \'fist\') can be thought of here as the means or way of achieving this ying-yang, or \'supreme-ultimate\' discipline. Tai Chi, as it is practiced in the west today, can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of so-called forms (sometimes also called \'sets\') which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of these movements are originally derived from the martial arts (and perhaps even more ancestrally than that, from the natural movements of animals and birds) although the way they are performed in Tai Chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them. It is an exercise almost anyone who can walk can do safely. Tai chi takes the joints gently through their range of motion, while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety. Your instructor is Katsuko “Kats” Shiomi and classes held on Mondays and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and the cost is only $3.00 per class. Students should wear comfortable clothing and come ready to find their inner peace.
|
|
Canasta |
| Time: | Thursdays 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Parlor |
| Description: | This month we’d like to turn your attention to a great card game, Canasta. Canasta is a member of the Rummy family and was once the most popular game in America. Originating in Uruguay in the early 1940\'s, it spread rapidly to Argentina and the rest of Latin America, and reached the United States about 1948 where it is still played by millions. The usual number of players is four, in two partnerships, however, it may also be played by two, three, five, or six players. The packs are made up of 108 cards, two regular packs of 52 cards, plus four jokers, all shuffled together. The group has full tables, but they are always looking to add another for newcomers. Even if you don’t know how to play but would like to learn you can also pick up a set of rules from Bonnie Anderson. You can also join the group and they will gladly let you sit in and play and learn. After one hand you’ll get the basics. The group swears it’s good for stimulating the brain! If you are an experienced Canasta player, or are just someone looking for fun time, stop by the Parlor every Thursday from 1 - 4 p.m.
|
|
Ukelele |
| Time: | Wednesdays 10:00 |
| Cost: | $5.00 per class members |
| $5.00 per class non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | Many of you know what a Ukelele is, either from Tiny Tim, Israel Kamakawiwo\\\'ole, Arthur Godfrey, or from movies set on a Pacific island. For those of you who don’t know, it is a chordophone classified as a plucked lute; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings. The name roughly translates as \\\"jumping flea,” not from the sound it makes, but possibly from the action of one\\\'s fingers playing the ukulele resembling a \\\"jumping flea\\\" It was developed in Hawaii, in the 1880s as a combination of the cavaquinho or braguinha and the rajăo, small guitar-like instruments taken to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants. Our Ukelele Class, taught by Keoki Ariola, who has been playing since he was 7 years old. He would run down to the beach at Waikiki Beach and watch many people play their ukeleles on the beach, including Arthur Godfrey. He has been teaching this craft for the past 17 years. He teaches students simple chords at first, starting at only one chord a week. Most songs will have 5 or 6 chords, but there are hundreds of songs you can play with only three chords. You can even play songs using only two chords! Keoki says the music is a language by itself, and the more you practice, the better you get. He can help you get an instrument which can range from several thousands of dollars to as low at $30. It just depends on the material and manufacturer, just like everything else. However, no matter if it’s plastic or koa, Keoki will soon have you playing sweet music.
|
|
Double Pinochle |
| Time: | Tuesdays 8:30 am - 12:00 pm |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Parlor |
| Description: | This month we’d like to put out the call for some card sharks. Specifically for those who enjoy Double Pinochle (aka: Double Deck Pinochle). The game is slightly different from pinochle, but not much. A game consists of 4 players, two playing as partners sitting across from each other. The deck consists of 80 cards, containing A 10 K Q J in each of the four suits, and with four identical copies of each card. This deck can be formed by mixing together two normal Pinochle decks, having thrown out the nines, or from four regular 52 card decks from which you throw out all the numerals 2 to 9. After the deal there is an auction in which players bid the number of points their team will try to win. Whoever bids highest has the privilege of choosing trumps and leading to the first trick. The object of the high bidder\'s team is to win at least as many points as the amount they bid. Points can be scored in two ways: 1. by declaring and showing (melding) combinations of cards held in a players hand; 2. by winning aces, tens and kings in tricks The game is won by the first partnership to achieve a score of 500 or more. If both sides reach 500 on the same hand, the bidding side wins. Don’t worry if you still don’t feel confident. The group is more than willing to take on new players and ease them into the game. The fun takes place every Tuesday beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 12:00 p.m.
|
|
Ballroom Dancing |
| Time: | Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | This month we’d like the light to shine on a place that naturally deserves a spotlite...Ballroom Dancing. Our new evening Ballroom Dance instructor is Ricardo Tomboc. Ricardo takes over for his former instructor, Lucy Guss. The FREE class takes place on Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., and is split into 2 halves a night. The first half is teaching, and the 2nd half is open dance, where generally, advanced dances pair up with beginners. He will also have guest instructors. Although he is an instructor, he enjoys going to other schools to keep up his skills and pick up new techniques. This is why he brings other instructors in. So the students will get a variety of techniques. When Ricardo is teaching, his classes run the entire gamut; the foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha-cha, tango, salsa, some disco, and the nightclub 2 step, to name a few. The class is open to everyone and students don’t have to bring anything You can bring dancing shoes if you have them, but you don’t need them to dance. Just a desire to learn and have fun.
|
|
Billiards |
| Time: | Daily 11:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | Our pool table to open to anyone and everyone who wants to shoot some pool. As long as the room is not being used at the time, feel free to sink a few. We do have a formal pool time, Monday through Friday (except Thursday) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For those who you who are not familiar with it, billiards is an umbrella term for billiards and pool, which are not the same thing. Billiards is pool without pockets, played with smaller balls (three balls; white, yellow, and red) striking a ball after a bank. A type of snooker could be played on our table with a bit of imagination. Snooker involves a larger table, smaller pockets and red and colored balls and a white cue, alternating sinking red and colored, except after sinking a colored ball you put it back in it’s original spot. Pool involves a table with 6 pockets, a clue ball, and 15 object balls that may or may not be pocketed in order, depending on whether you’re playing 8 or 9 ball pool. Nine ball is played with nine balls numbered one through nine, and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the ball need not be pocketed in order. Players are not required to call any shot. A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games (as determined by the players. Eight ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket ball of the solid colors, and the other player pockets the stripes. The player pocketing his group first and then legally sinking the 8-ball wins. So if you think you have what it takes, or if you just want to give it a try, feel free to stop by and put one in the corner pocket.
|
|
Hawaiian Dance |
| Time: | Mondays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | $2.00 per class members |
| $2.00 per class non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | “Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” - David Láamea Kalâkaua (the Merry Monarch), the Last King of Hawaii, 1874-1891. The hula is said to have created by Laka (goddess of hula), Pele (goddess of fire/volcanos), Hiiaka (the younger sister of Pele and goddess fo Hawaiian culture), and Hopoe (Hiiaka’s human girlfriend, who taught her the hula dance). But what is hula? It is a mix of art forms including dance performed by both kane (men) and wahine (women), using facial expression, hand, body, hip, and foot movements, honoring the aumakua or ancestral gods and chiefs, accompanied by an ipu or gourd drum and other percussive instruments), and Hula mele (chanted poetry). Here at the center we have our own halau (school) every Monday from 2-3 p.m., where nâ haumâna (the students) are taught the art of Hawaiian dance by Patty Bracone. As some of you may know, hula dancing is actually the telling of a story. But there’s more than just shaking your hips and waving your arms. The moves are intricate and deliberate, and Patty will make sure you get the moves done correctly. You begin by learning the basic steps of traditional Hula, and then Tahitian as the students progress. But you don’t just learn the moves. You also learn the meaning of the dance, as well as how to make the costumes. (Traditional woman dancers wore bark cloth skirts and no upper garment other than leis. For over 25 years Patty has taught people how to “Hula the correct way.” Not an islander herself, she loves to travel to Hawaii and Tahiti, and soon learned to love the dance. Back home in Whittier, she began taking classes, and progressed to owning her own group. She hopes to spread her love of the joy of the dance. Students are encourages to bring a lei, a hay (something that goes around the head like a flower crown), or just a flower in your hair to inspire. Students will also make a pareo, which is something you tie around your hips. Hips are very important in hula. A good dancer never moves her shoulders. Only moves from the waist down. So if you’re not afraid to shake it, bring it on down.
|
|
Wii Bowling League |
| Time: | Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | $10.00 per season members |
| $10.00 per season non-members |
| Location: | Parlor |
| Description: | Do you like hanging around alleys? Are you a member of the “Earl Anthony” fan club? If the answer is yes then are you in luck. If the answer no, that’s okay. You’ll still have lots of fun in our Wii Bowling League. League play is on Wednesdays and lasts for six weeks so check for our registrations. If you miss it you can still sign up to be a substitute to get your feet wet. The best part is you don’t need to go out and buy a bowling ball, we have all the equipment stored in our very own bowling alley, also known as the parlor and 3 big screen tvs! Instead of wooden lanes and pins, bowlers will hit the virtual lanes using Nintendo’s Wii game system. Wii bowling tends to start out easy, building confidence, while you get use to bowling with a hand held remote. However, the better you bowl, the harder it can become. You can put too much spin and throw a gutterball. You can even release it behind your and watch the audience scatter. Those who have trouble picking up a bowling ball will have no trouble lifting the remote control, which is a small plastic rectangular stick weighing only a few ounces. We hope to see you one the lanes!
|
|
Happy Notes |
| Time: | Mondays 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | With a song in my heart I behold your adorable face. Just a song at the start but it soon is a hymn to your grace. When the music swells I\'m touching you hand It tells that your\'re standing near, ... ... I always knew I would live life through with a song in my heart for you. - ‘With a Song in My Heart - Lorenz Hart In memory of Mitch Miller, leader of the famous ‘Sing Along with Mitch,’ who died July 31st, we’d like to spotlite a group that help keeps the singing spirit alive. Singing isn’t something just meant to be listened to. It’s something to do, and the Happy Notes singing group takes this to heart. Every Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. the Sun Room is filled with the sound of joy as they sing their hearts out. They sing songs of long gone days. Back when music had melody and the lyrics were something every age could sing and were...well, lyrical. They harken back to the days when families and friends would gather around the piano and belt out memories. They sing the same songs, but each song holds a different memory for each person. But there is a common bond. They are all having a great time. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words. The group has songbooks for people to follow. The only requirement is that you have a good time. All are invited to come on in and all are welcome! Remember what Ella Fitzgerald once said. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
|
|
Striders |
| Time: | Daily 6:00 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. The “Striders” is a walking club filled with members who believe that both exercise and social activities are important to a Senior’s 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 4 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 from 6:00 to 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 6:00 a.m. any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning. So put your best foot forward and come on out.
|
|
Single Deck Pinochle |
| Time: | Tuesdays 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Parlor |
| Description: | The Pinochle group is looking for people who like to have fun. Card games used to be the way most families would play together, or adults would spend time other adults. Now, families spend time on individual events, and adults get together and do things requiring no interaction. However, if you fit the bill, and like good ole fashion fun, that’s all you need to come play Pinochle. Originally brought over by German immigrants, it is now mainly played here in the states. The game is played with four people - two acting as partners and an 48 card deck consisting of twelve cards in each of four suits - two in each of the ranks Ace, Ten, King, Queen, Jack, and Nine with the winners accumulating 250 points a game. The first team reaching 1,500 points wins. A version of the game can also be played with just two people. Varieties include two-hand, partnership, and most popular, auction pinochle, which is a bidding game, like bridge. Points are scored for card combinations declared by the winner of a trick. The rules are easy to learn and there are players who are more than happy to help you along. If you know how to play you are more than welcome. If you would like to learn, they are more than happy to help you get started. Just stop by the Parlor on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. or better yet, call their activity leader, Nancy Brown at 882-8070. They are always looking for someone new to share the fun with. If you can’t join them full-time you can always be placed on their substitute list.
|
|
Line Dancing |
| Time: | Tuesdays 10:15 am to 12:15 pm |
| Cost: | Donation suggested members |
| Donation suggested non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | This month we’d like to shine a light on our Line Dancing class. It’s a great form of exercise, and a great source of fun. This is a dancing style that has been around for hundreds of years, proving to have more staying power than the Charleston. The instructor, Saundra Binney, has been line dancing since the early 90\'s, and has been teaching since 2005. She started out looking for a class to take. She took a class at San Bernardino Valley College with our old instructor, Mickey Tetley. She then started teaching at Leisure Point, which led her to also teaching at the Perris Hill Sr. Center, and the Valencia Lea Mobil Home Park. She also began to substitute teach for Mickey here. Things came full circle when she became our permanent instructor in 2008. Saundra teaches two classes. The first is a beginner’s class, and the second class is for advanced beginners. However, her students usually take both classes. She teaches line dancing, which includes many forms, however she focuses mostly on country line dancing. She teaches the basic steps, such as the chasse, grapevine, weave, triple step, shuffle ste, two-step, and lock step. Everything else stems off from the basics. Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner. You don’t need one. It’s a group dance. Classes are held in the exercise room on Tuesdays from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm. The class is donation only. It’s up to students as to whether they want to donate. So put on some comfy shoes and get ready to step in line.
|
|
Cane Self-Defense |
| Time: | Thursdays 10:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | $5.00 members |
| $5.00 non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | This month we’d like to spotlite a brand new class. Begining April 8, every Thursday for four weeks, we will be having a senior cane defense class. The instructor, Grandmaster Pierre Bergere, is a senior himself at 76 years old. Pierra began studying karate in 1945. He had to overcome polio, wearing leg braces, but was able to earn his black belt by the age of 17. While continuing his karate, he began to tackle Kenpo, eventually earning several black belt degrees in that as well. He now runs his own studio in Yucaipa. It is a fun class for serious situations. Everyone is welcome, but remember to bring your canes and walking sticks. Also, dress in comfortable clothing. The class meets at 10 a.m., and the cost is $5 per class. For more information call us at (909)862-8104 or call (909)790-8222. Remember, the best offense is a good defense.
|
|
Diabetes Support Group |
| Time: | Thursdays 10:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | Chances are, if you don’t have diabetes, you know someone who does. Some even have it without knowing it. Diabetes is a condition in which a person has a high blood sugar (glucose) level, either because the body doesn\'t produce enough insulin, or because body cells don\'t properly respond to the insulin that is produced. This can lead to heart , kidney, and a number other problems. To help those in need, Pam Clarke runs a diabetes support group. Though not certified, she is a volunteer with hands on experience with a history of chronic kidney disease. She has in the health care industry since 1978 and has a lot of education courses under her belt. She brings in materials from her health care resources, making packets to take home and read, as well as diabetic recipes. She also helps out with the referral process and insurance questions. The group is free and meets on the 4th Thursday of every month, at 10:00 a.m. in the Sun Room. Stop by and get to feeling healthy and being healthy.
|
|
Cross Training Equipment |
| Time: | Daily |
| Cost: | members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Execise Room |
| Description: | Our members will appreciate this: New exercise equipment! A long while back we tried to take a survey of those who use the exercise room, assessing what types of equipment they would like us to get. No surveys were turned in, although thoughts were scribbled on the poster announcing the survey. Still, not to be deterred, we were able to purchase some “Life Fitness” equipment. We now have a new treadmill, an elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent bike, replacing much older equipment. We hope to eventually replace all of our old equipment, getting several exercise circuits in place. Check your newsletter to see when the equipment is available for use and be prepared to break a sweat.
|
|
Yoga |
| Time: | Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | $2.00 per class members |
| $2.00 per class non-members |
| Location: | Exercise Room |
| Description: | With the economy, elections, and war on everybody’s minds these days, it’s no wonder just about everyone is getting stressed out. What you need to do is find a way to relax a little. Here at the Highland Senior Center we have just the thing for you...Yoga. Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. Some think of it as an exercise, some think of it as meditation, while others think of it as a philosophy. It is all three. Yuki Mugimiya, our yoga instructor, comes 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. Now, after teaching yoga in Gardena, West Covina, and Pasadena, he has landed at the Highland Senior Center where he teachers a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian yoga. A certified massage technician, he teaches Sendo which blends Asamas (postures), Seifuku-ho, Qi-Gong, Mantras, and a few other techniques into this unique style. He said that he teaches seniors the same techniques he taught the police and college students. He just slows down the pace. He also focuses on meditation and stretching. So if you have trouble getting into the lotus position, or if you can get both legs behind your head, this class is for you. You’ll fee the stress melt away as he helps you to relax. He also shows Shia-tsu and other massage techniques as well. The class, which is normally on Wednesdays at 10:00 am, is so popular that we have added another class on Fridays at 10:00 am. Come and join them for a stress free time.
|
|
Mah Jongg |
| Time: | Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Parlor or Sunroom |
| Description: | Mah Jongg is a Chinese game of chance and skill traced to the time of Confucius. The game is somewhat similar to the card game rummy. Before the game begins, the players scramble the tiles, a distinctive feature that results in a thunderous roar. The four groups of Mah Jongg tiles are identified by distinctive images carved, engraved, or stamped onto the face, usually in red, black, and green. Play is fast and noisy (players discard unwanted tiles, turning them face up and identifying them aloud. If a player sees a discarded tile she needs, she can claim it. But she must expose it on the top of her rack along with other tiles from the combination. The game is defensive and an experienced player will never discard a tile that is obviously needed by another player. Going around the table, players quickly discard and take tiles until someone completes a combination. The winner exclaims, “Mah Jongg!” and everyone shuffles the tiles once more. Strategy is important. The players must visualize winning combinations and anticipate other players’ moves. But Mah Jongg also offers downtime, when tiles are shuffled, stories are exchanged, and players. Unfortunately, this game, which has been played for centuries, had been in danger of dying out here at the center. Due to injures and illnesses the group has dropped down to one table. They have one to two other players who stop by but not enough for a second table. That’s where you come in. They are a friendly group and are more than happy to welcome long time players, new players, and those who have no idea what Mah Jongg is but would like to learn. The game requires both luck and skill. You provide the luck and the group will teach you the skills. The group also enjoys good conversation lots of laughs. Anyone is welcome, both men and women. Come join the group as it meets every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the parlor or sunroom.
|
|
Scrapbooking |
| Time: | Thursdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Sun Room |
| Description: | By definition, scrapbooking “is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling. What it really is is a fun way to make a memory book. It can be done by itself, but is best when done with friends. It becomes a social get together where people trade techniques, and share equipment and supplies. Our instructor is Rene Eddy, and this is her first time teaching. She has been scrapbooking for 11 years, and has wanted to teach a class here for a couple years. She is able to complete 2 albums a year. However we had a card making class, which is similar. When she heard we no longer had a card making class, she checked about starting it up here at the center. The class is free. She brings equipment, you bring the album, pages, paper, and a sharp pair of scissors. She will also give you some ideas but it will be up to you to put it all together. The page you put together will be distinct and personal, and depend upon it’s content. The class has expanded to the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, and the hours have also expanded to 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. So if you’re looking for something fun, creative, and social, come on down and get ready to share your memories.
|
|
Friendly Visitor and Phone Pal |
| Time: | Daily |
| Cost: | members |
| non-members |
| Location: | |
| Description: | This month we’d like to shine the light on two programs that not only help out those who participate, but the people they help out as well: The Friendly Visitor, and Phone Pal programs. The Friendly Visitor Program is a free program designed for those who have trouble getting out of the house on their own, to make friends and maintain social interaction. We have volunteers who go and visit people in their own homes and let them know that someone does care about them. Sometimes the two will simply talk or play a game of cards. Other times they will go out to lunch or a movie. The level of interaction depends on them. Our Phone Pal Program is similar to the Friendly Visitor Program, but is more designed for those who don’t want or need someone to come over to their house. They are happy with a simple phone call. Some enjoy long conversations, while others just want someone to check in on them once a week. This program has come in handy several times when a senior could not be contacted by phone. The Phone Pal volunteer either went over to the house or contacted us with their concern and we went over. On a few occasions we discover that the person had fallen and injured themselves, and had this program not been in place, might have died. If you would like to be a part in volunteering in these programs, or if you could benefit from any of these programs, or if you know of someone who could, please feel free to contact us at (909)862-8104 and ask for the Outreach Office.
|
|
Highland Pickers |
| Time: | Wednesdays 11 am to 12 pm |
| Cost: | members |
| non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | Are you a picky person? Are you named Peter Piper? If so, the Highland Senior Center has a new group that might be right up your alley. A group of singers, players, and strummers have formed the Highland Pickers. The club meets weekly at the Highland Senior Center on Wednesdays from 11 am to noon. They will hold additional jam sessions and club meetings at the Highland Farmer\'s Market at Beattie Middle School on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10am to noon. The objective of the club is to learn basic music theory, and then to apply it on the ukulele and other instruments. Members will also develop their musical skills, either to perform solos or in ensembles. So if you’ve always wanted to learn to make music, pass on some musical knowledge, or just enjoy strumming strings, come on down to the center.
|
|
Cribbage |
| Time: | Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | Free members |
| Free non-members |
| Location: | Game Room |
| Description: | This month we are happy to introduce a new old activity to the center; Cribbage. Cribbage, introduced in the early 17th century, is a card game traditionally for two players, but can be, and is, commonly played with three, four or more. The game involves playing and grouping cards in combinations which gain points. To get started all you need is a standard 52-card deck, (cards are assigned a point value equal to rank. Aces are low and count 1; face cards count 10) and a Cribbage board. A regulation board has four rows of 30 holes, marked off in groups of five and organized in two rows of two (two for each player). The pegs that come with the board are typically different colors to identify individual players. Each player has two pegs. Before play begins, the four pegs are placed at the start end of the board. The movement of the pegs, up the outside row and down the inside row back to the start, shows the progress of each player\'s game. The complete trip of the pegs is equal to 61 points. The traditional game is two trips, or 121 points. Use the two pegs in alternating fashion (the first peg indicates the previous score; the second peg indicates the most recent score); in this way, scores can be checked for accuracy. If you’d like to try Cribbage before you buy a board you can use a pencil and paper. It’s a fun game that, due to its longevity, must be entertaining! The Cribbage groups first meeting will be on Wednesday, February 1, from 10:00am - 12:00pm, and will meet every Wednesday thereafter. If you’d like to brush up on the rules first, a complete set of rules can be located in the Program Office. A set of rules, which will be followed by the group, will also be handed out at the first meeting.
|
