Highland Senior Center

Italian
Date: April 24, 2020
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Length: 8
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Rita Sicilliano
Location: Game Room
Description: Italian is taught by Margherita Sicilliano. Margherita, who also goes by the names Margo or Rita, and is from the old country. Born in Caserta, Italy, she was actually born in the Italian Royal Palace (the Reggia di Caserta). Her mom was touring the palace when she went into labor. Not many people can say that they were born in a royal palace, much less a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Raised and educated 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 some friends told her about the center. She took a trip here and discovered a fellow Italian, Virginia Kautzman, and the two became friends. Margo 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!

Canasta
Time: Thursdays 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free members
      Free non-members
Location: Parlor
Description: If you'd like to participate in a card game as where you need a poker face, bridge intellect, and rummy fun, then you just might want to try Canasta. What exactly is Canasta? It is a game of the Rummy family and was once the most popular American game. Originating in Uruguay in the early 1940s, it spread rapidly to Argentina and the rest of Latin America, and reached the United States about 1948 where it is 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. They have 3-4 full tables going so a seat is always available. If you don't know how to play but would like to learn you they are always ready and able to teach the ins and outs. They will gladly let you sit in and play and learn. After one hand you'll get the basics. 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.