February 2012

Special points of interest:

Takoma Park Silver Foxes

City of Takoma Park Seniors Recreation Program for Active Adults Age 55 plus

Living Wellcover page. Tax Service page 2. Game Room new hourspage 2. Senior Services Meeting page 3. Play Daypage 3. Open art Studio-page 6. Valentine Bingopage 6.

NEW

A Journey to Living Well

A free six-week program to improve overall health. A partnership between Takoma Park Recreation Department and Holy Cross Hospital/Maryland Department of Aging.

Inside this issue:

News and Events Fitness/Health Art/Education General Information Events Review February Calendar
Paula Lisowski Seniors Program Manager Takoma Park Recreation 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 paulal@takomagov.org Phone: (301) 891-7280
2, 3

4, 5 5

If you have a New Years Resolution to get healthier this year, then this is an opportunity for you. And its free. Join this six-week program to help you enjoy a healthier life. The new Living WellTake Charge of Your Health program is presented by Holy Cross Hospital, and the Maryland Department of Aging, and is funded by the Federal Administration

on Aging. Developed at the Stanford University Patient Education Research Center, the results of this five-year evidence-based study show that people who participated in this program improved their health and quality of life. This program is designed to help seniors with chronic health problems such as: arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, lung

disease, diabetes, mild depression, stroke, and Parkinsons disease. Learn tips on how to be your own healthcare advocate. Gain a sense of greater self-control over your personal quality of life. Identify strategies for coping with a longterm health issue. Build confidence establishing supportive relationships. Classes are 2.5 hours, once a week. Dont miss this great opportunity!

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Living Well
Tuesdays, February 7March 13, 2012 11:30 AM2 PM
Free

Senior Room, Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Avenue Registration is required. For more information about this program, and registration, please call 301-891-7280.
"Colour purple, Dream burning, Februarys sea. - Sadayo Takizawa, Winter

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Free Tax Service for Takoma Park Seniors!

offered to low-income adults age 55 and older. This service covers personal tax returns only. No businesses, schedule C, or rentals, schedule E returns. Takoma Park has been allotted two days on the schedule for 2012, and there will be nine appointments each day (3 per hour). Please select a the day and time, then you must call-in to the AARP Takoma Park Schedule:

Appointment Office
to reserve your space. Please call this number to schedule your tax aide appointment

Wednesday, February 15
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m.

The Takoma Park Recreation Department is partnering with AARP and the Montgomery County RSVP to bring the annual free tax aide program to Takoma Park seniors. This service is

240-777-2577
Appointments will be accepted first, come-first serve, starting January 30. Office hours: 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14
11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m. Location: Senior Room
Takoma Par k Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue

New Game Room Is Open For Your Leisure

The Game Room has new winter and spring hours available for seniors to play pool, table tennis, basketball arcade and other active games. The Game Room is a great location to join your friends for lively social conversation before and after classes and events during the day. You can find the Game Room in Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave. Bring your lunch or snacks to enjoy between classes. Food is allowed at snack tables only. No food or drinks at the game tables.

New Game Room Hours, Adults 55 plus: MondayFriday 9:00 a.m.1:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon Come in and play!

Gentle Water Movement Class for Seniors at the Piney Branch School Swimming Pool
In partnership with the pool, the Recreation Department would like to promote the Gentle Water Movement class, lead by Anne LeVeque. This shallow-water class uses flotation belts, aqua-barbells and water noodles to increase strength and flexibility. Tuesdays Contact the Pool for more 4:00 PM (45 minute class) information and registration. Piney Branch Pool, 7510 Maple Avenue $8 per person, per class. Please ask about senior scholarships!
Piney Branch Pool (7510 Maple Ave., inside Piney Branch School) is open. For more information about hours and classes, check out the pool website: www.acsgw.org/ pool.htm You may contact the pool at (301) 891-8017. You may also call Joyce Seamens, Director of Pool Operation, Adventist Community Services at (301) 565-0190.

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Senior Services Meeting

At a December 7th meeting, Mr. Wolfgang Mergner brought together seniors, service providers, and concerned citizens to form a group devoted to addressing the needs of Takoma Park seniors, and finding ways to provide services to meet those needs. The participants broke into three groups to explore the following areas of concern for Takoma Park seniors:
Outreach & Identifying seniors in Takoma Park Aging in place/services Professional services

Please join us for the next breakfast meeting: Topic: Seniors and those who care for them Winnie Ziter: The Montgomery County Department of Aging and Disability Services, a Review of Services and how to access them.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 9:30 AM Azalea Room

Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Avenue Questions? Contact Paula Lisowski at 301-891-7280.

Mid Winter Play Day - Thursday, February 9, 2012

neighbors. There will be games, entertainment, dress-up, face painting, and two sessions of Laughing Yoga. The Game Room will be open for everyone to play billiards, table tennis and other active games. In addition, there will be a room for board games, puzzles, and refreshments. Join the fun on this playful evening!

Mid-Winter Play Day

Thursday, February 9, 2012 6:008:00 p.m.
Free
Light Refreshments Takoma Park/Silver Spring Co-op

Takoma Park citizens of all ages are welcome to the Mid-Winter Play Day. You can have fun participating in a variety of good old-fashioned playful activities with your friends and

Takoma Park Community Center

7500 Maple Avenue Pat Rumbaugh, Play Lady 301-928-9962

Members of Takoma Plays and their families welcome you to the Mid-Winter Play Day. For more information, go to: www.takomaplays.org

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All programs take place at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, unless otherwise noted. Advance registration is required for trips and classes. No registration is required for drop-in activities. Transportation is provided for trips and special events. Space is limited and requires advance registration. For more information please call Paula Lisowski at (301) 891-7280 or e-mail at paulal@takomagov.org

Fitness and Health Bone Builders Exercise Table Tennis

Mondays and Thursdays, Ongoing* 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Tuesdays and Fridays, Ongoing* 10:30 -11:30 a.m. ongoing 11:30 1:00 p.m. (Winter hours)
*Please call (301) 891-7280 to check for new registration availability in Saturdays, ongoing 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
either session. The classes may be full due to their popularity, however a waiting list is available. (No class on 2/20/12)

Bone Builders consists of three parts: balance exercises, weight training and discussion concerning diet, safety and exercise. This program, in partnership with Montgomery County, uses trained RSVP volunteers supervised by a certified trainer. Registration is required. Dance Studio. No cost.

Come play this fun, energetic game. A great way to improve eye-hand coordination: helps keep the body healthy and the mind sharp. Drop-in. Game room (new hours).** No cost.

Gentle Tai Chi

Mondays, February 6, 13, 27 (eight weeks 1/9/123/12/12) 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (No class on 2/20/12)
Kirk Talbott will introduce you to the ancient Chinese internal martial art of tai-chi chuan, a gentle moving meditation that improves health and restores balance and calm. The class will emphasize relaxation, posture, and breathing through the slow, integrated exercise of the traditional Yang-style short form. Eight weeks. Dance Studio. Registration is required. No cost.

Gentle Yoga
Alternate Fridays, February 10, 24
Winter Session: 1/13/124/20/12

12:001:00 p.m.
Carol Mermey, RYT, will introduce you to the ways yoga can help you increase flexibility, strength, and balance, using a series of seated and standing poses. Learn breathing and relaxation techniques. Beginners and experienced students welcome, work at your own level. You must bring a yoga mat to every class. Registration is required. Limit of 15. Dance Studio. No cost.
This class may be full due to its popularity, however a waiting list is available.

Line Dance Exercise

Wednesdays, Ongoing (No class 2/1/12) 11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. Fridays, Ongoing (No class 2/3/12) 6:307:30 p.m.
Barbara Brown instructs this line dancing class and demonstrates how exercise can be fun with music. No experience necessary so come and enjoy the activity. Registration is required. Dance Studio. No cost.
New Hours

**The Game Room is available for seniors to play pool, table tennis, basketball arcade and other active games. Winter hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

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Art and Educational Classes Computer Classes

Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, (no class 2/22) 29 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. (Session I 1/11/122/15/12).
(Session IIbegins 2/29/12). Learn to use the internet, a word processing program, and email. You need a Takoma Park Library card* to access the computers, and take this course. Limit six participants. Instructors: Phil Shapiro, Jim Mueller and Jane Hawkanson. Registration is required. Six weeks. Computer Center. Class Fee: $10 Payable to the City of Takoma Park. *Library card fees: Free/Takoma Park residents, $37/ Montgomery County residents, and $60 non-Mont. Co. residents.

Introduction to MacsPart 1
Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 1:00 2:00 p.m. (Eight weeks: 1/10/122/28/12)
This course is an introduction to the Mac (OS X) and will cover the basic features of hardware and (some of the most commonly used) software. Learn how to use Finder Basics, Safari and the Internet, the Dock and the Menu Bar. Maximum 8 students. Registration is required. Multi Media Lab. Fee: $35 Payable to the City of Takoma Park.

Brain Games
Thursday, February 9 (date change) 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of cognitive puzzle challenges and games. Have fun while doing something good for your mind. Come and play. Drop in. Senior Room. No cost.

Needlework Get-together
Winter Break: No meetings in Mondays, Ongoing January and February 2012. 11:30 a.m.1:00 p.m. Needlework Get-together will Are you bored sitting resume in March 2012. and knitting alone? Join us for fun, conversation and support with your needlework projects. Bring your projects with you. This is not an instructional class. Drop-in. Senior Room. No cost.

Open Art Studio

Monday, February 13 11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Expand your art skills or learn new techniques. Be creative in a relaxed atmosphere. Registration is required. Art Studio. No cost.

Blood Pressure Screening

Thursday, February 23 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Adventist Healthcare will be doing a monthly blood
pressure screening. Drop-in. Senior Room. No cost. After your screening, please stay for some games of bingo...lots of fun for everyone.

Craig expresses his enthusiasm for the Open Art Studio.

Valentine Bingo
Thursday, February 23 12:002:00 p.m.
Come and try your luck. Win a prize. Drop-in. Senior Room. No cost.

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Inclement Weather Info:

Please listen to your radio or television for possible school closings or delays. If Montgomery County Schools are closed due to weather conditions, all senior program activities will be canceled. For information, call our weather hotline: (301) 891-7101 ext. 5605

Heres how to find the newsletter online: Go to: www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation Silver Foxes On-line. Click on this symbol:

Problem? See page 2 for details.

Solution!

AARP/RSVP Free Tax Service

Valentine Bingo
In honor of Valentines Day this month, Iva Waldron, Silver Foxes senior, and Paula Lisowski, Seniors Program Manager, have created a special treat for Bingo participants this month. Dont miss this special Bingo, and as always, come and try your luck. Win a prize. Enjoy a great time with your friends. See you on Thursday, February 23 in the Senior Room. Details on page 5.

Brain Gamesmoves this month to Thursday, February 9

Enjoy a variety of cognitive puzzle challenges and games. Have fun while doing something good for your mind. Come and play. See page 5 for details.

Open Art Studio is Back!

Welcome back Alice Simsto lead a new Open Art Studio class on Monday, February 13. Expand your art skills or learn new techniques. Be creative in a relaxed atmosphere. The studio class is free, however, a registration form is required to participate in this class.
See page 5 for details.

February Events in Takoma Park

Thursday, February 9 - Takoma Park (Mid-Winter) Play Daywww.TakomaPlays.org Sunday, February 12 - Jazz Band Brawl for Takoma Park Jazz Festwww.TPJazzFest.org Monday, February 13 - Baby Sitting ClassTP Recreation Dept. & Vol. Fire Dept. www.TakomaParkMD.gov/recreation

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Holiday Party Review

We had a fabulous time at the 2011 Silver Foxes Holiday Potluck Party on Friday, December 9. Fifty seniors packed the Azalea Room in the Takoma Park Community Center to enjoy great food and friendship amidst the delightful gingerbread decorations created by the Afternoon Addition children and staff. Photos by Paula Lisowski

For information, please contact: Paula Lisowski, Manager, Seniors Program (301) 891-7280

February 2012
Wed
1 2
Bone Builders 1011 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p

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Sun

Mon

Tue

Thu
3

Fri
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p No Evening Line Dance

Sat
4 Table Tennis 10:00 a 12:00 p

Notice: New Game Room Hours: MondayFriday 9 AM1:30 PM Saturday 10 AM12 Noon 5
Center closed on Sundays

Senior Services Meeting 9:30 a

No Line Dancing Computer Class 11:30 a1:30 p

6
Bone Builders 1011 a Tai Chi Class 11 a12 p Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p No Needlework Get-together

7
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Living Well Series begins 11:30 a2 p Intro to Mac Level I 12 p

8
Line Dancing 11 a12 p Computer Class 11:30 a1:30 p

9
Bone Builders 1011 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Brain Games 11:30 a12:30 p

10
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Gentle Yoga 121 p Evening Line Dance 6:307:30 p

11
Table Tennis 10:00 a 12:00 p

Mid-Winter Play Day 68 p

12
Center closed on Sundays

13
Bone Builders 1011 a Tai Chi Class 11 a12 p Open Art Studio 11 a12:30 p Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p No Needlework Get-together

14
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Living Well Series 11:30 a2 p Intro to Mac Level I 12 p

15
Line Dancing 11 a12 p Tax Service 10:00 a2 p Computer Class Ends 11:30 a1:30 p

16
Bone Builders 1011 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p

17
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Evening Line Dance 6:307:30 p

18
Holiday Center Closed

19
Center closed on Sundays

20
Presidents Day Holiday

21
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Living Well Series 11:30 a2 p Intro to Mac Level I 12 p

22
Line Dancing 11 a12 p No Computer Class

23
Bone Builders 1011 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Blood Pressure 11:30 a12: 30 p Bingo 122 p

24
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Gentle Yoga 121 p Evening Line Dance 6:307:30 p

25
Table Tennis 10:00 a 12:00 p

Center Closed

26 Center closed on Sundays

27
Bone Builders 1011 a Tai Chi Class 11 a12 p Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p No Needlework Get-together

28
Bone Builders 10:3011:30 a Table Tennis 11:30 a 1 p Living Well Series 11:30 a2 p Intro to Mac Level I 12 p

29
Computer Class Winter Session II begins 11:30 a1:30 p

Notice: Water Movement Classes Tuesdays 4p Contact the Pool-see page 2