December Newsletter

Director’s Comments…...
It is with tremendous gratitude that I close 2015 with a huge THANK YOU
to Transylvania County. Your generosity, support and willingness to serve has
overwhelmed me this year. The first fundraiser helped us raise over $1000
dollars. I began my position with less than 20 volunteers. I now have 45 volunteers and counting. I ask, “How is this possible”? My answer is very
clear…..we live in a “special” place, a place where people care about their
community. Thank you all for caring about your center.
We are wrapping up 2015 with a final SOC fundraiser. Buy your tickets
now for a chance to win the AARP-designed RealPad. Tickets are on sale here
at Silvermont and they are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5. This also includes a nice leather cover case and free technical instruction with our Tech Guy. Are you ready
to step into the internet world? Here’s your chance...get your tickets soon.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us be thankful for the opportunity
to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, to go to the church of our choice
and to live in this amazing free country. In closing, I wish to thank my wonderful staff, volunteers and participants for your patience, positive attitudes,
understanding and support. I thank God for this opportunity to help others,
make new friends and lasting memories.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All,
Chris Parker, Director– SOC
Living the Dream
Silvermont Opportunity Center
December 2015 Newsletter
A Division of
Western Carolina Community Action
www.wcca.net
Enjoying the Peak of Life
The mission of the Silvermont Opportunity Center is to invigorate and enhance the quality of life for adults over the age of
sixty in Transylvania County. We provide a range of services,
activities, programs, and opportunities designed to encourage
active aging and improve the health & well-being of older
adults in our community.
Silvermont Opportunity Center
364 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: 828-884-3166
Email:
[email protected]
Silvermont Opportunity Center is open to all who are 60 years of age and better. There are no membership fees. You may make a donation to Silvermont to help underwrite the costs of our programs,
instructors and program equipment. All donations are appreciated and are tax deductible.
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Christmas at Silvermont
Please join us as we start celebrating the Christmas season on Saturday,
December 5th when the Friends of Silvermont present
“Christmas at Silvermont”. This beautiful holiday tradition continues this year and your family is welcome to attend. The festivities
run from 12:00—6:30pm. There will be a bake sale with sweets and
refreshments all day and the 2nd floor museum will be open for your
viewing. At 1:00 there will be a performance by the Brevard Ballet .
The children from Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club will sing
Christmas songs at 2:00. Ann Grant will give a reading of
“The Night Before Christmas” at 4:15pm and the event
will close with music from the “Silvermont Pickers” from
5:00-6:30pm. You are sure to enjoy this free family event!
* Continuing in December *
Open Studio Pastel Club with Deborah Kidwell
Tuesdays 10:00 –12:00 through December

Bring a project
Be company to each other
Deborah will be demonstrating for a few newbies. You are welcome to
watch or get right to work (play!). She will be available as requested for
other participants.
For more information on these FREE sessions, contact
Deborah Kidwell

at 770-301-8990
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
We would like to extend a very special THANK YOU to all who helped us this year! We are
very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful volunteers and generous donators, who give
of their time and talents, who support SOC!
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES
In the event of inclement weather, please tune to WGCR 720 AM,
WSQL 1240 AM or 102.1 FM radio stations or WLOS/ TV channel 13
for information on SOC program closings. Our “Lunch Plus” nutrition program will follow the same winter weather schedule as Transylvania County Schools. If schools are on a 2– hour delay or closed
Lunch Plus will also be closed.
Silvermont Opportunity Center programs will open contingent upon
our ability to safely get to the center and if the parking lots
are safe . The TC School schedule WILL NOT dictate the
opening/closing of the center. Delayed opening or closings
of the center will be announced on the above radio stations
and will be announced on WLOS.
Gentle Yoga
Yoga Pilates Fusion
This class teaches youthful posture, correct movement mechanics and builds core
strength.
Gentle yoga for seniors helps shrink pain
and reverse aging. Ideal for beginners,
people with injuries/health challenges &
for those who need to get back into shape
A house needs a strong foundation. So also, Pilates strengthens your “powerhouse”,
i.e. your “core” while it builds tone &
shrinks pain. From your core, you expand
into yoga movement to stretch, strengthen,
increase balance and coordination.
Moderately paced class for all ages.
When: Thursdays, 10:30—11:30am
Class Runs ‘till Dec. 17
When: Tuesdays, 6-7pm
Class Runs ‘till Dec. 15
Join Anytime. Classes pro-rated
At $8 x number of classes remaining in
session, or “drop in” $10 per class
Instructor: Kashmyra
Please bring Yoga mat
Join Anytime. Classes pro-rated at
$8 x number of classes remaining in session, or “drop in” $10 per class
Instructor: Kashmyra
Please bring Yoga mat
To Register call Silvermont
(828) 884-3166
To Register call Silvermont
(828) 884-3166
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Remember in December
Good Times with the Lunch Plus Bunch!
“RealPad Raffle” Fundraiser
Buy your tickets now for the new RealPad designed by AARP. Think you’ve got an
excuse not to go digital? You say it’s too complicated? Too expensive? Too scary? Then
RealPad from AARP is the perfect Wi-Fi tablet for you. RealPad is all about being user friendly. Tickets are available at Silvermont Opportunity Center. Raffle Tickets
are $2 each, or 3 for $5.
Winner will be drawn in December. Proceeds will go to Silvermont Opportunity Center operating fund so we can
continue to bring you even re quality programs!
Low Income Energy Assistance is Available
The (LIEAP) provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expenses. Applications will be taken Dec 1-31, 2015. A
member of the household must be 60 years of age or older and at least one
household member must be disabled & receiving adult services through the NC
Division of Aging and Adult Services and meet resource limit of $2,250 and
130% of poverty level income limits. All other household applications will be
taken Jan.1-March 31, 2016. To apply, visit the 1st floor of the DSS building at
106 E. Main St. between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Lunch Plus participants enjoy “Chair Zumba” with instructor
Rianna Perry-Mullins . They have so much fun with Rianna and get
a nice work out at the same time!
Closings for December 2015
Fri, Dec 11th - No Lunch Plus (SOC –OPEN)
Fri, Dec 18th - Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
Thurs & Fri, Dec 24th & 25th - Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
Closings for January 2016
Fri, Jan 1st—Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
Mon, Jan 18th—Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
Rosemary, Linda and
Barbara (l to r) prepare to serve lunch.
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Getting To Know….. Rhonda Taylor
Rhonda Taylor has always loved to
dance. During the past 5 years, she
has danced with and assisted Mr. Jim
Gilleran, Professional Ballroom
Dance Instructor. Rhonda and her
husband, James, are members of the
Silvermont Dance Club and enjoy
attending the monthly dances.
Rhonda and James attend the Big Swing Dance Weekend each year. This annual event is held in January at
the Grove Park Inn.
Rhonda invites anyone with a desire and passion for
dance to join her on Thursday evenings at Silvermont.
Learn dances from the graceful waltz to the sassy salsa
in a patient and encouraging atmosphere all while having FUN! Ballroom Dance classes meet on Thursdays
from 6:30-7:30pm.
The fee is $20.00 per couple or
$12.00 for one person per class.
Classes WILL NOT meet the month of
December but will resume Thursday,
January 7th, 2016.
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Silvermont “Wish List”
Coffee
Creamer
Salt & Pepper
Small
Paper Plates
Tinfoil
Plastic Wrap
Chair Exercise Videos
Documentaries
(cd’s / VHS)
Entertainers
Hand Sanitizer
Music cd’s (40’s, 50’s, 60’s)
Artificial Fireplace Logs
(not for heat source)
Artificial Green
Potted Plants ( all sizes)
Volunteer singers/musicians/groups
Volunteer dishwashers
Silvermont Opportunity Center Activities
Ageless Grace: This seated, upbeat and fun exercise program, taught by
certified instructor, Carol Gerson, addresses balance, flexibility, muscle
strength, breathing and self-confidence.
Sit & Stitch: Bring your knitting, crocheting or needlework and join this talented group of women for a “Sit & Stitch” morning.
Slow & Easy Dulcimer Practice: Bring your Dulcimer and practice
renowned DulciBridge: Join one of our largest programs as they try to trick their opponents. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Silvermont with
mer
Consisting of placing bets where the highest trump wins is just part of this
teacher/player, Mary Sherwood. No experience required, only a
highly popular card game.
Dulcimer.
Free Write: Eager to write? Join class instructor, Darleen O’Dell, as she
leads you in a writing session.
Gentle Yoga: This class is facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani and incorporates
segments in Pilates Posture Training and Core Movement Mechanics
Followed by Gentle Yoga Postures. ** Still room for more participants**
Lunch Plus: If you are age 60 or older and would like to come out M-F and
enjoy a morning activity and a hot lunch consider calling the center for more
information and enrollment. This program is funded through our Home &
Community Care Block grant.
Social Dance: Learn to dance gracefully for weddings, ballrooms or nightclubs with instructor Rhonda Smith. The cost is $20/couple per class and
$12/ singles per class. Call 884-3166 to register.
Super Scrabble: Join our word-game lovers to play on the big board to create words in a crossword style.
Tai Chi: Andrea Heidmann leads this class in this Chinese martial art and
meditative exercise with the assistance of videos.
Mah Jongg: Join the longest running program at Silvermont. This is a game
of Chinese origin, played by 4 people and beautiful tiles. The object of the
game is to build a winning combo of tiles.
Tech Guy Assistance: Volunteer Mike McLain will meet with you for 1 hour
one-on-one to assist you in answering questions you have about your technical device (camera, computer, cell phone, computer, IPAD, IPOD etc.) This
is a FREE service but you must register by calling the center at 884-3166 to
schedule an appointment for Mondays between 1pm and 4pm.
Mountain Music: A Silvermont tradition, this Thursday night jam session
features some of the finest bluegrass pickers and singers in our area.
Always open to the public, musicians are welcome to play and sing.
Woodcarving: Open to all skill levels. Come out and enjoy one of Appalachia’s oldest art forms—woodcarving. Led by master carver Carl Munn.
Non-Fiction Book Club: Come out on the third Tuesday of each month at
10:30 am to discuss books of local interest and find out the book choice of
the month.
Yoga: Join instructor, Andrea Heidmann, as she leads the class for increased
mediation, better posture and improved breathing with video
assistance.
Pilates & Yoga Flow: This continuing gentle but challenging class is for all
ages. It has segments in Pilates Core Mat Exercises & a Slow Yoga Flow and
is
Facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani. **We still have room for more participants
In this class **
Zumba: Join instructor Rianna Perry-Mullins as she leads a great cardio/
dance workout to popular upbeat Latin music. Call 884-3166 for fees.
Readers Theater: This award winning program originated in Michigan in
1992 by Julie Vorus who brought the program to our center. Participants will
read one act plays, scenes, monologs and radio and television scripts in a relaxed atmosphere. No auditions, memorizing or experience required!
Drop-In Activities: Board Games, Higher Grounds Coffee
Room, Internet Access, Walking Trails, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Lending Library, Puzzles, Learning Gardens,
Information Center, Mountain Music.
1
December
2015
7
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy
(By Appointment Only)
14
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy (Appt Only)
21
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy
(By Appointment Only)
28
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy
(By Appointment Only)
2
3
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10-12pm
Sit ‘n” Stitch
11:30-12:30pm
Ageless Grace
12:30-2pm
Super Scrabble
1-4pm
Glen Cannon Bridge
1-4pm
Mah Jongg
3:30
Friends of Silvermont Mtg
930-12pm
9-10am
10:30-11:30am
1-2pm
1-3:30pm
3-5pm
7:30-until
8
9
10
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
6-7pm
Yoga & Pilates Flow
9:30-12pm
9:30-12pm
15
16
9:30-12pm
8:30-9:30am
10:30-12pm
1-4pm
6-7pm
9:30-12pm
8:30-9:30am
10:30-12pm
1-4pm
6-7pm
Lunch Plus
Tai Chi Practice
Pastel Club
Social Bridge
Yoga & Pilates Flow
Lunch Plus
Tai Chi Practice
Pastel Club
Social Bridge
Yoga & Pilates Flow
Lunch Plus
10-12pm
Sit ‘n” Stitch
Ageless Grace
11:30-12:30pm
12:30-2pm
Super Scrabble
1-4pm
Glen Cannon Bridge
1-4pm
Mah Jongg
9:30-12pm
10-12pm
11:30-12:30pm
12:30-2pm
1-4pm
Bridge
1-4pm
22
23
Lunch Plus
9:30-12pm
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
6-7pm
Yoga & Pilates Flow
9:30-12pm
10-12pm
11:30-12:30pm
Grace
12:30-2pm
ble
1-4pm
29
30
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
6-7pm
Yoga & Pilates Flow
9:30-12pm
10-12pm
11:30-12:30pm
12:30-2pm
1-4pm
9-10am
10:30-11:30am
1-2pm
1-3:30pm
2-3pm
7:30-until
4
Lunch Plus
Yoga Practice
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Coffee Room
Woodcarving
Mountain Music
Mah Jongg
9:30-12pm
9-10am
10:30-11:30am
1-2pm
1-3:30pm
3-5pm
7:30-until
Lunch Plus
Yoga Practice
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Coffee Room
Dulcimer Players
Mountain Music
Super Scrab-
31
1-3:30pm
7:30-until
12noon
SOC Closed
No Lunch Plus
9-10am
Freewrite Friday
12noon
SOC Closed
Closed
For
WCCA Holiday
Party
25
Closed
9:30-12pm
9-10am
10:30-11:30am
1-2pm
2-3:00pm
Freewrite Friday
Lunch Plus
Yoga Practice
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Coffee Room
Woodcarving
Mountain Music
Mah Jongg
Lunch Plus
Sit ‘n” Stitch
Ageless Grace
Super Scrabble
Mah Jongg
9-10am
18
24
Lunch Plus
Sit ‘n” Stitch
Ageless
Lunch Plus
11
17
Lunch Plus
Sit ‘n” Stitch
Ageless Grace
Super Scrabble
Glen Cannon
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
Yoga Practice
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Slow & Easy
Dulcimer Players
Coffee Room
Mountain Music
Closed