January Newsletter

Director’s Comments…...
** Happy New Year**
Let me begin with, “Happy New Year”! The holiday rush has come and gone.
Now, we begin to focus on 2016 and the resolutions we diligently follow the
month of January….and maybe February! HA!
We begin our New Year with a huge “We Love You” to ALL who donated their
time, food, gifts, money and love. We are so grateful for the outpouring of
blessings we received here at Silvermont throughout the month of December.
This is why Silvermont is such a special place for YOU!
Our first “Thank You” goes out to the Transylvania County Health Department.
Through one of their nurses, Amanda Lambert, RN, we learned that the Health
Department had “adopted” the Lunch Plus program for Christmas! We discussed several needs with Amanda and she shared the information with her
coworkers. On December 21st Amanda and her fellow TCHD nurses presented
each of the Lunch Plus participants with a bag of treats and goodies, and also
gave us 2 large boxes of supplies on our wish list. We are so appreciative of
your kindness and generosity!
Living the Dream
Several of our Lunch Plus participants were chosen to receive Christmas boxes
from the Salvation Army. Everyone was also given a blanket and a box of toiletry items. We thank the Salvation Army for including the Lunch Plus program
in their wonderful outreach efforts and for helping so many individuals out during the Christmas season.
A Division of
Western Carolina Community Action
www.wcca.net
Dedicated in memory of Dale Reed and Lee Stewart
The Department of Social Services put together goodie bags for Santa to deliver
to the Lunch Plus seniors. Thank you to all the businesses and employees that
contributed to these bags and to the children of New Adventure for decorating
them. All the seniors loved them and also getting their picture taken with
Santa.
As I close, I would like to dedicate this edition of our SOC Newsletter to two
very special women. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our longtime SOC volunteer and friend, Dale Reed , and our longtime friend and Silvermont supporter, Lee Stewart. We were all blessed to have known these incredibly talented women and we will forever hold their passion for Silvermont in our
hearts. May God bless your families and until we meet again ladies…..Rest in
Chris Parker, Director
Peace.
Silvermont Opportunity Center
January 2016 Newsletter
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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NEW !
* Continuing in January *
Conversations With The Director
Meet with SOC Director, Chris Parker, to share your opinion on how things are going at the
center, exchange ideas on new programs you would like to see, or concerns that need to be resolved. There are so many exciting things happening here at SOC! 2016 is going to be a great
year, and we want as much input from our participants AND from those of you who do not regularly take advantage of all our programs. The sessions will be held the second Tuesday of each
month from 10:00am to 10:30am. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Please take advantage
of this informal meeting time to get to know Chris better and her vision for Silvermont Opportunity Center!
Reader’s Theatre Resumes January 11th
This award winning classroom theater 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! Audience-only interested persons welcome also.
Social Dance Class Resuming
After taking a break for the month of December, Social Dance classes return on
Thursday, January 7th. 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.
Come learn something new for 2016!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
We would like to say a very heartfelt “Thank You” to Mike McLain, who has been our “Tech
Guy” for 2 1/2 years. Mike is moving on to a new volunteer position within our community.
Everyone at Silvermont Opportunity Center is grateful for Mike’s assistance and we wish him
all the best in his new endeavor. Thank You, Mike!
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 be closed if Transylvania County schools are closed
or on a 2-hour delay.
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.
VitalityYoga
for
Youthfulness and Longevity
Yoga Pilates Fusion
When: Thursdays, 10:30—11:45am
When: Tuesdays, 6-7:15pm
Yoga is extremely popular worldwide because of its rejuvenating, feel good qualities.
Can We Reverse Aging?
However Pilates protects people from overYoga matures us like a fine wine! Each
stretching & exercise injuries because you
class you will learn one reverse aging &
life extension tip. Unconscious movement, learn to move from your core. Together they
computer addiction & lack of exercise can make the perfect anaerobic workout. Yoga
result in a collapsed spine, chronic pain & increases flexibility, strength, balance & comisery. Vitality Yoga focuses on rejuvenatordination. Pilates works on tone & correct
ing the spine, putting a spring in your step
movement mechanics to ensure a user friend& reversing aging. Every week you will
ly body that lasts a lifetime.
feel stronger, younger & more vibrant!
Bring a yoga mat and wear loose comfortable or exercise clothing.
Students must be able to get on and off the floor safely.
Yoga
Fees
COST for each class:
$36 a month for 4 classes ( 1 class a week)
DISCOUNT for taking BOTH classes—$64 a month if you take both classes
Ask Instructor Kashmyra about your FREE class if there are 5 weeks in that month!
Join Anytime—cost will be prorated.
Drop ins: $10 a class
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The Joys of January
Open Studio Pastel Club
with Deborah Kidwell
Tuesdays 10:00 –12:00
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 the center at 884-3166.
Lunch Plus
A New Beginning. . . .
On Sunday, December 27 friends and
family gathered for the wedding of
Rosemary Whitmire and Jerry Heckman
at the beautiful English Chapel.
Rosemary and Jerry met at Silvermont
earlier this year in the Lunch Plus Program. Jerry proposed to Rosemary at
Silvermont in September, getting down
on one knee in front of all their friends.
We all wish the happy couple lots of
love and blessings as they begin their
new life together!
Real Pad Winner Announced!
And the winner is . . . . . DORCAS JONES! The lucky ticket was
drawn at Silvermont on Wednesday, December 23rd in front of the
Lunch Plus group. Dorcas is a volunteer at Silvermont Opportunity
Center and helps out at the front reception desk.
When told that she had won the drawing, Dorcas said “ This is only the second
time in my life I have ever won anything!”
Congratulations! And thank you for supporting Silvermont’s programs.
Closings for January 2016
Fri, Jan 1st—Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
Tue, Jan 12—NO Lunch Plus
Mon, Jan 18th—Lunch Plus & SOC Closed
A Sad Goodbye . . . .
Friends of Dale Reed remember her as a “kind and loving
person who gave from her heart.” Dale worked at Silvermont
Opportunity Center and enjoyed helping with the Lunch Plus
Program as well as the Scrabble group. She also loved her
pets and was a foster parent for many unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats. She would want all of us to remember
her as a generous and caring soul.
Dale passed away on December 14th after a brave fight
against cancer. She will be missed by many.
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Getting To Know….. Bob Tharpe
*Youthful Spine* Active Senior Workshop
Silvermont Opportunity Center is proud to
introduce Bob Tharpe,
our new “Tech Guy”!
Bob will be assuming his new volunteer position starting,
on Monday, January 11.
‘TURN BACK THE CLOCK!’
‘Youthful Spine’ Active Seniors Workshop
Call to reserve your time slot now.
Bob originally graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and
spent the next 4 years as a ship’s officer on various freighters and tankers traveling the major shipping lanes of the world. He then returned to
the University of Houston and graduated with a Masters in Computer
Science.
Upon graduation, Bob joined Shell Oil’s Information Technology Department in Houston, TX as an application developer and a database
consultant until retiring after 24 years. He continued to work in Houston for another 2 years, until he and his wife, Blaire decided to move to
Brevard in 1998 where they built their dream home next to DuPont
State Forest. Bob continues to work part time developing applications
for the Windows and Android technologies. Recently, Blaire decided
that the iPhone and iPad were the technologies of her choice, so Bob
was also introduced to Apple’s technology.
While living in the Brevard area Bob has volunteered for trail maintenance with Pisgah National Forest, facility maintenance with Brevard
Music Center, and the White Squirrel Derby during the White Squirrel
Festival.
It was at BMC, that Bob met Mike McLain and learned about his outstanding effort at Silvermont Opportunity Center. He offered to help if
the need ever arose. “It was shortly afterwards, that I learned that
Mike was planning a change and he asked if I
would succeed him as the “Tech Guy”; I just hope I
can continue with the same outstanding effort initially offered by Mike”,
Bob recently told us.
Kashmyra will teach you how to restore a youthful spine. Some
students may experience dramatic results in just one class! Others
may see gradually changes in their spine over time.
She will guide you through a series of exercises to correct a curved
upper back. You will also learn how to keep your spine fluid &
youthful by the way you sleep, sit, stand & walk.
Participants need to wear loose comfortable clothing
& bring an exercise mat.
Date: January 21, 2016
Time: 1:00—2:15pm
Cost: $10 drop-in. $8 if you pre-pay
FREE RAFFLE GIVEAWAYS
If you enroll as a new student at this workshop for any of
Kashmyra’s other exercise classes, this workshop is FREE
Learn how to age like a fine wine
Youthfulness starts with a healthy spine
Call to register: (828) 884 3166
If you have back issues, check with your health care specialist
before taking this class.
Kashmyra Asnani, CI, CA, CP, CY is trained in Yoga, Pilates Mat & Equipment, Posture Training & Movement Mechanics. She also is a Wellness Consultant with a
background in Iridology, Ayurveda (the medicine of India) & Detoxification.
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 selfconfidence.
Slow & Easy Dulcimer Practice: Bring your Dulcimer and practice on the 2nd and 4th
Thursdays at Silvermont with renowned Dulcimer teacher/player, Mary Sherwood.
No experience required, only a Dulcimer.
Social Dance: Learn to dance gracefully for weddings, ballrooms or nightclubs with inBridge: Join one of our largest programs as they try to trick their opponents. Consisting
structor Rhonda Smith. The cost is $20/couple per class and $12/ singles per class.
of placing bets where the highest trump wins is just part of this highly popular card game.
Call 884-3166 to register.
Free Write: Eager to write? Join class instructor, Darleen O’Dell, as she leads the group
in a writing session.
Super Scrabble: Join our word-game lovers to play on the big board to create words in a
crossword style.
Lunch Plus: If you are age 60 or older and would like to come out
Tai Chi Practice: Andrea Heidmann leads this class in this Chinese martial art and
M-F and enjoy a morning exercise class, guest speaker or brain games and
meditative exercise with the assistance of videos.
a hot lunch to follow, consider calling the center for more information regarding our very
popular Lunch Plus Program. Call the center at 884-3166 for more information and enrollTech Guy Assistance: Our tech-savvy volunteer Bob Tharpe will meet with you for 1
ment. This program is funded through our Home & Community Care Block grant.
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
Mah Jongg: Join the longest running program at Silvermont. This is a game of Chinese
but you must register by calling the center at 884-3166 to schedule an appointment for
origin, played by 4 people and beautiful tiles. The object of the game is to build a winning
Mondays between 1pm and 4pm.
combo of tiles.
Woodcarving: Open to all skill levels. Come out and enjoy one of Appalachia’s oldest art
Mountain Music: A Silvermont tradition, this Thursday night jam
forms—woodcarving. Led by volunteer and woodcarver Carl Munn.
session (7:30pm-until) features some of the finest bluegrass pickers and singers in our area. Long-time musician and Silvermont supporter, Harley Raines, leads this very popular
Vitality Yoga for Youthfulness & Longevity: Can We Reverse Aging?
night of great music. Always open to the public, all musicians are welcome to play and
Yoga matures us like a fine wine! Each class you will learn one reverse aging & life extensing.
sion tip. Vitality Yoga focuses on rejuvenating the spine, putting a spring in your step &
reversing aging. Every week you will feel stronger, younger & more vibrant! This class is
Non-Fiction Book Club: Come out on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am to
led by renowned Yoga/Pilates instructor Kashmyra Asnani.
discuss books of local interest and find out the book choice of the month.
** This class will resume in February 2016 **
Yoga: Join instructor, Andrea Heidmann, as she leads the class for increased mediation,
Open Studio Pastels Club: Deborah will be demonstrating for a few newbies. You are
better posture and improved breathing with video
welcome to watch or get right to work (play!). She will be available as requested for other assistance.
participants. For more information on these FREE sessions, contact Deborah Kidwell
at 770-301-8990
Zumba: Join our upbeat and energetic, instructor Rianna Perry-Mullins, as she leads a
great cardio/dance workout to popular upbeat Latin music. Call 884-3166 for fees.
Pilates Yoga Fusion: Yoga is extremely popular worldwide because of its rejuvenating,
feel good qualities. However Pilates protects people from overstretching & exercise injuries because you learn to move from your core. Together they make the perfect anaerobic workout. This class is led by renowned Yoga/Pilates instructor Kashmyra Asnani.
Drop-In Activities: Board Games, Higher Grounds Coffee Room, InterReaders Theater: This award winning classroom theater program originated in Michigan net Access, Walking Trails, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Lending
in 1992 by Julie Vorus who brought the program to
Library, Puzzles, Learning Gardens, Information Center, Mountain
our center. Participants will read one act plays, scenes, monologs and radio and television Music.
scripts in a relaxed atmosphere. No auditions, memorizing or experience required! Audience-only interested persons welcome.
Sit & Stitch: Bring your knitting, crocheting or needlework and join this talented group
of women for a “Sit & Stitch” morning.
1
New Year’s Day
Closed
4
5
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10-11am
Zumba
**Readers Theater resumes Jan. 11
1-4pm
Mah Jongg
**Tech Guy appointments resume on
January 11 with Bob Tharpe
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10:30-12pm
Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
6-7pm
Yoga Pilates Fusion
11
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy
By (Appointment Only)
18
CLOSED FOR
Martin Luther King
Day
25
9:30-12pm
10-11am
1-2pm
1-4pm
1-4pm
Lunch Plus
Zumba
Reader’s Theater
Mah Jongg
Tech Guy
(By Appointment Only)
6
7
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
3:30pm Friends of Silvermont mtg.
9-10am
9:30-12pm
10:30-11:45am
3-5pm
5:30—6:30pm
7:30-until
12
13
14
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
9:30-12pm NO Lunch Plus today
10:00-10:30am Conversations with
The Director
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
Social Bridge
1-4pm
6-7pm
Yoga Pilates Fusion
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10-12pm
Sit ‘n” Stitch
11:30-12:30pm
Ageless Grace
12:30-2pm
Super Scrabble
Mah Jongg
1-4pm
3:30pm Friends of Silvermont mtg.
9-10am
9:30-12pm
10:30-11:45am
2-3pm
5:30—6:30pm
7:30-until
19
20
21
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
9-10am
Yoga Practice
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10:30-11:45am
Vitality Yoga
1-2:15pm
“Youthful Spine”
Active Senior Workshop
3-5pm
Woodcarving
5:30—6:30pm
Social Dance
7:30-until
Mountain Music
26
27
28
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
1-4pm
DAR Pillow Project
6-7pm
Yoga Pilates Fusion
9:30-12pm
10-12pm
11:30-12:30pm
12:30-2pm
1-4pm
8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
10:30-12pm Pastel Club
1-4pm
Social Bridge
6-7pm
Yoga Pilates Fusion
Lunch Plus
Sit ‘n” Stitch
Ageless Grace
Super Scrabble
Mah Jongg
9-10am
9:30-12pm
10:30-11:45am
2-3pm
5:30—6:30pm
7:30-until
8
Yoga Practice
Lunch Plus
Vitality Yoga
Woodcarving
Social Dance
Mountain Music
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
9-10am
Freewrite Friday
12noon
SOC Closed
15
Yoga Practice
Lunch Plus
Vitality Yoga
Dulcimer Players
Social Dance
Mountain Music
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
9-10am
Freewrite Friday
12noon
SOC Closed
22
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
9-10am
Freewrite Friday
12noon
SOC Closed
29
Yoga Practice
Lunch Plus
Vitality Yoga
Dulcimer Players
Social Dance
Mountain Music
9:30-12pm
Lunch Plus
9-10am
Freewrite Friday
12noon
SOC Closed