DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Senior Center is offering an excellent schedule for April. This month’s church sponsor is Community of Faith, a non-denominational church whose mission is “To connect Our Community to the Person of Jesus.” They fulfill this mission by starting life-giving churches in rural areas. In Darke County, they operate two campuses: 383 Eidson Rd in Greenville, and 109 W. George St in Arcanum. Sunday services are held at 9:00 and 11:00 am in Greenville, and at 8:30, 10:00 am, and 1:30 pm in Arcanum. For more information about Community of Faith, visit cofchurches.com.
As the sponsor of the month, Community of Faith will provide a $20 gift card to be drawn at the general meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 1st at 3:00 pm. At the general meeting, they will also offer treats to celebrate April birthdays and refreshments for the crafting event occurring later this month.
April birthdays include Jan Dunwoody, Nina Unger, Tia Dispennette, Vicki Brown, Betty Birt, Chris Stamcoff, Chris Everhart, Steve Miller, Shelley Acker, Tom Carrington, Connie Imel, Donna Kayser, Katherine Vrazalich, John Keller, Linda Primrose-Fisher, Cora Starlig, Dee Carrington, Donna Howdieshell, Myra Paulus, Richard Tamplin, Victor Lockwood, Loretta Etzell, Darlene Palser, Shelley Meckes, Lily Lewis, Cathy Detrick, Frank Gantt, Dianna Shafer, Jeanne Miller, Patty Snyder, and Laura Brickler who will be turning 97 making her our oldest member.
REFIT® will resume with Instructor Carolyn Kossler from 10:30 to 11:15 AM most Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no class size limit or fee; however, donations are appreciated. REFIT® is a fitness program incorporating dance, cardiovascular exercise, and toning movements. The class features dynamic routines and positive music, delivering an engaging and results-oriented workout. Open to participants of all skill levels, this class offers accessible training for beginners while providing a challenging experience for those with greater fitness expertise.
Line dancing remains to be an extremely popular event held at the center every Wednesday. Those interested can choose between the beginner classes offered from 12 – 1pm or the regular class offered from 1 – 3 pm. There is no class limit, the fee is $5 and the instructor is Kevin Glueckert, who started line dancing in 1993. He started teaching at “Parents Without Partners” in the 1990’s. From there he has taught at multiple churches, VFW’s, American Legions, Senior Centers, and studios. He loves to teach ALMOST as much as he loves to dance. People enjoy his friendly personality and positive teaching style.
The beginner’s class covers the electric slide and Cupid shuffle each week, plus 2 to 6 additional dances based on skill levels, with walk-throughs until everyone is comfortable. The 1-3 pm session is for experienced dancers, reviewing a repertoire of 40-50 dances and teaching one or two new ones monthly. Walk-throughs are done until the group is ready, starting with simpler dances and then moving to more challenging routines.
Chair Yoga with instructor Joy Roseberry remains a popular activity at the center, held on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:15 AM. This form of yoga adapts traditional poses for participants to perform while seated, offering benefits similar to mat yoga. The class aims to boost flexibility, strength, and balance, while also helping to reduce anxiety and promote better mental health.
Congratulations to Joy for recently receiving the Green Thumb Award from the “I Am Well Foundation.”
Bingo will be on Thursday, April 2nd from 11:30 – 12:30 pm hosted by Mary Rader and the movie “Mary Poppins” will be viewed that same afternoon starting at 1:00 pm. Popcorn will be served. Bingo and the movie are free events.
A complete schedule of upcoming events with the RSVP date typed in bold print is listed at the bottom of this article. There are many events requiring registration in the first two weeks of April. Previous articles touched on those programs that required an RSVP as early as March 30th through April 3rd. To review these program descriptions, go to the Darke County Seniors Facebook page or check prior articles. For further information regarding the Senior Center or its scheduled events, please contact Wally or Mary using the RSVP telephone numbers provided.
The following events require an RSVP by April 6th through 10th.
Whittling with Wood RSVP by 4/6*
Date/Time: Monday, 13, 10:30 am – Noon
Bill Cox will present this free demonstrative class. Bill will show how to carve objects from wood and should there be sufficient interest, he is prepared to offer hands-on classes in the future. Currently, some of his creations are displayed at the Senior Center. Whittling offers endless creative possibilities. Come observe, ask questions, and see if this could be your next hobby.
Cooking with Fresh Herbs RSVP by 4/7*
Date/Time: Tuesday, 14th, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
This one-hour cooking demonstration will be led by Eileen Litchfield, who will emphasize techniques for enhancing flavors with fresh herbs. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions for discussion during the session. The presentation will include practical suggestions on incorporating herbs to add complexity to everyday dishes. Tasting samples will be available. This is a free event with no class size limitations.
Craft: Paint a Spring Bouquet $5 fee with RSVP by 4/9*
Date/Time: Thursday, 16th, 1PM
The class will be limited to 30 paid participants to create an 11×14 inch “Springtime Bouquet” acrylic painting on canvas board. Guided instruction will be provided by Bree Burk from MindMeld Art Lab LLC. The class features beginner-friendly impressionism techniques with an emphasis on loose brush strokes. Participants will learn how individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing composition.
MindMeld Art Lab LLC is a Guided Painting & Crafting company based out of Greenville, OH. Owned and operated by Greenville native Bree Burk. MindMeld Art Lab LLC’s mission is to prove art is for everyone no matter skill level, age, physical/cognitive limitations, or background.
Senior Soothe Me $10 with RSVP*
Date/Time: Friday 10th, 11:30am-2pm
Advance registration is required. Fee: $10 for 15 minutes.
*Registration may be completed at the Senior Center or by texting Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565.
Joe Bush will provide chair massage services, which have been shown to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and fostering a sense of calm. Chair massage also alleviates physical tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, thereby helping to relieve muscle pain and enhance circulation.
Ty Baker-Baumann will offer mini sessions of Thai Yoga Massage. This modality involves gentle stretches, muscle compression, and guided breathing to support relaxation. Benefits of Thai Yoga Massage include:
Improved muscle flexibility
Increased range of movement
Reduced stress and muscular tension
Enhanced sense of calm, lightness, and energy
Don’t forget the Senior Spring Expo April 10th from 11 am – 2 pm in the Community Building at the Fairgrounds. This three-hour event is open to the public and will have upwards of 80 local businesses represented in a range of fields, from flower shops, restaurants, hotels, retailers, nursing homes, service organizations, etc. The Expo offers individuals the opportunity to see what these local county businesses have to offer and connect with them on a personal level.
*Health Resources *Housing Resources *Everyday living resources *Finance services
*Safety tips *MEALS for purchase
The Darke County Seniors will be offering sandwiches, salads, chips, and drinks. Please attend and show your support for the hardworking businesses who provide us with their support.
Several engaging events will take place shortly after Easter, including sessions on Pan Fishing Strategies, Herbs & Microgreens, Getting to Know You, and Let’s Make a Landfill. We wish everyone a pleasant Easter and look forward to your participation in these informative and valuable events.
APRIL
01 – Wednesday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
01 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
01 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
01 – Wednesday – DCS General Meeting – 3:00 pm Everyone is encouraged to attend
02 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
02 – Thursday – Free Bingo with Mary Rader 11:30 – 12:30 pm
02 – Thursday – Movie & Popcorn: “Mary Poppins” beginning at 1:00 pm
03 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
06 – Monday – WISE 10:00 – Noon
06 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Cannot take new members)
06 – Monday – Pan Fishing Strategies 3:00 – 4:00 pm RSVP by 3/30*
06 – Monday – Senior Citizens Outdoor Walking Club 6:00 pm
07 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
07 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
08 – Wednesday – Herbs & Microgreens 10:30 – 11:30 am RSVP by 4/1*
08 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
08 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
09 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
09 – Thursday – Getting to Know You 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
09 – Thursday – Let’s make a Landfill-What happens to garbage? 1pm RSVP by 4/2*
10 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
10 – Friday – Senior Spring Expo at the Fairgrounds Community Center 11 am – 2 pm
(This event is held at the Darke Co. Community Center, 800 Sweitzer Street)
10 – Friday – Advanced Computer Class 11:30 am – 12:30 pm RSVP by 4/3*
10 – Friday – Senior Soothe Me 11:30 am – 2:00 pm RSVP asap*
10 – Friday – Beginner Computer Classes 1:15 – 2:00 pm RSVP by 4/3*
13 – Monday – Wood Whittling 10:30 – Noon RSVP by 4/6*
13 – Monday – Tai Chi 12 Moves 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Experience Necessary)
13 – Monday – Senior Citizens Outdoor Walking Club 6:00 pm
14 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
14 – Tuesday – Cooking with fresh Herbs by Eileen 11:30 – 12:30 am RSVP by 4/7*
14 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
15 – Wednesday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
15 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
15 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
15 – Wednesday – Alzheimer’s Support Group 5:00 – 6:00 pm
16 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
16 – Thursday – Paint a Spring Bouquet 1:00 pm RSVP by 4/9*
17 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
17 – Friday – Advanced Computer Class 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
17 – Friday – Beginner Computer Classes 1:15 – 2:00 pm
17 – Friday – Senior Prom 7:00 – 10:00 pm RSVP by 4/16*
20 – Monday – Tai Chi 12 Moves 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Experience Necessary)
20 – Monday – Senior Citizens Walking Club 6:00 pm
21 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
21 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
22 – Wednesday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
22 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
22 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
23 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
23 – Thursday – Lunch & Learn (Alzheimer’s Assoc.) 1:00 – 2:00pm RSVP by 4/16*
24 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
24 – Friday – Advanced Computer Class 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Class is Closed
24 – Friday – Beginner Computer Classes 1:15 – 2:00 pm Class is Closed
27 – Monday – Tai Chi 12 Moves 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Experience Necessary)
27 – Monday – Senior Citizens Outdoor Walking Club 6:00 pm
28 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
28 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
29 – Wednesday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
29 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
29 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
30 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
30 – Thursday – Potluck & General Meeting 12:30 pm RSVP by 4/23*
MAY
01 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
01 – Friday – Advanced Computer Class 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Class is closed
01 – Friday – Beginner Computer Classes 1:15 – 2:00 pm Class is closed
All events are held at the Birchwood Senior Center, 5844 Jaysville-St. Johns Rd, Greenville unless otherwise indicated. These events are open to anyone 55+. Membership of $2 per year is required. *RSVP and questions should be directed to Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565.
