DARKE COUNTY – Although February is the shortest month of the year, this may be the Darke County Seniors’ busiest month to date.
In addition to offering fitness activities such as Refit, Tai Chi, the Walking Club, and Chair Yoga, they have added Geri-Fit.
Then there has always been line dancing every Wednesday offered at two levels. Some of the line dancers have been dancing for more than four years, but the beginner program allows those interested the opportunity to learn and advance into the more seasoned group. Anyone interested has no excuse, the dancers are friendly and approachable, the music is uplifting, and the instructor is supportive and inspiring. But line dancing isn’t for everyone, so there is a social dancing class offered on Fridays afternoons.
The Valentine Dance is scheduled for Friday the 13th, from 7 to 10 pm, and welcomes all seniors aged 55 and over. If you’ve never attended a dance at the Darke County Senior Center, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Enjoy beautiful decorations, delicious refreshments and snacks, and music that keeps everyone dancing—no matter your experience level. Whether you come alone or with a partner, you’ll feel right at home in this friendly atmosphere. Please RSVP by February 6th, either by signing up at the center or texting Wally at 508-789-3884 or Mary at 937-423-2565.
Each Tuesday afternoon, the facility hosts seniors who participate in game day activities such as cards, puzzles, Mahjong, and other intellectually stimulating games designed to promote cognitive engagement and social interaction. Additionally, an increasing number of individuals participate in the “Getting to Know You” event to engage in social interaction.
Staying active in mind, body and spirit is necessary for seniors to remain healthy, happy and independent both physically and mentally. The Senior Center makes sure they offer appealing and diverse opportunities to improve or maintain senior health.
There are craft classes, lunch and learn classes, movie day with free popcorn, and Bingo offered monthly. Additionally, there has been a Senior Soothe Me day when a massage therapist offers a 15 minute chair massage for $10 along with a holistic practitioner offering their unique wellness talent, such as reflexology, mental meditation, reiki, aromatherapy, or sound therapy.
The center even offers a monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group, allowing caregivers the opportunity to either unplug, share, connect, and/or discover new resources for themselves and their loved ones.
Because many events reach capacity fast, we recommend registering as soon as possible and before the RSVP deadline. You can sign up at the center or by calling or texting Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565.
Geri-Fit is a structured strength training program specifically developed for older adults. Most exercises are conducted while seated in chairs and utilize light dumbbells. Participants may progressively increase their weight as their strength improves to further challenge themselves. Each attendee is encouraged to perform at a pace that suits their individual abilities. Classes are facilitated by certified Geri-Fit instructors and are appropriate for all fitness levels. The program will be offered every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, commencing on February 3rd and concluding on March 31st. Instructors Harley West and Robyn Feitshans of Wayne Healthcare will serve as team teachers. There is no enrollment fee. Class size is capped at 15 participants; those interested are required to register by January 27th by calling or texting Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565.
Thursday, February 12th Spirit Medical Transport will present “Heart to Heart, Stay Smart”. As a class, those in attendance will learn more about signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. What one can do if these life-threatening conditions occur? Learn preventative measures. Becoming better prepared can lead to a better outcome. RSVP by 2/5.
“Senior Soothe Me” will take place on Friday the 13th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Anyone interested must register in advance and pay a $10 fee. Chair massages will be offered by Joe Bush, while Nichole Linebaugh will provide personal meditation and reiki sessions. This event offers a wonderful chance for relaxation and tensional relief. Sign up at the center or call Wally or Mary*
Thursday, the 19th at 1:00 pm Carey Lee of the Creative Bee Quilting will be on hand teaching, those who registered and paid, how to “quilt as you go.” This class will teach how to hand sew pieces and quilt all at the same time. Each person will make a cute mug rug to hold a coffee mug or snack, by sewing six pieces together, adding batting, a backing and finishing with a binding. All supplies will be included in a kit. Class fee will be $5. Participants need to bring only a small pair of scissors, no machine is needed, everything will be hand sewn. Come learn, socialize, and leave with a functional mug rug and great memories. Must have fee and registration by 2/12.
Special recognition to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pitsburg for being our January Sponsor Church of the Month. They provided us with bottled water and snacks for our January general meeting, birthday celebration and featured craft class.
See the calendar below for all the great events coming in February and remember the board strives to keep everyone informed about schedule changes, as well as prioritizing the safety of all. Since there may be more severe weather ahead, it’s always a smart idea to follow the Darke County Seniors’ Facebook page for updates on any event changes. Cancellations and updates will be posted on Facebook.
NOTE: The Darke County Seniors Walking Club is cancelled for Monday, January 26th since there is no school.
Helpful Hint: Be sure to sign up early. Courses like Tai Chi, Social Dancing, and Geri-Fit last 8 to 10 weeks before another session starts.
FEBRUARY
02 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
02 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Not accepting new members)
02 – Monday – Senior Citizens Walking Club 6:00 – 8:00 pm we meet inside GHS
(100 GreenWave Way) main entrance and walk indoors.
03 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
03 – Tuesday – Geri-Fit 11:30 am – 12:30 pm RSVP by 1/27*
03 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
04 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
04 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
04 – Wednesday – DC Seniors General Meeting beginning at 3:00 pm
05 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
05 – Thursday – Free Bingo with Mary Rader 11:30 – 12:30 pm
05 – Thursday – Movie & Popcorn: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid 11:30 am
05 – Thursday – Tai Chi 1 Advanced 3:30 – 4:15 pm (Not accepting new members)
06 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
06 – Friday – Social Dancing 3:30 – 5:00 pm
09 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
09 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm
09 – Monday – Senior Citizens Walking Club 6:00 – 8:00 pm we meet inside GHS
(100 GreenWave Way) main entrance and walk indoors.
10 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
10 – Tuesday – Geri-Fit 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
10 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
11 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
11 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
12 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
12 – Thursday – Getting to Know You 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
12 – Thursday – Heart Health by Spirit Medical 1:00 pm RSVP by 2/5*
12 – Thursday – Tai Chi 1 Advanced 3:30 – 4:15 pm
13 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
13 – Friday – Senior Soothe Me (Chair Massage and Reiki & Meditation) 11:30 am – 2 pm
**Must sign up & fee of $10 for 15 minutes required
13 – Friday – Social Dancing 3:30 – 5:00 pm
13 – Friday – Valentine Dance (Cupid’s Shuffle) 7:00 – 10:00 pm RSVP by 2/6*
16 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
16 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Cannot take new members)
16 – Monday – NO SCHOOL—NO Senior Citizens Walking Club
17 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
17 – Tuesday – Geri-Fit 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
17 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
18 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
18 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
18 – Wednesday – Alzheimer’s Support Group 5 – 6 pm
19 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
19 – Thursday – Mug Rug by Creative Bee 1:00 pm RSVP by 2/12*
19 – Thursday – Tai Chi 1 Advanced 3:30 – 4:15 pm (Cannot accept new members)
20 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
20 – Friday – Social Dancing 3:30 – 5:00 pm
23 – Monday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
23 – Monday – Tai Chi 1 Beginner 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Cannot take new members)
23 – Monday – Senior Citizens Walking Club 6:00 – 8:00 pm we meet inside GHS
(100 GreenWave Way) main entrance and walk indoors.
24 – Tuesday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
24 – Tuesday – Geri-Fit 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
24 – Tuesday – Game Day from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
25 – Wednesday – Beginner Line Dancing ($5) Noon – 1:00 pm
25 – Wednesday – Line Dancing ($5) 1:00 – 3:00 pm
26 – Thursday – Chair Yoga 10:30 – 11:15 am
26 – Thursday – Lunch and Learn by Comprehensive Health at Noon RSVP by 2/19*
26 – Thursday – Tai Chi 1 Advanced 3:30 – 4:15 pm (Cannot accept new members)
27 – Friday – REFIT® 10:30 – 11:15 am
27 – Friday – Social Dancing 3:30 – 5:00 pm
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.
Questions and *All RSVPs should be directed to Wally at (508) 789-3884 or Mary at (937) 423-2565. **Sign up at the Senior Center for the Senior Soothe Me. 15 minute time slots available.
