Young at Heart: January 2017

By Lorrie Conyac

Happy New Year!

Since we’re way past the holidays, you’re probably starting to feel right back at your pre-holiday weight, right? All this cold weather hasn’t deterred you for one moment from walking every day, or at least three times a week, right? Well, if you are like me, the weight is still there and walking in 20-degree weather is simply not going to happen. Thankfully, I have the solution.

Join me and others at the Blaine Senior Center for beginning line dancing from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Thursdays, January 12, 19 and 26. The lessons are free and it will be a fun way to give our pudgy little bodies a good workout – I hope I see you there!

For those of you that would rather exercise the mind, I have an answer for that, too. Let’s learn to play mahjong. A new mahjong group will meet from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays. Beginners are welcome. Bring a friend in the morning for beginning line dancing, stay for a good nutritious lunch and then have a rousing game or two of mahjong. A New Year is beginning, why not start it by learning something new?

I would be amiss if I didn’t tell you of our new strength training class starting Monday, January 23. Classes generally meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Our instructor, Phil Aguirre, will introduce you to our strength training machines, teach you how to use them and help you to develop a program that will meet your needs. Call the Blaine Senior Center and find out how you can enroll in our next class.

Each month I’ve written a little about our volunteers. We simply could not keep our doors open if it weren’t for all the people that donate their time and skills. Whether they’re answering the phones, sweeping the floors, donating games, furniture, strength training machines or working at our major and minor fundraisers, our volunteers are the best. Take a moment to touch base with our office and see what you can contribute.

This month, Cindy Brandenburger is our volunteer of the month. Cindy spends many hours helping out around the center. She likes Tai Chi, line dancing and just having fun. She’s also on our board of directors. If you bump into her, you might want to have her tell you about the time she rode horseback from Texas to Valley Forge, PA on the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train. Cindy is a licensed veterinary technician and is the owner of A Sweet Country Kennel. Thank you Cindy for all you do for us.

Don’t forget our pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21. Adults are asked to pay $6, while children under age 6 get in for $4. Bring a friend and a healthy appetite.

Blaine Senior Center is located at 763 G Street, Blaine. Call us at 360/332-8040.