May 2011 Takoma Park Silver Foxes

City of Takoma Park Seniors Recreation Program for Active Adults Age 55 plus
Special points of interest:
Seniors Celebrate Mardi Gras—Italian Style!
Mardi Gras/Carnevale —
cover, continued page 7 Did
Newsletter on-line —
Page 2
Tennis class—page 2
Water Aerobics-Piney
Branch Pool—page 2
Focus on Seniors—page 3
Active Adult Expo-page 6

Inside this issue:

News and Events 2, 3

Fitness/Health 4, 5

Art/Education 5

Wow!

May Trips 6

A
General Information 7 Judy is crowned Mardi Gras Queen!
Story and more pictures on page 7.
Photos by Paula Lisowski and Eric Rasch.
May Calendar 8

Paula Lisowski
Seniors Program Manager
Takoma Park Recreation
7500 Maple Avenue Continued on
Takoma Park, MD 20912
paulal@takomagov.org page 6.
Continued on page 6
Phone: (301) 891-7280
"Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May." - William Shakespeare
 Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 2

Silver Foxes Online!

The Silver Foxes News-
letter is now on the
Takoma Park Recreation
web site. All you need
to do is click on the
―Seniors‖ icon and bring
up the current newsletter.
Not only is this more eco
-friendly and economi-
cal, but you don’t have
to wait for the mail. A
limited mailing list will
still be available for
those who do not have
computer access. Copies
of the newsletter will
continue to be hand
delivered to the senior
housing buildings in Ta- Here’s how to find the
koma Park. Additional newsletter online:
copies will be available Go to:
in the Senior Room and www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation
the Recreation Depart- Click on this symbol:
ment. For more informa-
tion, please call
Paula Lisowski at (301)
891-7280.

New class...Introduction to Tennis with Instructor Pat Rumbaugh

Are you aware of the opportunity to socialize. Tennis Instruction Class
health benefits of play- www.clevelandclinic.com

Instructor Pat Rumbaugh
ing tennis? According to
Dr. Gordon Blackburn,
Ph.D., of the Miller
Family Heart & Vascu-
lar Institute, playing
tennis on a regular basis
is a good way to get
aerobic exercise, burn
calories, lower blood
pressure, reduce the risk
of heart disease, and im-
prove agility and bal-
ance. In addition, tennis
can offer players an
So, if you are ready to
come to the courts, get
some fresh air, and take
your stress out on that
little yellow ball, join
Pat Rumbaugh, a
Takoma Park resident
and award winning ten-
nis coach, who will lead
a tennis instructional
class for seniors this
spring. Beginners and
more experienced stu-
dents are welcome.
Meet at the Tennis Courts,
Takoma Park Middle School
Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27,
June 3, 10
4:00—5:00 PM
No cost. Registration and
registration form is required
to participate in this class.
Call 301-891-7280. 6 weeks.
Limit 12 students. Open to
adults age 55 and older.

Great Fun at the Piney Branch Swimming Pool Open House

Seniors had fun at the
Piney Branch Pool Open
House on Tuesday, April
5, 2011. They learned
about the pool, met pool
staff , and tried out a water
aerobics class. Many
Anne LeVeque gives thanks to Joyce Seamens
water aerobics instruc- for providing this opportu-
Caroline, Colleen and Susan have fun in the Lifeguard Claude
tions with a smile.
water and get some great exercise too.
nity. For pool informa- Thompson wel-
tion, see page 7. comes seniors.
Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 3

Focus on Seniors...Susan Roche, Volunteer, Educator and Poet

Susan Roche loves to On the way to Wildrose Peak
slide on the words of a
poem, down into the At noon only old stories tell
themselves
spaces floating beneath
the words. After a career the ones we know by heart
of teaching and training
in both West Africa and they strike us straight down
the U.S., she has been like punishing light
spending more time they seem bright
wandering in the beauty because they push shadows
of grasslands and deserts down
– reading about them, down below the bottom stems of
making collages inspired low desert grasses
by them, and writing po- so that for a time we might believe
etry that seems to bubble the certainties of noon
up from inside those like the old stories
lands. She wrote this we know by heart
poem in California’s
Death Valley National but the merely visible
Park, where the lowest Susan Roche, and Wildrose Peak, Death Valley reflects so little back
point in our hemisphere like an iron fence pole
National Park, below.
rusted into place
starts rising up to high Photos by Bill Rau.
not even warm to sun-touch
mountains. - Susan Roche
unyielding
it is crooked light we need
telling stories on the slant
sideways light
reveals
the folds in the earth hills
plays with shadows
shines new stories
that our hearts want to learn
new stories that the straight-down sun
smashes into only one
ending
Susan Roche, 2010

AARP/RSVP Tax Service helpful to our community

We gratefully acknowl- the volunteers are pic-
edge the retired service tured here, left to right,
volunteers who provided Steve Kaufman, Kathy
free tax aide to seniors Thomas and Pat Byron.
and other citizens in We look forward to next
Takoma Park. Some of year’s service.
 Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 4

All programs take place at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, unless otherwise noted.
Advance registration is required for trips and classes.
No registration is required for drop-in activities.
Transportation is provided for trips and special events. Space is limited and requires advance registration.
For more information please call Paula Lisowski at (301) 891-7280 or e-mail at paulal@takomagov.org

Fitness and Health

Bone Builders Exercise Table Tennis
Mondays and Thursdays, Ongoing* 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays—
Tuesdays and Fridays, Ongoing* 10:30 -11:30 a.m. ongoing 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
Saturdays, ongoing 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
*Please call (301) 891-7280 to check for new registration availability in
either session. The class may be full due to the popularity of the class. (No Wednesdays)
Come play this fun, energetic game. A great
―Bone Builders‖ consists of three parts: balance exercises,
way to improve eye-hand coordination: helps
weight training and discussion concerning diet, safety and
keep the body healthy and the mind sharp.
exercise. This program, in partnership with Montgomery
Drop-in. Game room.** No cost.
County, uses trained RSVP volunteers supervised by a certi-
fied trainer. Registration required. Dance Studio. No cost.
Gentle Yoga
Line Dance Exercise
Alternate Fridays, Winter Session
Wednesdays, Ongoing, (No class on 5/25/11)11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. May 13, 27
Fridays, Ongoing, (No class on 5/6/11, 5/27/11) 6:30—7:30 p.m. 12:00—1:00 p.m.
Barbara Brown instructs this line dancing class and Carol Mermey, RYT, will introduce you to
demonstrates how exercise can be fun with music. No the ways yoga can help you increase flexi-
experience necessary so come and enjoy the activity. bility, strength, and balance, using a series
Registration required. Dance Studio. No cost. of seated and standing poses. Learn breath-
ing and relaxation techniques. Beginners
and experienced students welcome, work at
your own level. You must have a yoga mat,
and bring it to class. Registration required.
Square Dancing Dance Studio. No cost. 5/13/11—8/19/11.

Thursdays, May 5, 12 Beginners Class 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Thursdays, May 5, 12 Intermediate Plus Class 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Betsy Taylor instructs and calls fun and energetic square dancing routines. Come and learn the basics of
Square Dance or add on to your square dancing skills. Choose the class that’s right for you, beginners and
more advanced students, singles and couples welcome. Both classes are eight week sessions: 3/17/11-5/12/11.
Azalea Room. Registration required. Fee: $16 per person/per 8 week class.

**The Game Room is available for Seniors to play pool, table tennis, basketball arcade and other active games
Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (No Wednesdays), and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Takoma Park Silver Foxes
Fitness and Health, continued, Art and Educational
Computer Classes
Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25
11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
Never too late to get on the information highway!
Learn to use the internet, a word processing program,
and email. You need a Takoma Park Library card to
take this course. Six weeks. Instructors: Phil Shapiro,
Jim Mueller and Jane Hawkanson. Registration re-
quired. Computer Center.
Fee: $10 Payable to the City of Takoma Park.
Needlework Get-together
Mondays, Ongoing
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Are you bored sitting and knitting alone? Join us for
fun, conversation and support with your needlework
projects. Bring your projects with you. This is not an
instructional class. Drop-in. Senior Room. No cost.
Blood Pressure Screening
Thursday, May 26
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Adventist Healthcare will be doing a monthly blood
pressure screening. Drop-in. Senior Room. No cost.
After your screening, please stay for some games of
bingo...lot’s of fun for everyone.
Page 5
Introduction to Tennis
Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27
4:00—5:00 p.m.
Pat Rumbaugh, a Takoma Park resident and award
winning tennis coach, will lead a tennis instructional
class for seniors. Beginners and more experienced
students welcome. Six weeks. 5/6/11—6/10/11.
Registration is required. No cost.
Meet at the Takoma Park Middle School tennis
courts.
Knit Your First Sweater
Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6
10:30 a.m.—12 Noon
Are you tired of just knitting scarves? Let us
help you knit your first sweater. Instructor June
Gable will help you knit a lovely pull-over long
sleeve sweater using a cotton blend specifically
selected for this project. You must already know
the basic kitting stitches. (this class will not
teach you how to knit). The stylish sweater you
create is yours to keep, wear and show off to
your family and friends. $15 per person (cash or
check only) payable to the instructor.
Notice: you were required to register and attend
the first orientation meeting on 4/11/11. No late
registration. Six Classes. Senior Room.
Bingo
Thursday, May 26
12:00—2:00 p.m.
Come and try your luck. Win a prize. Drop-in.
Senior Room. No cost.
Transportation provided for Victory Tower, Frank-
lin Apts. and Maple View Apts. only. Call (301)
891-7280, 3 days in advance or pick-up.
 Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 6

Walking/Stairs Guide: One shoe: Limited walking, no stairs.

Two shoes: Walking/Standing/may be stairs.
May 2011 Trips Three shoes: Active walking/may be stairs.

This symbol means the site is Driving Distance Time: One steering wheel: 1 hour or less
wheelchair accessible. Two steering wheels: 2 hours or less

*Just added*—Active Aging Expo 2011, Gaithersburg, Maryland

City of Gaithersburg has invited us for a ―free‖ fun packed day at the Bohrer Park Activity Center. Enjoy in-
teractive demonstrations, speakers, authors, performers, health screenings, pampering (free facials, massages),
senior services information, seminars, dancing. Free light breakfast (bagel, coffee, juice). Bring your lunch.
Date: Monday, May 2 Time: 8:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Meet at Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue. Bus pick up at Franklin Apartments, Maple-
view Apartments, and Victory Tower only. Registration is required. Please call (301) 891-7280 to pre-register.
Registration forms are due on 4/29/11 or earlier.

Patuxent River Refuge National Wildlife Center/Tram Tour, Laurel, Maryland

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility, located on 12,841 acres, is the largest science and en-
vironmental education center in the Department of the Interior. The Visitor Center provides visi-
tors with interactive exhibits about global issues, wildlife habitats, and endangered species recov-
ery efforts, and is surrounded by forests, lakes and trails. When we arrive at the National Wildlife
Visitor Center we will board the Tram (all-electric, open –air vehicle, wheelchair accessible) for a
30 minute guided tour through forest, meadows, and wetlands. After the tram tour, you are free to
explore the Wildlife Nature Visitor Center. Bring spending money for lunch at a local restaurant.
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue. Bus pick up at
Franklin Apartments, Mapleview Apartments, and Victory Tower only.
$4 admission per person. Bring cash on 5/12/11. Registration is required, call 301-891-7280 to pre
-register, then fill out registration forms by 5/9/11 or earlier.

Hillwood Estate/Gardens, Washington, D.C.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress, Marjorie Merri-
weather Post, sits on 25 beautiful acres in a residential neighborhood in northwest Washington.
Come explore the art-filled mansion, 13 acres of formal gardens, a working greenhouse, and the
Museum Shop. Note: new lunch information. Option 1: You may pre-order from the Hillwood
Café (express dining—sandwich and soup or salad, dessert and beverage -$19.95 includes tax and
gratuity. Checks, made out to RA at Hillwood Museum 20721, must be received by Paula
Seniors Lisowski, mailed, or in person by 5/16/11. This is the only way to guarantee lunch selection.
Requested
Trip!
Option 2: Purchase lunch at the café, no pre-order, take your chance, no guarantee of menu selec-
tion availability. Option 3: You may bring your lunch.
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue.
Bus pick up at Franklin Apartments, Mapleview Apartments, and Victory Tower only
Registration is required call (301) 891-7280 to pre-register, forms due by 5/19/11 or earlier.
$10 admission fee, per person, cash only. Bring with you on 5/24/11.
Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 7

Weather Pool Information/Hours

Please listen to your radio or
television for possible
school closings or delays.
If Montgomery County
Schools are closed due to
weather condition, all Senior
program activities will be
cancelled. For information,
call our weather hotline
(301) 891-7101 ext. 5605.
Piney Branch Swimming Pool (7510 Maple Ave., inside Piney Branch School) is open:
Early Bird Swim: Monday—Friday ……. 6:30—8:30 AM
Regular Swim: Monday-Thursday …… 4—9 PM (must be out of the pool by 9 PM).
Sunday hours…………. 8 AM—5 PM
Hours and classes subject to change. Check the pool website: www.acsgw.org/pool.htm
Senior rates are $3.50 per swim (or a pass for $35.00—12 swims). The pool offers reduced cost
passes for low income seniors.
During pool hours, call (301) 891-8017. The lifeguards will answer this line, unless they are out
on the deck, or if the pool has an unscheduled closure. You can always call Joyce Seamens,
Director of Pool Operations, Adventist Community Services at (301) 565-0190.

Seniors enjoyed great food and each other’s lively company on

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 for our Italian style Mardi Gras/Carnevale
Celebration. Judy Pegues was crowned Mardi Gras ―Queen‖ and cheer-
fully presided over the afternoon’s festivities. We are grateful to the
Millone family for the delicious food, and to Dana Jackson and her
Afternoon Addition staff and children who covered the room with beau-
tiful Mardi Gras decorations. A great time was had by all!

Many Thanks to Pauline Millone, her long-time friend Anatasia, and her
daughter Jenny for the wonderful food and music. Their contribution to the
Takoma Park Recreation Department Senior Program was appreciated by all
who attended this special event.
Pauline Millone

A great resource for you...the Senior Room

Monday—Friday 2:00— 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 12:00—6:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
The Senior Room is located on the second floor of the Takoma Park Community Center between the Library
and the Computer Center. The Senior Room is a drop-in facility, and is open to all people ages 55 and older.
Classes are held at various times throughout the week. Computers are available in the room for Senior use
only. Computer assistance is available in room ―A‖ only. Please sign the log-in book upon entering the Senior
Room. Food and drinks are not permitted in the Senior room except for City of Takoma Park events.
 Page 8
For information, please contact: Paula Lisowski,
Manager, Seniors Program (301) 891-7280 May 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
10—11 a 10:30—11:30 11:30 a—1:30 p 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Sundays
Table Tennis Square Dance Plus
Table Tennis Line Dancing Tennis Class 12:00 p
11:30 a—1 p 10—11 a
11:30 a—1 p 11 a—12 p Begins
Sweater Knit Square Dance
10:30 a - 12 p 4—5 p
Beginners
Needlework 11 a—12 p No Evening Line
11:30 a—12:30 p Table Tennis Dancing
Active Aging Expo 11:30 a—1 p
8:30 a—3:00 p

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 11:30 a—1:30 p 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Sundays
Table Tennis Table Tennis Line Dancing Square Dance Plus/ Gentle Yoga 12:00 p
Intermediate
11:30 a—1 p 11:30 a—1 p 11 a—12 p 12—1 p
10—11 a
Sweater Knit Tennis Class
Square Dance
10:30 a - 12 p Beginners 4—5 p
Needlework 11 a—12 p Evening Line
11:30 a—12:30 p Trip to Patuxent Dancing
9 a—3 p 6:30—7:30 p

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
Sundays 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 11:30 a—1:30 p 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Table Tennis Table Tennis Line Dancing Table Tennis Tennis Class 12:00 p
11:30 a—1 p 11:30 a—1 p 11 a—12 p 11:30 a—1 p 4—5 p
Sweater Knit Evening Line
10:30 a - 12 p Dancing
Needlework 6:30—7:30 p
Get-together
11:30 a—12:30 p

22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Center
Sundays 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 11:30 a—1:30 p 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a closed
Table Tennis Table Tennis No Line Dancing Table Tennis Gentle Yoga Holiday
11:30 a—1 p 11:30 a—1 p 11:30 a—1 p 12—1 p
Sweater Knit Trip to Hillwood Blood Pressure Tennis Class
10:30 a - 12 p Mansion/Gardens 11:30 a—12: 30 p 4—5 p
Needlework 9 a—3 p Bingo No Evening Line
11:30 a—1:00 p 12—2 p Dancing

29 30 31
Center closed Center Closed Bone Builders
Holiday Memorial Holiday 10:30—11:30
Table Tennis
11:30 a—1 p