Several programs offered for Highland seniors

Monterey, Va. –

Starting this month, Highland County’s senior citizens have several classes and events to choose from each week. Kathy Solomon, Director of Second Wind Community Programs for the Valley Program for Aging Services talks about the new senior programs.

“The Second Wind Programs officially began with the January, 2013 Calendar of Events,” said Mrs. Solomon. “Activities are underway at the Bolar Ruritan facility, the Highland Medical Center, Highland County Public Library, and the Presbyterian Church in McDowell. The idea of providing activities at different venues around the county is a new concept for the residents of Highland County, but one they are responding to with interest and enthusiasm. We are very fortunate to have a wealth of talented, creative people who are generously lending their time and talents to facilitating a wide range of classes and programs,” she said.

Mrs. Solomon goes on to talk about specific activities on the January calendar.

“This month Second Wind is offering classes in exercise, country two-step dance, stained glass, and a lecture series on health and wellness topics every Wednesday at the Highland Medical Center,” said Mrs. Solomon. “On the first two Saturdays of this month we are offering a showing of The Dust Bowl’ by Ken Burns. And then the next two (Saturdays) will be Feng Shui I and II. The residents of Highland County are dispersed over a large mountainous area, so being able to offer activities at a variety of locations allows us to reach people closer to where they live. We’ll be rotating some of the classes to other areas each month and providing VPAS transportation to some programs as well,” she said.

There are several interesting and enjoyable activities on the calendar for February as well.

“The February Calendar of Events is in the works now with new and interesting opportunities to get out and see old friends, meet new ones, learn something you didn’t know, and just have fun,” said Mrs. Solomon. “We are planning cooking classes and arts and crafts and other interesting lecture series. The goal of Second Wind is to provide social, educational and recreational activities to the seniors of Highland County, but these programs appeal to people of all ages. For those under 60 years of age, there is a five dollar fee per class, while seniors sixty and above attend by voluntary donation. The only exception would be if there is a materials fee for a particular class,” she said.

For more information on the Second Wind Programs for senior citizens in Highland County, visit their website at www.highlandcountysecondwind.org, or call Kathy Solomon at 468-3001. Second Wind Program calendars are also available at the Highland Public Library and the Valley Program for Aging Services Office in Monterey. Programs are also listed each week in the Recorder Newspaper.