August is a great time to beat the heat and stay indoors while enjoying fun and educational activities at the Sunnyslope Senior Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave. Most programs are free with your annual Senior Center membership of $20.
Two new fitness classes will start in September, and space is limited so sign-ups are recommended now. Geri-Fit is an 8-week class that focuses on preventing falls and improving balance through strength training, 2-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, from Sept. 11 through Oct. 4. Also new is Mat Yoga, 2-3 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 9-30. This class is a combination of mat (floor), standing and balancing. Students work at their own comfort level, but the class is best for those who can easily transition from floor to standing. Both classes are free.
Other health-related programs that exercise the brain more than the body include: a Nutrition Workshop, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, presented by a Desert Mission nutritionist; and the Emotional Effects of Strokes, 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, presented by Abrazo Health Network.
If you want to “exercise” your artistic talents, try the Ceramics class, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 7-Sept. 25 in room 1AB. Students will learn the proper hand-building techniques and work with clay and acrylic paints. Or, try Art With Christy, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 in Room MPR. Learn how to use different mediums to create eclectic pieces of art. The class repeats from 1-3 p.m. on Sept. 10. Space is limited, pre-registration is recommended.
If you enjoy excursions to new and interesting places, a variety of trips leaving from the senior center are available this summer. You must sign up at least two weeks in advance, as space is limited. The $2 cost for transportation is due the day of the trip. Some additional fees may apply.
Upcoming trips include: Scottsdale Museum of the West, 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, admission fee is $13; Phoenix Police Crime Lab Tour, 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5; and Tempe History Museum Tour, 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10.
For more information or to register, visit the senior center desk 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or call 602-262-7572.
