April 2011 Takoma Park Silver Foxes

City of Takoma Park Seniors Recreation Program for Active Adults Age 55 plus
Special points of interest:

Spring/Summer preview
—cover, continued page 6
Newsletter on-line —
Page 2
Focus on Seniors—page 3
Brain Games—page 3
Digital Camera Work-
shop—page 6
Advisory Group— page 7
Inside this issue:
News and Events 2, 3
Let’s “Swim” into Spring!
Piney Branch Swimming Pool Open House
Did you know there is a find out what’s available
swimming pool right in for you. Joyce Seamens,
your neighborhood? Director of Pool Opera-
Yes, down the street, a tions, invites you to a
couple of blocks away, ―Piney Branch Pool
the Piney Branch Pool, Open House‖, where you
just inside Piney Branch can learn about benefi-
School, 7510 Maple cial swimming classes.
Avenue. New classes are Swimming can help de-
planned just for seniors, velop strength, cardio-
so please join us this vascular fitness and en-
month for a special durance, and is very
body, especially water
aerobics. Experienced
swimmers and non-
experienced swimmers
welcome. See you there!
Free Open House
Tuesday, April 5
Piney Branch Pool
(inside Piney Branch School)
7510 Maple Avenue
3:00—4:00 PM
Transportation will be provided

Fitness/Health 4, 5 opportunity to get relaxing. In addition, for Victory Tower, Franklin

Apartments, and Mapleview
acquainted with your swimming is a great low- Apartments only! Pick up at 2:30
Art/Education 5 neighborhood pool and impact exercise for your p.m., and drop off at 4:30 p.m.

April Trips 6 Wow! New Spring/Summer Activities Begin

General Information
April Calendar
Paula Lisowski
Seniors Program Manager
Takoma Park Recreation
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
paulal@takomagov.org
Phone: (301) 891-7280
A great season of new
7 adventures awaits you.
You will find yourself
8
on the go this summer
with the Takoma Park
Silver Foxes as you
board the Recreation bus
Melvenia is excited
about summer events!
for many exciting day
Photo by Paula Lisowski
trips. We will travel to
"Well-apparel’d April on the heel of limping Winter treads." - William Shakespeare
Frederick, Baltimore, and
Laurel, Maryland, and
Washington, D.C. And
please don’t forget about
our popular annual trip to
the Montgomery County
Agricultural Fair in Au-
gust. Look for our new
three-hour
Continued on page 6
 Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 2

Silver Foxes Online!

April 2011 Silver Foxes
Newsletter 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
economical, 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 Here’s how to find the
Takoma Park. Addi- newsletter online:
tional copies will be Beginning April 1, 2011, go to:
available in the Senior www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation
Room and the Recrea- Click on this symbol:
tion Department. For
more information, call
Paula Lisowski at
(301) 891-7280.

Knit Your First Sweater (New Class)

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
Instructor June Gable
Photo by Paula Lisowski
create is yours to keep,
wear and show off to
your family and friends.
Notice: you are required
to attend the first orien-
tation meeting, and
bring $15 per person
(cash or check only)
payable to the instructor.
Registration is required.
Please call 301-891-
7280 to pre-register.
Registration forms are
due by 4/11/11 or ear-
lier. Six Classes.
Orientation meeting
(mandatory):
April 11, 2011
10:30 a.m.
$15 due on this day.
Class Schedule:
Mondays,
10:30 a.m.—12 Noon.
April 25, May 2, 9, 16,
23, and June 6
(no class on 4/18/11).
Senior Room,
Takoma Park Community
Center , 7500 Maple Avenue

April 2011 Events in Takoma Park

Saturday, April 2 - Arbor Day Celebration & Free Tree Give-Away - www.TakomaParkMD.gov

Saturday, April 9 - ―Sweep the Creek‖ Clean-Up– Friends of Sligo Creek - www.FOSC.org

Sunday, April 10 - Family Fun Festival—Washington Adventist University - www.WAU.edu

Saturday, April 16 - Annual Egg Hunt - T.P. Recreation Department - www.TakomaParkMD.gov

Sunday, April 17 - Earth Day Celebration at T.P.S.S. Food Co-op - www.TPSS.coop A reminder from Carmen: the last Open Art
Studio until Fall 2011 is this month on 4/11/11
Saturday, April 23 - Main Street Takoma Spring Clean-up - www.MainStreetTakoma.org See page 5 for details. Photo by Paula Lisowski

Tuesday nights are intergenerational game nights at Victory Tower, 7051 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park,
Md. All ages are welcome. Play a variety of table/board games, 7—9 p.m. (301) 270-1858
Takoma Park Silver Foxes
Focus on Seniors...Bruce H. Ramsay
Bruce Ramsay, at the
time of his injury was a
physical scientist at the
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Admini-
stration, (NOAA). He
was on a routine jog on
the afternoon 23 June
2004 when he inexplica-
bly fell. He landed on his
face but did not injure
his hands or knees. He
has no memories of his
stay in three different
hospitals for six months.
He also has no recollec-
tions of the operations he
had during his three
weeks in a coma. Doc-
tors were able to deter-
mine that Bruce experi-
enced a severe traumatic
brain injury (TBI). TBI
injuries are sometimes
referred to as ―invisible
injuries.‖ This type of
injury may weaken high
level of intellectual abil-
ity. Those who suffer
from TBI can end up
with headaches, seizures,
inability to focus, and
agitation among other
factors. Bruce experi-
enced a sensation of per-
secution with resultant
Use Your Brain - - Brain Games
Did you know that exer-
cising your brain is as
important as exercising
your body to stay healthy
and fit? In order to stay
aggressive behavior
while he was hospital
bound. The organiza-
tions which provided
him with medical care
and rehabilitation ther-
apy were critical to his
recovery of the physical
effects and associated
trauma. He knows he has
a brain injury, but he has
coping skills he was
taught which help him
keep his life in balance.
The care extended by the
federal government to
Bruce while he recov-
ered his sense of self was
outstanding says his wife
Ellen Ramsay. ―People
we had never met do-
nated their extra leave
hours while many of our
colleagues made contri-
butions to TBI-related
organizations through
the combined federal
campaign of the National
Capital Area (CFCNCA),‖
she said.
Bruce and Ellen hope
that by sharing their
story with their commu-
nity, folks will become
more aware of TBIs and
TBI survivors and that
mentally fit you need to
challenge yourself by
playing cognitive games:
optical illusions, riddles,
strategy, brain teasers,
Page 3
they will receive the
same kind of care that
Bruce did. ―They want
people to realize that for
the majority of TBI sur-
vivors, a brain injury
presents a lifelong chal-
lenge because these peo-
ple are relearning many
skills that they have
lost,‖ explains Ellen,
who now leads a support
group at the National
Rehabilitation Hospital
on behalf of the Brain
Injury Association of
Washington, D.C.
(BIA DC). The BIA DC is
an organization founded
to provide support and
resources for TBI survi-
vors, family members
and friends. Bruce and
Ellen feel that ―anything
they can do to help these
individuals in their ef-
forts to reclaim part of
their lives, including
making contributions
through charitable or-
ganizations, can provide
amazing rewards.‖
- Bruce H. Ramsay
and puzzles. An apple a
day may keep the doctor
away, and playing brain
games may help keep
Alzheimer’s away.
This article was submit-
ted by Bruce Ramsay, a
resident of Takoma
Park, and a member of
the Silver Foxes Senior
Program, through his
participation in ―Brain
Games‖ this Fall/Winter
at the Takoma Park
Community Center. Mr.
Ramsay has expressed
his feelings that partici-
pation in the brain
games provides him
with mental ―coping‖
and strengthening skills,
and he believes all sen-
ior citizens can benefit
from playing these types
of cognitive games.
Bruce Ramsay and lovely wife Ellen.
Photo submitted by Bruce Ramsay.
Last class until Fall:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Senior Room
Takoma Park Community
Center, 7500 Maple Avenue
 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 4/20/11)11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. April 1, 15, 29
Fridays, Ongoing, (No class 4/22/11) 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. 1/21/11—4/29/11.

Thursdays, April 7, 14, 28 (no class 4/21/11) Beginners Class 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Thursdays, April 7, 14, 28 (no class 4/21/11) 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: 1/6/11—2/24/11.
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, April 20, 27 (spring session begins)
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.
Open Art Studio
Monday, April 11 11:00 a.m. —12:30 p.m.
Expand your art skills or learn new techniques in an open art studio with instructor Alice Sims. Be creative in
a relaxed atmosphere. Registration is required, call (301) 891-7280 to register. No cost.
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, April 28
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
Brain Games
Tuesday, April 19 (Date change)
(Usually, we will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Check the newsletters/flyers for changes in day and time.)
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, and brain
games may keep Alzheimer’s away! Enjoy a variety
of cognitive puzzle challenges and games. Have fun
while doing something good for your mind. Come
and play. Drop – in. Senior Room. No cost.
Chat Cafe
Tuesday, April 26 (last café)
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Join your friends in the Senior Room for coffee, tea
and social conversation. Drop-in. No registration is
required. Senior room, Takoma Park Community
Center. See you there!
Bingo
Thursday, April 28
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.
April 2011 Trips Three shoes: Active walking/may be stairs.

Driving Distance Time: One steering wheel: 1 hour or less

Two steering wheels: 2 hours or less

This symbol means the group leader can confirm the site is wheelchair accessible on ground level, or by ramp or elevator.

George Washington National Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia

The George Washington Masonic Memorial was built in the 1920’s to honor and perpetu-
ate the memory, character and virtues of American Freemason and President, George
Washington. The memorial is a museum, research center, performing arts center and con-
cert hall, banquet and celebration site, and meeting site for local and visiting Masonic
lodges and organizations. Join us for a tour of the memorial including the Tower and Ob-
servation Deck. Bring spending money for lunch at a local restaurant.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 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, and then fill out registration
forms by 4/8/11 or earlier.
$5 per person. Bring cash with you on 4/12/11.

Spring and Summer activities……continued from cover page.

mini-trips and try your
hand at duck pin bowling
and miniature golf.
Speaking of being active,
why don’t you learn a
new sport? Tennis any-
one? Tennis lessons
begin May 6, 2011. In
addition, your favorite
exercise classes (Bone
Builders, Line Dancing
and Gentle Yoga) will
continue through the
summer. And just for
fun, try something new
this summer and join
your friends to test your
luck at a variety of
―game shows‖. So have
some summer fun at the
Community Center!

Welcome to the digital age! Beginners Guide to Digital Cameras

Back by popular
demand, we will repeat
our digital camera work-
shop. Join instructors
Jim Mueller and Phil
Shapiro for this hands-
on workshop to learn the
basic functions of digital
cameras. If you have a
camera, you may bring
it to the workshop. Open
to participants age 55
and older. Limit 12
students. Registration is
required, forms are due
April 26, 2011 or
earlier. Questions? Call
301-891-7280.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
1— 4:00 PM
Senior Room. Takoma Park
Community Center
7500 Maple Avenue
$10.00 per person.
Takoma Park Silver Foxes Page 7

Weather Pool Information/New Hours

Please listen to your radio or
television for possible
school closings or delays.
If Montgomery County
Schools are closed due to
weather conditions, all
Senior program activities
will be cancelled. For infor-
mation, 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.

Come to a meeting of the Advisory Group

Next meeting : Montgomery County
Friday, April 8, 2011 ―2011‖ Seniors’
(last meeting until July 2011). Resource Guides are
12—1 p.m. here! Copies are
available in the Senior
Senior Room Room, while they last!
Takoma Park Community Center
Bring your ideas and suggestions.
We look forward to seeing you
there.
Lovinia is ready to see the sights. Where do you want to travel with the Silver
Foxes? Come to an Advisory Meeting and talk about it. Photo by Paula Lisowski

A great resource for you...the Senior Room

When was the last time you visited the Senior Room? Free computer access with a
Takoma Park Library card, free health resource materials, and a comfortable room
to socialize with your friends or just relax awaits you...

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 April 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2
Bone Builders Table Tennis
10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Gentle Yoga 12:00 p
12—1 p
Evening Line
Dancing
6:30—7:30 p

3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a Ends/last class 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Sundays
Table Tennis Pool Open House 11:30 a—1:30 p Square Dance Plus/ Advisory Meeting 12:00 p
Intermediate
11:30 a—1 p 3—4 p Line Dancing 12—1 p
10—11 a
Needlework 11 a—12 p Evening Line
Square Dance
Get-together Beginners Dancing
11:30 a—12:30 p 11 a—12 p 6:30—7:30 p

10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders No Computer Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
Sundays 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a Class 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Table Tennis Trip to George Line Dancing Square Dance Gentle Yoga 12:00 p
11:30 a—1 p Washington 11 a—12 p Plus 12—1 p
Open Arts Studio Memorial 10—11 a Evening Line
11:00 a—12:30 p 10 a—4 p Square Dance Dancing
Sweater Knitting Beginners 6:30—7:30 p
Orientation Class 11 a—12 p
10:30 - 11:30 a Table Tennis
Needlework 11:30 a—1 p
Get-together
11:30 a—12:30 p

17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders Bone Builders Table Tennis
Sundays 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a Spring Session I 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 a 10:00 a—
Table Tennis Brain Games Begins No Square Dance No Evening Line 12:00 p
11:30 a—12 p 11:30 a—12:30 p 11:30 a—1:30 p Classes Dancing
Needlework No Line Dancing Table Tennis
11:30 a—1:00 p 11:30 a—1 p

24 25 26 27 28 29
Bone Builders 30
Center closed on Bone Builders Bone Builders Computer Class Bone Builders
10—11 a Table Tennis
Sundays 10—11 a 10:30—11:30 11:30 a—1:30 p 10:30—11:30 a
Square Dance Plus 10:00 a—
Sweater Knitting Chat Café Line Dancing Gentle Yoga
10—11 a 12:00 p
Class Begins 11:30 a—12:30 p 11 a—12 p 12—1 p
Square Dance Digital
10:30 a—12 p Beginners Evening Line
Camera
Table Tennis 11 a—12 p Dancing
Workshop
11:30 a—12 p Table Tennis 6:30—7:30 p
1—4 p
Needlework 11:30 a—1 p
11:30 a—1:00 p Blood Pressure
11:30 a—12:30 p
Bingo 12—2 p