Center information

Contact the Loffler Senior Activity Center at 301-737-5670, ext. 1658; the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050; the Northern Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001; and the Ridge nutrition site at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. For the most up-to-date information, see www.stmarysmd.com/aging.

Kick off the new year with EnhanceFitness

EnhanceFitness is an ongoing, evidence-based, group exercise program that includes aerobics, strength training, stretching and balance exercises in a one-hour, low-impact group fitness class. Evidence shows that people who participate in EnhanceFitness improve strength and boost their activity levels.

The class is offered at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. The class is taught by a certified group exercise instructor who has been trained in the EnhanceFitness program. Attend the class on Monday, Jan. 7, and make your resolution to get fit in 2013. On this day only, purchase a fitness card for $30, which covers 10 sessions of EnhanceFitness, and you will receive a free EnhanceFitness shirt.

For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Matter of Balance offered on Wednesdays

On Wednesdays, from Jan. 9 to Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, A Matter of Balance will be offered by the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services in the Potomac Building of the governmental center campus. A Matter of Balance is a nationally recognized, award-winning, time-tested program for people 60 years and older and is designed to help manage falls and increase activity levels.

In this class, participants will learn to view falls and fear of falls as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce falls at home and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Classes are led by two trained coaches in the Matter of Balance program. All materials are provided. To sign up for the course, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050, no later than today, Jan. 4.

Pickleball, anyone?

Pickleball is a cross between tennis and pingpong. Players use a pickleball paddle, which looks like a paddle ball paddle, a wiffle ball and a net. The game is played on a smaller version of a tennis court (about one-third the size). The focus of the game is on exercise and camaraderie.

If you are interested in learning more about pickleball or in signing up to play, attend the organizational meeting at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Monday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. or call 301-475-4200, ext. 1062.

Games will be held at the Margaret Brent gym in Helen on Fridays, Feb. 8 to March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Advance registration is required.

Class offered on Disappearing 4 Patch technique

Learn the quilting technique of Disappearing 4 Patch at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Fridays, Jan. 11 to Feb.15, from 9 a.m. to noon. A supply list will be provided during the first class; however, for the first session, all that is needed is paper for taking notes. For the remainder of the sessions a sewing machine is required. This class is taught by Louise Park. There is no fee for the class; however, the instructor encourages students to make a donation to the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Space is limited.

To register, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1062.

Lyme discussion and support group to meet

On Thursday, Jan. 10, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. (with an intermission in between), the Lyme discussion and support group will meet at the Northern Senior Activity Center.

Back by request, the award-winning documentary, “Under Our Skin,” will be shown. This film explores Lyme disease. Participants in the group will have the chance to see the 104-minute movie, have an intermission and also share some of the additional footage, interviews and scenes. The film made the short list for an Academy Award as a documentary feature.

Reserve a seat by contacting the center at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001.

Folk Salad Trio will be featured at Easy Listening Lounge

On Wednesday, Jan. 23, from noon to 1 p.m., the Easy Listening Lounge performance series will showcase local artists in a social and casual atmosphere. Folk Salad Trio, which includes Greg Penk and fellow musicians, will perform while participants in the lounge event can have a special noontime lunch at the Northern Senior Activity Center. The lounge will be space near the stage area with quiet tables for the most attentive listeners. Those who prefer occasional conversation during the performance will enjoy the dining room. A special donation collection for the lounge performers will be taken by staff.

Participants are asked to get their meal ticket at 11:30 a.m.; lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. Reserve a pork roast and spiced apples lunch by noon Tuesday, Jan. 22, by calling 301-475-4002, ext. 1001. The cost for lunch is by donation for seniors 60 and older; $5.50 for others.