MHRD offers fall programs for all ages

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This article was published 06/09/2016 (3547 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This fall’s Macdonald-Headingley Recreation District program and community resource guide offers classes and workshops for local residents from birth onward.

Starting with programs for parents and babies, run by Macdonald Healthy Child’s network of volunteers, the guide contains a wide variety of activities designed to exercise both body and mind and even boost one’s spirits.

The parents of youngsters age five and under can attend weekly stay and play groups in La Salle, Sanford and Starbuck. Healthy Child chairperson Shauna Hewitt said the focus of all the programs is to strengthen the parent-child bond.

A new program, Whale Tales, is starting on Oct. 31 and running every Monday until Dec. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Oak Bluff School library. It’s designed for children from two to four years of age.

Hewitt said each session will include an open circle time with a story having an under the sea theme, followed by a simple craft, some rhymes and physical activity.

Registration for the class ends on Oct. 24 and there is no cost.

Headingley zumba instructor Diana Juchnowski is adapting her exercise program to accommodate those adults who are unable to stand and exercise. Her seated zumba class starts on Oct. 20 and runs weekly from 6 to 7 p.m. until Dec. 15 in the Headingley Community Centre (5353 Portage Ave.). The class fee is $96 and registration deadline is Oct. 13.

Juchnowski said local residents had asked the MHRD to offer this type of low-impact exercise class.

She will also teach a Zumba-Not Quite Gold class on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 13 in the same location. This is suitable for beginners.

Another new addition to the MHRD program lineup is an aromatherapy workshop on Tues., Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Headingley Community Centre. Instructor Bonnie Tulloch has run a similar workshop for the Assiniboine Park & Zoo Outreach program, but this is the first time she’s offered it in Headingley.

Students will learn ways to use essential oils found in common herbs such as lavender, basil and peppermint. “We will make a small lotion,” she said.

Tulloch said scent is tied to memories and can be used in a therapeutic way. “It’s kind of a feel-good workshop.”

The workshop fee is $25 and the registration deadline is Oct. 18.

The MHRD guide is available at www.mhrd.ca and you can register online through the website, by phone at 204-885-2444 or in-person Monday to Friday at the MHRD office (81 Alboro St.) in Headingley.

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