Montgomery’s Otto Kafuman Center hosts fall programs

Recreation Department seeks to appeal to wide range of interests

By: Jake Uitti
   MONTGOMERY — With autumn just around the corner, the Montgomery Recreation Department has scheduled its fall programs at the Otto Kaufman Community Center. The programs range from a New York City art trip to kickboxing to student language classes to programs for seniors.
   A trip to New York City has been planned to view the art of sculptor Dale Chihuly, who explores the visual relationship of glass and nature. The trip is slated for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at The New York Botanical Garden.
   Other excursions have been scheduled for the coming months and all trips include bus transportation. The trips depart from the Upper Middle School parking lot, 375 Burnt Hill Road.
   In addition to the trips, many fitness classes have been earmarked for the fall.
   "We have expanded our adult exercise programs," said Pauline Carr, program coordinator for the Recreation Department. "We’ve really done a lot."
   "Yoga For Relaxation with Trish," welcomes all levels of students. The class aims to improve the function of the physical body while calming the mind. No prior yoga experience is necessary. The first session runs on Sept. 18 and 25, Oct. 2, 16, 23 and 30. The second session runs on Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, Dec. 4 and 11. All classes are held from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., and the charge is $54 per six-week session.
   "Saturday Hatha Yoga with Beth" will be held Saturdays on Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30, and Oct. 7 and 14. The cost is $54 per six-week session. Participants should bring yoga mats and wear loose fitting clothing.
   Several other health and fitness classes will be offered, including "Body Shoppe for Women," "The Basics of Tai Chi for Beginners," "Morning Mat Pilates with Susan," "Stability Ball Classes with Susan," "Kickboxing," "Couch to 5K Running Program for Adults" and a new class, "Total Body Conditioning with Ellie."
   Several language classes are also scheduled, including "Daytime Conversation French for Adults." This class is meant for beginners and those who had some French years ago. The class is geared toward potential travelers and those who need to know French for business. It is slated for Wednesdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 22 and costs $88 for the eight weeks.
   "Conversation Spanish for Adults" is also available and will run Tuesdays from Oct. 3 through Nov. 28 and costs $88 for the eight weeks. Italian classes are also available.
   Programs for children will also be offered.
   "Scrap-Booking for Kids and Young Adults" welcomes all children, including those with special needs. Participants will create an eight-page scrapbook, as well as craft greeting cards for various occasions. Classes for students ages 10 to 13 are Fridays, Sept. 22 through Dec. 1, and classes for students ages 14 to 18 will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 19 through Nov. 21. All the classes run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
   "Tumbling for Children with Special Needs," which teaches simple gymnastic techniques, is slated for students in grades K through 2 on Wednesdays from Sept. 20 through Nov. 15, and for students grades 3 through 6 on Thursdays from Sept. 21 to Dec. 7.
   Other classes for students include "Creative Arts with Kathleen for 5th & 6th Graders," "Fall Girls Volleyball" and the new program "Kids Yoga with Paula," among many more.
   The Community Center is also offering aquatics programs, after-school art and acting programs, as well as educational classes including "Poetry Fun with Ms. James" and "SAT Math & Verbal Review."
   In addition, there are many senior-citizen trips and programs scheduled, including a trip to Atlantic City on Sept. 26.
   Other senior-citizen programs include "Line Dancing with Robbie," slated for 10:30 a.m. today, "Healthy Bones" at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and "Yoga with Trish" at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
   The classes are open to anyone interested, and residents who do not live in Montgomery pay $10 more per class. For more information, visit the township Web site www.twp.montgomery.nj.us.