Wellness Programs

Ballet and Creative Movement Classes with Jennifer Frank

Jennifer offers two classes:

1. Ballet- This class allows the participant to learn basic ballet movements as well as express themselves physically. The French vocabulary terms will add another dimension to this class. Familiar music from famous Ballets and Symphonies will be used in order to create a comfortable enviornment in which to move. Participants can be standing or sitting as Jennifer can adjust the program accordingly.
2. Creative Movement- This class will engage even the shyest participant. A wide range of musical styles will dictate each class. Some examples are Latin, African, Irish, 50s, Disco and Country. A basic warm up will be followed by a dance we will all learn together. Participants can be standing or sitting as Jennifer can adjust the program accordingly.

About the instructor- Jennifer Frank is on staff at the Cincinnati Ballet. She is a professional dancer and teacher. Her passion is to help people of all ages become confident, creative movers while having fun and staying healthy.

Chair Yoga with Joan Riemar

Chair based yoga is a fun and excellent form of yoga designed for those who desire the benefits of gentle stretching while sitting in a chair or using a chair for additional support. Yoga promotes radiant health as it stretches and tones your muscles, spine and skeletal system. Our practice focuses on the whole body leaving you feeling calm and refreshed. This program is avaialbe to facilities inside AND 5 miles beyond the 275 loop.

About the instructor-Joan Riemar is a Certified Yoga Instructor and has been practicing and studying yoga for more than 30 years. Her love for yoga developed through a desire for a healthy and holistic life style.

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating with Ashley Ellis

Cookie or Cupcake decorating with Ashley Ellis-
Sugar and spice and all things nice: learn to decorate cookies or cupcakes like the pros.  Wilton-trained baker Ashley Ellis, owner of Let Them Eat Cake, will lead class members in a hands-on class that gives  professional tips to make cookies or cupcakes look like the ones found in a bakery case.  Ashley will alternate cookie/cupcake decorating on alternate months. If you have a preference, please let Grace know when booking.  

Introduction to HealthRHYTHMS®

Evidence-based recreational group drumming for groups of 10 up to 30.  One-hour, ten-step protocol includes seated wellness exercise, shaker and drum activities, and guided imagery.  Proven results for groups of seniors and for staff or care-givers.  All instruments and facilitator provided.  Requires a completed circle of seating and CD player (optional).  Can be expanded into multi-week series. For information on the benefits, visit: http://remo.com/portal/pages/hr/benefits/index.html

An Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer with Nancy Bick Clark

This is a hands-on introductory workshop to the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, which is played on the lap with a pick. The lower strings serve as drones, and the melody is created on only the first string. The player can follow the numbers on the music and the frets to make a song. The class will learn two to three songs in the first hour, as well as some rudiments of the instrument. Class size is limited to 7 to maximize individual attention. For resident populations with special needs, it is requested that a staff member be on hand to assist the instructor.

Available workshops:
1. Introducing the Mountain Dulcimer - with familiar tunes
2. Sounds of the Season - a special class to teach some Christmas carols and Hanukah songs

About the instructor-Award-winning instructor Nancy Bick Clark taught Appalachian mountain dulcimer for ten years at the UC College of Evening and Continuing Education, and has taught workshops at regional dulcimer festivals, including Wyoming Dulcifest and the Great Black Swamp Dulcimer Festival. A sanctioned judge for the Scottish Harp Society of America, Nancy has taught harp at national conferences, Scottish Games throughout the southeastern U.S. and at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

*This artist will travel inside the 275 loop only.

Introduction to Tai Chi with Ralph Dehner

This program will introduce the participant to the ancient art of Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi is a very ancient Chinese healing art with hundreds of years of history. Through meditation and gentle movements, Tai Chi generates stronger chi, or life energy. Benefits include stress reduction, increased balance, normalization of blood pressure and improvement of arthritis symptoms to name a few. For information on the benefits of Tai Chi, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087

About the instructor- Ralph Dehner has a BS in Holistic Studies/ Wellness Management, is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Tai Chi Instructor and a Certified Reike Master/Teacher. He teaches Tai Chi throughout the Tri-State and has given presentations on Tai Chi as far as South Korea.

Line and Square Dance classes with Jerry and Kathy Helt

Jerry and Kathy offer two dance classes:

1. Line Dancing-Learn line, solo and pattern dancing. Any number can participate, but must be mobile.
2. Square Dancing-Learn square dancing in minutes! It's easy and fun. Participants must be mobile. A minimum of at least four couples or eight individuals is required.

Equipment needed for the above classes- a large table and an electrical outlet. Jerry and Kathy will furnish all sound equipment and recordings for the event.

About the instructors-Jerry and Kathy Helt have been dancing since the 1940s. Jerry is a professional square dance caller and teaches easy line dances. They have traveled throughout the United States and many foreign countries teaching the fun of square dancing. They are fully licensed by A.S.C.A.P. and B.M.I.

*Presenters will travel inside the 275 loop only.

Meditation Class with Susan Haumesser- currently on hold

In this class, you will learn the benefits of practicing daily meditation. Through guided imagery and music, this experiential class will teach you how to quiet yourself, meditate and experience the treasures within your inner world.

About the instructor- Susan M. Haumesser is a licensed social worker, has a masters in Religion and is a practicing Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry practitioner. She currently works part-time for Bayley Place, a long term care facility, in the Pastoral Care Department.

* This program is available to facilities inside the 275 loop.

Mindful Meditation for Stress Reduction and Health

Your seniors will take part in a one hour program of Mindfull Meditation where they will start out will very simple and non-threatening Tai Chi and Yoga movements with a showing of proper breathing methods. Then they will be seated where a reading or visualization will be given followed by about 20 minutes of silent meditation. After meditation there will be a Q and A session for any questions or comments." This program can take up to 10 participants. Program can be tailored to meet any functioning level.

About the instructor- Gretchen Genung is a Certified Health Educational Specialist with a Masters Degree in Health Promotion and Education. Gretchen has studied meditation under Jon-Kabat Zinn at the Omega Center for Health in New York. Gretchen has been teaching meditation since 1996.

Moving with Melissa

A fun, safe, non-intimidating fitness program for all ability levels. The classes include use of a chair for seated and/or standing support and using a variety of equipment appropriate to the individual. Focus is placed on muscular strength, range of motion, endurance and balance.

About the instructor-This class is taught by Senior Fitness Instructor Melissa Schmit. Melissa is certified through Healthways in Exercise for Older Adults and from the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, Melissa continues to expand her knowledge in dementia, arthritis and fitness for older adults through continuing education courses.

*Presenter will travel inside the 275 loop only.