Get Involved to Help Yourself and Others
Originally published August 31, 2014 (Submission copy)
Summer break has ended and the kids are back in school. If you want to add exercise to their (and your) day, consider these new classes at the Sportsplex. Deborah Geghen, Fitness Manager at the Sportsplex, was happy to share some of the new classes at the facility, located at 11351 W. 159th Street, Orland Park. She added, “I have tons of new programs starting. I even have more, but I don’t want to overwhelm your readers,” when she informed me of the new classes!
For younger children (ages 8-16), Yoga & Fitness for Kids is a new class that teaches the basics of yoga with stretching and strength exercises, kickboxing, cycling, aerobics, etc. Classes run from 3:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Fridays, beginning September 19.
Sunset Yoga is a relaxing class that uses yoga, Pranayama (breath work) and relaxation techniques in a softly candle lit room. “It has been said disease stems from dis-ease, so let’s give stress and tension the boot!” according to the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department Fall Brochure. Bring your own mat and props. This class is geared for ages 14 and up; classes run in the evenings from 8:00 p.m. until 9:10 p.m. on Mondays starting September 15.
They have added a Walking & Weights class, which combines a low impact one-to-two mile walk with body movements to tone your body. This is a great cardio plus toning workout. Geared for ages 18 and older, this class runs from 11:30 a.m. until 12:25 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning September 9.
Ms. Geghen shared information about these senior activities, too. Sportsplex Senior Clubs for men and women is a great way to get together. Free for members; registration is required. Ages 55+ meet each week at the Sportsplex to utilize the fitness center, track, play volleyball or bocce, and finish with camaraderie among other club members.
New classes have been added for seniors, as well! Senior Cardio Circuit program – an upbeat combo of weights and aerobic exercise – will increase muscle strength and cardio endurance with a standing circuit workout. Exercises can be modified for seated position. Class runs from 12:30 p.m. until 1:25 p.m. on Tuesdays starting September 9.
In the new class Senior Spin and Core, “Have a seat on our spin bikes and join us for a ride. Get your heart rate up and enjoy learning good technique as we travel the country on stationary bikes!” as detailed in the Fall Brochure. Finishing the bike tour, you will end with a core workout and a full body stretch. Class runs from 9:00 a.m. until 9:55 a.m. on Mondays beginning September 8.
Juvenile Diabetes No Limits Foundation
Mark Lippe, Board Advisor for the Juvenile Diabetes No Limits Foundation (JDNLF) is proud to announce the re-design of their website – plus, an easier way to get to it! Now found online at www.jdnl.org the new site provides information about individuals with diabetes and how they manage their blood sugar every day. There is also information on their upcoming Candlelight Bowl at Orland Bowl on Saturday, November 1 – which is their main fundraiser for the Check B4U Drive program – and how you can become involved by donating or attending this fun event. You will also find details about the Check B4U Drive program. Tailored to teens with diabetes possessing a valid driver’s license or permit and are from ages 15 to 19, this three-part program teaches: advanced driving techniques and safe driving; diabetes management and driving; and in-car/on-course driving program.
This year’s Check B4U Drive program information is already up on the site, with registration currently underway. The event will be held Saturday, September 27 at the Tinley Park Fire Department Training Facility, 7840 183rd Street, Tinley Park. Returning activities are the impaired goggles and golf cart; the skid pad, tactical driving instruction, a review of car maintenance, and consistent reminders to Check B4U Drive. Carl Sandburg students who are interested in attending this program may stop in the nurse’s office to get more information, or visit the newly designed website www.jdnl.org.
Village of Orland Park Golf Outing 2014 for Open Lands
The Village of Orland Park Golf Outing 2014 to Benefit Open Lands of Orland Park will be held Tuesday, September 16 at Silver Lake Country Club. “Registration is currently underway, and remains open until all spots are filled,” said Patty Vlazny, Special Events Manager for the Village of Orland Park. Open Lands is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of acquiring undeveloped land in Orland Park. She was excited to share this information about the upcoming event, and reminds people to check the newly designed website at www.orlandpark.org for more details, or call (708) 364-0682. The outing is limited to 144 golfers – first come, first served – so sign up today!