Events for January 2017

Priority registration for returning dancers begins October 31, and open registration begins November 14. Registration deadline is December 16. • This exciting session prepares dancers for the Spring Concert on stage in May. In addition to class instruction, dancers will learn choreography and be involved in costume fittings for the performance. This process requires commitment from dancers for a 14- to 17-week session. • A spring concert dance costume, chosen by instructors, will need to be purchased for this session, not to exceed $50. • Session II begins the week of January 2 and goes through May 4. Classes will not meet on January 16 and 26; February 2 and 20; March 30- April 6. Monday classes meet for 15 weeks; Tuesday and Wednesday classes meet for 17 weeks; and Thursday classes meet for 14 weeks. • This session may be paid for in two installments; first payment is due upon registration, and second payment is due prior to first class. • All class sizes have limited enrollment; please register early to ensure availability. Creative Dance This is a class for children who are age 3 by August 1 and age 4. Class will focus on creative dance movement, including learning to follow rhythm, mirroring technique and improvisation. Dance Sampler A class for students ages 4 and 5. It will cover dance warmups, stretching and beginning technique for Jazz, Ballet and Modern. This class is great for children who are aspiring gymnasts, building ballerinas or for those who simply love to move with music. Pre-Ballet/Modern This class is for students ages 5–7. Class will combine classical and modern ballet technique. This is a great blend of dance for young students that will provide a fun and flexible platform of dance expression. Modern/Ballet Students will learn age-adjusted ballet and modern dance technique. Your child will learn proper body alignment and develop flexibility, coordination and grace. Your child will also experience applying their own movement thoughts to the art of improvisation. Classes will generate the joy of dance and appreciation for beauty, as well as build well-balanced, healthy respect and discipline. The difficulty level will increase with Beginning Modern II and Intermediate Modern. Modern/Ballet for Children with Special Needs This class will contain the same elements as Modern/Ballet. Students will learn the vocabulary of modern and ballet with sensitivity to dancers’ needs. Class will evolve according to the progression of the class. Please speak with instructor regarding enrollment.

This water exercise class has something for everyone and is suitable for all fitness levels. The class includes stretch, core training, flexibility and balance. Because the water creates more resistance than land, this workout is efficient and easy on the joints and one gets a great workout without sweating. Various water levels are used to create variety and to alleviate the ability to swim. Your instructor has 25 years of experience and is trained by the Aquatic Exercise Association, an internationally acclaimed organization with the highest of standards. She believes that exercise and fitness are crucial to each individual's physical, psychological and emotional health. Register at the Goshen Park Office or at class with your instructor. Pre-register for an entire session to receive the reduced session rate, or take advantage of dropping in anytime throughout sessions and pay the drop-in rate of $6 per class. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–7 am, at Goshen Middle School. Fall 1: August 16- October 13 ($90) Fall 2: October 25- December 15 (no class Nov.15 or 24; $70) Winter 1: January 3- February 2 ($50) Winter 2: February 21- March 28 ($55) Spring: April 11- May 25 ($70) Call the Park Office at (574) 534-2901 for more information

This introductory session will give participants a basic understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history, theory and techniques. Classes will include a warmup, stretching and technical instruction. Self-defense techniques and movement drills, without striking, also will be taught. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is unique to most other self-defense systems as it focuses on use of leverage and proper technique, taking the attacker to the ground and defusing the situation by use of joint locks and holds. Class meets at Barrick Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 427 W. Pike Street, Ste. 2 (behind Bob Evans and Walgreens). Session cost is $25. Winter Session: January 5, 12 and 19 Youth Class (ages 4–12): 5:45–6:30 pm Adult Class (ages 13+): 6:30–7:30 pm Pre-register now at the Park Office (574) 534-2901.

INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO A FUN AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Learn how to have an active lifestyle and promote healthy habits with your child. This program is designed for children ages five - 12 and their parents. Topics include: healthy eating, label reading, playful exercise and family physical activity.

Come learn about all the programs 4H has to offer and how you can be a part of the exciting Elkhart County organization!

Attend a wellness clinic to find out more about your health. Health screenings can give you important information about your health. They can also identify an illness or serious health condition that may need medical care. Our healthcare professionals will answer your questions and can make simple recommendations for a healthier lifestyle based on your results. FREE SCREENINGS INCLUDE: bone density heel scan, Body Mass Index, blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen level and diabetes risk assessment. SCREENINGS AVAILABLE FOR A NOMINAL FEE INCLUDE: fasting cholesterol ($20).

Join in the fun of learning to dance to the Rumba, Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing and many more, all the while keeping fit! All ages are welcome. A perfect opportunity to prepare for upcoming weddings and events. Register as an individual or with your friend, partner or spouse to make this class more enjoyable. Two class levels are available: Introductory for those beginning to explore dance and Intermediate for those who have some dance experience. Instructor will determine dance level. Continuous sessions are available to use as further dance growth or to better serve your scheduling purposes; you may register for one or all sessions. Cost is $25 per person (pairing is limited, so bring a friend!). Classes meet Tuesdays at Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park. Introductory Level: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Intermediate Level 7:00 - 8:00 pm Call the Park Office at (574) 534-2901 for more information.

Can parents really reduce stress and gain more time by using the Power of Positive Parenting? YES. Find a little bit of time to attend this seminar delivered in English by Jodie Lantz and en Espanol by Amparo Hernandez at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10. To register, go to www.triplep-parenting.net/elkhartcounty and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Find Your Triple P Session” or call Triple P in Elkhart County at (574) 226-0160 with questions. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Child care and snacks are provided.

Have your children ever painted with their toes, looked for shapes in the clouds, or made their own play-dough? We often want our children to grow up so quickly that we forget to encourage them to keep their imagination strong and alive. Around age 5 or 6 is when we really begin to see children’s art become more realistic, so this makes it the ideal time to encourage them with new skills around art and their creativity. In this six-week course, your child will draw and paint successfully with the right mix of individualized instruction, encouragement and motivation. We always expect the children to clean up their “creative area” after they’re done; sometimes this takes a bit of time at the end of class. Our hope is that your child will leave each session saying, “Mommy, I saw a dolphin in the clouds,” or “Daddy, it’s OK if I only draw a circle, as long as I make it the best circle ever!” For ages 6-9 years. Class will meet at Rieth Interpretive Center. Cost for the session is $55, which includes all supplies. Please have your child wear clothes for getting messy! Pre-register at the Park Office (574) 534-2901

In Winter, there are more stars in our hemisphere than any other season, and the cool atmosphere acts as a magnifying glass for the stars, making them easy to spot. Join us for an evening program studying the stars. Activities include a talk about the Roman and Greek mythology behind the constellations, a star chart workshop, and snacks around the campfire. Preregister by calling 574-535-6458 by Thursday, January 12 by 4 p.m.

This camp will launch participants into the sport of basketball. Camp is designed to introduce those new to the sport and to further participants understanding by instructing on a variety of basketball rules while also implementing new skills. This two-day camp is very helpful in preparing for youth basketball league play. Camp will meet at Waterford Elementary School, 65560 IN-15, on Saturday, January 14 and Saturday, January 21. Cost is only $10. Pre-register at the Park Office now through January 11. Ages 6 – 7: 10 – 11:30 am Ages 8 – 10: 12 noon – 1:30 pm

Enjoy a beautiful winter stroll through Bonneyville Mills looking for sparrows, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and finches. In late winter, these hardy birds are easy to spot, providing birders the chance to observe their interesting foraging and social behavior. Outdoor clothing, good walking shoes/boots and binoculars are recommended.

This introductory class offers participants the opportunity to explore the basic techniques of Tae Kwon Do in a cooperative, non-competitive environment. Class instruction includes brief background and philosophy of the art, warm-ups and stretching, basic fundamentals, introduction to forms, one-step sparring and self-defense, and kicking and punching drills/exercises. Class is open to ages 6 and up. Cost is $30 per session. Instruction by Juan Munoz of Goshen Tae Kwon Do, and class meets at 120 North Main Street. Pre-registration is required and is currently being accepted at the Goshen Parks & Recreation Office. (574) 534-2901.

Do you think you know the biggest moment in Elkhart County history? Come find out what the staff at the museum think it is, and why that and other pivotal moments have shaped what Elkhart County is today.

This photography contest is an annual event to promote the environmental, recreational and historical resources of Elkhart County. The Elkhart County Parks and Recreation Department will receive the right to reproduce, at its own expense, any photo receiving an award of recognition in this contest for promotional purposes. The Elkhart County Parks may also request the use of other contest entries to be used in a promotional capacity. After the display, entries and awards will be available to be picked up at the Elkhart County Parks Administrative Office on or after Friday, February 3, 2017. Photos must be picked up by 4 p.m. March 3, 2017 or they will become the property of the Elkhart County Parks.

This exciting league will be the week of January 23 through March 11. All games will be played on Saturdays with one practice per week in a Goshen Community Schools gymnasium. League is co-ed and for ages 6–10; divisions will be based on age and enrollment. Pre-registration is required and is being accepted at the Goshen Park Office now through January 11 or until league is full. Cost is $45 per player. (574) 534-2901.

This year Goshen’s Town Meeting will be held the last week of January. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
 
Mayor Jeremy Stutsman says, “I invite and encourage residents to attend the annual Town Meeting. I am looking forward to speaking with residents and listening to their concerns, as well as sharing pertinent information with them. Residents’ input is vital if we’re to move forward in ways that are positive and that enhance community values.”
 
The meeting will begin with a short presentation, recapping the first year of Mayor Stutsman’s first term in office. A time for questions and answers will be included. The two presentations will be similar, but presented on different days to allow opportunity for the most number of residents to attend. Meeting details are:
 
Monday, January 23 at 10 a.m.
Greencroft Community Center, Jennings Auditorium
1820 Greencroft Blvd.
 
Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m.
Goshen Public Library, Auditorium
601 S. Fifth St.
 
If you have any questions contact City Hall at switchboard@goshencity.com or 533.8621.

You may have walked past the works of E. Hill Turnock and not even noticed. Learn about how the architect left his mark on Elkhart County and some of the iconic buildings he designed through the county.