Profiles

West Shore Recreation Commission

Profiles

West Shore Recreation Commission

Select:
Instructors

Participants

Andrew Baker
Erica Beadle
Dave Crossley
Eulah Grugan
Michael Johnston
Barb Kehler
Majorie Koch
Dave Kutz
Sierra Lush

Donna Paradis
Chris Rebert
Melissa Rivers
Marisa Stipe
Kyle Wagner
Lisa Waldman
Marcia Weber
John Wertz
Patti Wrightstone

Millard Freysinger
Mary Weaver
Roy Schlarp

West Shore Recreation Commission
Instructors

	Andrew Baker - Tai Chi instructor Lives in East Pennsboro Township Pets: Zach – Doberman, Variety of Cichlids Educational Background: Fishing Creek Elementary., Allen Middle School, Red Land HS, Indiana University of PA Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Guitar, Kayaking, Walking, Movies, and My Dog How long teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2004. What classes do you teach? Level 1 and Level 2 Tai Chi. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I have always been interested in martial arts and movement. After I was injured I went through 4 years of physical therapy. I had made some improvement and wanted to try to learn a martial art. While speaking with late Master Ted Vollrath, a renowned handicapped martial artist, he suggested Tai Chi. Very quickly I noticed more improvement than physical therapy had provided me so I studied harder. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? First thing most people notice is increased flexibility and the pain relief that comes with it. Students have reported benefits including: increased general health, relief from pain, lower stress, lower cholesterol, a more balanced blood sugar level, some additional relief from arthritis, better balance, and increased strength. With Tai Chi the longer you do it the more you get from it. Any additional information you’d like to share. Please see the web site for additional information www.mai-pa.com.
	Erica Beadle - Landscape Classes Occupation: Highland Gardens Nursery Manager Family/Pets: Cat- Shady Educational Background: Penn Tech College, 22 years in Landscape world Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Gardening, cooking, quilting, fishing How long teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1998. What classes do you teach? Landscaping type Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? Yes, always interested. I teach the classes so gardeners can be more aware and successful. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? If you like gardening and want more info to increase knowledge and success, this is your class. I try to teach my students how to make better decisions about plant choices through awareness of questions to ask. My goal is to turn brown thumbs green, and green thumbs greener! J
	Dave Crossley - CPR instructor Town of Residence: Lower Allen Township Occupation: EMS Chief (Retired), Part Time EMT Family/Pets: 2 crazy cats Educational Background: Numerous Public Safety Training Certifications Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Travel, Gardening How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? 20+ years What classes do you teach? American Heart Association, CPR, AED, & First Aid Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? As an emergency health care provider I realize the importance of having citizens trained to recognize emergency situations and to have the skills to respond appropriately. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? By having the knowledge and the skills to take immediate action that very well could make the difference between life and death for a family member, friend, coworker or total stranger.
	Eulah "Cookie" Grugan - Computer classes Town of Residence: Lemoyne Occupation: Trainer Educational Background: High School graduate, some college. Extensive courses dealing with computers. Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Reading, needlework How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1999. What classes do you teach? All types of Computer classes – beginners to more advanced users. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I enjoy sharing my knowledge with beginning computer students. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? They will join the information age. It will be helpful to those who want to automate their tasks and also access the Internet. Any additional information you’d like to share. I have spent most of my adult life-training adults – both professionally and as a volunteer in Girl Scouts.
	Mike Johnston - Stained Glass Town of Residence : Harrisburg Occupation: Stained Glass Craftsman Educational Background: BA-Social Work; MPA-Public Administration Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Basketball, tennis, reading, hanging with the family How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1988. What classes do you teach? Intro To Stained Glass Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I have been in the trade for 25 years. It’s a great pastime; it’s rewarding when it becomes an important part of a student’s life. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? Those looking for a fun outlet to escape from the pressures of an everyday hectic routine will find this craft different from many. You can be as artistic as you want. You can follow patterns exactly, you can tweak designs and you can go off on an approach all your own. Whichever way you go, stained glass allows you to create truly beautiful pieces. And you’ll be able to say—"I made this myself".
	Barb Kehler - Aerobic Dance Town of Residence: Camp Hill Occupation: Food Service Manager - Lemoyne Middle School Pets: 2 dogs, 2 cats How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1988. What classes do you teach? Aerobic Dance Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I took the class for seven years before I started to teach and loved it. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? It's a fun way to achieve and maintain cardiovascular fitness.
	Marjorie Koch - Belly Dance Movement Town of Residence: New Cumberland Occupation: Stay at home Mom & Graduate student at Temple University Family/Pets: Daughter 4 ½, Cat -Tasha Educational Background: B.S. in Psychology from Bloomsburg University & Working on MSW from Temple University Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Exercise, reading, sewing, and Middle Eastern Dance Troupe: www.Elbahja-dance.com How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2004. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I took classes from ages 9-16 and performed. As an adult I became interested again for physical and mental wellness. I think that this type of exercise and creative expression is a wonderful thing for women. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? I am teaching the movements that are at the core of belly dancing. These movements are excellent for a woman’s body to stay strong, flexible, and toned. Moving to music helps express your femininity and release creative energy. You can leave life’s stress at the door and laugh and take care of your body for an hour.
	Dave Kutz - Youth and Adult Basketball Town of Residence: Marysville Occupation: Assistant Director of Human Resources Family/Pets: My wife Linda, who graciously supports my basketball habit; my sons – Brad, a senior at Kutztown University and Matt, a freshman at Elizabethtown College who have helped me teach basketball to kids since they were in middle school. I also have 2 grandsons in the elementary basketball program. Educational Background: B.A. – Administrative Management – Penn State (1980) Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Basketball, hiking, fishing How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1973 (33 yrs) What classes do you teach? Youth basketball programs (3^rd & 4^th grade), Adult Rec Basketball Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes?Yes. To help kids learn basic basketball skills and show them how much fun they can have with sports/exercise. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? We stress teamwork, enjoyment of the game, and the value of working/playing hard to get better at anything you want to do. The kids get exercise, have fun, learn new skills, make new friends, laugh, run into each other, and experience the joy of friendly competition. Any additional information you’d like to share. Yes - my thanks to West Shore Rec for providing a wide variety of outstanding programs and activities for kids and adults of all ages. Keep up the good work!
	Sierra Lush - Art classes for youth and adults Town of Residence: Camp Hill Occupation: Art Teacher Pets: 3 dogs, 3 cats Educational Background: Graduated Big Spring High School, BSE Art from Mansfield University Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Wire work, silk painting, jewelry making, painting, stamping, scrap booking, camping How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since this spring. What classes do you teach? Currently teaching Wire Jewelry class for adults, Pysanky for adults, and Sculpture for kids. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? They are fun!
	Donna A. Paradis - Youth and Adult Swim Lessons and Water Workout. Town of Residence: Etters, PA Occupation: Retired Physical Education Teacher Pets: Four cats Educational Background: B.S. and M.Ed. Degrees Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Scroll saw (wooden puzzles, etc.), Yard work and Sudoku puzzle enthusiast. How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since the summer of 1987 when the Natatorium first opened for community aquatics. What classes do you teach?Youth and Adult Swim Lessons and Water Workout. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? Yes! Because I believe these skills are necessary for personal safety and fitness. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? For their personal well-being. Any additional information you’d like to share. Also sub at the natatorium for the West Shore School District daytime program. Interested in organic foods.
	Chris J. Rebert - Bird Identification, Natural History Walks, Discovery Walks for Children Town of Residence: Mechanicsburg Occupation: Environmental Educator/Naturalist Educational Background: B.S. from Penn State in Recreation Park Management Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Birding, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, and Playing Guitar. How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2003. What classes do you teach? Bird Identification, Natural History Walks, Discovery Walks for Children Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? The classes I teach for West Shore Recreation are the same kind of classes I teach as an Environmental Educator at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Harrisburg. I enjoy similar activities in my free time away from work and love to share my enthusiasm and knowledge of the outdoors with others. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? The classes I offer are a great way to rekindle your enthusiasm for the natural world. There is so much that goes on around us, from birds to trees to tiny insects that pollinate the majority of our food sources, I find it amazingly uplifting to observe and understand parts of this. Any additional information you’d like to share. I try to offer at least one class for adults each season and one for children. There are new ideas I am sorting through for future classes. If you have something in particular related to the natural world you would like to see offered, please contact me and share your thoughts (cjrebert@yahoo.com). Thanks!
	Melissa A. Rivers - Pre-school and Elementary classes Town of Residence: Etters Occupation: Teacher Family/Pets: Husband (Chris), son (Brady) and two dogs (Molly & Bullet) Educational Background: B.S. in elementary education and Masters in Curriculum Development. Certified 0 – grade 8 Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Reading, swimming, church and family How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2003. What classes do you teach? Brain Games for Babies, Toddler Fun Time, Preschool Power Hour, Preschool Science, Preschool Arts and Crafts, Preschool drama. Elementary level classes include Kitchen Science, Wild and Wacky Science, Sensational Science, Mad (& Messy) Scientists, Commotion In The Ocean, Bugz Club, Inventors Workshop, Sports Science, Science of Toys, Amusement Park Adventures, Drama Club, Lights Camera Action, Unsolved Mystery, Hogwart’s Academy of Mystery, Messes and Masterpieces, Crafts Club, Friday Fun Night, Holiday Crafts Workshop, Around the World, You Be the Judge, and more!!! Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? It is wonderful to work with such a variety of students, ages and topics. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? My classes are always a fun, hands-on learning experience. I believe children learn by doing.
	Marisa Stipe - Pilates Town of Residence: Camp Hill Occupation: Certified Personal/Pilates Trainer Educational Background: B.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Exercise Science Hobbies/Recreational Activities: I enjoy doing what I work at - exercise. How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2004. What classes do you teach? I teach Pilates. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? I taught for many years. I then got very interested in Pilates to help the hardcore exercisers that I normally teach. I then found that Pilates was good for all fitness populations. I now teach from 8 years old to 80 years old. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? There is no exercise that will change your body and your life more than Pilates. Having taught and done almost everything, I feel I am qualified to say that. As Joseph Pilates said, "10 classes you feel better, 20 classes you look better and 30 classes you are on your way to a new body. You will strengthen, lengthen and stretch all muscles and supporting muscles. You will sleep better and feel better. You will feel less depression. You will be more energetic at your daily activities. You will walk taller and have better postural alignment. Pilates will make you look better and feel better. Any additional information you'd like to share. If you have never worked out, give me six weeks to change your attitude. If you just take one class or a week, you will hate me at first. Give yourself time to see and feel the results of being in a regular fitness regiment. Sign up for class. We will set goals for you. Achieving those goals will make you feel stronger and look better. I also teach Weight Training, Aerobics, Kickboxing Spinning, Step Aerobics, Nutrition and Yoga for other organizations.
	Kyle Wagner - Baseball Clinics Town of Residence: New Cumberland Occupation: Teacher Family/Pets: Wife (Heather), Son (Luke), Daughter (Grace) Educational Background: BS from Wake Forest University Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Baseball/Penn St. Football/Golf How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2005. What classes do you teach? Baseball Clinics Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? Teaching baseball and teaching kids has always been a passion. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? They’re fun and I believe you will learn quite a bit.
	Lisa Waldman - Whee Swim Town of Residence : Mechanicsburg Occupation: Mathematics Teacher Family: Husband, 2 boys (8yrs & 3yrs) Educational Background: BA in Mathematics from Rutgers University & MA in Curriculum & Instruction from Gratz College Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Swimming, Skiing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Rollerblading, Scrap booking How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? FOREVER! (Ok, since 1996 I believe -10 years) But I come from a long background in water safety as an instructor, lifeguard, and pool manager. (Since 1990 in Nevada, New Jersey, & Pennsylvania) What classes do you teach? Primarily Whee Swim, however, I occasionally teach the Red Cross Learn to Swim as well. Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? Yes, I love teaching young children to swim! I believe it is an important skill that all youngsters need to accomplish being so close to many bodies of water in the Greater Harrisburg Area. The earlier we begin teaching them about water safety the more comfortable the children will be in the water and parents will understand the dangers and instill greater caution in their families. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? They will gain positive exposure for their children in the water and will learn the latest pool safety concerns.
	Marcia Weber - Hogwart’s Cooking School Town of Residence: York Occupation: Extension Educator, former Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Educational Background: BS. Home Economics Education, M.Ed Training and Development Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Cooking, Sewing, Walking, Swimming, Reading How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 2002. What classes do you teach? Hogwart’s Cooking School Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? This class evolved out of a summer reading program at a local library and a series of pamphlets written by a Penn State University Specialist, Dr. Daniel Perkins. Because this program encourages parents and children to read together and it features the Harry Potter Book series it seems to be a perfect combination. I very much want to encourage reading in our youngsters. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? Participants will have fun, learn a bit about food preparation, science, and Harry Potter, but best of all learn ways to make reading fun!
	John Wertz - Junior Judo, Adult Jujitsu, Women’s Self Defense Town of Residence: Mechanicsburg Occupation: Web Manager Pets: Faid (Husky) Educational Background: Electronics Hobbies/Recreational Activities: Judo, Jujitsu, Wood butchering How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Main instructor since 2001. Assistant instructor prior to that. What classes do you teach? Junior Judo, Adult Jujitsu, Women’s Self Defense, Senior Personal Safety Have these classes always been an interest of yours? Why did you want to teach these classes? Yes, I teach to share the knowledge and continue the tradition. Why should individuals want to participate in your class? How will they benefit from it? Kids have a chance to experience learning a non-traditional sport with a long history. The skills and ideas they learn apply to life in general as well as Judo in particular. Adult Jujitsu teaches fighting skills, tactics, and doctrine as well as the philosophy behind it; is a good physical workout, instills confidence, and is one heck of a lot of fun.
	Patti Wrightstone - Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Swim Lessons Town of Residence: Newberry Twp. Occupation: Aquatic Instructor Family/Pets (optional): Kevin Wrightstone (husband), MaKenzie, Mallorie, and Putter (dog) How long have you been teaching with West Shore Recreation Commission? Since 1999. What classes do you teach? Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Swim Lessons

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West Shore Recreation Commission
Participants

Summer 2006 Millard Freysinger Men’s Basketball Participant for 35+ years	Millard Freysinger, an automobile dealer, has truly appreciated his longtime involvement with the basketball program at West Shore Rec. Some reasons he’s been coming back for so many years includes the location of the program, how it fits into his schedule, how well run it is, and the good fellowship he’s established. He not only enjoys the good clean fun, but has also seen benefits to his health by receiving a good workout in just two hours. Although he enjoys all sports, basketball is the only one he plays and if it were up to him he’d add more weeks onto the program so he could play more! We’d like to thank Millard for his devotion to not only the sport of basketball but also the program; it would not be the same without his participation.

Fall 2006 Mary Weaver, Participant of Aquatic Activities	Mary Weaver, a West Shore Rec participant of over 13 years, loves water. Yet, as an adult in her mid-fifties, she was unable to swim and float with confidence. She decided to take advantage of West Shore Rec’s Adult Swim Lessons. Thanks to the excellent instruction she received from Donna Paradis, she not only learned to swim, but she is also now a regular attendee in the Water Workout program. She finds it to be a great exercise that’s easy on the joints and a wonderful way to de-stress. Mary was also a contributor to the Memorial Fund that recently provided an AED for West Shore Natatorium. Mary is retired from RG Industries and has been married to her husband Donald for 57 years. When she’s not at the pool, you will probably find Mary gardening or taking her grandchildren, Hannah and Rebecca Sweeney, to Youth Swim Lessons at the natatorium. Congratulations, Mary, for believing in and proving the positive impact that recreation can bring to our daily lives!

Winter-Spring 2007 Roy Schlarp PlayZone Volunteer	What do you do when you’ve outgrown the recreation activity you enjoyed for six years? You volunteer! West Shore Rec was privileged to have Roy Schlarp spend much of his summer vacation helping at the PlayZone Day Camp based at Crossroads Middle School. In addition to assisting the kids and counselors in games, activities, crafts and field trips, Roy logged 200 hours of community service for the National Honor Society at Red Land High School, where he is a Junior. He also had the opportunity to keep an eye on younger brother Thomas, who participated as a Secondary Zone camper. Roy is interested in continuing his education in biology and medical research. Besides school activities, Roy and his family enjoy raising Rhode Island Red chickens.

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