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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 9, 2018)
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 7 Rackowski leads SPRD senior programs In 2013 SPRD offered very few adult programs, and none catering to Sisters’ seniors. Then along came Shannon Rackowski. Soon after her arrival in 2014 as adult/senior programs coor- dinator, Shannon launched a senior-focused Stretch & Flex program that attracted four participants. This year over 50 seniors stretch and flex along with Shannon. In 2015, Shannon started a pickle ball class (like ten- nis but with paddles and a plastic ball on a much smaller court) that drew eight players. This year, the winter indoor season, played at the Sisters Elementary School gymna- sium, averaged 30 mostly senior players every Sunday. In 2015, she also launched the Matter of Balance class that drew eight people; by 2018 that class size more than doubled to 20. Last year, she initiated a Mat Workout class, which focuses on strengthening key muscle groups, and a step aerobics class aimed at strengthening cardio-vascular function. Both have more than doubled in size in the first year. Back in 2013, SPRD dedicated a room in its headquarters at the Coffield Center for exclusive use by seniors. After Rackowski revamped the SAGE (Seniors Activities, Gatherings & Experiences) Room in 2017, several groups began using the room for activities. The Central Oregon Council on Aging recently began offer- ing resource information for seniors every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Since the reopening, the number of seniors partaking in activities offered in the SAGE Room has doubled. And senior-ori- ented excursions have grown to six times per year since the program’s inception in 2014. Rackowski’s ability to influence senior well-being extends well beyond the walls of SPRD. The Stretch & Flex session Shannon initiated at the Sisters Senior Luncheon has grown from a few partici- pants to nearly everyone join- ing in the exercises. Luncheon President Sharon Ling said, “Shannon gives life to us seniors.” Shannon will step down from her full-time position at SPRD later this month. However, she has agreed to stay on doing the work she loves, engaging with Sisters’ seniors — and hosting her famous Luau in August. YES! 9-120 SPRD LEVY If the levy passes, how will funds be used? PHOTO PROVIDED Shannon Rackowski has created and led numerous programs for seniors. She has resigned her position with Sisters Park & Recreation District, but plans to continue offering classes on a contract basis. After-School Programs • Reduced fees for participants • Expand summer & after-school offerings • Supplies for science and art activities Senior and Youth Programs • Continue to expand activities for adults and seniors • Increased funding for sports and enrichment activities such as art & music Maintaining Community Facilities • Coffi eld Community Center 3 classrooms, fi tness room, admin offi ces • Sisters Skate Park • SPRD baseball and softball fi elds • Hyzer Pines Disc Golf Course • Bike Park 242 • SPRD Community Preschool Playground District Operations • Retain staff Proposed Initial Levy Funding Distribution 21% 34% 17% 28% Senior and Youth Programs After-school Programming Building & Park Maintenance District Operations If the levy passes what will it cost? 15¢ per $1,000 of assessed value. For the average home within the Sisters Park & Recreation District (assessed value of $276,000) that would be Spring Fling pe $300 Discount VOTE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY YES! when you start a comprehensive treatment program. New patients only. Flexible fi nancing available. Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation For more information visit Smile by Lauren & The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com 45 3 r month $ SistersRecreation.com or call 541-549-2091 E R U S A E M ON 9-120 — A D PA I D F O R BY F R I E N D S O F S P R D —
