Seniors Sit, Squat and Line Dance into Spring Kick-Off

A fresh batch of senior classes begin on Tuesday, and seniors sampled a few this past week when they kicked up their heels for the Spring Preview Celebration at the  (NSSC) in Morton Grove.

Mary Futrell, director of lifelong learning for NSSC, said that the preview celebration - with line dancing and exercise routines - was just the latest in a series of events the center has been hosting every three to four months since it took over Morton Grove’s senior programming last April. 

“We want to offer the programs that people want, so if they have suggestions let us know,” Futrell said.

Bernie Small has taught line dancing at Taste of Chicago and Skokie Festival of Cultures. At the spring preview, Country Bernie led seniors through moves and danced along with them to “The Electric Slide.”

“If you’re not sure what to do, make up your own steps,” Small said. “It’s just a demo.”

Eleanor Cohen, a 35-year Morton Grove resident, said she and her husband have already signed up for line dancing, which starts at the senior center March 21.

“We used to do square dancing and we don’t see it anymore,” Cohen said. “I’ve had a hip replacement so I’ll probably take it easy. If you don’t keep active you might as well be dead.”

Seniors at the spring preview also practiced lunges and squats as part of a demo of the new Sit and Get Fit class, which runs from March 8 through April 28.

“That’s part of our bigger initiative to give older adults opportunities to enhance their wellness,” Futrell said. “Intellectual wellness is also important which is why we offer so many classes.”

Starting in April, the senior center will offer monthly lessons on Chicago history. Volunteers at the preview celebration handed out fliers on other offerings like computer classes. Chef Michael Niksic served up some of his work, including spinach salad and cupcakes, and handed out surveys to see which classes seniors might be interested in taking with him. Options included gingerbread house building, brunch specials and traditional holiday side dishes. Niksic said the senior center asked him to teach there based on his success teaching at the Morton Grove Public Library.

“My format is always the same,” he said. “It’s casual, fun and informative. The tastings are substantial, and the classes are either free or way cheaper than other places.”

Registration for senior center programs can be done in person at 6140 Dempster St., by mail, fax or over the phone. Classes range from six to 35 people, with fitness classes being smaller while lecture classes have more spots.

Iris Roman, a recent retiree and 25-year Morton Grove resident, said the spring preview celebration was her first visit to the North Shore Senior Center in Morton Grove.

“I wanted to see what the senior center offered,” Roman said. “I like it. I might come back. Retirement can be boring. You have to stay active.”