The Learning Zone Puts Altrusa Donation to Good Use

The Learning Zone at Pearce recently received a donation from Altrusa and used the funds to purchase a new book cart on which to display some of the many children's books used during Learning Zone programs. 

Thank you Altrusa!

Support for The Learning Zone

Mike Ratcliff from the Chillicothe Township presented a check for $1,000 to Pearce Director Ben Alvarez for The Learning Zone, a supplemental education program for area children in grades K-8. 

The Learning Zone was selected to receive support because it meets the Township's mission of providing programs for low-income Chillicothe residents. Financial aid is available to all students who qualify. Pearce membership is not required to be eligible for assistance. 

Tips for Surviving the Holidays

By Megan Rupiper, MS, Certified Personal Trainer

Megan Rupiper

Many people dread the upcoming holidays and the effects they have on their waistline. The following are some tips for making it through the holidays with a happier and healthier waistline.

Tip #1:  Make time for yourself.

The holidays are a busy season of going to parties and hosting parties with all of the preparations that go along with them. Be sure to make yourself a priority all season long.  

Do not allow the hustle and bustle of the season make you miss your favorite workout routine, favorite class, or personal trainer.  Your continued exercise routine will help you cope with the stress of the season, allow you to rest better at night, and help you continue burning the extra calories that you are more likely going to consume. Do not use the excuse "I'm too busy" to skip taking care of yourself. 

Tip #2:  Alter your favorite recipes.

The holidays are notorious for dishes heavy in calories. Try altering the recipes this year to make them more calorie and figure friendly. When making your favorites, try to cut back on the amount of butter, sugar, or salt you use. Try to substitute lower fat dairy options instead of the full-fat option. Get online to research some healthier recipe alternatives. 

A good rule of thumb to follow in cooking is trying to keep foods in their most natural state. For example, instead of making the traditional green bean casserole with the cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, try fresh green beans with some caramelized onions, cooked simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Tip #3:  Portion control.

Portion control is something you should pay attention to all year long. It is an easy way for you to keep your calorie intake in check. When you start to attend holiday parties that have oodles of food choices, try taking only a small sample of each item.  Taking a full serving size of every side dish when there are six side dishes to pick from is going to result in an excessive amount of calories being consumed.  

To go along with taking small amounts of each food, try using a smaller plate for your food. When there is less room for you to put the food, you are more likely to consume fewer calories. 

Do not attend a party on an empty stomach. Just like going to the grocery store hungry, you are likely to eat more food if you go to the party hungry. 

Tip #4:  Choose your beverage wisely.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can add up in calories over the holiday seasons. Avoid drinking beverages that are high in calories and sugar. Sodas are high in empty calories and contain excessive amounts of sugar. Many alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of calories as well. Do your research on your favorite alcoholic beverage before attending a party. If you find your favorite beverage is high in calories, find a low-calorie alternative. Some easy ways to slim back on mixed drink calories is to add diet soda instead of regular or use club soda instead of tonic water. The number of drinks you consume should also be monitored, not only for the sake of calories but also for a safe return home at night.

Tip #5: Get your sleep

There is no better way to sabotage yourself during the holidays than by not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can result in more sugar cravings, lack of energy, and increased appetite.  Each of these can result in making poor decisions about both food and exercise. 

The holidays are a busy time of year but don't let them get to you. Treat your body just as well as you do all year around by continuing your regular exercise program, eating well, and getting plenty of rest. Following these simple suggestions will result in a healthy holiday season.

Foundation Provides Outdoor Equipment

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Pearce Community Center, the Pearce Foundation Board will provide four pieces of outdoor fitness equipment to further support health and fitness. 

The equipment will be installed in the spring of 2016 adjacent to the playground. This location will allow parents to observe their children at the playground while they exercise. 

The equipment will be open to the public. 

November Member of the Month

Our November Member of the Month is Tammy Stumbaugh. As a school bus driver, Tammy works out at Pearce to help avoid “bus driver belly.”

Working out at Pearce is nothing new to Tammy. She is a charter member which means she joined in 1990 when the Center opened. Tammy is an avid swimmer but has recently broadened her scope at Pearce by participating in group exercise classes including Spinning, Kickfit, Core, and Hip Hop with James. “Love that class. James is awesome!”

Tammy believes every age group is served at Pearce, especially kids programming for her grandchildren. And the pool is an incredible feature to have in the community.

“You will never say ‘boy I wish I hadn’t worked out at Pearce,’ but you can be sure you’ll say ‘boy I shouldn’t have eaten that’ when you leave Dairy Queen,” laughs Tammy.

When she’s not at Pearce, Tammy enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, three beautiful daughters, and two adorable grandchildren. Her horses and dogs also keep her busy at home. 

Tammy Stumbaugh

Black Friday Fitness Bash

Pearce Community Center will host its Black Friday Fitness Bash Friday, November 27 from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Skip the shopping crowds and join the dynamic instructors at Pearce to burn off all the extra calories from Thanksgiving.

This special event includes six 30-minute group exercise classes including Yoga from 8:00 to 8:30; Guts ‘N Butts from 8:35 to 9:05; Zumba from 9:10 to 9:40; Beginner Hip Hop from 9:45 to 10:15; RIP from 10:30 to 10:50; and Yoga from 10:55 to 11:25.

The Black Friday Fitness Bash is free and open to everyone 12 and older.  

School's Out Day Camp

Pearce Community Center will host School’s Out Day Camp for students in grades K-6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 and Friday, November 273 when IVC School District #321 is not in session. Before camp care is also available beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Campers will spend the day enjoying a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, swimming in the pool, and local field trips. Bring a daily sack lunch that does not require refrigeration but can contain microwaveable items and a drink, swimsuit and towel, gym shoes, and a book. An afternoon snack will be provided.

Register in advance at Pearce. Foundation members pay only $27 per child per day; members $30; and non-members $45.

Breakfast with Santa at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host Santa and Mrs. Claus during Breakfastwith Santa, Saturday, December 5 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A sausage and pancake breakfast will be served along with caroling and a visit with Santa.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. The advance purchase cost is $7 for people 13 and older and $5 for children 3 to 12 years. Tickets purchased at the door will sell for $10 for people 13 and older and $7 for children 3 to 12. Children 3 and under will be admitted free.

Holiday Weight Loss Challenge