Arlington Heights Senior Center notes

The Arlington Heights Senior Center is located at 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, at the southwest corner of Central and New Wilke roads. For more information, call Karie Van Grinsven, (847) 253-5532; TTY: (847) 797-5310.

Drumming Circle: Join Chris Lavidas, who will conduct a "drumming circle" from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday. Chris is the president of "Breaking Grounds in Drumming" in Arlington Heights and has been leading clinics at the senior center since September. Chris will conduct several drumming circle activities. All participants will have the opportunity to participate with drum sticks and percussion instruments. Participants will learn how to express emotions and inner rhythms through drumming. No advance reservations needed. For more information, call the Senior Center at (847) 253-5532.

Lifelong Learning: As a new satellite site for Harper College's Lifelong Learning Institute, the Arlington Heights Senior Center, is offering two new courses for seniors wishing to "go back to school."

The first course, led by Bob Podgorski, manager of Extension Services for Harper College, is titled "A Career Over 50-60-70," and is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 16 and 23 at the center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. This seminar will provide insights to establishing a career over age 50, 60 or 70. With his 28-year human resources career, Podgorski will help participants identify their skills, abilities and desires and provide guidelines for selling oneself to an employer. The two-day course has a nominal fee of $10 and does require advance registration.

To register, stop by the center. For details, call (847) 253-5532.

In May, the Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute will offer a course called "Starry, Starry Night" at the senior center. The two-day course will be from 7 to 10 p.m. May 14 and June 4. The fee is $15 and includes both days and also requires advance registration. Instructor Walt Trentadue will have a star party where he will point out the current visible planets and stars, the more prominent constellations and explain their associated mythology. Trentadue will follow the presentation with telescope viewing of deep sky objects, planets and the moon. Telescopes will be provided; however, participants may bring their own telescope or binoculars.

To register for either course, stop by the Arlington Heights Senior Center at 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. For questions or more information, call (847) 253-5532. The senior center is open to persons age 55 and over from any community. No senior center or Harper Lifelong Learning membership is required to take the course.

Laughter Sessions: The Laughter Club meets at the Arlington Heights Senior Center the second and fourth Monday of every month from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Laughter Club sessions are free and open to newcomers at any time. No reservations needed. Research shows that laughter can: strengthen the immune system; improve breathing, arterial blood flow, digestion and sleep; adjust blood pressure and blood sugar; relax muscles; burn calories and reduce pain.

For more information, call the Senior Center at (847) 253-5532.