A4 feature story SENIORS FLEX THEIR MUSCLES


The old adage that things “get bet- ter with age” is surely true for Westchester senior citizens – and the Lazarus Gallery has the proof. The nursing home and rehabilitation pavil- ion at United Hebrew of New Rochelle is celebrating the active lifestyles of some very special local seniors. The athletic and energetic ways of life of these men and women are impressive to onlookers of any age. A photograph- ic portraits series, We Are Champions: Senior Athletes in Motion is on view through October. It features several local residents – all 80 years of age or older – in their own active environ- ments.


The work of 14 Westchester pho- tographers captures the dedication and energy of these seniors. Gym


aficionado Lester Zimmerman dis- plays athletic prowess getting in shape at the gym to keep up with his grandchild. Eugene Grant plays tennis for the camaraderie of friends while staying fit. Arthur Spinner, an 88-year-old ballroom dancer’s advice to young people is to “keep active – walk, dance or move and you will feel better.” Marietta Abeles-Mogan, an active exerciser, adds that “keeping active has helped [her] to enjoy the things [she] loves.”


Master yoga instructor Tao Porchon- Lynch, at 93 years old, exhibits yoga skills that can put anyone to shame. The oldest yoga teacher, according the Guinness Book of World Records, uses yogic principles to transcend the effects of aging and shows her readers that


yoga is a vital ingredient to a healthy and fulfilling life.


United Hebrew is a nonprofit senior liv- ing campus offering an array of skilled and community-based programs and services that promote the highest qual- ity of life. Rita Mabli, President and CEO, says that the champion seniors featured in the exhibition “are role models for healthy living and although all are aging, they have not let that define them.” In a society of televi- sion-watching and computers, we should take a note from our active and empowered elders. For more informa- tion, visit: www.uhgc.org.


Westchester County Business Journal • ARTSWNEWS


JULY 2012


Tao Porchon-Lynch, 93-year-old master yoga instructor, is one of the champions featured in the We Are Champions: Senior Athletes in Motion exhibition at United Hebrew of New Rochelle's Lazarus Gallery. Photo credit: Mariela Dujovne Melamed


JULY ARTS WORKSHOPS School may be out for summer, but there is no shortage of learning opportunities this season in Westchester. From creative writing, to cinema, to break dancing, there is something for everyone.


We live in a digital world and the Center for the Digital Arts at SUNY Westchester Community College in Peekskill is amped up to prepare pre-teens and young adults to thrive in it. Their pre-college program for children and teens ages 7-17 offers 3D Animation, Game Design and Multimedia Storytelling. There are many courses for adults as well. www.sunywcc.edu/peekskill.


Rye Arts Center is focused on young ones this summer also, offering fun classes like “The Art of Rock,” which teaches students the skills to play together in a band. www.ryeartscenter.org.


High schoolers looking to improve their writing skills can join the staff at Sarah Lawrence College for their “Writer’s Village” Creative Writing Intensive that offers readings, craft talks, and free writing periods that are designed to supplement learning. www.slc.edu/ce/pre-college/summer.


by Lisa DiCarlucci


Opportunities present themselves throughout the summer: Dancers can enjoy several dance intensives at Steffi Nossen School of Dance, including Hip Hop and Break Dancing for Boys. www.steffinossen.org.


History buffs and their children can step back into the 19th century with a special visit to Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. www.hudsonvalley.org.


The Center for Arts at WCC has a Lego Camp and Summer Art Intensive for teens, while the Mount Vernon Theater Company will be offering free performing arts classes for children throughout the summer. www.sunywcc.edu/arts and www.mountvernontheatercompany.com.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17