Community Calendar

A new year means a new start. Kick off 2012 by taking part in any of the following Health & Fitness Programs offered by Moon Township Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, visit www.moonparks.org.

- Karate: (Adults/Children Ages 6+); Ongoing through May; Mondays and Wednesdays; 6 p.m. for beginners and 7 p.m. for advanced; Moon High School Wrestling room. Registration is always open. Visit Web site for form to mail-in or to register. Fees begin at $45 for Moon residents per month

- Zumba for Kids: (Ages 8-12); Tuesdays, January 10 – February 14; 5 - 6 p.m.; Robin Hill Center; $45 Moon residents, $50 non-residents; Instructor: Christina Pales.

- Pilates: (Adults & Teens 15+); Thursdays) January 12 - February 16; 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.; Robin Hill Center; $45 Moon residents/$50 non-residents; Instructor: Judy Elias.

- Kardio Hip Hop: (Teens 15+ and Adults); Wednesdays - 2012 dates coming in January; 6 -7 p.m.; Rhema Christian School, 1301 Coraopolis Heights Road; $8 Drop-In Fee - discount for 6 weeks - $40 Moon resident/$45 non-residents; Instructor: Kam Niskach.

- Zumba Fitness: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6-week sessions, January 10 - February 14 and/or January 12 - February 16; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; on Tuesdays/Robin Hill Center, on Thursdays/Moon Township Municipal Building - Auditorium; $45 Moon residents/$50 non-residents - *$15 Discount Available, call for details; Instructors: Tuesday – Marci King, Thursday - Christy Covelli.

- Beginner Zumba – NEW CLASS: Mondays, January 16 - February 20; 6 - 7 p.m.; Moon Area High School Fitness Room; $45 Moon residents, $50 non-residents.

- Yoga Basics: (Ages 15+); Tuesdays, January 10 - January 31; 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Robin Hill Center; $40 Moon residents, $45 non-residents; Instructor: Jen Stratakis; OR Monday mornings, January 9 - January 30; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Robin Hill Center; $40 Moon residents, $45 non-residents; Instructor: Jen Stratakis. Great class for the yoga-curious! Meet our newest instructor, Jen Stratakis, for yoga basics. No experience required! If you have ever wanted to try yoga, this is the course for you. With regular practice, it can improve lung capacity, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, mental calm, and more.

- Zumba Gold (New Class for Seniors and Adults 60+); Mondays, January 9 - February 13; and/or February 20 - March 26; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.; Moon Township Municipal Building - Auditorium; $10 Discount for Seniors ONLY (60+); $35 Moon residents, $40 non-residents; all other adults regular Zumba rate $45 Moon residents, $50 non-residents.

Upcoming Events at Raccoon Creek State Park...

Oaks: The Frame of Civilization: Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oaks for centuries have been supremely adaptable trees and have supported humans and wildlife in nearly every facet of life. The oak tree’s greatest gift, its acorn, is prolific, nutritious, storable, and edible. It was the world’s first staple crop. During this workshop learn the history and identification of these great tree species. The majority of the workshop will focus on the processing of acorns by shelling, leaching, drying, grinding, storing, and utilizing acorn flour in a variety of recipes. Participants will process, cook, and sample a variety of acorn based foods. Pre-registration required on-line by January 20 at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar. Go to Raccoon Creek under "Select Facility." Cost $10. Details and location will be e-mailed to participants the week prior to the workshop. Call (724) 899-3611 or e-mail: paadams@pa.gov.

Art Club of Raccoon Creek: Sunday, January 29 & February 26, 2-5 p.m. Do you enjoy drawing, painting, or just being artistic? The Art Club of Raccoon Creek invites anyone from beginner to skilled artist to practice their artistic talents while enjoying the outdoors at Raccoon Creek State Park. Any media is welcome. Starting in January, the group meets the last Sunday of each month at the Wildflower Reserve Nature Center. Individuals and families welcome; small groups please call ahead. Call (724) 899-3611 or e-mail: paadams@pa.gov. Free program.

Family Ice Fishing: Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Discover just how much fun the cold weather can be when you and your family head outside for a PFBC Family Ice Fishing Program. Learn the basic skills of ice fishing like rigging and using a tip-up, working a jigging rod, selecting bait and lures, and using an auger to bore your fishing hole. Also learn about basic ice safety and how to determine adequate ice thickness for fishing. Experience ice fishing first hand - no fishing license required and all equipment is provided. Adults must bring a child and children must bring an adult since you’ll be learning and fishing together. Pre-registration required on the PA Fish and Boat Commissions web site at http://pfbc.state.pa.us/Calendar/Default.aspx. For questions, call Mandy, (814) 443-9841. Free program.

Introduction to Winter Camping: Tuesday, February 7, 7-9 p.m. Learn all the basics for cold weather camping and get out and enjoy the winter season. The indoor preparation class will cover clothing, camping equipment, and safety, and will prepare participants for a weekend campout in the park on February 18 and 19. The February 7 preparation class will be held at the park’s Wildflower Reserve Interpretive Center on Route 30. You must attend the preparation class to participate in the campout. For questions, call (724) 899-3611 or e-mail: paadams@pa.gov. Free Program. No pre-registration required, just show up on February 7.