It’s not only beginning of a new school year for the kids, but also the launch of a new line-up of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation classes for adults.

 

Starting within the next week or two and still open for enrollment are classes including yoga, Pilates, flower arranging and stamp camp.

 

Known for its overall health benefits, yoga is back to the Benedum Civic Center. Those who have previously practiced yoga and those brand new to the concept are welcome to register for the class taught by YogaFit Certified Instructor Gina M. Renzelli. She will be teaching levels one and two with classes starting Sept. 17. The first six-week session ends Oct. 22. Cost of the class is $72 for the full session or $15 for each class.

Proven to be quite popular among Bridgeport Parks and Recreation classes, Pilates will again be taught by Brandi Smith. Regardless of one’s age or physical condition, Pilates is an ideal low-impact workout for building long muscles, flexible joints, as well as achieving overall conditioning, she said. The class will take place Monday and Thursday evenings Sept. 8 through Oct. 23 and Nov. 3 through Dec. 18 (with the exception of Nov. 24 and 27). Class time is 6-7 p.m. and cost is $42 for the first seven-week session and $36 for the second session, consisting of six weeks of class.

 

For those seeking a less physical activity, Stamp Camp is again being offered with Kathy Hamrick serving as instructor. The class will be taught 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 30. Cost is $10 per class with no extra materials or experience necessary.

 

“It’s very easy and you need absolutely zero experience,” Hamrick said. “All the thought process has been done and I go through and demonstrate everything on site. It’s a remedial learning class and everything will come out looking very nice.”

 

The process involves the stamping of images, embellishing with ink and assembling season specific greeting cards, starting with fall designs and evolving into Thanksgiving and Christmas themes.

 

In addition to the craft time, the class provides good social opportunity, Helmick said.

 

“Come have some fun, get a good laugh and have an entertaining evening,” she said. “And it’s not like you’ll miss anything if you miss a class. You can pick right back up.”

Learn more about stamping by reading Helmick’s blog at countryroads.typepad.com.

 

Floral arranging with Cara Ewald is back, but will be limited to the holiday season. During the 10 a.m. Nov. 22 class, attendees will create a pine centerpiece which, with adequate watering, will last through the holiday season.

 

“We’ll have a couple different options,” Ewald said. “We’ll have a silver/gold design and also offer a more trendy option with bright colors.”

 

Again, no previous experience is necessary.

 

“I’ll walk you through everything,” Ewald said. “Some who take the class continue to do arranging on their own, but everyone seems to love it. Some might think it would be intimidating, but it’s laidback and easy.”

 

Cost is $10 per class plus $20 for materials.

 

As always, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation will also offer classes and activities for kids. Included this season are karate, youth wrestling, Fast Break basketball and Little Explorers science club.

 

For more information about any classes or to register, call 304-842-8200. Access a full activities guide HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top Renzelli and Ewald.