Generation gap
Toolbox
By Gordon Dritschilo Staff Writer - Published: December 1, 2009
CASTLETON — The recreation commission wants to reach an older crowd.
Starting with dance and fitness classes, the commission has launched what it plans to develop into a series of programs for adults.
“It’s kind of a collaborative effort amongst the whole commission,” chairman Mark Cassidy said. “There isn’t a lot for adults to do and we got together and said, ‘Let’s start some programs.’ … Our main concern was the kids and we’ve got them pretty well filled-out with programs.”
Cassidy said the commission has offered adult programs in the past, but it was before any of the current members joined.
The fitness and dance classes run Tuesday nights at Castleton Elementary School, and Cassidy said the commission plans a snowshoeing program for the winter. He said the commission, which meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the elementary school, welcomes new ideas.
Ideas under discussion now include hiking and volleyball.
“There are some who go out of town for this stuff,” Cassidy said. “People go to Rutland to play adult basketball. I used to.”
Nicole Hadeka, who runs the fitness class, said she usually gets 20 to 25 people ranging in ages from their 30s to their 60s.
“We do a little of the Zumba — it’s a Latin-based fitness dance,” she said. “We incorporate some light hand weights for strength training. There’s cardio. We also do yoga and pilates.”
Hadeka said the classes, which cost $5, include variations for people of different ability levels.
“A beginner could step right in and be just as comfortable as someone looking for a challenging workout,” she said. “Any preventive measures someone can do to keep their health up, battling the sedentary lifestyle many adults end up having … will benefit them tenfold.”
Cassidy said the commission is still working through some logistical issues. They still need to settle on a location for the snowshoeing, he said, and are talking about getting access to the gym at the college because the elementary school gym is not always available.
He also said the commission hoped to be able to expand the recreation budget.
“We have to prove to the Select Board that these programs will be successful and make the money back,” he said.
gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com
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