Went to my first T'ai Chi class and was pleasantly surprised, by what I didn't know about this discipline -- it's a martial art which can be practiced by people of all ages, some of my fellow classmates (such as Trudy, my 85-year-old friend) were able to participate without much trouble; by my maiden voyage -- I only felt as if I were going to lose my balance once, and the instructor, Kelly Phillips, complimented me on my form, once. I'll take it.

It was hard to believe at first that all the twisting from the torso while performing a series of hand movements could lead to Nirvana, but I really did feel calmer at the end of the hour. It is very soothing to direct the energy in your body through movement, and in turn allow that energy to increase your strength without a lot of strain. No pain, no gain isn't the mantra that moves this dance, it's the effortlessness of the action and reaction that keeps you going through the motions. Who knew! I'm hooked.

If you would like to experience the zen of T'ai Chi for yourself stop by the community center for the second annual Glenwood Health and Fitness Day, Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Other demos include Hatha Yoga, Energize It (Interval Training), or a Fit for Life session, consisting of 20 minutes of aerobics, 20 minutes of strength training and 20 minutes of abs work and flexibility. Cost: Free.

May Highlights

Art is happening in a big way at the center Monday, May 11, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. when an art reception of works of art by local senior artists will be on display and for sale (at the discretion of the artist.) Here's your chance to share your creativity with the public while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow art-lovers. Light refreshments will be served and everyone is invited. Call 410-313-5440 to reserve your table. Cost: Free.

Another group -- the Veterans -- will be honored with a special Veterans' Remembrance Luncheon, Thursday, May 14, 11:30 a.m. Veterans are asked to share their war memories in a round robin discussion, followed by lunch. Cost: Veterans, free; Guests, $4.

The Civil War Lecture Series continues with "Rediscovering Lincoln," Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon. Still considered a controversial figure by many, 200 years after his birth, this class, offered by Howard Community College, will take the measure of the man by analyzing his own words, and maybe reach a new conclusion about the country's 16th president. Register by May 13. Cost: $9, checks payable to Howard Community College.

There's still room in the popular Basic Fused Glass Pendant class taught by Cathy Burkett, Tuesday, May 19, 1 p.m. Class time is devoted to creating two original glass pieces which will then be fired, off site and picked up at a later date to be fashioned into a one-of-a-kind pendant. Registration is required as space is limited. Cost: $25.

If you care to try your hand at a larger piece you may want to register for the Stained Glass class, Monday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. The finished product may be bigger -- a stained glass sun-catcher -- but beginners are welcome. The class will cover the basics, from cutting the pieces to soldering, and all tools and supplies are included in the fee. Again, space is limited, so register early.

In May we celebrate Mother's Day, so I invite you to read Paula Forman's essay, Why I Relay, on the Relay for Life Web site, www.relayforlife.org/westernhoward, where she describes her son Sam's fight to survive a brain tumor, diagnosed when he was 11 years old, three years ago, and how family and friends, kin and classmates rallied around him. In this tight-times economy, donations are off, but every penny counts. You don't have to get on the track with the survivors to show you care, but you can dig in and donate any amount to support the American Cancer Society, an organization who's recent TV commercials end with: "The proud sponsor of birthdays." You can help give Sam and all the survivors many more.

To reach Judy Boman, e-mail her at judyboman@yahoo.com.

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