ALL EVENTS, ACTIVITIES and CLASSES

Join us for a blended worship service of traditional and contemporary styles each Sunday at 8:30a.m. or 10:30a.m.

First United Methodist Church is located at 621 E. Main St., Lowell.  You may contact us at 897-5936.

Youth.  TOTS Alto Playgroup

Thursdays 9:30-10:30.  $1 per child per session.  Alto Elementary, 6150 Bancroft, Alto.  Lori at TOTS 987-2532.

Youth.  Dec 27-Jan 21

SNOWPALOOZA – SNOWMAN-BUILDING FAMILY FUN!

Have some winter fun and build a snowman on the library grounds. Pick up your “Build a Snowman” kit from the circulation desk and have fun creating snowpeople outside the library. Participation stickers for everyone; staff will photograph the creations and patrons will vote for their favorite!  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday  8:30-10:00 or 10:00-11:30.  $1 per child per session.  Bushnell Elementary, 700 Elizabeth, Lowell, room 106.  Lori at TOTS 987-2532.

Oak Hill Place

2991 Alden Nash Avenue, S.E. Lowell

Cost - $5.00 drop-in fee / discount rate of $54 for 18 sessions

Classes: Begin January 4 and run for 6-week sessions.

Youth.  Dec 5- Feb 27 

Family Storytime

Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement as a family; develop early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.  For children 6 and under.  Mondays 10:30 am.  Kent District Library – Alto Branch, 784-2007

11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. or

12:30p.m. to 1:30p.m.

Call 897-7055 for more information.

$5 per class

WALKING AT BUSHNELL

WALKING AT BUSHNELL - Bushnell Elementary opens their doors from 4:30– 6:00pm each school day to provide the community a safe, dry environment in which to walk. We invite you to participate in this activity. Please call or email to register.

YOUTH CHEERLEADING – YOUNG CHAMPIONS - Learning choreographed pom-pom and dance routines.  You will also learn the most popular jumps, leaps, and several other skills required for school tryouts.  There are optional events offered.  Optional uniforms and merchandise can be purchased at class.  These classes are offered to boys and girls ages 4-15.  Each class is 45 minutes.  Mondays,  Registration night is TBD.  6:00pm.  Cherry Creek Cafeteria.  Classes are $7 each week.  Reg fee: $7.

BODY SCULPTING - Define yourself! Tone up with weights, from beginner to advanced fitness levels.  This class is designed to firm your entire body and lose weight too!  Bring a set of hand weights, an exercise mat/towel & water.  Becky Ewing.  Mondays & Wednesdays, Open enrollment-join anytime.  Lowell Middle School Choir Room.  7pm – 8pm

BODY SCULPTING

Define yourself! Tone up with weights, from beginner to advanced fitness levels.  This class is designed to firm your entire body and lose weight too!  Bring a set of hand weights, an exercise mat/towel & water.  Becky Ewing. Mondays & Wednesdays, Open enrollment-join anytime, beginning September 12.             Lowell Middle School Choir Room.  7pm – 8pm.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

ZUMBA - Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements, which create a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system!  This class format combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body in an aerobic/fitness fashion to achieve a unique blended balance.  Zumba is "Exercise in Disguise."  Leah Carpenter.  Mondays, Open enrollment-join anytime.  7pm-8pm.  Lowell Middle School Cafeteria.  2 visits for $14, 4 visits for $24, 10 visits for $60.

ZUMBA

YOUTH CHEERLEADING – YOUNG CHAMPIONS

This fun course is designed for making friends while learning choreographed pom-pom and dance routines.  You will also learn the most popular jumps, leaps, and several other skills required for school tryouts.  There are optional events offered such as competitions, tournaments, parades and clinics.  (some events are seasonal)  Optional uniforms and merchandise can be purchased at class. Optional Pom Poms are available.  These classes are offered to boys and girls ages 4-15.  Each class is 45 minutes.  Mondays, Registration night is Sept. 19.  5:30pm.  Cherry Creek Cafeteria.  Classes are $7 each week.  Registration fee: $7.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

9:30-10:30a.m. or

11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

$5.00 per class

YOUTH.  Jan 7

Tumbling Tots Session 3 Begins 

Runciman Gym.   9:00 or 9:45.  6 weeks/ $18 per child.  Registration Required.  Call Lori Buys at TOTS on TOTS on Track for School, 987-2532

WOMEN’S COMPETITIVE VOLLEYBALL

Julie Quist.  Tuesdays, Open enrollment-join anytime, beginning September 6.  7pm-9pm.  Lowell Middle School Gym.  $30 for September-January.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

WOMEN’S COMPETITIVE VOLLEYBALL - Julie Quist.  Tuesdays.  7pm-9pm.  Lowell Middle School Gym.  Jan – Jun. $30, Open enrollment – join anytime. 

We gather every Wednesday, during the school year until 5:30 for games, craft and music.  There is no cost and have transportation from the area elementary schools.  For more info contact the church 897-5936.

Jamie Trierweiler

roy@glis.net

Youth.  Dec 7- Feb 29

Chess Anyone?   

Drop in and play chess at the library.  All ages and skill levels welcome.  Wednesdays at 4:00pm.  Kent District Library – Alto Branch, 784-2007

LINE DANCING - Line dancing is easy and can be a great workout.  You don't need a partner; just get on the floor and follow along.  Brad Smith.  Wednesdays.  6:00-7:00pm.  Cherry Creek Elementary Cafeteria.  $8/class. 

BALLROOM DANCING - So you think you can dance? This class will teach you enough to dance at the next wedding, reunion or night on the town.  Singles and couples welcome!  Brad Smith.  Wednesdays.  7:00-8:00pm.  Cherry Creek Elementary Cafeteria.  $8/class.

CO-ED NON-REGULATION VOLLEYBALL - All you will need is basic volleyball skills, so come have some fun and get plenty of exercise. Tom & Stacy Sutton.  Wednesdays.  7pm-9pm.  Alto Elementary School Gym.  Jan – Jun.  $30, Open enrollment – join anytime. 

CO-ED NON-REGULATION VOLLEYBALL

All you will need is basic volleyball skills, so come have some fun and get plenty of exercise.  Tom & Stacy Sutton.  Wednesdays, Open enrollment-join anytime, beginning September 7.  7pm-9pm.  Alto Elementary School Gym.  $30 for September-January.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

MEN’S COMPETITIVE VOLLEYBALL

Men come and enjoy aggressive 4-on4 volleyball. An understanding of USAV rules is a prerequisite.  Bring in your team of four and play other highly advanced teams. Edward Nausieda.  Wednesdays, Open enrollment-join anytime, beginning September 7.  7pm-10pm.  Murray Lake Elementary Gym.  $30 for September-January.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

OPEN DANCE - Now that you have taken dance classes or maybe you don’t need lessons and would like to have the opportunity to dance.  Whether single or a couple, join us for an hour of fun dance. Brad Smith.  Wednesdays.  8:00-9:00pm.  Cherry Creek Elementary Cafeteria.  $5/person or $8/couple.

YOUTH.  BATON TWIRLING - Students are instructed in the art of baton twirling, learning twirls and tricks with one and two batons.  Students will perform their routines for parents, relatives and friends the last night of each session.  These classes are offered to boys and girls ages 4 and up.  Each class is 45 minutes.  New Expressions Dance-Twirl. Thursdays, 4-7 years - 6:00pm, 8 years & up – 7:00pm.  Bushnell Elementary Gym.  $5/class.

YOUTH.  STRINGS - Learn the Violin and Viola.  These classes will be held for one hour, once a week in the Middle School Orchestra Room.  If you need to rent or purchase an instrument, there will be an instrument night on TBD in the Lowell Middle School Orchestra Room.  Nick Rolls, Breanna McKendrick.  Grades:  K – 5^th.  Thursdays.  Time:  TBD.  LMS Orchestra Room.  $8/class.

YOUTH.  Sep 22

BATON TWIRLING

This program promotes and develops: Physical Fitness, Artistic Expression, Competitive Spirit, Self-Confidence, and Poise.  Students are instructed in the art of baton twirling, learning twirls and tricks with one and two batons.  They also have fun with rhythmic twirling ribbons and pom-poms, putting these skills to music.  They will put the twirls and tricks they learn into fun dance-twirl and parade programs.  Students will perform their routines for parents, relatives and friends the last night of each session.  These classes are offered to boys and girls ages 4 and up.  Each class is 45 minutes.  New Expressions Dance-Twirl.  Thursdays, beginning Sept 22.  4-7 years - 6:00pm.  8 years & up – 7:00pm.  Bushnell Elementary Gym.  $5/class.  Lowell Community Education 987-2550 or tstranger@lowellschools.com

Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Cherry Creek Elementary School.  Improvisation is an important tool for an actor to have under their belt.  In this class, we will use improvisation games and activities to develop spontaneity, reaction skills, and overall stage presence.  We will look at everything from pantomime to voice and diction as students prepare for a final improvisation performance for family and friends on Nov 11.  The students will learn how to use audience participation and suggestions to form their scenes and characters.  Fee: $50.  Lowell Area Arts Council, 897-8545

PICKLEBALL - Pickleball, which intertwines aspects of the most well-known racquet sports: badminton, table tennis and tennis, is a fun game that is played on a court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball.  It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.  Angie Reedy.  Thursdays.  7pm-9pm.  Location:  TBD.  Jan – Jun.  $30, Open enrollment – join anytime. 

Jan 8

Christmas Tree Recycling

Sunday, 1:00 pm.  Looking for an environmentally friendly way to dispose of your Christmas tree? Bring it out to the WWC before 12:00 noon on Sunday, January 8th to be shredded and used for mulch around the Center. Please do not bring out any items that contain wire such as wreaths or garland as we do not have the ability to remove the wire. No trees will be accepted after 12:00 noon January 8th. Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center, 616-987-2565, mjohnson@lowellschools.com.

9:30-10:30a.m. or

11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

$5.00 per class

Water Aerobics

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.(Mon.,Wed., Fri.) Call Kathryn with Questions: 616.446.3707.  Session I  Jan 9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30 Feb 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17. 

Morning Yoga

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (Mon., Wed., Fri.) Call Rebecca with Questions: 616.690-2706.  Session I Jan 9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30 Feb 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17.  Session II Feb 27,29. 

Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 February 7(Tues)

Sci-Tech - CSI

During this five-week program students will learn how to take fingerprints of each other, dust for prints, and identify trace evidence.  Make foot print/tire casts and learn how to make facial reconstruction and facial composite drawings using computer technology. Mr. Jim Kovach.  Mondays, 4-5:30pm.  Cherry Creek Elementary.  $49.  Lowell Community Education. 987-2550, tstranger@lowellschools.com

BEGINNER HORSEBACK RIDING

The course has been designed as a beginning program for the student who has had very little interaction with horses.  The first class will be an un-mounted session focusing on how to safely handle, groom, bathe, tack-up and care for a horse.  These horsemanship lessons will be combined with riding instruction for the following three classes.  YOUTH.  ABOUT RIVENDELL STABLES…- Rivendell Stables is proud to present a number of beginning horseback riding sessions.  We offer beginner to advanced hunt-seat and hunter/jumper riding lessons in a fun and safe learning environment.  7 & Up   (Limit 4 students).  Kelly 897-8976 (barn phone).  Mondays, Session I: January 9, 16, 23, 30.  Session II:  February 6, 13, 20, 27.  6-7:30pm.  Rivendell Stables,

Evening Yoga

7-8 p.m. (Mon eve.) Call Susan with Questions: 6616.307.0276.  Session I: Jan 9,16,23,30 Feb 6,13.  Session II: Feb 27. 

Jan 10

ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION

“Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley.  All adults welcome. No registration required. Tuesday at 10 a.m. Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Ages 13-17.  Great for all levels of fitness.  The group will work through a circuit of cardio and strength machines to improve your health and Wellness.  Tuesday & Thursday: 3:15pm to 4:00pm.  YMCA Member: $30.  Non-Member: $60

Youth.  Jan 10

BE A MINER ‘49ER

Hey everyone, mosey on down to your library for some good, old-fashioned , Gold Rush-inspired fun! Crafts, games and activities for all ages. Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 11 - Mar 21

Team up for the Weight Loss Challenge

Weigh-ins Wednesdays 6:00-9:00 a.m., 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m. at Snap Fitness in Lowell

ALL NEW this year Lowell Community Wellness is partnering with Snap Fitness for the Weight Loss Challenge. Join as an individual or gather your team to help each other keep that New Year's resolution of getting in shape and losing a few pounds. It's not just weigh-ins any longer. Each participant gets a 20 workout punch card, online nutrition support & a fit score session. Team prizes will be awarded for the most pounds lost. Details are online at www.lowellcommunitywellness.org. So, grab your team and join the fun!

Jan 10 - Feb 5

WORKS IN PROGRESS ART EXHIBITION

LowellArts! King Gallery, 149 S. Hudson.  Silent Auction Jan 31 – Feb 5; Closing Reception/Auction Concludes Feb 5 from 2-4 p.m.  In this LowellArts! invitational event, artwork arrives at the gallery unfinished.  As the exhibition progresses, visitors are invited to add their creative touch to the pieces. Completed artworks will be available for purchase through a silent auction from Jan 31 – Feb 5.  LowellArts! (616) 897-8545 www.lowellartsmi.org.

Youth.  Jan 12

ALPHABET SAFARI

Take a trip on the wild side and hunt for your favorite letters-safari style! This virtual journey to the savannah and jungle will let kids experience the alphabet through interactive and creative activities. For ages 6 and under. Thursday at 10:30 a.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 12

COMPUTER BASICS – MOUSING AND MORE

Learn to use the mouse with this class for beginners that includes general typing information. Registration for these free computer classes begins November 14, 2011 for KDL cardholders and November  21, 2011 for non-KDL cardholders. For adults.  To register, please call 616-784-2007. Thursday at 1 p.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Youth.  Jan 13 

TOTS Little Chefs Cooking Class.  2 Fridays.   Ages 3-5.  $8 per child.  Registration Required.  Lori at TOTS 987-2532.

Youth.  Jan 17 and 19

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC

Bring your teddy bear to the library for a quick check-up! Learn ways to keep Teddy healthy and happy and even get a clean bill of health. For all ages. Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 17

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BUSINESS MEETING

All members are encouraged to attend. Your input is important regarding library programming and service projects. Tuesday at 10 a.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 19

COMPUTER BASICS - INTERNET BASICS

This class teaches beginners how to navigate and find information on the Internet. Prerequisites: Be able to use a mouse and a keyboard. Registration for these free computer classes begins November 14, 2011 for KDL cardholders and November 21, 2011 for non-KDL cardholders. For adults.  To register, please call 616-784-2007. Thursday at 1 p.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 21

YOUTH.  BABYSITTING TRAINING

This class will provide all participants the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and responsible care for infants and children.  We focus on five key areas: Leadership, Safety and safe play, Basic first aid, Critical emergency action skills, Professionalism.  An American Red Cross Certificate is issued upon completion.  Ages 11-15 years. Bring a snack lunch.  Runciman Building Rm 104.  Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm.  $50 includes handbook and certificate.  Lowell Community Education. 987-2550, tstranger@lowellschools.com

Youth.  Jan 21 

Project Sleuth-An Art History Mystery 

An international art scandal, a haunted architectural masterpiece, and a world-renowned sculpture that suddenly disappears!  Popular author Blue Balliett’s “Chasing Vermeer” series of artful mysteries are the basis for this program filled with games, crafts and activities.  Can you solve the mystery?  10:30 am.  Kent District Library – Alto Branch, 784-2007

Youth.  Jan 24

HOT TECH TOPIC-GADGET PETTING ZOO

Get your hand on the latest downloadable devices such as the Noon, iPad and more!  Explore how you can use these devices to download free music, eBooks and eAudiobooks from KDL’s digital collection. No registration required. Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Youth.  Jan 26 – Feb 23

FAMILY STORYTIME

Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement as a family; develop early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading. For ages 6 and under with a caregiver. No registration required. Thursday at 10:30 a.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 26

COMPUTER BASICS – E-MAIL BASICS

A workshop designed to help beginning computer users effectively navigate and use a Yahoo email account. Prerequisites: Be able to use the mouse and keyboard and create a Yahoo account before the day of class. Our library staff can assist you if needed. Registration for these free computer classes begins November 14, 2011 for KDL cardholders and November 21, 2011 for non-KDL cardholders. For adults. To register, please call 616-784-2007. Thursday at 1 p.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 27 and 28

MID-WINTER USED BOOK SALE

Need some good books for the long winter? Come shop our book sale – good reads at great prices! Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007

Jan 31

Babytime

Delight and stimulate your baby with songs, a story and playtime. Get to know other families and help your baby develop listening and language skills. For babies from birth to 18 months with a caregiver.  Tuesdays at 1 p.m.  Kent District Library - Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 784-2007