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New programs at senior center

No-contact boxing added to activities in Waupaca

By Angie Landsverk


The types of activities offered at the Waupaca Senior Center continue to grow.

A choir has started, and a boxing class will soon be added for those with Parkinson’s disease.

Sara Reybrock will get certified to teach Rock Steady Boxing at Waupaca’s center.

She is the city’s senior center coordinator.

“Individuals with Parkinson’s will have the opportunity to participate in a program that’s geared toward strengthening, vocal improvement, using large muscles and movement, as well as balance to assist in maintaining and possibly improving physical and social abilities,” she said.

Rock Steady Boxing is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit gym founded in 2006 to provide a form of physical exercise for those living with Parkinson’s.

It is a non-contact, boxing-style fitness routine.

Reybrock said the program is offered in Wautoma.

She recently visited the community to observe the class.

Reybrock applied for Community Chest funds to help cover the cost of her training this spring and also the equipment needed to start the program here.

“After the training, this will be an affiliate site for Rock Steady Boxing,” she said.

Reybrock eventually wants to expand and also offer boxing classes for those who are interested.

Uplift Choir

Also new at the senior center is the Uplift Choir.

There was a choir at the center in the past, Reybrock said.

She said a current member of the center was involved and wanted to resurrect the idea.

The choir will sing for free at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“It just started this last month,” Reybrock said. “We’re starting to get songs and practice.”

They are choosing songs that span from the 1930s and 1940s to the 1960s and 1970s, with traditional American theme songs as well, she said.

“We called it the Uplift Choir because we want people to feel good when we sing,” Reybrock said.

She said they may also add skits and a bit of humor.

“It’s just a fun group,” Reybrock said.

The men and women in the choir practice at the center at 2 p.m. on Thursdays.

“Anyone interested is welcome to join,” she said. “We are a very casual, fun-loving group that is a karaoke kind of style.”

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