`Lifelong Learning drums up interest in summer classes`

By David Odem
Herald Staff Writer

Instructor Dan Ferguson, Hubbard Oh., leads his drumming group through warm-ups at the beginning of class. (Jean Neice/Herald)

Sharon Lifelong Learning Council encourages kids and adults to pursue learning outside of the classroom.

The Summer Enrichment Programs, put together four years ago, follow this mission by offering a slate of classes that allow local youth to learn while being active during the summer.

The program continues to expand every year with new classes. This year, classes such as drumming, yoga, Microsoft Excel and volleyball are attracting many participants. Activities began in June and continue through August.

Coordinator Jim DeGenova said these programs are what the public is looking for.

“We wanted to have something for second- through sixth-graders that would be of interest for them and educational at the same time,” he said.

One thing that makes this program a success, DeGenova said, is the number of participating students.

“The attendance has been excellent,” he said. “There are 37 classes that we offer and there were close to 300 people already who have attended this summer,” he said.

A popular class among the younger set is drumming. Parents and students agreed that the drumming class is one of the best.

Dan Ferguson, drumming instructor, said, “This is a new class which was introduced this year. The program is going well and more people keep coming each week.

“For this class, the main focus is to learn about music, rhythm, timing and coordination. The only drawback about this program is that there aren’t enough people who know about it.”

The drumming class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays over an eight-week period. Before every class, Ferguson and his students do calisthenics including hand warm-ups. Throughout the class, they practice different drumming patterns.

“If I wouldn’t be here, I’d be home drumming by myself. The class helps a lot by teaching us our beats and rhythms,” said student Aaron Biro, 9, of Sharon.

“I like being here because I have fun,” said Courtney Jackson, 10, of Farrell.

Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy the class. Several adults, parents and wrap-around workers — people who work with children with various problems — have joined in on the fun.

Practicing rhythms on their knees are from right, Courtney Jackson, 10, Farrell; Aaron Biro, 9, of Sharon; Colman Munoz, 10, of Sharon; Brett Shepard, 10, of Farrell; and katie Rowlands, 10, of Sharon. These, and other local kids participate in the 1998 Summer Enrichment Programs. (Jean Neice/Herald)

“My son is learning rhythm and coordination really well,” said Marcia Jackson, Courtney’s mother. Ronanda Palmer, a wraparound for a participating student, agreed that the class is beneficial. “It’s something that he’s interested in and it teaches him to interact, receive instructions and how to work well with others,” she said.

“The instructor is very patient which makes his class very enjoyable.”

The 1998 Summer Enrichment Programs are free for Sharon residents but others may participate. The program is funded by Sharon Community Development agency and Sharon Recreation Board. Additional grants come from local foundations and banks.

“Everyone can benefit from this type of program because adults and kids alike get a learning experience,” DeGenova said.

“All anyone needs to do is call the office of the Sharon Lifelong Learning Council and you can be enrolled over the phone.”

Sharon Lifelong Learning Council: 981-6869.

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Updated July 14, 1998
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