Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) Recreation Programming for January-February 2024

By Manor Park Chronicle

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) Recreation Supervisor Melanie Proulx

I want to say a big welcome to 2024 and all the amazing things it will bring for us. This is my first winter season with Manor Park Community Council, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the community comes together in the colder months.

Firstly, I want to mention our recreational youth programs. The Jr. NBA program will be returning this winter to the gyms at Manor Park Public school on Tuesdays starting February 6!

We will also be providing youth skating lessons on the outdoor rink starting towards the end of January. Registration is already online so anyone who would like to register their child(ren) for the program can.

We’re excited to begin cooking classes at the recreational after-school program in the new Manor Park Community Centre! Children will be learning how to prepare after-school snacks, and even pack their lunch bag! There are spots available on select weekdays. Email me for details at mproulx@manorpark.ca.

Secondly, I am super excited to get the rink going. I will admit, I have never put a rink together and I am not ashamed to ask for some help. We are always looking for volunteers to help clean our magnificent rinks. Don’t think of it as work, think of it as a way to give back to the community.

The rinks will be used by all sorts of people, including those doing skating lessons and even our after-school programs.

Lastly, I am thrilled to be a part of the Skating Party and Chili Cook-off February 3 this year! A little birdy told me the MPCC after-school programs may be putting together something to enter in the competition this year, come by to found out how tasty their submissions will be!

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) Recreation Programming—For teens and adults

Arts

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) drawing class

Drawing: Fundamentals with Lindsay Watson

Dive into the learnable skill of drawing accurately and expressively! Hone your understanding of form building, shading, rendering, and perspective, through landscape, still-life, and figure drawing. Pencil, pen, and conte will be explored. All levels welcome. Supplies not included.

Course instructor Lindsay Watson, Bachelor of Fine Arts, brings years of art and teaching experience. A teacher at the Ottawa School of Art and Shenkman Arts Center, her work can be found hung in the foyer of the Manor Park Community Center, among other local art galleries.

Eight weeks, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays starting January 24

1805 Gaspé Ave.

$184

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) acrylic painting class

Acrylic Painting: Fundamentals with Lindsay Watson

A fun and creative class where you will get the most out of your acrylics! Learn the fundamentals of colour mixing, composition, and paint application while exploring traditional and non-traditional subject matter, such as landscapes, portraits, and abstraction. All levels welcome. Supplies not included.

Course instructor Lindsay Watson, Bachelor of Fine Arts, brings years of art and teaching experience. A teacher at the Ottawa School of Art and Shenkman Arts Center, her work can be found hung in the foyer of the Manor Park Community Center, among other local art galleries.

Eight weeks, 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays starting January 24

1805 Gaspé Ave.

$184

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) watercolour painting class

Watercolour Painting with Laurie Hemmings

Join resident watercolour painting teacher, Laurie Hemmings for this popular arts program. Individual style is encouraged with lots of one-on-one instruction. Specific lessons are discussed in the first session. Expect to practice and learn new skills. Explore this beautiful medium in a safe and supportive environment. All levels welcome. Supplies not included.

Instruction is by popular local artist and experienced art instructor, Laurie Hemmings. Laurie’s classes at Manor Park have gathered a large and loyal following of artists–and are known to sell-out!

Eight weeks, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting January 20

1805 Gaspé Ave.

$184

Wellness

Let’s talk menopause and why nutrition matters–with Kelly Beaton

Do you feel fatigued, anxious, moody, brain fog and not like yourself. If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing menopause–then this presentation is for you! Let’s examine the effect of menopause on your brain and identify steps to feel better through diet and lifestyle.

About the facilitator: Kelly Beaton is a practicing registered holistic nutritionist with an advance certificate in cognitive support related to nutrition and brain health. She is passionate about supporting women’s health and providing tools to help minimize the negative impacts of menopause while supporting brain health and overall well-being.

Taking place 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday January 25

1805 Gaspé Ave.

$12

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) sound bath class

Sound bath experience

Experience a relaxing, hour-long sound experience with Jennifer Bell of Ottawa Sound Therapy. Be immersed in the sounds of singing bowls, gongs, ocean drums, rainsticks and more. Bring a soft mat and blanket then drift away on soothing sound vibrations. Deeply relaxing, meditative, healing, grounding, calming and restorative. These are ways people have described their sound bath experience.

Class instructor Jennifer Bell has extensive training in the field, as a certified voice practitioner and educator. Find her full bio at www.ottawasoundtherapy.com/.

Takes place 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday January 30

1805 Gaspé Ave.

$25

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) Recreation Programming–Fitness

All fitness and yoga programs now take place in our bright, clean and freshly renovated studio, located at 1805 Gaspé Ave.! Expect large windows and fresh décor–a comfortable space to move your body. New classes have been added for more flexibility and options!

How to attend

10-Class Fitness Pass

Our most popular option year after year – as voted by our participants! 10-Class Fitness Pass is available for those who want more flexibility or who will only attend classes periodically. Attend what you want – when you want! (Note: it will be mandatory for pass holders to register online in advance before attending fitness classes)

$150

Unlimited Fitness Pass

Any MPCC fitness class for four months! Non-transferable. Non-refundable.

$320

Drop-in

Drop-ins are always welcome. Register online for individual classes.

$20

Manor Park Community Council strong and stable class

Stay Strong and Stable – Instructor: Louise Hannant (Our most popular class!)

Let instructor Louise Hannant guide you through a series of exercises that strengthen the legs, work on balance and coordination. This class can help you prevent falls, add years of independent living, and help manage chronic conditions. Heart Wise programs have been accredited by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Heart Wise programs provide excellent exercise for the heart, promote longevity–and contribute to an active lifestyle. (Note: This class no longer qualifies under the 10-Class Fitness Pass.)

12 weeks, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting January 2

$171

12 weeks, 10:30 to 11:30 am. Thursdays starting January 4

$171

Pilates - Instructor: Catherine Hachigan

Pilates provides the basis for strength training, focusing on stability, mobility and control. It is a calisthenics-based workout using your body weight, an isometric-based workout with holds, pushes and pulls and a plyometric-based workout with bouncing to create elasticity in the fascia and release of joints.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) hatha yoga progam

Hatha Yoga – Instructor: Nina LePage

This classic hatha class is for all levels. Stretch, unwind and use different breathing exercises, plus a nice relaxing cool down. Nina combines gentle hatha poses with breathing exercises. Live in each breath as you move from pose to pose, relieving stress and stiffness in mind and body.

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays

7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays

10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays

Yoga Flow – Instructor: Rena Argiropulos

A class accessible to all levels. Flow through a series of gentle yet dynamic movements. Build strength, increase flexibility, and improve balance. Intentional breathing and mindful movement, will release tension, reduce stress to promote a connection with your inner peace.

Instructor will provide modifications to meet individual needs.

6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays

Total body functional training – Instructor: Sophia Wood Massicotte

Suitable for all fitness levels (modifications for mild, medium or spicy!). The essence of this class is to train and strengthen all areas of our body being used for the positions we live and move in. Think about your daily activities: from bending over, getting groceries out of a car, to cleaning your house. Often, these movements, done over and over, can lead to injuries. Use a combination of bodyweight exercises, pilates-inspired movements, and yoga.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Early Morning Full Body Workout – Instructor: Chelsea Passmore & Sophia Wood Massicotte

All levels are welcome to join in this energizing, early-morning workout class. Focus on high intensity intervals that offer a mix of cardio, core and weight exercises. Class formats are mixed to keep you on your toes and help everyone stay motivated. All exercises offer adaptations so that everyone can feel comfortable.

6:15 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) Recreation Programming–Events

Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off 2024

The two Manor Park rinks come alive with hockey games and pleasure skating during our annual Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off. On the first Saturday in February, the party opens with our ‘Manor Park Winter Classic’ exhibition hockey games between local teams.

Following the games, families take to the ice to build up an appetite for the chili cook-off entries, hot dogs and s’mores! Glowing bonfires keep everyone toasty, while twinkling lights overhead in the trees and a light snowfall make the skating party the perfect outdoor family event! Featuring appearances by the Ottawa 67’s Mascot, Riley the Racoon!

Saturday February 3

3 to 5 p.m. – Manor Park Winter Classic Hockey Game

5 to 7 p.m. – Skating party and chili

Want to participate in the Manor Park Winter Classic? Express your Interest at: mproulx@manorpark.ca

Manor Park Recreational After-School Program – Bracelets for The Opportunity Fund

Just before the holiday season, the children in the recreational after-school program were hard at work making Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets. The bracelets were all made uniquely but with their own story. Some of them had words such as happy, hug and cat; others were made with beautiful patterns.

The children had decided to sell these bracelets at MPCC’s Holiday Night Market on December 2, where all the proceeds would go towards the Opportunity Fund.

For those who don’t know, the Opportunity Fund is used to send those facing financial barriers to MPCC programs free of charge or at a reduced rate. Due to the success and incredible creativity of the kids, bracelets will continue to be sold at other MPCC events, such as the Skating Party and Chili Cook-Off.

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