The contributions that volunteers make to nonprofit organizations are invaluable, and here at PSGDC every aspect of our work is improved by the services of volunteers. We are especially excited to tell you about three new program volunteers at our centers.

Heidi Steiner (far right, with Malvina D.) teaches art once a week at the 14th Street Center. She worked as a high school art teacher for 10 years, but is happy for the change in age groups. “I really look forward to coming in each week,” she says. Heidi enjoys all kinds of art, and under her tutelage members created beautiful holiday decorations. Now they are learning origami and decorating small planters.

Connie Opfell started a weekly yoga class in December at the Prospect Park West Center. Recently she decided to leave a management consultant career and shift to teaching yoga and life coaching. She is a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. “Yoga is good for circulation, and everything we do is great for alignment,” she says. One of the members commented after a breathing exercise, “I could really feel that in my back!” Connie practices this gentle form of exercise on her parents too, as she specializes in working with people who are flexibility challenged or suffering pain, such as from arthritis.

Eleanor Moretta (far right, with Mavis I.) is our new weaving teacher. She has a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Fiber Art from Syracuse University and has taught weaving at the Hudson River Museum. Among other things, she has a small business making and selling hammocks. Eleanor has been coming in to the 14th Street Center once a week since September. Already our industrious weavers have produced six pillows, two scarves, a satchel, a floor mat, and rag rugs. They hope to have a craft show in the coming months, so watch for notices and be sure to come and see their great work!

Thanks so much to Heidi and Connie and Eleanor. If you are interested in volunteering at Park Slope Geriatric Day Center, please call us at 718-499-7701.