This January, the Oxford Community Center can help you beat cabin fever! From exercise classes to free classic movies, a screening of “Selma” on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, to a Disney movie sing along, there are reasons to come together to beat the winter doldrums.
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m., instructor Janet Pfeffer leads 45-minute “Steady and Strong” exercise classes. Participants have raved about this class for adults who seek enhanced core and muscle strength along with better balance, posture, and flexibility. No special equipment needed; just wear comfortable clothes, resistance bands are provided. Pfeffer has been leading Steady and Strong at the St. Michaels YMCA and Londonderry since 2009. She is sponsored and trained by the YMCA of the Chesapeake. The class meets for 45 minutes twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:15 am. The drop in cost is $8 per class, or you can pay $50 per month, which includes all classes for the month.
Beginning on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7pm, OCC introduces a classic movie series, with the 1935 best picture nomination, “Ruggles of Red Gap.” On the first Thursdays of January, February, and March, OCC will be showing 2014 additions to the National Film Registry. Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the Librarian of Congress names 25 films to the National Film Registry that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. The films must be at least 10 years old. “Ruggles of Red Gap” is a comedy-romance from 1935, which was nominated for best picture. Charles Laughton, known for such serious roles as Nero, King Henry VIII and later as the 1935 Captain Bligh, takes on comedy in this tale of an English manservant won in a poker game by American Charlie Ruggles, a member of Red Gap, Washington’s extremely small social elite. Laughton, in understated valet fashion, worriedly responds: “North America, my lord. Quite an untamed country I understand.” However, once in America, he finds not uncouth backwoodsmen, but rather a more egalitarian society that soon has Laughton reciting the Gettysburg Address, catching the American spirit and becoming a successful businessman. Aided by comedy stalwarts ZaSu Pitts and Roland Young, Laughton really shows his acting range and pulls off comedy perfectly. Each of the films is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine will be available to purchase. To pre-register, please call 410-226-5904 or e-mail [email protected].
On Monday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m, join OCC in remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Selma” is the story of a movement, with the film chronicling the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. King led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” tells the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. King and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The screening of “Selma” is free and open to the public.
Kids can’t stop singing along to Disney’s “Frozen,” so let them! On Sunday, Jan. 24, at 2:30 p.m., OCC will have a “Frozen” sing along. This enchanting sing-along includes a full screening of the #1 animated film of all time, with lyrics appearing on screen and OCC’s own ‘princesses’ will show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices, and teach you some hand actions and heckles before you sit back and “Let it Go.” Costumes are encouraged! The audience are the stars as they interact with the film. A prop bag, Frozen-inspired snacks, and a few surprises are also included! The cost of the “Frozen” sing is $8, and financial assistance is available.
For more information on OCC’s events and programs, please call 410-226-5904, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.oxfordcc.org.
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