Bev White, 67 years young, has a song in her heart and a bounce in her step.
And a resolve to share them both with other senior women.
Since October, White, of Edwards Road in Casco, has been leading a free exercise class for women over 60 at the Casco Community Church. “Hep the Step” is an energetic celebration of music and dance that encourages its participants to get in shape and to socialize all at the same time.
From “Rock Around the Clock” to the “Hokey Pokey,” women can dance to the beat while moving at their own pace. And any casual observer can tell they’re having a great time.
Although weekly numbers fluctuate, White says about 25 women from 60 to 92-years-old attend the Wednesday morning classes, which always include a guest speaker or a discussion about an important topic at the end.
But for some, one class a week just wasn’t enough.
Responding to requests from some of her Windham participants, White has started a “Hep the Step” class at the Manchester School gymnasium. Meeting on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., this Windham class provides another opportunity to party hearty and wax philosophical at the same function.
A former office secretary at Manchester School, White said she got the idea for the program while she was still working.
“Many women said there’s not enough for older women to do,” she said.
So when White retired two years ago, after 18 years at the school, she decided to put her plan of blending exercise and social time into action.
Although White says leading two classes a week is enough for her, she would like to expand the program by teaching other women how to start and lead groups in other towns.
“It’s all volunteer,” White said. “I don’t want to get paid – it’s just because it’s needed.”
To register, call White at 627-4179.
Above, participants in Bev White
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