Miami University Recreation Blog

I have been a regular at the REC Center since its inception in racquetball and now pickleball, running, walking in colder weather, and weight training. I was the only Miami faculty member on the planning committee for the REC Center with numerous meetings and trips to study other recreation centers. I have been a paid and volunteer racquetball instructor and currently have taught and mentored a group of senior players for almost a year. The most enjoyable of my time at the REC Center has been more than a year of teaching my granddaughter volleyball skills.

My exercise program includes walking and biking, weight training, daily remedial back exercises, and pickleball playing.   One must have a variety of activities in a regular exercise program for most physical health benefits and to maintain interest.  I enjoy singing in a barbershop chorus, reading mysteries, playing bridge and card games, and being with others.  The best activity I have done in my retirement years is joining and being an active member of Kiwanis.  And in the past year, OASH, for finding solutions to the homeless and housing problems in Oxford also helps me live well.  The enjoyment I receive from community service also aids my mental health.  Various painting projects at Talawanda Oxford Pantry & Social Services for Kiwanis and at the Oxford Methodist Church are also part service and part enjoyment.

Jan Broekhoff (Toledo faculty) was a mentor for understanding quality teaching and 

Harriet Williams (also Toledo faculty) drastically increased my knowledge of children’s development for optimal education planning.

Harriet Williams (also Toledo faculty) drastically increased my knowledge of children’s development and psychomotor and perceptual.

Mostly, it is my regular use of the REC Center for personal development but being there provided an opportunity to introduce racquetball to visiting Chinese students and others.

I also met a number of REC instructors and developed relationships with them that enabled me to interact and learn from each other.  I assisted with a one-morning pickleball clinic and have continued mentoring part of this group for about a year.  The REC Center has helped my volunteering and use my skill teaching, which is enjoyable.

Spend at least the same amount of time in various Miami activities, extra options/activities, and helping others as one can in uptown or other social activities.  Be careful with your money.  Try to spend some interest in activities that are outside your normal thinking.

There are two.  My involvement in planning the current REC Center is one.  The other, more significant one, are years of playing racquetball at Withrow, Phillips or the REC Center with friends and colleagues who were wonderful sportspersons and fun to play with and against.