The Tellico Village Property Owners Association recreation department staff wishes everyone a happy and healthy new year. We invite you to take advantage of your recreation facilities along with the many programs and activities as part of your New Year’s resolution. Visit the Wellness Center, Chota Recreation Center and Kahite Activity Center today.

Chota and the Wellness Center will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and will be closed all day Jan. 1. We wish everyone a Happy New Year.

We would like to extend a very special “thank you” to all those who donated toys for the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Toys for Tots campaign this year, as well as those who donated scarves and mittens to the mitten tree. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated.

Membership information

Membership rates did not increase for 2015. A 12-month family membership costs $515 by cash or check and $530 by credit card, and a 12-month individual membership costs $330 by cash or check and $340 by credit card. A six-month family member costs $335 by cash or check and $345 by credit card, while a six-month individual membership costs $215 by cash or check and $221 by credit card. Those who purchase a membership by cash or check receive a savings of 3 percent.

Monthly memberships cost $45.53 for families and $29.14 for individuals.

Swimming lessons

Are you interested in feeling more comfortable in the water? If you are interested in either adult or child swim lessons, contact the Wellness Center to have your name added to the list.

Kim Wiebe, a Red Cross certified swim instructor, is ready to teach any level of swimming and will customize the lessons to meet your goals. Cost for four, 30-minute private lessons is $120 and $90 for four 30-minute semiprivate lessons. Cost for personal water training is $45 per hour.

The lap lane in the big pool will be closed 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 3-6 p.m. Thursdays for swimming lessons. The other five lanes will be open for open and lap swimming. For more information, call Wiebe at 865-661-7365.

Hiking opportunities

For upcoming hike information, please check the hiking website at http://www.tvhikers.com. Please remember that all hikers need to meet 8 a.m. at Chota. Hiking boots and hiking sticks are recommended. Bring water and a trail lunch. Driving directions will be provided the morning of the hikes. Carpooling is recommended and will be set up the morning of the hikes. Passengers are asked to contribute to help cover the cost of gas and other expenses.

Weight equipment orientation

Orientations on the proper use of the cardiovascular and weight equipment will be provided at 2 p.m. Jan. 5, 19, 20 and 27. We recommended you get approval from your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program. The orientations are free, but reservations are required. Call the Wellness Center at 865-458-7070 to have your name added to the date you desire.

Cardio dance class clinic

Join Genese Kerns for a two-week dance cardio clinic beginning at 7:15 a.m. Jan. 19. This class begins with a gentle total-body warm up, moving on to dance-based aerobic movements choreographed to music that will motivate and move you. No prior dancing experience is required. All movements can be done in a low to high impact, moderate to vigorous manner based upon a student’s individual ability. Varied resistance and weight training routines will provide core and muscle strengthening and a cool-down period will incorporate moves designed for total body balance, stretching and flexibility.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, hand weights and water. You don’t want to miss this dance party!  This clinic will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:15- 8:15 a.m. Jan. 19-28. Signups are not necessary. For more information, call the Wellness Center at 865-458-7070.

Jin Shin Jyutsu

Join Mary Ruth Kelly at the Wellness Center for Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help at 2:15 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 22. The clinic will run for six weeks ending on Feb. 26. For more information about Jin Shin Jyutsu, call Mary Ruth Kelly at 865-458-2910.

Intro to Line Dancing

A new introduction to line dancing class with Toni Grovier is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 and will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. If you are interested in participating in this line dancing class, call the Wellness Center at 865-458-7070 to have your name added to the list. An additional fee of $3 applies for each class you attend, payable to the instructor.

Rec 101

The next Rec 101 will be held at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 29 for those interested in learning the ins and outs of the recreation department. For more information, call Jessica Antrim at 865-458-7070.

Tennis clinic

Interested in learning about tennis? Wanting to jump in on a clinic or get a lesson in the game? For more information,

call Greg Carter at 614-446-9944 or email gctennispro@yahoo.com.

Hearing seminar

Join Dr. Jan Dungan, with Appalachian Audiology, at 10 a.m. Jan. 8 at Chota Recreation Center when she presents a seminar, “I Can Hear You, but I Can’t Understand What You’re Saying.” A discussion will be held for advanced solutions for people who struggle to hear conversations in noisy places or on the phone and knowing the difference between hearing and listening. The seminar is free, but registration is required by calling the recreation center at 865-458-6779.

Metabolism seminar

Join Dr. Jessica Briere, with Complete Chiropractic & Wellness Center, when she talks about six steps to raise your metabolism. Learn how six all-natural steps can transform your body by boosting your metabolism. You do not want to miss out on this seminar, so Dr. Jessica will be offering this informational seminar twice in January. The seminars will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Kahite Activity Center and at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at Chota. To sign up for the date you want, call 865-458-6779.

Free health screening

Dr. Jessica Smiley-Hedrick, a volunteer wellness consultant for the nonprofit Foundation for Wellness Professionals, along with her team, will offer free health screenings 9:30-noon Jan. 28 at the Wellness Center. Screenings will include saliva test for chemical toxicity, stress test, blood pressure check and a physical evaluation for traumatic injuries. The screenings are free, and signups are not required.

Holly Bryant is recreation director at Tellico Village Property Owners Association.