We are excited to announce that as of  May 2009  Bethlehem Kung Fu Center instructors began teaching  all T’ai Chi classes sponsored by the Lehigh County Senior Center. These include beginner through advanced classes, weaponry, T’ai Chi exercise and gentle seated T’ai Chi, for a total of more than 20 classes per week.  Director of Development & Programming Diane Nolan has earned many accolades for  bringing quality programs to the senior center for many years. 

    In addition to classes that are scheduled at the Senior Center location in Allentown, classes are offered in Whitehall, Orefield, and at three senior apartment buildings in the City of Allentown.  For a period of time the advanced class and weapons is taught by Master Brian H. Kunsman (Pai Shen Li) who brings a lot  of smiles and energy to the center. You usually cannot get class time with the head instructor of a  school so it is a great opportunity to learn while he is available.

     Advanced Instructors Mary Ann Stangil and Susan Harkins teach the beginner’s classes, T’ai Chi exercise and gentle seated classes.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy an affordable  T’ai Chi experience with our top-notch staff.

    Mary Ann Stangil has been instructing a class in Whitehall since June 2008 and has developed an enthusiastic following even though the program has been  moving from site to site.  It may have finally found  a home in the Lehigh Valley Mall.  A new class in Orefield is set to begin in July.  Mary Ann is a real inspiration as she is well-educated, traveled and has overcome many personal obstacles to learn T’ai Chi.  You will really enjoy the peace and energy of her class.

    Susan Harkins has been facilitating classes at the inner-city senior apartments since January of this year. No other exercise programs had been offered at these sites, so the T’ai Chi classes are a welcome  addition to their programs. They are offered three times a week.  Susan is an outgoing and accessible teacher and we hear the students are having a lot of fun in her classes.  She herself turned her health around 180 degrees from the practice of T’ai Chi and so she has a lot to  share with her students.

    With seniors being a segment of the population who can receive great benefits from T’ai Chi practice, we are delighted to be able to bring it to them via the Senior Center.   The center is a non- profit organization that serves the needs of the community members regardless of their economic means.