Spring is coming and for many in Prince Edward County, that means a return to the extremely popular sport of pickleball.  According to Pickleball Canada, it’s an inclusive, fun and easy to learn sport played by people of all ages with simple rules adapted from tennis, table tennis and badminton.  Like all sports, there are exercises and warmups you can learn to help get you ready to play. Thanks to special grant funding from the Ontario Government, you can join a new program we’re calling “Get Ready for Pickleball” at the Picton Branch Library at no charge. Led by Robert Spagnola of The Gym in the Armoury, this three-week series will take place on Fridays – March 1, 8 and 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration is required at peclibrary.org or by calling (613) 476-5962.  Participants will learn the keys to an effective warm-up, exercises to help improve your game and exercise for a lasting playing experience.  Robert is an experienced fitness coach who creates a welcoming environment for everyone.

Another exciting upcoming active program offered as part of the grant funding is Zumba Gold. Led by instructor Tricia Cammert, it’s perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity.  Class focuses on cardiovascular fitness, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance.  Join in at the Picton Branch Library on February 29 and March 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Functional Fitness with Jennifer Cobb continues on Tuesdays at the Wellington Branch and Thursdays at the Picton Branch, each at 11:00 a.m. This program is chair-based exercise combining warm-up, cardio, resistance, flexibility, and cool-down.  You can also join online through Zoom. Small donations are welcomed to help sustain this ongoing program.

 Everyone is invited to “Beat The Winter Blahs” and get active at the Milford Branch Library throughout the month of March. Lots of fun activities available to get you moving and laughing – bowling, Twister, hula hooping and more. New games will be added each week so be sure to stop by during open hours and check them out. While you are there, check out the progress on the revamped children’s area – thanks to the Friends of the Milford Branch Library for making it possible.

We have a full schedule of March Break activities upcoming, including a visit from author Peter Christie on Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. and a Sing-a-long with Halliday and Alex of Music Together PEC on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. Drop in to any branch of the library or visit peclibrary.org to see the complete schedule.