Welcome to PAC Center
The Mission of the Park Avenue Community Center is to foster creativity, build connections and promote the wellbeing of the community through our inspiring programs, classes and events. We are a vibrant and welcoming intergenerational hub that harnesses the power of arts and ideas to enrich, enlighten and change lives.
Programs
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Health and Wellness
“Health is a state of being, wellness a state of living.”
From Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga and Meditation, to nutrition and cooking classes, we are curating programs geared to keeping our minds, bodies and spirits engaged and cared for. Explore what the PAC Center has to offer.
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Continuing Education
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” — Mahatma Gandhi
At the PAC Center, we aim to bring you the best of continuing education classes that are fun and informative. Whether pursuing personal interests and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning can help us to achieve personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
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Culinary Arts
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art” — La Rochefoucauld
Here at PAC Center, we love to eat, and we love everything about food — from learning about it, to cooking it, to eating it. We look forward to bringing you cooking classes, food events, workshops, pop up eateries and a space for entrepreneurs to dice, slice, bake, or brew in our (coming soon) commercially-certified kitchen.
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Performing Arts
“When I was a kid…no wait, I still do that”
As part of our “take care” mantra, PAC will be offering classes, workshops and events for adults in theatre, dance, music and the spoken/written word. Staying connected to or reawakening that creative spark is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
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Senior Citizens
“Getting older is an extraordinaire process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie
Senior Citizens thrive at the PAC Center thanks to our Community Partner, The Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association (SSCA). Daily activities include games and crafts, Friday Friends, Lunch and Learn, Walks and Trails and SSCA Travels. Join this vibrant community today!
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Kids
“A person’s a person no matter how small” — Horton the elephant
Children flourish at the PAC Center. Creative Classes, performance opportunities, kid focused events, after school programs, tutoring and homework help. Explore our programs, let us know what you’d like to see and consider ways to share your talents with our young community.
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Teens
COMING SOON
“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
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Summer Camps
Summer Camps are here! We’re rolling out a vibrant and exciting line up of summer camps for all ages. Come see what we’re offering.
Upcoming Events
The PAC Center will host a good old-fashioned family barn dance with live music, followed by the Bluegrass Band The Hoppin’ Boxcars for adult dancing, kids activities on the lower level and …. Drum roll… a silent (not just ) PIE auction! There will be fabulous raffle prizes and food, beer and more. All money raised in this fundraiser will help support the daily operations of our beloved community center.
Join Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux, guitar; Dara Morales and Daniel Han violins; Che-Hung Chen, viola; Amy Sue Barston, cello; Phillip O’Banion, castanets and tambourine, for a brilliant presentation of classic and original music.
Wow your guests this holiday season with a special homemade bonus for the dinner table - easy holiday dinner rolls! Learn how to make these scrumptious, pillowy rolls in a class led by Cindi Kruth, a local culinary consultant and baking instructor. Cindi will give a step-by-step demonstration on how to make the rolls, allowing attendees to watch and learn without hands-on participation.
Take a break from the holiday hustle, support a very worthy local cause, and treat yourself to a soul-soothing Yuletide Yoga session with PAC yoga teacher and Director of Adult Programs, Mary Thompson. Following our yoga session we’ll enjoy festive mimosas, bagels and scones, preparing us to enjoy the rest of the day. For every person registered, the PAC will donate $5 to the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, located in Media, whose mission is to prevent domestic violence and empower victims to move towards self-sufficiency.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
Dec 10
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Allison Garfinkel, RN, provides free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers in the community.
Myofascial Release relieves your tension and improve your range of motion with myofascial release! Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga, foam rolling, meditation, and extended relaxation in this workshop designed to leave your muscles and joints with a greater flexibility.
Join us for a cozy and delightful afternoon tea. Indulge in seasonal delicacies lovingly prepared by our friends at The Inn at Swarthmore. Savor exquisite tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and homemade cookies - the perfect way to unwind during this festive time of year. Two seatings.
Sound Meditation, also known as a Sound Bath, utilizes the therapeutic application of sound frequencies and vibrations to provide a powerful and gentle way to shift consciousness and enhance well-being. It is an opportunity to embrace mindful practices and reconnect with our inner selves.
Featured Classes & Programs
Health and Wellness
7 Mondays
Oct 28 - Dec 16 (no class 11/25)
10 - 11 am
7 Classes - $105
Start your week with a fluid, strength-based class which energizes the body and increases flexibility. Set to music, this class inspires mindfulness through movement while offering modifications to customize your class to fit your specific needs and level of expertise.
7 Mondays
Oct 28 - Dec 16 (no class 11/25)
5:45 - 6:45pm
7 classes $105
It's never too late to learn how to Tap Dance! Learn the basic steps of tap dance, including warm up routines, how to put together basic steps to make combinations, and how to create your own combinations. If you are curious about Tap Dance, this is the class for you! Dance steps taught at a slow pace, no previous experience needed.
7 Mondays
Oct 28 - Dec 16 (no class 11/25)
6 - 7 pm
7 classes $105
This Barre class uses basic ballet movements to tone and sculpt the body into the long sinewy lines of a ballet dancer. It will build strength as well as improve your cardiovascular fitness. Set to a pop playlist, no dance knowledge or experience necessary. Come get fit and have fun at the barre!
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
9:30 - 10:30am
7 Classes - $105
Let the music move you and you’ll forget you’re working out! This artful blend of music and dance styles (contemporary, jazz, lyrical, ballet) and conditioning exercises will strengthen your whole body and soul! No previous dance experience required.
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
11 - 12 pm
7 classes $105
We use a chair for seated postures and for support in standing and balance poses. A gentle form of yoga, Chair Yoga offers an inclusive and inviting yoga environment in which we explore with an inward focus, honoring our individual bodies, with mindfulness and compassion.
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
12:15 - 1:15 pm
7 classes $105
Qi Yoga for Self-Care is a deeply relaxing mix of mindful movement and stillness-based practices drawn from the energy healing arts of Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This class weaves together restorative poses, somatic movement, acupressure, self-massage, and qigong to enhance a release of tension deeply held in the body, reduce stress, and encourage a smooth flow of life giving force energy.
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
5:30 - 6:30pm
7 classes $105
Level 3 Tap Dance is for those with 3+ years of tap experience. Expect a little bit of everything. Rhythm tap technique, warm up routines and choreography. Come sharpen your skills and make some noise with us! Dance steps taught at a medium to fast pace.
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
6 - 7 pm
7 Classes - $105
Vinyasa yoga involves a continuous flow of yoga poses, moving to the rhythm of our breath. From week to week we focus on a unique class theme, building strength, flexibility, balance and mindfulness through standing, seated and balance poses.
7 Tuesdays
Oct 29 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)
7:00 - 8:00pm
7 classes $105
Level 2 Tap Dance is for the Adv. Beginner with 1-2 years previous tap experience. We will be working on technique, times steps, basic warm up routines and some choreography. With and without music, learning how to count the steps. Dance steps taught at a slow to medium pace.
6 Wednesdays
Oct 30 - Dec 11 (no class 11/27)
6:30am - 7:15am
6 Classes - $90
A full body class using multiple types of bands to add tension and resistance to movements to fully engage more muscles for stability and strength. Movements are easily modifiable so class moves quickly and efficiently. All fitness levels welcome!
7 Wednesdays
Oct 30 - Dec 18 (no class 11/27)
9:30 - 10:30 am
7 classes $105
This Barre class uses basic ballet movements to tone and sculpt the body into the long sinewy lines of a ballet dancer. It will build strength as well as improve your cardiovascular fitness. Set to a pop playlist, no dance knowledge or experience necessary. Come get fit and have fun at the barre!
7 Wednesdays
Oct 30 - Dec 18 (no class 11/27)
11:00 - 12:15pm
7 Classes - $105
In Gentle Yoga, we gradually move in and out of poses, mindful of our bodies and breath. The movements are slow, linked with breath, and postures entered into gently. We end class with a resting pose, to prepare us for the rest of the day. Come and enjoy a practice that is gentle, mindful and conscious, while receiving the abundant benefits of yoga.
7 Wednesdays
Oct 30 - Dec 18 (no class 11/27)
1:30 - 2:45 pm
7 Classes - $105
Got stress? Experience Tai Chi Chih! This ‘user friendly’ moving meditation has just 19 moves, doesn’t require physical fitness or coordination, and can be adapted to be done seated or for physical limitations.
6 Wednesdays
Nov 6 - Dec 18 (no class 11/27)
6:15 - 7:15 pm
6 Classes - $90
Flow through a full body yoga sequence, building strength and resilience as you relax the body and calm the mind at the end of the day. Stretch the areas that accumulate tension from the day, and leave prepared to enter into a peaceful rest of the evening.
6 Thursdays
Nov 7 - Dec 19 (no class 11/28)
9:30 - 10:30 am
6 Classes - $90
Jump start your morning with a strength-based class which energizes the body, increases flexibility and balance. Set to music, this class prepares us to embrace the day ahead with energy and focus.
6 Thursdays
Nov 7 - Dec 19 (no class 11/28)
11 - 12 pm
6 Classes - $90
This class is designed for age 50+ active adults wanting to keep doing the things we love! With a focus on balance, strength and flexibility, this class uses yoga as a life-long practice to support healthy aging with mindfulness, helping us to enjoy the activities we love for years to come.
6 Thursdays
Nov 7 - Dec 19 (no class 11/28)
6 - 7 pm
6 Classes - $90
This dance format is easy enough for beginners to build confidence with more difficult choreography layered in to challenge for the advanced dancer. All set to your favorite dance music, this exhilarating and liberating dance is a calorie burning dance party that will have you addicted from the first beat! Exercise is disguised by all the fun you will have!
6 Thursdays
Nov 7 - Dec 19 (no class 11/28)
7:15 - 8:15 pm
6 classes $90
Ballet helps us build strength, increase flexibility, mobility and balance, while also helping us to keep our minds sharp, reduce stress and improve our mood. For the true beginner and the returning student who hasn’t been at the barre in a while. Join us as we cultivate a mind-body connection through Ballet.
5 Fridays
Nov 1 - Dec 6 (no class 11/29)
6:30am - 7:15am
5 Classes - $75
Women and Weights is a comprehensive full-body weight lifting class to add strength and stability to your workout routines. We will use classic weight lifting techniques with dumbbells to build lean muscle mass to create more durable bodies as we age. All fitness levels welcome!
7 Fridays
Nov 1 - Dec 20 (no class 11/29)
9:00 - 10:00 am
7 Classes - $105
Using therapeutic exercise techniques, yoga and Pilates variations, we will improve trunk strength and postural habits. Jane will share tools and reminders so we can continue our strengthening practice outside of class. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Modifications will be tailored to the individual.
7 Fridays
Nov 1 - Dec 20 (no class 11/29)
10:00 - 10:45 am
7 Classes - $105
This gentle guided stretching and balance class will use basic stretches and balance skills to better support us in our daily routines. Maintaining and increasing flexibility and balance are essential for healthy aging as well as for injury prevention for athletes.
4 Saturdays
Nov 2 - Dec 14 (no class 11/9, 11/30 and 12/7)
8:30 - 9:30 am
4 Classes - $60
Join Ibrahim for a vibrant morning Power Yoga class to wake you up and get you started on your day! Power Yoga is an energetic class, stemming from a Vinyasa-based background. Power Yoga focuses on building strength and endurance while moving through a fast-paced flow. The poses are challenging; moving quickly from one asana to the next with connected breath work.
4 Saturdays
Nov 2 - Dec 14 (no class 11/9, 11/30, and 12?7)
10:00 - 11:00 am
4 Classes - $60
Inspired by yoga and Pilates, this athletic full body workout from BODi/Beachbody builds strength, endurance, and flexibility while moving to great music. We’ll warm-up with a series of sun salutations, progress through a dynamic blend of yoga poses, lunges, squats, push-ups, and planks, and finish with a beautiful extended flow. No previous experience necessary, just a desire to work hard and have fun!
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Aug 27 - Dec 10
10:00 am - 11:30 am
FREE
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Allison Garfinkel, RN, provides free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers in the community.
KIDS
Mondays
Sept 16 - Dec 16 (no club meeting 10/14)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
12 Club meetings - $25 session of $5 per drop in
It’s your move, join us! This is an all-ages club, We welcome all skill levels, and some of the most experienced players love to teach.
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
12 Classes - $300
Dig, Stomp, Stamp, Shuffle.... Learn the basic steps of tap dance, including warm up routines, how to put together basic steps to make combinations, and how to create your own combinations. If you are curious about Tap Dance, this is the class for you! Slow pace, no previous experience needed.
Grades 3- 5
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
12 Classes - $300
¡Viajemos! is an immersive journey into the Spanish-speaking world that combines an organic approach to Spanish language learning with engaging activities that foster cultural appreciation.
Grades 1- 5
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm
12 Classes - $216
In this class, young dancers will be introduced to the foundations of creative expression. This class is designed to be a fun, safe, and exciting space for dancers to develop new skills in body awareness and teamwork.
Ages 4-6
Tuesdays
Jun 7 - Apr 8
4:00 - 5:30pm
14 classes - $350
This is a seasonal class, so each session will vary in plants and projects that are available at the different growing stage. In this class we will learn about herbal first aid and how to use it on our adventure up the mountain in the board game Wildcraft!
Grades 2-5
Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Apr 8
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
14 Classes - $350
"Let's Make a Play!" Work with your peers to create an adaptation of a well-loved story for the stage using improvisation and storytelling techniques. Build your acting and stagecraft skills as you work together towards a final performance for your friends and family.
Grade K-3
Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Apr 8
4:00 pm - 5:45 pm
14 Classes - $350
From pop art, to still life, landscape and experimental materials, get a chance to stretch your painting skills in this class.
Gardes 3-5
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Art of Embroidery: Learn the basic stitches (running stitch, back stitch, split stitch, satin stitch, stem stitch, french knots and seed and fill stitches) and embellishments (buttons, sequins and seed beads) to enhance your creations. You'll be working on hand-stitching your favorite fandom image on a pillow, pencil case, tote bag or the like.
Gardes 3-5
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Who doesn't want to live in a world filled with magical myths and legendary creatures! Drawing on children's wild imaginations and notable mythology from around the world, students will explore the worlds of fantastical beasts such as Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and leprechauns... are these beings just storied characters or is there truth to their existence, once upon a time!
Grades K-3
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Students will put their writing skills to work in this comedy-driven class. Learn storytelling and playwriting techniques to create monologues and sketches. A performance for an invited audience will take place on the last class of the session.
Grades 3-5
Fridays
Jan 9 - Apr 4 (no class 1/17, 2/14, and 3/14_
4:00-5:30 pm
10 Weeks - $250
Think you have what it takes to be a LEGO Master? Join us as we come together to creatively take on and complete a wide range of build challenges. Teamwork, collaboration, creativity and ingenuity will be emphasized as we explore different methods and approaches to rebuilding our world in brick form.
Grades K-3
Fridays
Jan 10 - Apr 4 (no class 1/17, 2/14, 3/14)
4:00 - 5:30 pm
10 Classes - $250
Interested in Dungeons & Dragons? Join us as we explore and strengthen the skills needed to play the world's greatest roleplaying game. Learn to improvise, problem-solve, and work as a team to become masters of collaborative storytelling! No need to memorize the rules quite yet—we’ll just cover the basics.
Grades 3-5
Wednesday
Jan 8 - Apr 2
4:00 - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Teens will put their improv and writing skills to work in this comedy-driven class. Work with your peers using storytelling and playwriting techniques to create monologues and sketches.
Ages 11-15
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Aug 27 - Dec 10
10:00 am - 11:30 am
FREE
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Allison Garfinkel, RN, provides free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers in the community.
Mondays
Sept 16 - Nov 18 (no class 10/14)
9:30 - 10:15 am
Ages 0-5
9 weeks - $162
Meet Ms. Virginia! She believes music circles should be interactive, entertaining and educational! Classes aim to meet EVERY child where they are developmentally and are flexible & dynamic! Egg shakers, scarves, and “special” instruments will be shared in class.
Tuesdays
Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17, 10:30 - 11:30am
Ages 0-2 with Caregiver
4 weeks - $75 / $20 drop in
Wee Chat is a course for parents and caregivers to discover the wonders of infant and toddler communication development. Caregivers will learn how speech and language typically develop from birth through 2 years of age and what strategies can support and engage your baby’s communication development. Topics Covered: Receptive Language; Expressive Language; Speech Sound Development; Sign Language; Engaging with Books; Bilingualism
Wednesdays
9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13
10:00 - 11:00am
5 weeks - $75
Every other week!
SIGHT, SOUND, TOUCH, TASTE and SMELL! Kids ages 1-5 and their caregivers will enjoy a fun morning of Sensory Play. Set up in stations, kids will have full autonomy to move from one sense to another at their leisure.
Wednesdays
every other week!
9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20
9:30-10:15am
Ages 1 - 5 with Caregiver
5 classes - $75
Experience the joy of music, dance and storytime! We'll explore singing songs, a variety of instruments, rhythms, listening games and creative movement activities stimulating development and innate musical response.
Thursdays
Sept 19 - Nov 21
9:30 - 10:15 am
Ages 18 months - 3 years
10 weeks - $180
Come dance, sing and play music with Ms. Bethanne. For toddlers and their caregivers, this is an interactive movement class led by veteran dance educator Bethanne Margies. Music, movement, stories, instruments, props and more and themed each week!
Thursdays
Sept 19 - Nov 21
10:30 - 11:15 am
Ages 3-5 with Caregiver
10 classes - $180
Join us as we use songs, books, props and imagination to learn about dance, creative movement and ballet. Each week, we will peek into Miss Bethanne’s magic trunk to see what our theme is, and what special books and props we’ll be using for our class.
Friday (monthly)
Oct 4, Nov 8, Dec 13
9:30 - 10:15am
$18 drop in per class
Ages 0-4 with a Caregiver
Ms. Tai is back! Zumbini is an early childhood education program that uses original music and movement to promote cognitive, social, fine/gross motor skill and emotional development for children ages 0-4, all while creating the ultimate bonding experience for families.
Friday (monthly)
Oct 18, Nov 15
9:30 - 10:15am
$18 drop in per class
Ages 0-5 with a Caregiver
Theatre educator and Director Lisa Cocchiarale loves to bring stories to life! Transforming into storybook characters, Lisa will weave a tall-tale to get you into the spirit of the season! Great for big and little kids who love stories!
Senior Citizens
November 20
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy lunch together and explore the variety of Thanksgiving traditions that make this holiday special to our families and friends. Have you done a Friends-giving? What's a must-have side dish? Favorite activities on Thanksgiving Day?