Instructors, students have shared much over years

  
   More than 25 years ago, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Metairie wanted to start a program that would offer activities and socialization for its older members. Parishioner Jane Sabrio, who happened to be a nurse, was on a committee back then to establish such a program.   When she bumped into fellow nurse Nellie Sclafani as she was walking in Lakeside Mall, she knew she found a director.
 
 “I’m going to put your name down to help old people,” Sabrio recalled as she talked with Sclafani at the Dec. 5 annual Christmas luncheon of the group that became known as the Sharing Program. It was perfect timing for Sclafani, because she had stopped actively working in nursing.
   “I was looking for a job but wanted part-time,” Sclafani said.
   The Sharing Program started soon after with volunteer teachers and students from St. Francis Xavier Parish and beyond. Sclafani held the helm until December, when she officially passed the torch to Carol Pritchard.
From whence it came
   In the early days, Sabrio recalled being in charge of the walking and health ministry. She’s still involved in classes such as the exercise class and thinks the program has helped many people.
   “It keeps them healthy,” she said. “It may not make them fully healthy but takes what they have and goes forward.”
   At its peak, the Sharing Program has had more than 300 people signed up for classes in a semester. A storm named Katrina changed that in 2005.
   “When Katrina came, a lot of my teachers had moved and a lot didn’t come back,” Sclafani said.
   Now that Pritchard has taken over, new classes and events where members can socialize outside of class are on the horizon. Pritchard has years of experience working with seniors and has worked alongside Sclafani since July, figuring out what people enjoy and what they wanted to see added.
   One of her first ventures was to encourage the seniors in the creative workshop class to get involved with the annual Christmas luncheon. Their talent was visible in the centerpieces, hand-painted Christmas cards and programs created for the 115 guests at the luncheon.
   In addition to the popular line and Latin dancing class, Pritchard is introducing theater with Mary Burns, knitting, a second Mahjongg class, beginner Mahjongg (limited to 12), French I, genealogy with instructor Mary Alice Duffard, a new card game called Barbu – “bridge lovers love this,” Pritchard said – and, coffee and current events. The popular Mylar flower-making course will be added again next semester. She’s also planning a senior fair with in the spring with legal, medical and financial experts and others topics that seniors might be interested in talking about.
   “By this time next year, I might do a Saturday night dinner-theater where members could perform,” Pritchard said. “This program is so successful because instructors are all volunteers. Some of the instructors have been here for over 20 years.”
   When St. Joseph Hall (the former St. Francis Xavier Church) is completed soon, classes will be held there. Currently all daytime classes are in the parish center and open to St. Francis parishioners and non-parishioners.
   Pritchard hopes to add monthly catered luncheons for teachers and students at the end of each semester, not just at Christmas.
   “I love the fellowship and sociability of it,” Helen Adams said of the Sharing Program. “I love the game of bridge.”
   While the majority of members are women, Pritchard thinks additional social events will bring in men. The new session of classes begins the week of Jan. 13. Unlimited classes are only $20 a semester or $40 a year if paid by Dec. 31; it’s $50 after Dec. 31. For details, call the Sharing Program at 835-6809.
   Christine Bordelon can be reached at [email protected].