Be like Anne

Bob and Trish Evans’ next session of five classes begins Jan. 5.

Classes are held at Triple Play, 1570 W. Duval Mine Road, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Fee is $75 and includes a practice journal, three bean bags, video feedback and an opportunity to perform.

Open to all ages and ability levels.

Information: 906-231-7039 or rwevans@mtu.edu

By Ellen Sussman

Special to the Green Valley News

Being the oldest among students who are 8, 11 and 16 years old in Bob and Trish Evans’ Tuesday night juggling class, Anne Kruger has nicknamed herself “Juggling Granny.”

At 63, she wasn’t the least bit hesitant to join the kids.

“Actually, I think I give the class a little distinction,” she joked. And that suits this senior student and her juggling mates just fine.

“Learning to juggle has been on my ‘bucket list,’ so when I saw there was a class, I figured I’d better give it a go,” she said. “I think I have to work at this a lot harder than the kids... it’s going to take time.”

Kruger said even at the first class she never felt uncomfortable with the younger set because “everybody’s doing their thing.”

But there’s more to it than that.

Being a playful type, she is totally comfortable playing with her three grandchildren ages 6, 8 and 10, when she visits. She even bought herself a Nintendo DS (whatever that is) so she could play with her granddaughter in Brookline, Mass.

Kruger said her granddaughter’s friend couldn’t believe — and thought it was so cool — that a “granny” bought and was playing with a Nintendo DS.

Watching the students juggle square bean bags, which when dropped don’t roll, it comes naturally to some. Like she said, Kruger is having to work harder to hone her skills but was getting the hang of it when working one-on-one with Coach Bob. She’s mastering juggling two bean bags with one hand.

“When the class started, the youngest and oldest couldn’t juggle. The two in the middle could.

“If you learn it, it’s a skill you keep... … I like the two-person toss. Juggling five balls with someone else is a lot of fun.

“What’s difficult is trying to get your hands to go up one more time. My very best has been seven (juggles) with three bean bags,” she said.

When practicing at home Kruger has learned tricks such as standing over a bed or table so she doesn’t have to bend down to pick up a dropped bean bag.

What’s she going to do when the five-session, 90-minute classes end?

“Impress my grandkids,” she quipped.

“But really, it’s a good way to have a good relationship with them.”

Kruger rides a scooter, enjoys the challenge of juggling and, at least for now, has two more goals.

On the serious side she wants to learn sign language and on the playful side she plans to learn to play the harmonica.

After that, who knows. Age means nothing to Kruger who is the type to keep on learning.

And having fun.

Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.