HAPPENINGS
Feb 2026
The great times we had as a community this month.
Fitness 101 with Gary Chancer
By Paul Tanebaum
January 8, 2026. Gary Schancer, who has a master’s degree in exercise physiology from UNM, is a Mirehaven resident who teaches the free Fitness 101 class in the fitness room a few times a year. The class is about demonstrating. It is not personal training.
Schancer starts the class with a general explanation of the benefits of exercise, movement, and some weight training. As he puts it, “You’ll have good days and bad days. You only need to exercise three times a week and do your best. Don't kill yourself or overdo, just get your heart pumping.” Then he demonstrates and explains the “how to” for all the equipment in the gym.
The sessions are not only for newcomers to Mirehaven, but for anyone who lives here. As Dieter Rencken, a one-month newcomer explained “I'd never been able to teach myself how to do all of this, now I can.” Rich Audsley who’s been here for six months, said “I wanted to learn how to use the equipment and I got my wife Annie to come too.”
For 10 years after Schancer earned his degree he worked at Kirkland, AFB as their exercise physiologist. His passion is helping people get fit. He leads the Walk to Run interest group, and he encourages folks to get out for a walk or spend time in the fitness room to get their heart rate up and feel better and healthier.
Let the Amenity Center know if you want Schancer to have another class soon.
Chili on a Chilly Day
By Paul Tanebaum
Jan 15, 2026. This year’s Chili Cook-Off won by Johnna and Wade Harris, was chaired by Ron and Sheila Szudejko at the Mirehaven Amenity Center. Twelve residents competed for the 2026 Best Chili award. Forty neighbors attended to sample and vote.
The Szudejkos have been competing in Chili Cook-Offs for over 35 years, with this one being their fourth at Mirehaven. This annual event is a community success, not only because it brings neighbors together, but, as Ron said, “There’s nothing better than a hot bowl of chili especially on a cold winter day.”
Angelo Malta, a contestant, is one of Mirehaven Chili Cook-Off originals. Angelo’s wife encouraged him to enter the first Mirehaven contest in 2017. Angelo now competes regularly and is willing to reveal one of his chili making secrets, “My chili ends with an “e” not an “i” as in New Mexico green and red chilies. I use them both and have taken a first place one year and second in another.”
Each attendee had one vote for the best chili. For over an hour there was much sampling, comparing, talking, mingling, and having a good time. When the sampling was over, all the attendees cast their votes. As Ron put it, “There’s nothing like doing something for the community that doesn’t cost anything.” Keith Dosch also said, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t free.” Maybe we will see Keith and others here next year?