never too old to play

Older Americans Month 2012 Kickoff Event
Monday, May 7, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.

Darryl Blackwell, Coordinator/Moderator

Welcome: Elayne Hunter, LWSC Facility Manager

Ms. Hunter gave us the meaning of 'play-dates': a couple of kids getting together with their parents on the side as the children have fun together.  She reminded us that when we stop playing, we begin to go down; we should keep moving until it is over.  She says that here at the LWSC, we have the ability to keep playing in whatever we choose - whether it be the choir, sewing, marshal arts, etc.  She announced that there will be a proclamation for older Americans made at the Board of Commissioners meeting tomorrow.  Her closing words of wisdom to us were to remind us that "we are going to keep living until it is over... who can ask for anything more?"

Musical Selections:  LWSC Choir

• It's Good to Know Jesus (Rose Miles, Lead)
• Faithful Is Our God

Martial Arts Exhibition:  The Ageless Warriors
The Martial Arts Exhibition Warriors were fierce in their presentation.  During their presentation for us, we were enlightened on what to do if we found ourselves in potentially dangerous situations - it is all in the hitting... knowing when to, how to, and where to hit... a good blow to the gut!!!

We were told that if someone comes after you, hurt them, then GET OUT!!!  Take your hands and clap their ears to throw them off balance (this messes with their equilibrium)... instead of clapping your hands together, simultaneously clap each hand over their ears.

The aim of the Martial Arts Class is to meet you where you are both mentally and physically.

The Ageless Warriors 

Other seniors in attendance who have gone through the class were acknowledged and asked to come forward.

Musical Selections:  LWSC Choir

• It's Your Season (Lloyd Alaman, Lead)
• I'm Looking For a Miracle

"Fit Moves": Marcia Berlin, RD, LD, ARC Health & Wellness Specialist

 Ms. Berlin gave us the 3 C's to maintain good and healthy habits:

• Cook  -  Cook and eat more regularly at home. Foods prepared by restaurants are delicious but have more salt and sugar added than needed in our daily diets.  Home-cooking does not have to be elaborate - we can prepare quick and easy meals.  Salads and/or sandwiches are examples of meals prepared within minutes. 

• Chill  -  Relax.  Do things that you enjoy doing (gardening, reading, walking, meditating, praying, listening to music, email friends, check Facebook messages, etc.).  Manage stress.

• Cardio (muscle and bone building)  -  Play while doing laundry or dishes.  We can workout at anytime.  Fit some fun fitness in for ourselves this week (and every week).  We need cardio on a regular basis... fitness can be fun... a treat... a mini vacation.

We were encouraged to get up out of our seats, come forward, and get fit during her session.  She taught us fun exercises and, by the end of the session, we had worked up a sweat.

A few of us stayed around to be a part of a group photo with Ms. Berlin.