Valley Program for Aging Services

East Rockingham Senior Center Heard About Sugar Sweetened Beverages

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:37:27 +0000

Kim Joralemon of the Virginia Cooperative Extension spoke to 21 East Rockingham Senior Center members and 3 volunteers on May 22.

Mrs. Joralemon gave a thorough overview of sugar sweetened beverages, provided members with a list of 25 names for sugar, and also noted how much revenue is generated from the sale of sugar sweetened beverages. She also advised us that one of the most popular fast food chains uses 5 lbs. of sugar for each mixing of their sweetened ice tea!

There was much discussion among members about the types of beverages they consume and those that are least healthy and those that are most nutritious.

Mrs. Joralemon will continue the nutritional series on June 17 about “Sneaking More Fruits and Vegetables into Your Diet.”

More online at www.EastRockinghamSeniorCenter.org.

Older Americans Month Activities Fun at Staunton Senior Center

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:36:14 +0000

Older Americans Month activities held at the Staunton Senior Center last week were found to be both fun and successful. Activities ranged from the reading of humorous stories focusing on light-hearted aging and special recognition of ten wonderful members who have attained the ninety and above age status.

Members performed quite well on the group crossword puzzle, and the Open House was very lovely with sandwiches donated by Anna Stell of Intrepid Health Care Services and a veggie tray brought in by Brittney Shetter of Team Nurse. The stringed performance by Quail Hill Quartet was exquisite, and the four musical siblings captured the hearts of members and staff alike!

Three members and the SSC Program Director were fortunate to be able to attend the Ms. Virginia Senior America Pageant upstairs in the nTelos Theatre with complementary tickets from the Pageant. Two local contestants were recognized at the end of the event, one as second runner-up and one as Ms. Congeniality! What an exciting way to end a week full of celebrating the wonders of all older adults!

More online at www.StauntonSeniorCenter.org.

Second Wind Adventure: The Caves of Highland County

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:35:03 +0000

Highland County Second Wind’s latest travel/adventure program offered amazing photographs and tales of underground exploration on Saturday, May 11 at the Highland Public Library.

The audience was captivated by long time caver and author, Phil Lucas, who presented the program along with Mark Hodges of McDowell, Va. Lucas was president of the Virginia Speleological Survey for 34 years along with other state and national organizations. Mark Hodge has been an active caver since discovering caves on his property which he purchased in 2011. Following the program, there was a lively question and answer session concerning the vast network of caves in Highland and Bath counties.

More online at www.HighlandCountySecondWind.org.

Second Wind presents Baubles, Bangles, and Beads workshop

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:33:52 +0000

On Saturday morning, May 18th at the Highland Public Library, Second Wind offered “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads.”

The creativity was flowing as Liz Devenny lead the group through the basics of using soft wire to string or wrap beads and stones of every shape and size. Each participant crafted their own masterpiece, some more than one, and had a great time in the process.

Liz is a multi-talented stained glass artist; her studio is in McDowell, Va.

More online at www.HighlandCountySecondWind.org.

Gentle Chair Yoga Very Popular for Highland Second Wind

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:32:50 +0000

This Second Wind program, which continues to grow each week, is held on Tuesdays at the Highland Medical Center Yoga Room.

The chair yoga routine, which has been adapted from traditional mat yoga poses, is restorative and rejuvenating for body, mind, and spirit. Gentle stretching improves flexibility, mindful breathing reduces stress, and guided imagery encourages focus and deep relaxation.

Kathy Solomon, Second Wind’s program director and the facilitator for Gentle Chair Yoga, says that this class is designed for anyone who is healing in any way or just not ready for standard yoga.

More online at www.HighlandCountySecondWind.org.

Karen Hurt Named New Director at Waynesboro Senior Center

admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:27:18 +0000

The Waynesboro Senior Center is pleased to welcome Karen Hurt as the new WSC Center Director. Karen is a retired teacher looking for a new career that enables her to use her experience in administration and the arts while continuing to work in social services. She has program development, marketing, fundraising, and people management experience along with community ties primarily in the areas of education, theater and the arts. We are excited to have her become part of the Senior Center team.

Karen will start her new position on May 28.