Mind, body and spirit energized at Country Terrace

Chair zumba added to favourite September activities

October 12, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey

Some new and familiar events at Country Terrace in September engaged residents and others in energizing fun and stimulation for the mind, body and spirit.

The month’s biggest and best-known activity, the annual family barbecue, attracted about 120 residents and families. They gathered Sept. 15 to enjoy entertainer Kevin Grey, a resident’s nephew, and food that included burgers grilled by Country Terrace’s food services manager Alex Anchillini.

This year’s get-together featured a country-and-western theme, with some families accepting the home’s invitation to dress in their best garb. Gift certificates to the movies were handed out as door prizes and a 50-50 draw was held.

Activity director Veronica Couto says it was an opportunity to build relationships while having a great time.

“It’s always nice to host a family get-together,” she says. “It allows families to meet each other and create a bond with one another, and our residents are so excited to have their family visit. For some, it becomes a family reunion.”

Teamwork is key to staging the barbecue with everyone from management and kitchen staff to volunteers contributing.

Residents had also ventured outside a few days earlier to check out about 20 vintage Chevrolet automobiles. They belonged to a group that was in the in area for an event and offered to stop by Country Terrace.

Like some touring Fords the summer before, the Chevys sparked some great conversation and memories for the 25-30 residents who saw them. One man, for instance, mentioned he’d learned to drive in a Chevy, so this was a very special occasion for him.

“That was a darn great car show,” says resident Pat Brown, who especially enjoyed the car with the “funny horn” that “sounded like a sick cow.”

“The last couple years we’ve gotten to see a car show,” Brown says.” It’s really nice that we get to see it — and they’re well-kept cars in good running order too. Pretty cool if ya ask me.”

Residents also found chair zumba to be pretty cool. In fact, they liked the very first class at the home so much that it will return in October and November.

“It was a hit,” life enrichment co-ordinator Christie Patterson says, citing the infectious music, dance moves and encouraging, upbeat instructor.

“The beauty of it is everyone can do it because it’s done from a chair,” Patterson says.

It was such a refreshing change of pace that it even engaged residents who normally don’t participate in morning exercises.

About 40 residents took part, making it the best-attended chair zumba class that Diana Gutierrez has held in area homes.

“I found it very enjoyable and it’s good exercise,” resident Gloria Miller says, adding everyone could move to the beat of the music.

“When they come again, I would love to join them.”

If you have a story to share or feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.







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