There was an older, popular commercial for a credit card company that depicted many things you could buy using their piece of plastic. It ends with something money can’t buy and how that experience might feel.
Last Wednesday, it was a beautiful day to ride the chairlift up McCauley Mountain. One senior participant said it was her first time riding the lift!
The very impressive, understanding and helpful staff at McCauley, the fresh air, the friendly socialization, the warm sunshine and the glorious view made for an experience that was not only heartwarming… it was “priceless.”
Most of us have seen stories on television, heard about, or even witnessed how individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities have overcome obstacles and achieved a goal due to some recreational outlet.
A person who can’t even walk manages to win a bike race; an Olympian champion injures himself, works hard to recover from the injury, and succeeds in winning the gold medal; a mentally challenged child composes her own music… the examples are plentiful.
Through avenues of leisure these individuals have developed and enhanced their social, mental, physical and emotional status.
That is why recreation is often referred to as therapeutic.
Sheer determination alone may not be enough in most cases because—let’s face it—we all love to have people cheering us on.
We tend to achieve more when we are encouraged, coached or even pushed.
We all desire to have at least one person rooting for us, even if no one else is. That person or people make us feel unconditionally accepted in spite of our limitations. They stand beside us and say, “You can do it,” even when the rest of the world is saying, “No, you can’t.”
Although on a less dramatic scale, the participants in the Senior Health Activity and Recreational Program (SHARP) are blessed to have many people who have contributed to helping their overall well-being.
We appreciate the people who have donated to the program. The program wouldn’t be what it is without those of you who’ve thoughtfully contributed your time, food, crafts and other items.
Those committed folks who have and continue to volunteer for our program are invaluable to us.
Not only do they help with prep, sign-in, food and cleanup, they provide that continual encouragement and reassure us that they are there for us and root us on.
We could really use some more volunteers to help our numbers grow and enable us to increase our activities.
If you have the time and inclination to help out on Wednesdays, even every once in a while, please contact me.
There are no special requirements, just a desire to help. I’m confident you will find it rewarding to work with such a special group of people.
SHARP is a free program offered to all independent senior citizens from Woodgate to Raquette Lake.
We meet at Niccolls Memorial Church in Old Forge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday.
Lunch during our regular Wednesday sessions is provided by the Community Health & Wellness Fund (formerly the Town of Webb Health Center Fund).
For more information, call or text (315) 225-7553, or email activitiescoordinator4seniors@yahoo.com. Check our Facebook page anytime for updates. Search: SHARP