by Linda Heistman
A clear blue sky, warm sunshine and a light breeze accompanied SHARP (Senior Health Activity and Recreation Pro-gram) participants on Monday, Ocotber 12 on a cruise down the Fulton Chain with Old Forge Lake Cruises.
It was a spontaneous Columbus Day event that we arranged during our Wednesday program last week. We sailed on the last boat of the season.
Though it was probably our last outdoor event of the season, we are looking forward to many fun programs to get us through the winter!
We have been blessed with wonderful weather on all our outdoor activities this year.
It also really amazes me that every one of these outings has been a first for at least one of our long-time resident seniors!
We are, as always, grateful to those who have donated money to SHARP.
It was because of these generous donations and CAP-21’s sponsorship that many participants were able to go on this cruise.
We learned a lot about our town’s history on the boat tour.
In addition to hearing the boat captain’s interesting narrative, I was delighted to hear the stories of those around me.
A lot of our senior citizens have lived here most or all of their lives, and they pointed out homes of people they’ve known and gave accounts of events that took place on or around our Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Did you know that there is a myth that an Adirondack shark resides in Third Lake? Can’t you just hear the theme music to “Jaws” now? But instead of its slow, intense drum, drum orchestral beat, I think that the Adirondack shark’s theme music would have to have a faster, harsher and more urgent beat.
After all, he has such a short time to eat his water-going prey before he is frozen solid for the winter months.
Unless, of course, he also has Adirondack lumberjack strength and can break through the ice to get some unsuspecting snowmobiler!
You probably know that there are at least two things the Adirondack Mountains are known for: the Adirondack chair and the Adirondack lean-to.
Well, I would like to add my own, but make it more specific to our special area from Woodgate to Raquette Lake. We have our own Adirondack “gems.”
These gems are the people and the organizations that are so helpful to those within our community. I refer to them as gems because they are a valuable asset and make life so much better for all of us.
It is no myth that the Community Transportation Service (CTS) is a very valuable Adirondack gem. CTS is run solely by volunteers and donations.
There are many in our community who really appreciate the generosity of those who donate to CTS because they rely on the service to get to both local appointments and out of town medical appointments.
We at SHARP are grateful to CTS for bringing some of our participants to our Wednesday program and sometimes also for helping them get to our other events. 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 is provided. Call (315) 225-7553 more information.