by Linda Heistman
Thanksgiving acts as a reminder to us to be thankful for what we have. I do not have to think hard or look far to see the many things I am so very thankful for.
I used to dream of the day that I could go for a hike in the woods without going far from home.
I have actually realized that dream. I can often come home from work, get out of my car and look up to see the stars so clear and bright.
I can make myself a cup of hot tea to keep me warm as I marvel at the heavens.
It frequently hits me as I am hiking or running in the vast beauty of the back country that this is really where I live.
I am so thankful that this is finally my home! To live where I’ve always wanted to live, and now doing the job that I feel like I was meant to do—coordinator of SHARP. I am truly blessed.
Last weekend Old Forge celebrated Christmas on Main Street.
Niccolls Church and the local 4-H Club offered a warming station for people to come to relax and enjoy movies, crafts and other free activities.
Besides the 4-H Club, Niccolls Church is the venue for several other community functions, including AA, the Loaves and Fishes Café, piano recitals and other musical events, HASCA training and mailings, workshops and meetings of many kinds, overnight space for scouts and church youth groups, and, of course, my personal favorite, the Senior Health, Activity and Recreation Program. I am thankful for Niccolls Church.
Many children enjoyed the free crafts offered at Niccolls last Friday and Saturday and several also gave something special to our SHARP participants.
They hand-made heart-warming Christmas cards for our senior citizens. We will enjoy reading them and will proudly display them throughout the month.
I am thankful for the generosity of the 4-H Club and the children who made the cards.
I am also thankful for the wonderful participants of SHARP.
Each senior adds their own talents, gifts and unique personality to make up a group of delightful, caring and giving people.
I think the children’s Christmas cards are going to bolster and enhance some of the team-building spirit that we already have.
But, hey, don’t just take my word for it…come out and see for yourself!
We invite you to join the fun as a participant and/or as a volunteer.
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