by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
To celebrate “Active Aging Week,” Sept. 21-27, the Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education program and the Sartell Senior Connection are inviting all area seniors to have fun that week by taking part in many free activities.
The activities and celebrations are just some of many throughout the nation that are encouraged by the International Council on Active Aging. Its theme this year is “Let the Adventure Begin.” The week’s celebration promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale by giving older adults the opportunity to experience a variety of activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.
People need not be from Sartell to join in the fun, and participants do not have to be senior citizens. Anyone who wants to participate should register well ahead of time. Call 320-253-4036.
Here is a line-up of the events:
The Intouchables (movie showing): 1-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 in the LeSauk Room of the District Service Center. Winner of the Best Foreign Movie Oscar for 2013, this French movie tells the true story of a quadriplegic whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young ex-con for his caretaker.
Canoeing on the Mississippi River: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Meet in the District Service Center. A canoeing expert will give tips about the activity during a ride on the river. In case of inclement weather, the activity will take place at the same time Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Tai Chi: Two sessions, 10-11 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m., both on Wednesday, Sept. 24 in the Watab Room of the School District Service Center. Jim Braig, an instructor from Dubuque, Iowa, will introduce people to Tai Chi, an ancient way of exercise, relaxation and meditation.
Mahjong: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 in Room 303 of the District Service Center. People can pop into the Senior Connection meeting room and see women play this ancient Chinese board game, which uses small ceramic tiles. The players will explain some of the rules to newcomers.
Creative Arts: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the District Service Center, Room 303. People can bring their own art project or craft to work on with other talented people, who meet every Wednesday throughout the year at the Senior Connection meeting room in the District Service Center.
Torch Run: 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Country Manor Campus, East Door 2. Jim Braig of Dubuque, Iowa was one of the Olympic Torch runners in the United States for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, held in Los Angeles. Braig will share his experience, including his training, his week of running and the stunning reception he received along his running route.
Trivia Night: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Test your knowledge while having social fun. Teams of three will form up at the beginning of the evening, then they will pool their brains to answer questions asked by Trivia Master Pat McNeal, former teacher and current member of the Sartell Senior Connection. Trivia Night happens every third Thursday in Room 303 of the District Service Center.
Bowling: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at Great River Bowl in Sartell. This is the only activity with a fee ($5). Participants will be able to bowl to their hearts’ content, and all abilities are welcome, even those who have never bowled before.
Hike and Picnic on the River: Friday, Sept. 26. People can enjoy a picnic at Mississippi River Park eight miles north of Rice on CR 1. The hike is slated for 10 a.m. and a lunch of brats, hot dogs and potluck items will start at noon. People need not go on the hike; they can just come for lunch. The lunch is sponsored by the Sartell Senior Connection.