Matter of Balance class held at Ricker Apartments

A Matter of Balance class was given at Ricker Apartments in Houlton for eight weeks ending Friday, June 6. This class was given by volunteers Cheryl Driscoll and Richard McLaughlin and is sponsored through the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. The class is to help seniors keep their independence through learning safer ways of walking and moving and to prevent falls, which are the number one reason why seniors have to go to nursing homes.
One week, Sue and Bruce Glick came and demonstrated Tai Chi for the class. Everyone really enjoyed this. One week, movies were shown on how seniors can learn to adjust their thinking on planning outings to go out in the community instead of staying home for fear of falling. Easy exercises were done each week with the objective of getting stronger. Dottie Sines from Aroostook Area Agency on Aging came and demonstrated ways of getting up after a fall.
Officer Danny Pelletier, from the Houlton Police Department, came and talked about being careful of scams. He also talked about storing prescription drugs in a safe location out of sight, and not to be too trusting, as sometimes even family members will take them. Officer Pelletier handed out the diplomas.
A graduation party was held with lots of good food and terrific entertainment with guitars and singing. Bonnie Bell Pratt came and brought her famous molasses donuts. Bonnie is one of the other volunteers for these classes. There were 18 ladies and one gentleman attending the classes.
Anyone interested in volunteering or attending the next class can call Dottie Sines at the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging at 764-6318. This is a free class for any seniors who wish to attend. Also, if any seniors would like to have Meals on Wheels delivered to them, they can call Richard McLaughlin at 694-1003. This program is based on income.