THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010409
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER CHRISTMAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
When Dare County's Older Adult Services Director Lois Twyne received a letter announcing that her department had won the Governor's Award for Health and Fitness for Mature Adults, she didn't tell anyone.
Four years ago, the local department won the same award. It seemed unbelievable that the honor would be repeated so soon.
``I was so surprised,'' said Twyne. ``I thought maybe it was a joke or a mistake.''
It wasn't.
On Wednesday, Twyne, fitness coordinator Teddi Sipe and County Manager Terry Wheeler attended a noon reception at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Raleigh where they were honored for their work on fitness programs for older adults.
``I think maybe tomorrow I will be excited,'' Twyne said Tuesday afternoon. ``I've been so busy today. It hasn't really had a chance to sink in yet.''
According to a May 1 letter from the North Carolina Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, the Dare County program was chosen to receive the statewide award because its leaders ``continue to provide model programming for your seniors. This is the most prestigious older-adult award that the Governor's Council bestows.''
As participants in the Wednesday morning low-impact aerobics class laughed and tapped their sneakers on the tile of the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, it was clear to see why the award was bestowed on the Outer Banks group.
The class had a little difficulty with the step-step-step-clap routine. Members trod in all directions. But they all seemed to have a good time doing their own thing.
Fun - plus good health - is what it's all about, Twyne said.
``I want to be able to provide each older adult with programs that help fulfill their individual needs,'' said Twyne.
``I want to have an environment that helps people do their personal best - and have fun.''
In addition to exercise classes, Dare County's Older Adult Services offers educational seminars, strength and flexibility programs, diet and health counseling and health fairs and screenings. The Baum Senior Center also offers people a place to participate in athletic activities from tennis to tap dancing.
Older Adult Services coordinators arrange senior game competitions with groups from neighboring counties. Winners of the county competitions head to Raleigh to compete statewide.
As addenda to the application Twyne entered for the award, she included about 25 letters written by members of the local senior center. The letters express why seniors enjoy the programs - and why Dare County's group has received so much recognition.
``It not only tones your body. It increases your life span and enables you to enjoy all the activities of the senior center and community happenings,'' 72-year-old Richard Hunt wrote about his exercise class. ``It adds another unexpected benefit: friends and sociability.
``It's a warm feeling to experience this. I have more friends now than I ever had in my life.''
Miriam Jacobs, a 76-year-old Southern Shores resident, agreed. Attending aerobics classes at the senior center three times a week helps her feel good, she said.
``I'm just amazed at what it has done for me,'' Jacobs said before donning sneakers for Wednesday morning's exercise session. ``It has given me so much energy. I'm a cancer survivor. And I sincerely feel that if I hadn't found this program last year, I'd be in a box right now.'' by CNB