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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 2015)
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon SPRD programs create a lively time for seniors By Jim Cornelius News Editor Seniors in Sisters are engaged with each other and the riches the region has to offer to a greater degree than ever before — thanks to pro- grams offered through Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD). SPRD is usually associ- ated, aptly enough, with pro- grams for youth — from its skate park to its basketball tournaments. But the orga- nization increasingly caters to a broad demographic — including older citizens like Sharon Ling. “I’m a widow, by myself,” Ling told The Nugget. “I guess most of my friends are widows, sorry to say. It gets us together.” A nurse for 43 years, Ling remains an active, enthusias- tic person who likes to help folks. She coordinates meals for seniors on Tuesdays at Sisters Community Church through a Central Oregon Council on Aging program. “I have connections with the seniors,” she said. “Let’s just say I’m the young blood there.” And she encourages the seniors she encounters to take advantage of the programs offered at SPRD. “I just nudge them a little bit,” Ling said. The senior programs are created and conducted under the direction of Shannon Rackowski. “We’re just so glad she came to Sisters,” Ling says. Rackowski teaches several exercise classes for seniors that are specifically geared to meet their needs, such as improving balance and con- necting cognitive exercise with movement. These are “exercises we can do,” Ling says — and it’s fun as well as mentally and physically stimulating. “As they get stronger physically, emotionally, you can see their body language change,” Rackowski said. “It’s such a pleasure for me to see their reactions.” Rackowski also leads excursions for seniors to local destinations. For many seniors who either do not drive or limit their driving, these excursions open up Central Oregon for them to explore. “She’s offered excursions that are affordable for us — because you have to think of the cost when you’re on a fixed income,” Ling said. The excursions have included trips to Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards; The High Desert Museum; a movie trip; and an excursion to view spectacular displays of Christmas lights at Eagle Crest. Rackowski drives SPRD’s 15-person van — and the ride can be as much fun as the photo by Jim Cornelius Sharon Ling and Shannon rackowski enjoy the many activities Sprd provides for seniors in Sisters. destination. SAGE (Senior Activities, “We sing, we tell jokes,” Gatherings & Experiences). Rackowski said. “It’s a really The group offers activities fun time.” ranging from board-games Rackowski has also orga- to crafts. Expanding SAGE nized talks on health issues, access is a key goal for tapping local practitioners of SPRD. both conventional Western “We really want to open medicine and alternative our SAGE room every day modalities, which Ling says for our seniors,” Rackowski have been very beneficial for said. seniors, who sometimes are SPRD’s senior programs not aware of the services and include: Stretch & Flex; Walk practices that are available in with Ease; Indoor Walking; Sisters Country to help them Dancing to the Oldies; Pickle maintain and enhance their Ball; Seniors Self Defense health and well-being. and more. For more informa- SPRD opens its facility tion or to sign up for SPRD at the west end of the Sisters programs, visit the recently High School parking lot each revamped website at www. Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. sistersrecreation.com or call for senior activities through 541-549-2091. Bikeway open house in Camp Sherman The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public open house to share information about the Metolius River Loops Scenic Bikeway. The open house will be from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, February 24 at the Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Camp Sherman Rd. (Forest Service Road 1419), in Camp Sherman. The open house will feature an overview of the Bikeway Program and the Metolius Loops Bikeway sign installation plan with the final Bikeway sign plan on display. The bikeway sign plan has been revised to respond to comments and suggestions made by the public at a meet- ing held a year ago in Camp Sherman. This open house is held because of a request to update the Camp Sherman community. People are welcome to arrive any time during the open house. Representatives from the state Parks and Recreation Department and the U.S. Forest Service, Deschutes National Forest, will be there to answer questions. Please Connect Your Ray’s All Access Rewards Program Account to Furry Friends Foundation It’s FREE and we get 1% back on your purchases. . It’s an easy and great way to donate! Shop locally, donate locally! Thank you for your support. With your Access Rewards account information in hand (the number is on the back of your card), you can call, email or visit Ray’s to connect to Furry Friends Foundation. • Call 541-412-0005 • Email AllAccess@ckmarket.com • Visit the Ray’s Customer Service Counter and ask to connect your account number to Furry Friends for the All Access Community Rewards Program. www.FurryFriendsFoundation.org 21 Sisters Pet Food Bank • Spay/Neuter Sponsorships • Emergency Medical Assistance
