Avoiding Falls - Dr. Charles Bachi

Dr. Bachi came with his "friend" the human spine to explain how it works and gives us balance.

He also gave us tips on Making Your Home Safer:

• Provide adequate lighting in your home. Use nightlight
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the shower.
• Remove scatter rugs and secure carpet edges. Place non-skid rugs in the bathroom.
• Use a cane or walker if recommended by your health care professional.
• Remove things that you can trip over from places where you walk.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.A

And What You Can Do To Prevent Falls:

• Wear your glasses. See anophthalmologist once a year.
• Be careful of pets or young children scurrying under your feet. Remove clutter that you might trip over.
• Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
• Get out of bed slowly to avoid dizzyness.
• Carry a portable phone to avoid running to answer the phone.
• Pace yourself. Fatigue can affect your balance.
• Have your health care provider review your medications.
• See a physical therapist if you feel weak or unsteady.
• Begin a regular exercise program,
• Carry small loads. Heavy loads can throw off your balance.

Growing up in China during WW II - Mary Previte

Mary Previte

 told us her story of growing up in China during WW II. She was attending a boarding school in China while her parents were doing missionary work in northern China and the start of WW II.

To view the video of her presentation, click here

One day, the Japanese soldiers appeared and made their school a detention center. Everything was claimed as property of the Emperor. Shortly after that there were trucked to an internment camp, "Weihsien" where she and all of her classmates where held for the next 5 years.

The teachers that were in the school came with them and continued their education in academics as well as social behaviors.

One day they heard the sound of an airplane flying very low. The airplane had US markings. And they saw men jumping out of the plane and knew that they were finally being rescued. She was then able to reunite with her famliy and she met a new brother that had been born while she was in the other camp.

Many year after, Mary decided to contact each member of the team that have rescued her from the camp and personally tell them her story and give thoise heroes and personal thank you.

She was able to contact all but 2 of the men, including the translator who is still living in China.

Fourth of July Parade

Once again, the 65 club was out in force for the Haddonfield 4th of July parade.  Our Thansk to Mike Underwood and Bernie Shaming.

It was great to get together for our short walk down Kings Highway wearing our hats and aprons...

Dance and the Arts in Haddonfield - Joe Murphy

Joe Murphy spoke to us about  ballroom dancing and it many benefits, including physical and mental health. It can also help people with autism. Joe told of a program starting in the Fall in association with Rowen Universtity that will run a ballroom dancing program for young people with autism. The program will be run at Grace Church in Haddonfield.

Joe also talked about the arts in Haddonfield. There are several parts to this. There is a Boxwood organization working to get more visibility for the current arts activities in Haddonfield. These include Theater (Plays and Players), Art (Markheim), Dance (Dance Haddonfield) and Music.

The orgaization is not looking at a single location at this point. They are taking the current status of all activities and assessing future needs in the hope that this will define the needs for a future venue (or venues). Boxwood could be one of the choices. But that is a whole different discussion after the needs are collected.

Joe also told about the group resposible for the sculptures that have appeared around town. One of the most talked about was the 2 women on the bench at Tanner St. The group is the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust (HOST).

A Curious Fossil - Doug Rauschenberger

Doug Rauschenberger  

spoke to us about a very curious fossil, our own dinosaur Haddy.

While the bones were discovered in Haddonfield, The fossil was not named after Haddonfield.

The bones were discovered near Hopkins pond in the mid 1800's and sparked the search for and study of dinosaurs by palentologists.

The statue we have in town in a smaller version of the actual dinosaur. It was resized to fit in the space available.
 You can see one of the leg bones to the left:

The current site has a marker that was part of an Eagle Scout project to let people know the location of the discovery.
 And Today, visitors bring their own dinosaurs ...

The discovery did start a lot of discussion on the actual existance of dinosaurs and searched for more. There was also some growth in competion fo rthe collection of the bones of dinosaurs.

Phillies Game – June 20th

Twas the night of the game,

Anticipation was great,

The 65ers loaded the bus,

To see the Philllies fate,

50 strong and ready to leave at 5,

Out to Philly's Citizens Bank,

To see if the Phillies

Would shrink and tank,

The lady bus driver started the engine,

But the bus would not move,

Just like the Phillies,

It had lost its groove,

A sub bus arrived at 6:30 on the dot,

Got us to the stadium, right on the spot,

To sing the Star Spangled Banner,

In a very joyful manner,

A beautiful evening, and 10 innings went by,

A 1-1 tie, had each of us with this sigh,

"Would the Phillies win and make our day complete,

Or would they go down...to a miserable defeat?"

The answer came quickly, in inning eleven,

The Cardinals went out and quickly scored seven,

But looking back, we all sang out without fear,

"Things will get better, wait 'til next year!"

– – Saul Resnick

Students Run Philly Style - Ieshia Nelson

Iehiaq Nelson, Amanda Collette and Andy Kucer

spoke to us

about a program for kids in Philadelphia and Camden called:

Students Run Philly Style is a Unique Program That Uses a Simple Approach to Fostering Resilience in Philadelphia and Camden Youth: A PAIR OF SNEAKERS AND A CARING ADULT

Students Run Philly Style transforms students’ lives through running and mentorship. They pair volunteer Running Leaders with teams of students to inspire them to push themselves further than they ever imagined.

Their goal: the completion of a full or a half marathon.The courage and effort required, the unfailing support of a caring mentor and the thrill of its ultimate achievement results in a student who knows anything is possible.

From March to November, students and mentors train together for major area races such as the Blue Cross Broad Street Run and the Philadelphia Marathon.  Our students and mentors gain so much more through this process than just increased cardiovascular fitness.  During the many training runs  that take place each year, the opportunities for in-depth conversations are abound.  Mentors learn about the trials and tribulations in young people’s lives and assist them with finding solutions and standing strong in the face of adversity.  Conversely, students  get advice on college and career planning as well as goal setting among other things while having the undivided attention of a caring adult. Our resilience-based program model focuses on developing the skills students need to be successful when challenges arise — both in and out of the classroom and well into their adult lives.

Students Run Philly Style serves 1,200 youth annually across neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Camden. Our program model uses data and evidence -based practices to better impact the youth in the program. A recent 2-year impact study of our program showed the following:

-41% of students increased their GPA

-99.5% of students were promoted to the next grade

-50% decreased their incidents of violent behavior

-80% increased or maintained high levels of self confidence

-91% of 12th grade students graduated high school

-90% of those graduates were accepted into a 4-year college

-Long-term results indicate a decrease in Body Mass Index

Event Support

Any Students Run Philly Style event would be incomplete without the help of our volunteers!

Event volunteers help our students in a number of ways.  The majority of our events are races or training runs. Volunteers can work at water stations, at start/finish lines or by biking a course. In addition to having fun, you’ll witness firsthand the energy and excitement of our students and feel good knowing you contributed to their success. Volunteer as a group or as an individual.

Commitment

• One day commitments, usually a weekend morning between March and November
• Respond to email requests for volunteer opportunities as you are able
• Volunteer once a year or 10 times a year!