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 Tips for Seniors

It has been said, "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other." (anonymous)

New Year's resolutions are often flawed from the start and destined to fail: we begin the year with good intentions in January but day-to-day issues trump the promises we

made and they are soon forgotten. The loftier a resolution is, the harder it is to keep so it is important to choose simple, realistic goals and develop a specific plan of action to accomplish them.

Sharing your resolutions with a trusted friend and asking him/her to remind you regularly to stay focused may be helpful. Sticking Post-it* notes on the bathroom mirror may be just as effective.

Here are a few suggestions you might

consider in 2013:
* Participate in cognitive health activities
* Become more tech savvy
* Exercise or try a new physical activity
* Talk with family members about the hard stuff
* Eat balanced meals that include fresh foods
* Create a safe environment, in your home
* Record and share your family history
* Schedule regular physical checkups
* Expand your circle of friends
* Work on patching broken relationships

NEW YEAR'S REMINDER: 

Did Santa bring you new electronics for Christmas, an iPod, iPad or iPhone? Maybe a Kindle or a Nook? We're planning to offer an electronic "How to Use" class in January. The York Connection Task Force is compiling a list to see who wants help in what areas. We may not be able to cover them all, but we'll offer expert instruction in as many areas as we can.

If you received new electronics, and would like some assistance in using your present, list your name on the sign up sheet at the Crossroads. "We'll be in touch."

Don't forget "Game Day" on Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm. Tables are set for Euchre, Canasta, Dominoes and Mahjong. Bring a friend!

I want to let everyone know how much I appreciated all the attention I received from church members during those days I was "under the weather." I am now looking forward to the healing powers of the sunshine during our stay in Florida.

  - John Kill

 
In May of 2011, Jim Parker was honored for his thirty five years of service as music director at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. Jim received many well deserved letters and kudos at that ceremony in the Fellowship Hall. I didn't personally know Jim Parker at that time but I remembered the time in the year of 2001 when he led the high school chorus as the band played and Sally Hawk's daughter, Margo, sang "The Star Spangled Banner," prior to a basketball game in the high school gymnasium. I wrote Jim a letter letting him know how his rendition of "Our National Anthem" deeply touched me and it remains at the top of my list as my all time favorite.
 

A week later I found that my good friends Pamela and Jack Frucci's wedding song happened to be "The Star Spangled Banner." I re-wrote Jim's story and combined it with Pamela's in a story called "Quite The Connection."
Now a year and a half later, Jim Parker is in my spotlight once again. It is now going on thirty seven years and he shows no signs of slowing down. 
 

At the recent production of "Lessons and Carols," I felt so honored to be able to sit close enough to be able to observe and actually feel his devotion as he directed the choir in the singing of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. The choir has several individuals with tremendous talent. It is like having a baseball team with several all-stars, yet bringing about the very best of them as a team. Yes, I could see that look of satisfaction in the eyes of Jim Parker as the final note was heard.  Could he have been thinking:  "How could this possibly get any better?"

     - David L. Dyer