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By Carrie Miller

Davie Senior Services

Davie County Senior Services had a great October.

The month started with Walktober, a walking event to challenge everyone (seniors and staff) to walk as many miles as they could within the month. Participants logged more than 1,000 steps.

To motivate participants for Walktober, a race walking and power walking demonstration was held at the Brock Campus on Oct. 3. Carmina Jenks from Piedmont Plus Senior Games taught participants how to do vary their walking routine and succeed in those events for the upcoming Senior Games in March.

A matter of balance class began in October through Winston-Salem State University, and the class participants enjoy learning how to better their balance. This is a class offered periodically, so check the Senior Connection to find out how to join.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Senior Services and SmartStart held another Grandparents & Me where Allison Gupton shared stories and a scarecrow craft that grandchildren and grandparents could participate in together

On Thursday, Oct. 6, Senior Services began American Mahjong classes. American Mahjong is a game played with tiles and typically has four players per game. The participants enjoyed the game so much that now Senior Services has added American Mahjong to the weekly schedule at 1 each Tuesday afternoon.

Senior Writing Group met the first Thursday and talked about ways to journal and expand writing skills. If you love to write, this is a class for you. If you love to listen to heartfelt stories, this is a class for you. As an observer, you may laugh or cry at the moving pieces written in this class. Marie Craig, instructor, offers years of experience and expertise.  She is motivating, will boost inspiration, and will help writers find what they need to continue with creative writing.

On Friday, Oct. 7, DSenior Services joined with the Davie County Public Library for Crafternoon where participants created canning ring pumpkins. These little pumpkins are so cute and perfect for decorating for the Autumn season.

On Monday, Oct. 10, Julie Cartner instructed a class on needle felting, a SilverArts activity. The class made needle-felted owls, and everyone enjoyed time together.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Senior Services offered a seminar on breast cancer awareness for Breast Cancer Month, given by Jacqueline Doucette, FNP-C, from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

The Coffee and Caregiving Group met on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 10 a.m. This is a group is a safe place for caregivers to meet with one another and with services coordinator, Kelly Sloan, to share experiences about caregiving.

On Friday, Oct. 14, Dr. Danny Cartner began another knitting class for both beginning and intermediate knitters. They meet every Friday from 9 -11 a.m. This class makes beautiful items and loves to show off their work. There will be another class starting next quarter.

On Monday, Oct. 17, Senior Services held a domestic violence awareness “Put a Nail in It” event where Davie Center for Violence Prevention’s Brandi Patti spoke about types of domestic violence and participants painted a fingernail purple to spread awareness.

Also on Oct. 17, the monthly movie featured a film about ghosts and girlfriends and was well attended.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Tech Tuesday in partnership with Davie County Public Library, had Rachel Nelson sharing tips and tricks with their tech questions such as phone ring tones, typing, and more.  Starting in January, the class will increase to twice per month.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, Senior Services met at the Davie County Public Library for the Senior Book Club lead by Genny Hinkle. This group meets the third Thursday of each month and reads daring new novels and discusses them together. The group would love to have new members, so do not hesitate to reach out for more information.

Thursday, Oct. 20 was also a great day because Senior Services held the monthly bingo, but this time it was held on Purple Thursday, participants were asked to wear purple to spread awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This bingo event was sponsored by Caudell Lumber Co. and had a great turnout.

Friday, Oct. 21, Senior Services headed to the Davie County Public Library for another Crafternoon, titled, Crafting with Resin, where participants made resin bookmarks. Crafternoon meets twice a month on Fridays.

What’s Cooking: Foods, Fads, and Helpful Home Hacks met Monday, Oct. 24 and learned about grapes. Participants tried a grape slicer for the first time, frozen grapes, and grape sorbet. There were mixed feelings on the frozen grapes, but overall, the class enjoyed learning about grapes. This group meets the fourth Monday of each month.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25 the Theatre Club, led by Mike Garner, met at the senior center and discussed the plays they plan to see in December. If interested in joining, they would love to have you. They meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Main Campus.

Also on Oct. 25, Senior Services held the quarterly veteran’s social where diabetes educator, Cindy Dillard, joined gave a program on diabetes and how to eat healthy. The next veteran’s social will take place on Jan. 31 at 1 p.m., with Thao Sommerville, a Vietnam escapee, telling a story you do not want to miss. A

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Senior Services started the Fall Fitness Frenzy, a four-week event that focuses on strength, healthy eating, and staying healthy throughout the holiday season. This class leads up to Thanksgiving and is helping participants to stay on track and focus on their goals.

Thursday, Oct. 27, brought about the Good Health Club that meets the fourth Thursday and focuses on fruits or vegetables along with light exercises. This month, UNCC intern, Wade Peddycord, taught the class about dragon fruit and artichokes. The event was delightful and the participants ate new foods they did not know about before.

Also on Oct. 27, Kelly Sloan, services coordinator, held the quarterly Memory Café for caregivers to bring their loved ones and participate in an activity together. They decorated Halloween cookies and enjoyed socializing. The next Memory Café will be in February.

To close out the month, Senior Services held a Halloween Party with almost 90 in attendance.

Participants dressed in their best Halloween costume and were judged by their peers. winners included: Diane Cannaday, Hazel Dillard, Paige Whaley, and Reba Holt. Following the contest, Sandi Winston shared Candy Trivia. Following trivia, the group enjoyed Halloween tunes along with Halloween themed snacks.

Upcoming in November and December are great activities. Call to register for any of the upcoming events that include Tech Tuesdays, Senior Writing Group, Jigsaw Free for All, Theatre Club, the Good Health Club, What’s Cooking, the Christmas Party, and so more: 336-753-6230.