As I enjoy Thanksgiving Day, I consider this.....how can we show others we are thankful. We always talk about it during the Thanksgiving Holiday, but how can we show that we truly are. What type of spirit do we have on a daily basis, when interacting with others? What do people see on our faces? Do they see openness, love, empathy? Or do they see sourness, anger, weariness that tell them, "not now." Many times, some of them inconvenient, people need us. They need an ear, a shoulder or even a tissue. Do we stand ready to give what is needed? I am thankful, but I hope that others do see it on my face more often than not. Please remember to do more than say that you are thankful, show others you are too. Smile!

Recently, I was once again shown and age or disability cannot keep a good volunteer down. One of our center's participants was not satisified to come and actively participate in the activities and programs we offer. In spite of the fact this person never misses a day and joins in all activities and even financially contributes to many of the projects we offer, it was not enough. This person asked if they could do more. They wanted to become an active volunteer and begin providing telephone assurance to seniors who are not as active, ill, or are possibly homebound. They wanted to also send birthday cards, get well cards, thinking of you cards, etc. They completed all the paperwork and have begun working hard at outreach and telephone assurance. Oh by the way, this participant is 79 years old and spends most of their life in a wheelchair. Maybe we should take a good look at what's keeping us from serving. Maybe not feeling well is not such a good excuse anymore.

As the holidays approach (yes, in my planning, they are quickly approaching), I have noticed how busy our schedule is and how all the time slots for programming are quickly filling up. I am already thinking about when our Christmas dinner will be. It is during this time, I am reminded that some folks are not busy as all, rather they are home alone, and the loneliness is especially prevalent during the holidays. Let us not be so busy that we forget those who need us most during this season which is filled with activities, obligations, excitement and happiness. Not everyone walks in our shoes.

We were thrilled to have a representative of the National Council on Aging visit our senior center last week. During this opportunity to "brag" about our center, I was reminded of how important each little task performed by our partipants is. Small gestures such as watering the flowers, folding newsletters, filling the bird feeders are equally as important as serving in the kitchen, teaching an exercise class and working on our volunteer projects such as the Library's Display Quilt, receiving blankets for newborns, heart pillows, and turbans. We can never forget that everyone's small part is an important piece of the whole. I am thankful for each person and what they have to offer our program. Everyone has something valuable to share with us!

For the next two months, we are challenged to walk as many miles as possible as part of a competition against the other seven counties in our Area Development District. We are offering small rewards as incentive, but my long term vision is to see more people establish a routine of walking. Competitions and rewards are fine, but our ultimate goal is to have people participate in a daily fitness/wellness regime. Researchers say that if you repeat something for 30 days or more the activity is more likely to become a habit. I hope to see that happen for many of our senior adults. I am pleased that several of our folks already walk and are very adamant about having their walks counted. Our center has made health and nutrition a vital part of our programming for a reason, simply, it makes a difference. Equipping our senior adults to make better health and nutrition choices can improve their health. My challenge to our senior adults is to make at least one change in their health and nutrition choices. This walking competition is an easy way to do that.

This Saturday was a great opportunity for our senior adults to show our appreciation to the coal industry for the tremendous financial support we receive. We were able to take almost 40 senior adults to the event, and I was overwhelmed by the number of people present and the cooperation that took place between the many hands that helped organize the event.

It is my opinion that the good Lord gave us our resources, (our mountains, timber, coal) for a reason. I know that we should be good stewards of our gifts, but they were given to us to use. Because of these resources, our family, friends and neighbors have jobs that provide a good quality of life for their families. Because of these resources, many non profits and charities have more financial resources which in turn help many people in our community which are hurting. Because of these resources, local business receive more revenue from the people who receive their livelihood from these industries.

I know we can be good stewards of our community and environment while benefiting from what God has provided. I know we are grateful for His gifts!

As the director of the Hazard Perry County Senior Center, besides having the best job in the world, I find myself challenged by the many opportunities that present themselves to our center. Recently, a couple of senior adults who are very precious to us, have experienced health issues. One person has no family, church or friends that they can rely on to help during their difficult time. Our center must rise to this challenge of helping this person by connecting them to all the resources they need such as meals, home care and caregiver services. Another such person is somewhat immobile and we must arrange their transportation to and from the center. This person loves coming to the center so much, it would be unfortunate if they had to be turned away because of our inability to get them here to the center. It is times like this, that I know our program makes a difference in the lives of people around us. I am so pleased to have challenges that remind me of why we do what we do.