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!