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By Tana Shealey

ACES Lowndes County

Special to The Lowndes Signal

Calling it a time for fun, exercise and learning, organizers of the Fitness Fiesta helped hundreds of senior citizens spend a day full of activity at their church in Hope Hull on May 3.. The annual event leaders include the Church’s senior coordinator Negatha Holt and Pastor Elder Tom Gardner, III.

Dozens of church members and volunteers, wearing brightly colored outfits, led participants in the Beulah Primitive Baptist Church Wellness Center to their seats. Participants spent the day enjoying music, cheering on “lip syncing” performers and listening to presenters on diverse topics. 

The seniors learned about exercises to help strengthen muscles to prevent fall and how to avoid telemarketing frauds that target the elderly. Seniors also received a healthy lunch and free fruit and vegetables to take home.

“Our goal is to share research-based information with senior citizens in Lowndes County,” said Lowndes County Extension Office Coordinator Tana Shealey. Shealey and Regional Extension Agent Janet Johnson, who specializes in food safety and nutrition, talked with residents during the event about recognizing the signs of strokes and heart attacks.

Participants talked with vendors about the diverse services and information the organizations provide to residents in the county. Event organizers list vendors as Aetna Medicare, Alabama Securities Commission, Ariel Home Medical, Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System: Suicide Prevention, the Governor’s Office on Volunteer Services, Jackson Hospital/Jackson Wellness center, Lowndes County Extension, Social Security Administration, South Central Alabama Development Commission Area Agency on Aging, and Viva Medicare.

“We also have some branded materials, like insulated lunch bags, that we are giving out among other goodies,” Shealey added. 

Event organizers thanked their many sponsors including “Gold Sponsors” who are identified as Beulah Primitive Baptist Church, Cadence Bank, Casey Farm, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, First Citizens Bank, Gardner Flooring & Design, Scott Garrett, Lowndes County Commissioner Joey Barganier, Lowndes County Commissioner Dickson Farrior, Lowndes County Commissioner Robert Hartis, Lowndes County Commissioner Charlie King, Jr., Lowndes County District Judge Adrian Johnson, Lowndes County Probate Judge LaShandra Myrick, Lowndes County Tax Collector Roslyn Smith, Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West, Louise Pitts, the South Central Alabama Development Commission Area Agency on Aging and Trotman Brothers Roofing and Construction, LLC.

“Silver Sponsors” include Ace Hardware-Hayneville, Baptist, Inc., Farrior’s Fruit & Vegetable Stand, Reverend Henry Gordon/Cloverland AG, Hayneville AG, Montgomery Cancer Center, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Sam’s Warehouse, Winn Dixie, Westport and Woods Pecan Company.