Volunteer exercise leaders recognized

HARLEM VALLEY — Marion Bennett of Millbrook and Caroline McEnroe of Amenia were two of 19 senior exercise volunteers recently recognized for their community service by Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus on the occasion of the Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program completing its first decade.

“Our national award-winning program helps keep seniors healthy and engaged by providing important physical and social activity,â€� Steinhaus stated. “We are extremely grateful to our many dedicated volunteers who, week after week, donate their time and skills selflessly to conduct the classes. Without them, this program would not exist.â€�  

Other area individuals who were also recognized for their 10 years of volunteer service include Linda Barnes of Stanfordville and Esther Conklin of Millbrook.

This all-volunteer program conducts classes in town halls, churches and libraries in 45 locations and 20 municipalities across Dutchess County. The classes meet twice a week for one hour and are free of charge to the participants.

In 2005 the program received the Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of Counties in recognition of being among the top county volunteer programs in the country. The classes make a big difference to the participants. Sybil Kelly of Millerton joined the twice-weekly class at the North East Community Center in Millerton a year ago.  

“After a stroke and two open heart operations, I know it’s important to get out there and exercise,� she said. “It feels wonderful and it’s fun. It’s made a big difference to me, especially in the winter.�

Bennett began leading her exercise class 10 years ago at Grace Church in Millbrook, and then moved it to the Thorne Building. For the past two years she has been holding her Tuesday and Thursday morning classes in the Bennett Community Room at the Millbrook Library on Franklin Avenue in the center of the village.  A typical class will include “The Fearless Leader,â€� her students’ nickname for the determined Bennett, and 10 to 14 regular participants.  Bennett said that most of the class is over the age of 65, and mentioned Ivy Detterbeck, now 104, who attended the class well into her mid-‘90s.

Bennett, who prefers not to reveal her age, is often asked by one of her six grandchildren or five great-grandchildren why she is so busy.  She tells them, “I’m just a joiner I guess.â€�

McEnroe, who leads the class in Millerton at the North East Community Center, stressed that it is a cooperative group effort.  

“If I’m not here someone else takes over.  Everyone is a volunteer,â€� she said.  

The class is held Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. and has become so popular that the state had to supply more folding chairs. Between exercises class members talk about their friends and the cold weather in Tampa. McEnroe stressed the social and medical benefits of the program.

“Four members of the class have had hip replacements, and their doctors commented that they were in good condition because of their regular exercise,� she said.

Classes follow a set routine of weight bearing, stretching and balance exercises established by state experts. The usual class routine consists of balance and warm up exercises followed by leg and arm exercises using weights.  The social opportunities provided by the bi-weekly event are very important to the class members who insist that class be held regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Those seniors interested in joining these classes may obtain more information by calling the Dutchess County Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555. The program is free and all you need to join is a doctor’s certificate attesting to your health.

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