Matter of Balance graduates

Photo courtesy of  J. Ranagan
MATTER OF BALANCE — Taking part in the recent Matter of Balance class at the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter were front, from left, Dodie Curtis, Liz Breault, Beth Ranagan and Terri Palin. Second row, Meredith Perkins, Aloyse Larrabee, Karen Pineo, Eleanor Beatham, Betty Richards and Joanne Buzzell. Third row, Sherman Cookson, Brenda Cookson, Frank Spizuco, Dot Marsh and Ken Buzzell. Back, Barrett Morrisson, Shirley Groody, Walter Kimball.  Members absent:   Helen Putman, Phyllis Folsom and Evelyn Farrar.

By Beth Ranagan

DEXTER — On May 4, 19 residents of the greater Dexter area completed the Matter of Balance program presented at the Abbott Memorial Library. This program was sponsored by the library board of directors in conjunction with Friends of Community Fitness in Guilford and Dexter’s Skeleton Crew. The classes were led by Dodie Curtis and Terri Palin, volunteer Matter of Balance master trainers.

The 16-hour course included information and discussion about fears and prevention of falling. Physical Therapist Susan Garrettson demonstrated how to best get up from a fall as well as how to properly use canes and walkers, if needed. Gentle, but effective, exercises were practiced by all participants to build strength and flexibility needed to stand, walk and maintain balance. Discussions were serious and lively. Improvements were noted in students’ abilities to perform the various exercises.

The class dynamics led to fun during this important learning opportunity. Friends were made. On graduation day, some folks were making plans to see each other again for lunch and at the Community Fitness Center’s Silver Sneakers exercise program for seniors.

If you would like to become part of Matter of Balance in the future, call Community Fitness (876-4813) to find out when and where the next classes will be held.

As one class participant remarked, “I didn’t know that there is so much that I can do to prevent falls. It has been a wonderfully pleasant experience with some very nice people.”