This week we were relocated to the James City County Recreation Center, and once again, everyone adapted nicely to the change in routine, and our week was good! Sometimes, song lyrics make the blog, so with an assist from Dave Matthews, we realized it was more about who we were with than where we were located. While we missed our regular spot at AFCC (and all of our stuff!), we filled the time at the Rec Center with fun activities, great friends, and marvelous helpers. We send special shout-outs this week to the following amazing folks who helped us keep moving forward: Patrick's mom Sue; Erik's mom Diane; Caroline, Kent, Carol S, and our therapy dog friends; Lexi's cousins Kelly and Scott and Dev B's uncle Bret, all from APEX PT / Rock Steady Boxing; Lexi's extended family members Scott, Sr. and Renee; and of course, Tracy and all the wonderful folks at James City County Parks & Recreation! The assistance and support from ALL of you is greatly appreciated!
Tuesday
On another beautiful Tuesday morning, we joined our master gardener friends for time in the garden at Freedom Park. The air was warm but there was a nice breeze under the shelter as we learned about patterns in nature.
Krafty Karen led the discussion that centered around the fact that patterns repeat, and while we usually think of patterns on things, or in math lessons...they are everywhere in nature, too! We saw a lot of examples of pictures, leaves, and flowers that demonstrated very pretty patterns.
While looking at shrubs that were trimmed and arranged in a nice pattern at a botanical garden, Abraham noticed one of the shrubs was trimmed into the shape of an elephant, his favorite animal!
We don't always think of flowers as being a pattern, but a cluster of them certainly forms a pattern. Here, Sam and Patrick observed as Drew "stopped to smell the gardenias!"
We also talked about patterns on animals and insects. Karen showed us a picture of a beautiful butterfly she spotted on a recent walk at the trail in Jamestown. It's mostly brown, with some yellow markings, and it's called a mourning cloak butterfly. It's not often spotted around our area, so Karen was excited to see it!
Our herb of the day was lavender, which Karen told us got its name from the Latin root lavare, which means to wash. It was often used in bath water during ancient times. It's also known to be a soothing scent, and you can cook with it, too. The gardeners gave us recipes for lavender lemonade and cookies that we can't wait to try! Karen also gave us "krafty" homework. She made kits for us to make lavender sachets. Thanks, Karen!! Ahh...the sachets will smell divine! 💜
Just look at Carolyn's spectacular journal page for today's session! MG Rich, who takes lots of photos, had to miss our session due to an allergic reaction (but he's ok!), so Carolyn snapped all these photos herself. Beautiful work, Carolyn, and Rich, we hope you feel better soon!
Today was our last official session with the gardeners until September. We have plans to see some of them a time or two over the summer when we pop in to check the garden...and to harvest the potatoes, which weren't quite ready today. We'd like to thank the MGs for the fabulous spring sessions we all enjoyed. We always learn a lot when we spend time in the garden with them, and we look forward to the fall sessions!
We decided to have lunch in the cool air conditioning at the Rec Center, because it was quite warm in the sun by the time we finished at the garden. During Choice Time everyone on this side of the room enjoyed checking devices, reading, coloring, using the computer, and playing games.
Over on this side, we had jigsaw puzzles, coloring, device checking, and singing along to music, with an occasional jumping up to dance!
After Choice Time we took a walk to the playground, which we have enjoyed visiting in the past. Laura and Abraham tried this teeter-totter kind of thing, but they soon found out that Laura needed to be on the other end!
This is a large and inclusive playground that features traditional equipment such as swings, but was also constructed to allow those with disabilities to access every aspect of it. We particularly like the padded "floor" for soft landings!
Annmarie and Adia took several whirls on the tire swing, and luckily, kept their lunch! LOL!
Today was National Sunglasses Day! We have a box of sunglasses that was donated by Coach Teri waaay back when, and we use them from time to time, but especially each year on this bright day! 😎🌞😎🌞 We were all smiles because Patrick's mom, Sue, was helping out today, and she wore her cool shades, too! Thanks for joining us today, Sue. We hope you had a good time...you sure were a good substitute!
Our dance warm up was cut short this morning because the sound wasn't very loud. Tracy came to the rescue by bringing us a bluetooth speaker that works great! So, we ended the day with dancing and singing. This week is off to a great start! Hakuna Matata!
Wednesday
Welcoming Caroline, Pip, and Indy! Seated behind Sam is Diane, Erik's mom, who pitched in to help us today. She was cool with dog kisses!
Tracy finally made it to a therapy dog day!
Kent gave out "trading cards" with Leo's info and very handsome picture! Carol had some of Casey's cards, too, but most of us already have his!
A beautiful morning to socialize outside!
Xavier and Laura gave Indy a belly rub...or is that Pip?! Either way, it's a lucky dog!
Thank you, Alexis and Adia, for disposing of Indy's waste...the fresh air and brisk walk did wonders for her!
Switching to reading group mode; Kent's group gathered on the patio!
Diane encouraged Xavier to read aloud when he took a break from his group. Thank you, Diane, for helping us during Carol's absence. We enjoyed getting to know you better, and your help was just what we needed on this busy day! Your connection with Xavier was so sweet!
Casey is a good listener, even from under the table!
Kate asked Caroline to read aloud a story based on the movie Frozen, and we learned Caroline has never seen the movie. We recommended it!
After our therapy dogs left, we had a lesson on July 4th, followed by brain work and crafts. We were reminded that America's Independence Day is about a very meaningful day in our country's history, as well as fireworks, food, and fun!
Diane helped a group "draw" fireworks with glue, sprinkle them with salt (to glisten) and then paint them with bright watercolors!
We showed off our history knowledge as we completed our worksheets! In the background, Nan's group created colorful stars out of scraps of paper.
After lunch we celebrated one of our favorite "National Days." It's Paul Bunyan Day, so we watched the classic Disney video, with the catchy tune and "unbelievable" adventures of Paul and his blue ox, Babe. We laugh out loud every year, usually from this same room at the Rec Center! We also used TP rolls to make finger puppets of Babe and Paul...we didn't finish all of them, but Drew and Lexi agreed they were kind of cute! We had a busy day!
Thursday
Today's highlight was a visit to the Rock Steady Boxing gym at APEX PT and Movement Center. Lisa's niece, Kelly, and her husband Scott, are the owners, and they are dedicated supporters of The Arc of GW. When word got out that we were being relocated for two weeks, they graciously offered us a visit for excercise and education! Kelly spent the most time with us, as Scott was busy with patients, but we didn't mind. She's a lot of fun!
It didn't take Annmarie long to find a punching bag and get warmed up!
Kelly explained that physical therapy is good for when our physical bodies and muscles need work, but mental therapy is also important to help keep our brain in shape! We played a game where we had to quickly answer a question if we caught the ball! The suspense of who would get the ball kept us focused so we would be ready to answer.
Scott popped in from the clinic side to say "hi" and we grabbed a few of us for a quick photo! One of APEX's therapists was on vacation this week, so Scott was in demand!
Part of today's visit included an education segment, where Kelly gave us the scoop on what physical therapy is and how it helps people. At APEX, they provide all types of physical therapy services, but they specialize in neurological concerns. Their Rock Steady Boxing program, in particular, serves people living with Parkinson's Disease. It was interesting to hear all of the things physical therapists do to help patients!
Kelly pointed out that physical therapists can help people acquire and learn to use specialized equipment like walkers, and even braces like the one Michelle has for her foot and ankle. Kelly said it's important for a doctor and/or physical therapist to make sure things like braces fit well so they will help the patient.
Kelly learned a thing or two from growing up with an aunt who was a teacher...she gave us homework! It's a checklist of exercises and Lisa said if we do at least 1/2 of them next week while we are on break, she will give us a prize! (We have to turn the checklist in on July 11.)
Despite what the shirt on "Rocky" says, these guys are not male models! (But they could be...) It's Sweet T, Sam, Dev B, and Drew with Bret and Scott! Bret is one of APEX's physical therapists, but, more importantly, he's also Dev B's uncle! 😍
We learned that it's important to warm up and stretch before participating in sports or exercise. Here, Alexis, Sweet T, and Sam show the various stages of a bicep curl!
We forgot to get a picture with our entire group, so instead, here is a "Throwback Thursday" shot of the first time we visited with Kelly and Scott, not long after they opened their clinic, which was in New Kent County back in October of 2018! Thank you, Kelly, Scott, and Bret for welcoming us today, and showing us that exercise AND education can be FUN! Please tell Kristin we missed her! We really appreciate you for giving us a great lesson today, and for your ongoing support of The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, and especially the AoA. We can't believe it's been almost 5 years since our first class with you, and we hope to keep visiting for at least 5 more! You guys are awesome!
After our delightful morning with our APEX PT friends, we returned to the Rec Center for lunch and Choice Time. After that, we took advantage of the relatively nice weather (not too humid) and the fact that we were somewhere with great walking paths. It always feels good to stretch our legs!
Just ask the leaders of our pack!
Friday
We made it to the last day of "Relocation 2023," so we deserved to celebrate! First, we celebrated friendship with a great dance warm up!
Next, we celebrated our successful two weeks of being relocated with a bowling party! We were joined by Renee and "Big" Scott (green shirt, background) who are parents to our friend Scott from APEX PT. Renee is a member of the Virginia Bowlers Hall of Fame, and she offered to give us tips and tricks to improve our game! Michelle listened as Renee gave her advice about her approach to the line. We enjoyed observing Renee's bowling, too. She is very familiar with strikes! 🎳👏
Maybe Tracy overheard Renee's advice to Michelle, because she hit a few strikes today! Thanks for coming with us Tracy, and once again, thank you for ALL your help as we've been relocated for the past two weeks! We are thrilled you could take some "down" time and bowl with us!
Isn't Laura just the cutest?! She smiles happily after every single turn, whether she knocks down all the pins or not. After this turn, she left two pins standing, but she turned around and said, "Isn't it great?" Yes, Laura, it's great...and so is your attitude!
Abraham is another one who is always upbeat about his bowling. He had a rough first game, but in his second game, he rolled 5 spares in a row! Way to never give up, Abraham!
It's clear from this shot how everyone watches the bowling. As soon as there is a good score, we're on our feet giving high fives and cheers!
Such as in this shot where Drew and Alexis were celebrating Xavier's spare...or was Alexis photo-bombing?!
We were fortunate to have Pat's mom, Sue, with us again today as she filled in for Carol. She was a huge help with everything, and we were happy to have her! Thank you, Sue! We love that you wore an Arc shirt, too!
Thanks also to Scott and Renee for cheering us on and offering free bowling tips, even though Scott was heard telling someone they might be better off asking his wife! LOL! We loved having your expertise at our disposal. It was actually Renee's second time bowling with us, as she came once before a few years ago. We enjoyed hanging out with both of them, and hope it won't be the last time they spend time with us!
When we returned to the Rec Center we had our first ever birthday celebration without the guest of honor being with us! Our friend Nancy, who now lives in Kentucky, has the sweetest brother, Randy. Today was Randy's birthday, and he wanted to treat us to pizza as a way to celebrate...only he wasn't able to join us! We enjoyed the pizza very much, and before having birthday cookies, we sang to our dear friend, Randy!
We don't have a picture of Randy, but here's one of Nancy and friends from our archives. During Nancy's last week with us, back in August 2021, Randy and his equally sweet wife, Sally, treated us to fancy cookies! Randy and Sally have always been thoughtful and generous toward the AoA. Over the years, they have sponsored many lunches for us. 🙏💙
Thank you, Randy and Sally, for today's delicious pizza party. We hope Randy had a wonderful birthday, and felt the love and appreciation from all of us at the AoA! (This is everyone except Kevin, who was traveling with his family.)
The rest of the afternoon was low-key with Choice Time, Bingo, and packing. We will be ready to kick off a "new" year after our Summer Break next week. Lisa spoke with Heike who reports that the AFCC is spic and span! We'll break in those shiny new floors when we resume normal operations on July 11th. Here is what we have planned for that week. See you then!
Tuesday: Welcome to Tessa, who joins the AoA today!! We're staying put at AFCC, but we'll be busy moving our things back in and organizing at the same time. We'll update the July calendar and have fun with the science experiments we didn't have time for during our relocation weeks. Bring your lunch. The microwave is available, but no cafeteria. 😒
Wednesday: Today we will volunteer at Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) so please wear Arc shirts. Our friend Moose Patti, who is finalizing plans for the August 5th golf tournament, has a birthday coming up so we are going to make unique birthday cards for her using brown paper bags and wrapping paper...it is National Paper Bag Day, by the way! We'll also welcome an architect to visit and discuss our ideas for the new Arc Education Center that is being planned for the near future! Bring your lunch. The microwave is available, but no cafeteria. 😒
Thursday: We're going to see Mike at the Watermen's Museum today, and we hope for weather suitable for having a picnic and enjoying a day outside. If not, we'll return to the air-conditioned center and enjoy an afternoon inside! Bring a bagged lunch (no microwave). Arc shirts optional.
Friday: It seems like forever since we worked, but we'll send a crew to Pet Supplies Plus this morning. Yesterday was Beans 'N' Franks Day and Wednesday was Eat Your Jell-O Day, so the Cooking Crew will be busy making beans and franks, side salads, and Jell-O for lunch! We will also welcome visitors from VersAbility Resources, who are interested in how our day program works. We'll end the week with a return to yoga this afternoon, so dress to stretch AND wear your PSP shirts today!
The WOTM Golf Tournament is quickly approaching on Saturday, August 5th at Kiskiack Golf Course in Williamsburg. Please consider touching base with Lisa about sponsoring a hole if you haven't done so already! That's a great way for our AoA families to show support and it's a value at just $50. Patti will make sure a sign is placed at the hole with your AoA member's picture (you provide or Lisa can take one), and it's so cool to see our beautiful faces lining the course! If you already have a sign, Patti can use the same one!
ALSO, we need AoA members to volunteer at the tournament on the morning of August 5th. The Arc of Abilities benefits directly from this event, so let's get behind it!
There will not be a blog post next week. We'll see you back here on Saturday, July 15. Have a great weekend and Happy 4th of July!
Lisa, Carol, Nan, and the AoA Gang
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