First a sprig, then a trunk,
Yukon Senior Games
Seniors in Yukon have been competing against each other this week to claim the title of "Most Athletic."
The Yukon Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the 11th annual Yukon Senior Games, which are being held from Saturday, April 7, 2012 through Saturday, April 14, 2012.
The event offers athletic competition for adults 50 years young and older. Over 150 participants come from the metro area and even out-of-state to compete in the "Live Long and Compete" games.
The competitions include basketball, billiards, bowling, golf, horseshoes, pickelball, table tennis, track and field, washer pitching and weight lifting. New events this year are archery and cycling.
In addition to the athletic events, there will also be a series of activities and a creative writing and photography contest.
On Thursday, April 12, 2012, a social/health fair expo was held at the Robertson Activity Center. The social consisted of a Saloon inspired casino night complete with live music, flavored water and lemonade, dancing, door prizes and socializing.
Casino games include Blackjack, Texas Hold'em and others. Many Vendors were their with booths which offered information on health issues some offered discount coupons on services.
Several of the patrons from the RAC are competing in the games this week. Melba Williams has already won gold for weightlifting and push-ups. Ozella and Jack Hinton competed in Bowling and Mike Wilhite is competing in basketball and Track. Make sure to congratulated them for the participation in the games.
“April” - a poem by James Williams
Hi, my name is April
and I often cry a lot.There really is no reason for it,
except to irrigate the pots
That people all have set
For they knew it would be wet.
So the earth they fertilized
and soon the dirt began to rise.
Many branches soon to come.
Next a bud begins to show
Waiting for the sky to glow.
Then my sister May arrives
with her mate the Sun.
The buds begin to bloom,
the branches dance in fun.
All this fragrant beauty
which I am still denied.
An all too famous saying
from which I cannot hide.
This saying, so fruitful in it’s powers,
“April Showers bring May Flowers.
Health Beat - by Angela Kasbohm
A General, Healthful Diet
Following a healthy diet does not need to be complicated, expensive or extreme. A General, Healthful Diet tends to be lower in calories, fat, sodium, saturated fats and trans fats. It is higher in fiber due to the focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Follow the guidelines in the table below for a healthy diet.
| Food Group | Serving Size | Food Sources |
| Grains | 1/2 cup of pasta, rice, cooked cereal; 1 slice bread, 1 (6 in.) tortilla, ¾ cup ready-to-eat (no added sugar) cereal | Whole grains such as whole wheat, Quinoa, millet, bulgur; bread, rolls and pasta made from whole grains; brown r wild rice; hot or ready-to-eat cereals made from whole grains without added sugar; barley |
| Vegetables | ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw | All fresh vegetables, focusing on dark green, red, or orange vegetables; peas and beans; frozen or canned vegetables (low sodium); low sodium vegetable juices; |
| Fruits | ½ cup canned or 1 piece fresh fruit | All fresh, frozen and dried fruits; canned fruit packed in water or fruit juice without added sugar; fruit juice without added sugar in moderation |
| Milk and Milk Products | 1 cup milk, 6-8 ounces yogurt, 1 oz cheese | Low fat milk-skim, 1%; low fat yogurt-fruit flavored or plain; cheeses |
| Meat and Other Protein | 1-3 oz portions | Eggs, lean meats such as pork, chicken, turkey, beef, game, fish baked, broiled or grilled-not fried; plant sources such as dried beans and peas and legumes, peanut butter and other nut butters (unsalted), tofu; unsalted nuts |
| Fats | 1 tsp butter or margarine, olive, canola or peanut oil; 1 Tbsp sour cream, salad dressing, mayo | Olive, peanut, canola oils; margarine; salad dressings and mayonnaise made from canola, olive or peanut oils; olives, avocadoes |
Watch for more information in your next newsletter for specifics about each of these food groups as well as recipes that are easy to make, great tasting and good for you!
Who’s Who at the RAC
Jim and Vernell Conley met at a club in Watonga, OK in 1956. Jim being born and raised there was just out with some friends. While Vernell was visiting the owners of the club who were family friends from back home in Illinois were she was born and raised. Vernell caught Jim’s eye while she was dancing (even then Vernell couldn’t help but dance if there was music playing). They courted and eventually got married. Although they have no children together Vernell has a son from a previous marriage.
Through the years Jim has worked several jobs. He worked shortly for Arrow Commander and Paint Warehouse and eventually found a career working for the city of Yukon ‘s power department. Vernell worked in the nursing industry working for both nursing centers and hospitals. When they weren’t working they enjoyed Square Dancing which took a lot of persuading from Vernell to get Jim to try it. They both really enjoyed it and continued dancing many years until they had to quit because Jim had to have heart surgery.
Jim and Vernell attend the RAC regularly. Vernell participates in line dancing, tap dancing and Zumba classes. Meanwhile Jim can be found playing dominos. Your also likely to find them at all the special events that are held here at the RAC. If you do not already know these two marvelous people, please take the time to introduce yourself, and get to know them.
