The Events and Adventures Team Fosters Fun and Meaning
Monica, Timothy and Tina, the Events and Adventures team, celebrate 5 years of engagement and connection at Bruceville Point.
Editor’s note: This blog was written by Liesl, a high school sophomore who spent several days visiting residents at Bruceville Point.
At Bruceville Point, residents always have something going on, whether it’s a fitness class, outing, bingo game, or any other event, thanks to the wonderful Events and Adventures team! The team consists of Timothy Smith, the E&A Director, Monica Thayer, the E&A Assistant, and Tina Trillo, the Fitness Director. This team knows that each day offers a chance to engage, connect, and celebrate.
A fan favorite among the residents is Bingo, which I had the luck to watch. Bingo sounds pretty cliché for senior living. (Little-known fact: For a while, Bingo was seen as too typical and we shied away from it, but residents demanded to play and we now host weekly games.)
Initially, I was amused to hear how widely it was enjoyed, because to me it was just a game. What I failed to understand is that to the residents, it is more than a friendly game–they are in it to win it! As Monica called the numbers, I could feel the anticipation in the room grow like a balloon being over-inflated to the point of bursting. And when someone inevitably got a Bingo, the room erupted into cheers to congratulate the winner. It reminded me of the times in school near the end of the year when the teacher had given up and just let us play games. The high-spirited energy and happy chaos reminded me of the joy of some friendly competition, something everyone should have, no matter your age!
Weekly bingo games draw a crowd to the Bistro.
While visiting, I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to lead a fitness class on my own! I was a little nervous at first when Miss Tina asked me. The idea of teaching a class by myself was intimidating on its own, and more so when I learned that I would lead axe throwing. It was enough to lead a regular fitness class; I had to lead one with launched projectiles!
Even though I was nervous, I was also very excited. I had attended quite a few fitness classes already and knew several of the regulars. As soon as the class got going, I forgot all about my fright and focused on how fun it was to enjoy a friendly competition with great company! As each resident stepped up and threw an axe, no matter the outcome, everyone cheered! At the end of class, I saw a smile on every face–even the ones who missed many of their throws.
Miss Tina’s fitness classes are chock-full of movement and smiles. The positive energy almost makes you forget your triceps are burning!
I realized that oftentimes in life you are looking so much at your destination that you forget to enjoy the journey. The fitness program isn’t about how many axes you land on the target, or how many reps or a certain exercise you can do; it’s about taking care of your body while having fun with friends.
The Events and Adventure program is my favorite part of visiting Bruceville Point! It’s what made me beg my mother to bring me a second time after my first visit last year, and insist again this year that she is never returning without me. The program is more than just keeping busy: It’s having fun with good company, and Timothy, Monica, and Tina ALWAYS make sure you have fun!
Come and see for yourself! If you’d like to take a fitness class or join an event, we’re happy to welcome you! You can see our Daily Events Calendar on our website. Just give us a call (916-584-9210) or drop us a note.
