Senior Games provide competition and fun for area residents
BY OLIVIA SUYDAM Sentinel reporter
McVEYTOWN — Senior Games Week was back this past June for its 38th annual event. For over two decades, the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging along with volunteers have organized and hosted the games for Mifflin and Juniata County residents age 55 and older.
This year, the opening ceremony was held at the Body and Soul Community Center on June 10 with around 140 people in attendance. The ceremony kicked off a busy week.
“I was a little nervous this year, with all the new changes, sometimes they do not take change very well,” explained Senior Community Services Supervisor
Speakers for the Senior Games Opening Ceremonies were, from left, Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging Director Chelsea Reed, Sen. Judy Ward, Emily Price representing Kerry Benninghoff, Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging Senior Community Services Supervisor Beth Harlan, Juniata County Commissioner Alice Gray, Juniata County Commissioner Mark Partner and Mifflin County Commissioner Noah Wise.
Beth Harlan. “But it all ran smoothly and with the help of the many volunteers and committee members it was a success.”
Body and Soul was a new venue this year, and this was a change everyone could get behind. The center provided easy access to go inside and cool down instead of being out in the sun all day long like prior years. The weather was perfect, resulting in smooth sailing for the opening day.
The opening ceremony was followed by a catered breakfast and a health fair before the games for that day began.
Each year, new activities are added to keep the interest building. This year’s new activity was a puzzle contest. Many joined to challenge themselves and had a lot of fun.
Other activities included painting parties by Judy, cornhole tournaments, water volleyball, virtual golf, billiards, horseshoes, a scavenger hunt and much more.
The annual awards banquet was held on June 27 at Cedar Grove Brethren Church in Mifflintown where activity winners were named.
Winners in the 2024 Senior Games included:
Male (55-69): Bill Thomas, David Musser, Bob Es-
See Games / Page 4
Throughout the remainder of the week, different games were played at various locations including Lewistown Lanes, Lewistown Senior Center, Juniata Valley YMCA, Derry Township Senior Center, Four Seasons Senior Center and other venues before wrapping up on June 15 at the Body and Soul Community Center.
Photo courtesy of MJRSC-The Care Network
pigh, Lee Stroher, Nick Young and Jeff Farleman.
Female (55-69): Catherine Gutshall, Mary Criswell, Mary Miller, Bev Stimely, Virginia Westover, Deb Fisher, Pam Strawser, Elaine Siddons, Denise Wenrich, Lisa Baitsel, Karen Miller, MaryLou Schaaf and Cathy Cambers.
Male (70-79): Butch Graybill, Bob Deamer, Dick Crozier, Scott Criswell, John Gregory, George Bell, Cornelius Gray, Bob Wisegarver and Jim Sander.
Female (70-79): Lois Crissman, Roxie Jones, Linda Barr, Barbara Noerr, Christine Symmerman, Charlene Peters, Karen Henry, Dawn Sweitzer, Sharon Taylor, Pam Castro, Karen Rhodes, Bonnie Shirey, Virginia Spriggle, Patti Finkle, Deborah Spickler, Mary Jane Partchey, Barbara Daniel, Sue Spigelmyer, Carol Dill and Kathy Lehman.
Male (80+): Gary Lynch, Robert Stewart, Lester Lepley, Stanley Ehrisman, Ken Shubert, Paul Zeiders and Roger Wagner.
Female (80+): Betty Kreiling, Linda Reece, Dorothy Stryker, Paula Kennedy, Pearl Goodling, Pat Stouch, Nannie Irvin, Donna Wagner and Connie Wagner.
The winning teams included: Sid and Sue for the cornhole tournament.
George Bell, Renee Bell, Carol Booher, Marie Kauffman, Virginia Spriggle, Jacquie Summers and Mary Ehrisman for chair volleyball. Mary Ehrisman, Connie Wagner and Christine Symmerman for hand and foot.
Gayle Lepley-Case, Lester Lepley, David Musser, Barbara Noerr, Nancy Roddey and Dawn Sweitzer for water volleyball.
Olivia Suydam is a 2024 graduate of Mifflin County High School. She is currently a summer intern reporter at The Sentinel.
PRIME TIME
Local author writes guide on downsizing for retirement
BY ZOE PRUITT Special to The Sentinel
[Editor’s Note: Dolores Metzler will be at Friendship Bookstore in Reedsville for a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20].
BELLEVILLE - Dolores
Metzler, a beloved member of the community, has released a heartfelt and practical guide on downsizing before moving to a retirement community. With a life full of rich experiences and deep connections, Dolores brings a personal touch to a topic many find challenging.
Dolores was born and raised on a farm in Lancaster County before moving with her parents to a smaller farm in Snyder County.
“I ended up marrying a fellow from Mifflin County,” she recalls. “We married, had our children and worked in Mifflin County for 26 years.”
The couple owned and operated Cross Country Coach, a motor coach business, which Dolores detailed in her first book, “The HIGHway of a Dream.” Now, they are blessed with three grown children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“Our life is filled with faith, friends and family.”
Dolores’ new book, “Letting Go of STUFF,” addresses the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing for anyone.
“Regardless of age, for those considering a move, downsizing or sale of a house, those who find it difficult to let go but desire to know where and how to begin purging and the upcoming generation who may have to deal with the stuff left behind,” she explains.
The book includes practical pointers, the ABCs of letting go, others’ stories and comments, day-by-day journaling and lots of photos.
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• LOCATION conveniently located just off Rte. 22 between Harrisburg and Lewistown
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Her motivation for writing the book is pure and generous.
“Simply to share my story with the people who have invested in my life over the years. I wrote it as a gift to them, so they could glean resources or nuggets that would enrich their lives. It’s not about making a profit, it’s a gift to the community.”
Dolores’ deep gratitude is evident.
“I am mindful of my Creator, who created me, and the gifts He has given me. I desire to use them to bless others.”
She describes life before moving to a retirement community as active and community-focused.
“People ask if it’s a huge change living in a retirement community versus in the neighborhood of Lewistown, but not really. We are still very involved in community, church and family events. The biggest change is the size of our living quarters, but it’s freeing
not to have as much to care for.”
Her husband’s thoughtful approach to planning their move also influenced the decision.
“Over the past several years, many of our close friends have passed and others have faced unexpected crises. Dave wanted to ensure I was in a safe, less-burdensome residence without going through this transition alone.”
Dolores shares a step-bystep approach to downsizing, including sorting and categorizing belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, sell or discard and tips for organizing and reducing clutter. Her personal anecdotes and stories bring warmth and relatability to the process. Family and friends played a significant role in helping her organize and downsize.
Dolores found inspiration and motivation in her life’s See Guide/ Page 11
Photo courtesy of MJRSC-The Care Network Pearl Goodling of Lewistown competes during the games.
MostInsurancesAccepted
Geisinger’s 65 Forward keeps patients healthy and happy
BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com
REEDSVILLE – Susan Chojnacki wants to feel like a patient when she goes to the doctor, and not just feel like the name on a medical chart.
Which is why she has been with Geisinger’s 65 Forward location in Reedsville since it opened a year ago.
The Milroy woman said, “I love the friendliness of everyone. The staff knows us well, and calls us by our names.”
Geisinger’s 65 Forward was designed exclusively for patients 65 and older. The health and wellness
center offers everything they need under one roof in a calm, relaxing environment that feels more like a spa than a clinic, Geisinger officials said.
The clinic offers the following:
Same-day appointments: Patients see their doctor faster and get the attention they deserve.
Longer visits: More oneon-one time with their doctor.
Everything under one roof: On-site lab, imaging and nutrition guidance — Geisinger’s 65 Forward is a one-stop shop for a patient’s health needs.
Social/educational activities: Fill your calendar with activities to keep you healthier and happier. Plus, learn about topics like preventing
falls or how to find the right walker or cane — for free, and in the same location as your doctor.
Personal wellness plan: Individualized exercise programs to meet your goals like improved strength and balance, better flexibility or maintenance after physical therapy — all integrated with your Geisinger Gold health plan.
This summer, Geisinger’s 65 Forward is getting patients together to provide social opportunities. Recently, the team from Reedsville hosted a Fourth of July luncheon at the Mifflin County location, so seniors could celebrate the holiday festivities together.
“We want our patients to enjoy cookouts, parades and firework displays while
taking advantage of the opportunities we provide them here at 65 Forward,” said Dr. Cybele Pacheco, medical director at 65 Forward.
That strategy is all part of making better health easier.
Chojnacki, who attended the June 25 celebration, said
she received the best treatment and most convenient care for a knee injury from Dr. Dominic DeMatteo and has benefited from 65 Forward’s other amenities.
“I love Dr. D,” Chojnacki chimed in. “I also love open gym. I use all the exercise machines.”
Doris Anoia, a patient care representative in Reedsville, said getting to know each patient is one of the best parts of her job.
“I enjoy serving all of
See Forward / Page 9
Home. Health. Happiness.
Around here, home is important. It’s the heart of all our memories.
The care teams at LIFE Geisinger understand that. They provide the same high-level, attentive care you or your loved one would receive in a nursing facility — but at home. Plus the opportunity to make new friends at our centers in Kulpmont, Scranton, Lewistown, Wilkes-Barre and Minersville.
Every day offers the chance for new memories. Let’s make them great.
To learn more, call 855-842-0958 (TTY: 711) or visit geisinger.org/lifegeisinger.
Continued from Page 7
our patients,” she explained. The goal of Geisinger’s 65 Forward is to help keep patients healthy and happy so
they
“These relationships are so valuable, Dr. Pacheco said. “We’re so pleased we can provide the right care — beyond caring for their physical health.”
Photo courtesy of GEISINGER
Patient Susan Chojnacki, right, is pictured with Doris Anoia, of Geisinger’s 65 Forward.
Guide
Continued from Page 4
journey.
“It was the move itself and how it just wasn’t as difficult as I journaled and wrote, using stories and scripture to add inspiration. I pray it will be an inspiration to the readers.”
She stayed dedicated to her writing amidst the moving process.
“I wanted to keep it fresh, so amidst packing and sorting, I would go to the computer and write while it was fresh in my mind. I wanted to capture what I was experiencing in the moment. The move was planned, and I had three months to journal, gather things and take pictures.”
The book has been positively received, broadening her audience to include all generations and addressing a subject most people will face. It offers valuable tips and insights for anyone considering downsizing. Dolores highlights the emotional and psychological benefits of decluttering and simplifying life.
“Life is too short to stress. For me, letting go of items and stress is a healthier way
to live. Everyone has a story to tell, and we honor one another by encouraging others to share their stories.”
Dolores now enjoys life in a retirement community in Belleville.
“We are back in Belleville, full circle, and this book tells a bit of that story.
We’ve included a new group of friends. We travel quite a bit and can just close the front door and leave, know-
ing we don’t have a yard to mow and our house will be checked.”
The community has warmly received Dolores’ book.
“My first book was geared towards a limited audience, but this one is much broader, addressing a subject most people will face.”
Dolores reflects on her journey and the new phase of life with gratitude and
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hope.
“I’m sharing my story in the hope that others will learn from it, and I want to encourage readers, if there’s a story brewing within them, to put it to the page. So many stories go untold.”
Her book is available at several local outlets. In Reedsville, you can find it at the Friendship Bookstore. In
Lewistown, it’s available at The Crooked Bookshelf and The Pointe. In Belleville, you can pick up a copy at the Valley View Retirement Community Front Desk, Big Valley Thrift ‘n Gift, Brookmere Winery, and Big Valley Prints and Co. In Mifflintown, it’s available at Beward’s Pharmacy. In Port
Royal, you can find it at 4th and Market, and in Walnut, The Cheese Nook. Lastly, in Richfield, you can purchase it at The Guardian Bookstore.
Dolores Metzler’s journey and her heartfelt guide are sure to inspire and help many in their own transitions.
Jeffrey Davis, Esquire
Sentinel photo by ZOE PRUITT
Dolores Metzler with her book, “Letting Go of STUFF.”
