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published: Friday, November 28, 2008
Senior ministry hits the spot
South Lake church feeds the flock
ROXANNE BROWN
Staff Writer
CLERMONT--Volunteers at Clermont's South Lake Presbyterian Church are delighted to see that the new senior ministry they just launched about eight weeks ago is not only invoking smiles and new friendships, but growing steadily every week.
"Word's getting out and with that, we hope more and more people will come out and join us because we would sure be glad to have them," Program Supervisor Joe Schitter said.
The invitation extended by Schitter is for the church's new senior program which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 131 Chestnut St. in Fellowship Hall.
Any senior over 60 years of age is invited to join the fun beginning at 10 a.m. for a few of rounds of bingo, prizes and some "commercial exercises."
Schitter said the bingo goes until about 11:00 or 11:15 when the food comes, with simple chair exercises, led by church member and former physical education teacher, Betty Kirby, 81, in between rounds.
Kirby said she enjoys teaching others the exercise techniques she feels will benefit them even when at home and is glad to see that there are more and more people to share them with, as well.
"We've been praying for people to come and they've been coming," Kirby said. "We have activities and of course, food, but most of all, I think what people need the most is fellowship time."
Kirby said a lot of the seniors who have been coming do a lot of sitting at home and some watch television, so the "commercial exercises" she teaches are timed especially to work well during commercial breaks or short periods of time.
"They are simple exercises that they or anyone can use and it gives them a chance to move during commercials," Kirby said. "They really seem to be enjoying it because when I announce that it's time for them, everyone just perks right up and looks ready to go."
Schitter said he feels people are also enjoying the lunches and being able to get out of their homes and eat alongside other people.
"It's fellowship and food. They go together," Kirby said. "Basically people wanting to have some time with other people."
Earl Fitzgerald, 81, on Thursday, joined about 50 others for lunch for the first time since the church's old food program ended about one year ago.
He said he heard the church had began a new program for seniors and came because he'd been promising his son he'd get out of the house and try to do a few things with other people.
Fitzgerald said that after his wife passed away about four years ago, many things "went zap," including his desire for socializing and his social security.
He said this program allows him to eat with others and helps his income by providing him lunch a couple times per week.
Benjamin Deramus, 67, said he also enjoys the lunches and looks forward to "getting out" for a little while.
"It a good thing for us all. It beats sitting around the house," Deramus said.
The meals are provided by Mid Florida Community Services, Inc and delivered to the church where volunteers serve and mingle with the seniors who attend each week.
The amount of food delivered depends on the estimated number of people to attend, so reservations are required to ensure a meal.
Seniors over 60 years of age are asked to call the church at 352-394-7905 to reserve a meal each week.
Schitter said that the count this week was at about 45-50, adding that they have room for many more.
"All people need to do is call and let us know they are coming, then come," Schitter said.
Darlene Shields, 71, a snowbird here from Wisconsin, said she thinks people may not want to bother or even know what to expect.
However, Shields urged that people "just try it," because it's a nice way to meet and make new friends while enjoying a nice meal.
Schitter said that eventually he'd like to grow the activities from just bingo each morning to other games or crafts. For now, however, he said people seem to be enjoying things just the way they are.
"I see a lot of people at church and around town that are eligible to come but don't," Shields said. "They just have to make that first step though and just come in and see just how welcome they are."
"Once they do, they'll come back. I did and I look forward to it every week," she said.
To reserve a meal, call South Lake Presbyterian at 394-7905.
