Active Lifestyles

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Active Lifestyles

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May 22, 2014

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May 22, 2014

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Blessing bikes starts cycling season BY BOB BRALEY bbraley@kpcmedia.com

AUBURN — Bikers of all ages gathered for a summer kickoff event recently, and another is coming in the area Saturday. The Blessing of the Bikes in Arcola draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the region, said Jeff Lindblom of KDZ Kustoms pre-owned Cycles in Auburn. About 1,800 bikers took part in the event in April. About 40 bikers gathered at KDZ in Auburn to make the trek to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola, for the blessing, Lindblom said. “We always have a group who leave from here for it.” At Arcola, the priest of the church comes out and sprinkles water on the motorcycles to bless them, Lindblom said. “It’s kind of a spring kickoff event,” he said, adding that it gets cyclists’ motorcycles blessed for the start of the season in the spring. The April edition of the event marked the 25th Blessing of the Bikes at Arcola. Lindblom said the group from Auburn has been taking part for about four years. One of the advantages of the Blessing of the Bikes is a chance to reconnect with fellow motorcyclists, Lindblom said. “You get to see people you haven’t seen all winter long.” The event in Arcola isn’t connected to an organized ride in which bikers travel together, except for groups that do so to get there, like the ones from Garrett, Lindblom said. Another Blessing of the Bikes, which KDZ cosponsors, will take place Saturday. It includes a ride. The 2nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes at Garrett will begin at Garrett First Church of Christ and end in LaOtto. The event begins at the church with a free meal with giveaways at 11 a.m. The Blessing of the Bikes will be at noon. A

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A group of about 40 motorcyclists gather at the KDZ Kustoms pre-owned motorcycles parking lot in Auburn to make the trip to the Blessing of the Bikes in Arcola in April.

ride begins at 1 p.m., going to Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Churubusco and concluding in LaOtto, with giveaways at every stop. The Blessing of the Bikes is presented by Garrett First Church of Christ and KDZ. For more information, call the church at 357-3625 or KDZ at 927-0533. In Steuben County, Turning Point Homeless Shelter sponsors an annual blessing of the bikes. The Fifth Annual Blessing of the Bikes and Road Rally to benefit the shelter is on Saturday, June 7. This unique event captures both the sport

WELCOME!

A group of bikers from the 2012 KDZ Ride for the Vets charity run. Photo contributed

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People in northeast Indiana know how to stay active, whether it’s riding a motorcycle or heading out on the daily run. Whether you are looking to get active, learn about new opportunites in our communities or be inspired to do something new, this section has something for you. This section is also available at kpcnews.com.

On the Cover:

KDZ is sponsoring a Blessing of the Bikes Saturday that includes a ride starting in Garrett and ending in LaOtto.

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BIKES From page 3

of motorcycle riding and the beautiful terrain and landscape of Steuben County, a news release said. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. It begins and ends at the Shelter at 600 N.

Williams St., Angola. Participants arriving between noon and 1 p.m. will be treated to a picnic hog roast and soft drinks. A donation will be accepted for the lunch and the event.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This painting will be completed during the month of August at the Cork and Canvas series at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Each month features a new theme.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Some of the approximately 40 motorcyclists gathered at KDZ Kustoms Pre-Owned Motorcycles, Auburn, in April take part in a group prayer before leaving for the Blessing of the Bikes in Arcola.

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Cork and Canvas program provides opportunity for artistic endeavors BY OCTAVIA LEHMAN olehman@kpcmedia.com

AUBURN — Art and entertainment come together each month at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum’s Cork and Canvas series. The popular art entertainment model of painting and drinking wine serves as a fundraiser for the museum’s educational outreach programs. The Cork and Canvas series is open to those over 21, and what they drink is up to

the individual. The goal of the event is for those who are unskilled in art to create their own personal painting. The turnout for the series has been good, too, said ACD Automobile Museum chief operating officer Kendra Klink. “It’s been a great success for us.” The museum also is in the process of scheduling Kids and Canvas events in June, July, September and October. Once guests arrive at the museum, they See CORK & CANVAS page 5

JOE KIESS Joe came to Lakeland after his hip replacement surgery. Joe received physical therapy at Lakeland and after a nine day stay will be returning home fully recovered. Joe says he could hardly stand or walk. Now Joe enjoys being pain free and able to do the things he couldn’t before. Joe says the staff at Lakeland couldn’t be any nicer and they bend over backwards to accommodate you. I made some new friends and the best way to describe my stay at Lakeland is the nice home atmosphere they provide.

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May 22, 2014

CORK & CANVAS

Your choice is clear

From page 4

are directed through a step-by-step of how to create their own painting. The instruction is led by artist Emma Taylor-Metcalf of Emma Marie Art in Auburn. “Guests are invited to choose a seat, grab a brush and paint away,” Taylor-Metcalf said. “It is exciting to share my passion for painting with so many great people. I love to see all of the finished works of art — they are different from one another and fantastic at the same time. I wish I could hang them all at my house.” Each month, Taylor-Metcalf introduces a new painting. During the May event, participants created a canvas of flowers. The Cork and Canvas series at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum continues through December. Each session costs $35, which includes admission to the museum’s collection, instruction to complete the painting, supplies and a drink ticket. The ticket can be used for any type of beverage, Klink said.

Active Lifestyles

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Artists at the Cork and Canvas series complete a painting theme each month. In May, painters followed a step-bystep guide to make this painting.

For information on sessions, call the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum at 925-1444 or email info@ automobilemuseum.org.

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The painting to be completed at the Cork and Canvas series in June is a cupcake.

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May 22, 2014

Classic bands keep on rockin’ Seasoned musicians continue the beat BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

“Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll That kind of music just soothes the soul I reminisce about the days of old With that old time rock ‘n’ roll� Baby boomers can hear the music of their youth nearly every weekend on stages in the tri-state area musicians rock out songs that were once on the Top 40. Classic rock band Choice and oldies band The Bulldogs tally nearly 400 years of experience among their members. Choice began playing in 1977 when Dan Guinn, Mike Good, Dan Cory and Mike Penland — once known as the Michael Dan Band — rocked the house at venues such as Skip’s and the Heidelberg in Angola, and Anchor Inn and the Mettison House in Michigan where Good recalls the ceiling was covered with egg cartons to

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Bulldogs band, formerly Spike and the Bulldogs, continues to be the top oldies band in the area. They

soften the sound. In 2008, Mike Littlejohn joined the band, making it a full house after several years with country band Roughshod. Littlejohn grew up with many members of the

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perform at Cold Springs Resort each summer, as well as car shows, festivals and reunions in the tri-state area.

band, and was familiar with their format when he joined Choice. Three weeks later, he shed the cowboy boots and was ready to rock n’ roll. “I did a lot of wood-shedding,â€? Littlejohn said of catching up with the band’s songs. For The Bulldogs, formerly Spike and the Bulldogs, the ďŹ ve-man band devotes its play list to songs from 1955-1966, but recently added some classic music by The Doors. Band members are coming out from the shadows to lead with more vocals since Spike retired last fall. Keyboard player Bob Zmyslony of Garrett said he wants to continue so long as they have the heart to keep doing it. The rest of the band prefers to be on a ďŹ rst-name basis only. “I’ve got a good ďŹ ve-to-six years left in me, as long as I am physically able to do it,â€? said lead guitar Wayne. He has become the band’s main vocalist, picking up some of Spike’s songs, and adding others from the era to their 180-song play list. With band members ranging in age from 52-67, The Bulldogs see more years of play down the road. In the ’60s and ’70s, it was natural to be a member of a rock band. Members of both bands can’t remember not playing, with the seed planted in school band, choir and by family members. They played with several groups through the years, jamming to hits in a friend’s garage. Choice continues to practice at a farm owned by Good’s mother, while The Bulldogs go over songs in Zmyslony’s

basement. Members of Choice and The Bulldogs all have full-time work outside of the band. Practice, coupled with time spent loading up equipment, travel time, and set-up, sound checks and tear-down adds up to several hours a week. “The older we get the harder it is to lug this stuff around with us,� Wayne said.

THE GIGS Both groups perform more concert-type shows instead of bars and dance clubs. “We don’t do regular material like for a regular bar,â€? said Bernie, the band’s drummer. “We just do the ’50s and ’60s. And we don’t want to stay up that late.â€? “We can do jobs that aren’t that far from here, then come rolling into town and drive by (local bars) and they are just starting,â€? said Bob. “The band has always had a big regional following,â€? Bernie added. “I guess we are a little spoiled in a way. It would be hard to go back to a situation where we had to be up until four or ďŹ ve in the morning (playing multiple nights in the bar scene.)â€? The Bulldogs have hosted 19 cruises, one a year, with about 200 guests, private parties and shows for the entire ship. Their venues include outside festivals, street fairs, county fairs and 4-H fairs, Cold Springs Resort and class reunions. Perhaps one of the best mixes is performing at car shows. They are booked almost every weekend, with four or ďŹ ve gigs a week in July. Choice is also busy with some 100 See BANDS page 7

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May 22, 2014

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BANDS From page 6

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This guitar trio rocked the stage at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater last summer to kick off the United Way of DeKalb County campaign. From left are Dan Guinn, Mike Littlejohn and Dan Cory. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This 1977 photo of Choice shows band members Dan Guinn, Dan Cory, Mike Good and Mike Penland.

shows a year including wedding receptions, reunions, festivals, benefits and concerts. Although they both travel to venues in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, they agree playing for the hometown crowd is the best, at venues like the DeKalb Outdoor Theater, Garrett Heritage Days and local events and benefits.

THE AUDIENCE “Crowds are often the same after 37 years — it’s a good excuse for them to get together,” said Good. “People who have followed us this long are surprised to hear us play. “We have met so many people, friends who we would not have known if not for the band. I always said we can keep going as long as people come out to see the show,” he said. “Night after night we try to keep it interesting, the music is always evolving.” The bands now see their music as cross-generational with both bands drawing a younger age group to their concerts. “A lot of our crowd is too old to come out and see us anymore,” said Wayne. “It depends on the venue. In the summertime, you could have a couple

there with a newborn, then you’ve got an 80-year-old woman sitting there in a wheelchair,” Bernie said. “This is music that everybody knows and hears, that you have grown up with, he added. “But it is not so much for older people. You go and look at a lot of these Disney movies, such as Lelo and Stitch, there the three songs in that movie that we play. You see a lot in advertising.” But getting out to play on a weekly basis is not about the money. They would not be able to continue to hit the road without the support of family and friends. Both Good and Guinn said they are more like brothers than bandmates. “We enjoy being with each other,” Good said. Bulldog members can’t say enough about the talent in their own band — Wayne’s vocals, Bernie’s drumming, and Bob’s keyboard skills. Both bands want to continue as long as it is fun and the crowds still come out to see them. “You’ve gotta have it in your heart to keep doing it,” Bob said. “Even though it’s a lot of work, once we get to a gig and start playing — it’s all good.”

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May 22, 2014

Make a difference by volunteering BY KATHRYN BASSETT kbassett@kpcmedia.com

“There’s always something in the community that people can do,” said Retired Senior Volunteer Program executive director Patti Sheppard. “It doesn’t have to be every day and it makes a difference.” Sheppard is talking about volunteering and the impact it can have on the recipient of the service as well as the volunteer. RSVP serves DeKalb, Noble, Steuben and LaGrange counties and has between 425 and 450 volunteers — including seniors and younger individuals — who serve in a variety of ways. The agency racks up a total of about 100,000 hours of volunteer service a year, Sheppard said. Ways in which volunteers can get involved are numerous. Volunteers can offer their time individually at nursing THE NEWS SUN

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homes, libraries, hospitals, schools, parks, food pantries and other non profit organizations, or through a coordinating agency such as RSVP, which matches volunteers with projects. Volunteers also can work on projects that enable them to use certain skills. For those who enjoy sewing, RSVP, can fix them up with projects such as making quilts for cancer patients, hospice gowns, walker bags, lap robes and crisis teddy bears.. “Some people can do it at home — even people in nursing homes who want to remain active,” Sheppard said. RSVP recently embarked on a new volunteering opportunity — participating in a mentoring program through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Catholic Charities USA. The program matches mentors and students age 9-17 in Noble and DeKalb

counties through a referral system and application process. The goal is to increase school attendance as well as prevent truancy and other at-risk behaviors. Parental involvement is required and parents are expected to commit to a year with the program. Mentors must commit to spending at least two hours per week, for a year, with the students. Mentors must complete an application process, interview and background check. “Kids may just need an extra incentive to become successful in school,” Sheppard said. “Mentors encourage them to be in school on a regular basis and have homework done.” Currently RSVP has matched mentors with about a half-dozen students. “It’s not a huge program,” Sheppard noted. “We really want this to be small, successful and driven towards making a

difference in a child’s life. “We’re looking for positive role models — someone who has a heart for kids and who’s willing to spend some quality time with them.” Activities that mentors and their students have enjoyed so far include a movie night and a visit to the Indiana Statehouse where the students served as pages to Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn. Activities planned for the future include visits to area museums, campus visits to area colleges and a tour of the DeKalb County Courthouse. RSVP welcomes adult volunteers — not just seniors — to serve as mentors. To learn more about the program, contact program coordinator Shirley Johnson at 925-0917 or by email at sjohnson@ccfwsb.org or rsvp@locl.net. “There are plenty of kids in the wings,” Johnson said.

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May 22, 2014

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Here’s to growing bold. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Internet can be a senior’s best tool for finding discounts available to older Americans. The list of companies that offer reduced prices is virtually endless.

Discounts are everywhere — ready for the taking BY BOB BUTTGEN bbuttgen@kpcmedia.com

One of the most obvious perks of getting up there in years is the variety of discounts that many businesses offer to people who reach a certain age. Everything from reduced-price coffee at fast-food restaurants to discounts on an annual pass to America’s national parks are there for the taking. All you have to do is ask. Really. It’s that easy. “Don’t be afraid to ask” is the No. 1 rule. Look for signage. But many stores provide discounts only to seniors who ask for them Perhaps the only variable that can complicate discounts for people is determining at what age does a person become a “senior citizen” and thereby qualify for these lower prices It used to be that age 65 was the starting point for senior discounts, but in the past decade or so, many businesses will offer special deals to people at age 60 and 55, and some deals even begin at the age of 50. So it might be a good idea not to announce your age when searching for senior discounts. Just ask for a senior discount and let the benefits come to you. Many seniors may think a 10 percent

discount is not worth the bother, but this is usually just a matter of perception. If instead of the deal being stated as a 10 percent discount, it had been stated as “Pay No Sales Tax for Life!” everyone of all ages would be all over it. Yet the 10 percent discount would almost always be the better deal. And if you haven’t already done so, be sure to sign up for one of the many national organizations that promote better living for those entering their golden years. The Internet can also be your best friend when searching for special deals. There are literally thousands of good deals to be found just by using your computer. Here’s just a partial list of the many, many discounts available to people who were born in 1960 or earlier:

RESTAURANTS Denny’s has 10 percent off. They will make it 20 percent off if you are an AARP member. Age 55-plus. Burger King has a 10 percent discount for ages 60-plus. And additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks. Wendy’s is 10 percent off for ages 55-plus. See DISCOUNTS page 10

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May 22, 2014

DISCOUNTS From page 9

Subway is 10 percent off for ages 60-plus. IHOP is 10 percent off for ages 55-plus. Applebee’s gives a 15 percent discount to seniors age 60 and over who have the Applebee’s Golden Apple Card. Taco Bell is 5 percent off and free beverages for ages 65 and over. KFC will give you a free small drink if you are 55-plus. McDonald’s has discounts on coffee and soft drinks for the 55-plus crowd. Arby’s is 10 percent off for ages 55-plus. Note: Most supermarkets and retailers offer breaks to seniors on specific days of the week. Again, do your homework and see what’s out there.

HOTELS Best Western motels have a 10 percent discount for seniors age 55 and over. InterContinental Hotels, parent company of Holiday Inn and many other chains, offers a senior discount program for those age 62 and older, but some hotels are much more flexible when it comes to the qualifying age. Comfort Inn motels have discounts

ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent off for seniors age 60 and over.

AIRLINES, TRAVEL, CAR RENTALS American Airlines has various discounts and deals for seniors 65 and up. Other fees, however, are unknown. Alamo car rental has discounts and deals ranging up to 25 percent for AARP members. Avis car rental has discounts and deals ranging up to 25 percent for AARP members. Amtrak has a 15 percent discount for seniors. But they have a whole bunch of restrictions to go along with it, so do your homework.

CELL PHONES AT&T has a $30/month cell phone plan for seniors ages 65-plus. Verizon Wireless has a $30/month option for seniors ages 65 and over. And those U.S. National Parks? There’s a $10 lifetime pass; plus 50 percent off additional services including camping. The magic age for this discount is 62.

O

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Yoga has moved beyond being trendy METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Though it might once have been considered a trend, yoga has long since moved on from trendy territory to become a more widely accepted discipline that is practiced by millions for its positive impact on mental and physical health. Though yoga is an ancient practice, only recently has it become so popular in the Western Hemisphere, where Sports Marketing Surveys found that roughly 20 million Americans over the age of 18 practiced yoga in 2012. That’s a considerable increase from just four years earlier, when just under 16 million Americans admitted to practicing yoga. The growing popularity of yoga likely comes as no surprise to its many practitioners, who often credit yoga with relieving stress and improving overall fitness. In addition, yoga can also help alleviate chronic pain and, according to the Mayo Clinic, reduce risk factors for chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. While yoga is beneficial in many ways, it’s important that men and women not mistake yoga for medical treatment. Though yoga may be part of an individual’s treatment

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plan, it’s still necessary that men and women with medical conditions rely on their health care providers for treatment. For example, doctors may recommend yoga to individuals dealing with elevated stress levels, but doctors also may want their patients to take certain medications in order to lower those stress levels. Yoga on its own may be effective, but men and women should still seek professional medical treatment when dealing with health problems. It’s also important that men and women beginning a yoga regimen not take it lightly. Though the atmosphere in a typical yoga studio tends to be serene, yoga is a physically demanding discipline, and those unprepared to deal with such demands often find themselves suffering from injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, injuries to the neck, shoulders, spine, legs, and knees are possible when practitioners of yoga do not exercise proper technique and caution. So it pays for beginners to heed the following warnings when beginning a yoga regimen. • Work with a professional. No matter how long your neighbor insists he or she has practiced yoga, it’s still best that you learn the discipline from a certified instructor. Your neighbor might know all of the poses, but an instructor with credentials can help men and women with preexisting medical conditions avoid poses that can exacerbate such conditions. Novices might not know that certain poses can increase injury risk for sufferers of osteoporosis, spinal problems and high or low blood pressure. When trying yoga for the first time, always work with a professional, making sure to discuss any preexisting medical conditions before your initial session. • Take things slowly. Its reputation as a calming discipline often gives beginners the mistaken impression that yoga is an easy discipline to grasp. However, it’s best for beginners to take things slowly before attempting to perform difficult stretches and poses. Yoga is not a competition, so give yourself adequate time to learn proper breathing techniques and figure out ways to maintain your balance. Once you have mastered such techniques, you can then begin to try your hand at more advanced poses. • Warm up before each session. Men and women should warm up before beginning any exercise regimen, and yoga is no exception. Stiff, cold muscles can lead to serious injury whether you’re playing basketball or stretching into a yoga pose. Warm up your muscles with a few minutes of light cardiovascular exercise before beginning a yoga session to reduce your risk of muscle tears or pain when you start stretching or posing.

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May 22, 2014

Active Lifestyles

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There are many ways of staying fit METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting people of all ages. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans are considered obese, while Statistics Canada notes about 25 percent of Canadians are obese. Being overweight or obese has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, and children who are overweight are likely to be overweight or obese adults. While eating a diet that is low in fat and high in whole-grain fiber, vegetables and lean proteins is important, exercise remains one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy weight. However, many adults and children simply do not get enough exercise during the day. An active lifestyle is often hampered by the prevalence of digital devices or sedentary jobs that encourage more screen time than fitness time. But there are ways for the entire family to get fit. Exercising together is not just a great way for families to get healthy, but also a great opportunity to spend time together. The following are a handful of ways families can work together to incorporate

more exercise into their daily lives. • Tackle chores. Yes, tasks around the house can count as exercise. Working together not only gets you moving but also cuts down on the time it takes to tackle tasks around the house. Mowing the lawn, vacuuming the rugs, sweeping the floor — all of these activities can get the heart pumping. Make it fun by setting chores to music or competing against one another to see who gets their task done first or the best. • Compete in the pool. Swimming is a low-impact activity that works many muscles in the body. Taking a dip in the pool can be both relaxing and beneficial to your health. Compete with family members to make the most of the time spent in the water. Host relay swimming races, see how long each member of the family can tread water or create any other competitions that keep everyone in the pool moving. • Create an outdoor obstacle course. Set up a series of obstacles in your yard and host your own triathlon. You can jump through tires, climb through tubes and scale trees. Make it fun by having adults try to ride tricycles or pair up an adult with

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a child for sack races. The opportunities for fun are only hampered by your imagination. • Go for family bicycle rides. Traverse your neighborhood or blaze new trails by riding bikes together. Young children can be strapped into trailers that are pulled behind the bike or ride in seats attached to the bike itself. This gives everyone a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and hone their cycling skills. • Go hiking. Hiking is another fun family activity that also happens to make for great exercise. Choose a trail that may not be level and push everyone’s endurance to the test. • Stroll the beach.Walking or running on sand offers more resistance than walking on pavement. Take a stroll at the seaside. Break up the walk by collecting shells or stopping by the water to observe marine wildlife. • Hit the dance floor. If you’ve been invited to a wedding or a Sweet 16 party, cut a rug and take advantage of the DJ and dance floor. When enjoying yourselves, you probably won’t even realize how much you’re exercising.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Bicycle rides are a great way to exercise and enjoy being outdoors.

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May 22, 2014

C O N F I D E N C E TO YO U R R E T I R E M E N T .

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