Year One Anniversary Celebrates Successes and Hopes for the Future

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1 Revised 4/3/2012 Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC (202) Director Michelle Singleton Administrative Assistant Nellie Pate Fitness Director Deborah Parker Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 8:30-4:30 PM The One Year Celebration was enhanced by colorful balloons and donated flowers. Ms. Singleton holds an arrangement from Urban Petals. Fonteneau express Newsletter/Calendar April 2012 Year One Anniversary Celebrates Successes and Hopes for the Future Speeches, recognitions, and entertainment highlighted the Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center One Year Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, March 1, Doug Kammerer, Chief Meteorologist for NBC4, served as Master of Ceremonies. Following an invocation by Rev. Eddie Scarborough, BFSWC Bible Study Group leader, the audience heard remarks from Jim Graham, Councilmember for Ward One and Mary s Center s President and CEO, Maria Gomez. Additional remarks were made by Dr. John Thompson, Executive Director of the D.C. Office on Aging and the Chairperson for the D.C. Commission on Aging, Jacqueline Arguelles. Praise for the success of the programs and the committee of the staff was the theme reflected in the comments made by each speaker. Plans for future enhancements to the programs were also shared. The program continued with a Year One Reflection presented by Michelle Singleton, BFSWC Director. Michelle chronicled the time period of planning and preparation that took place between the ribbon cutting and the official opening. This was followed by a photo slideshow created by a team consisting of staff and volunteers to capture the exciting programs and activities that have taken place over the first year of operation. As an expression of their gratitude for his support, Mary s Center and BFSWC members presented Councilmember Graham with a plaque. The members listed on the first official day s roster were acknowledged and Michelle was presented with a framed portrait of the First Family as a keepsake. The program also highlighted the improved fitness and many talents of the members. El Coro de Amigos, under the direction of Ruth Romero, provided enjoyable musical selections accompanied by Tony Murillo on guitar. The BFSWC Belly Dancing Divas, led by Deborah Parker also gave a memorable performance that is now archived on YouTube. At the end of the program, Mr. Benny Goodman, accompanied by Mr. Willie Jackson on keyboard, inspired the audience with the song, He ll Understand and Say Well Done. Following the program, guest and members enjoyed a reception. Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well. Marcus Valeria Martia Top: Rev. Scarborough gives the invocation. Below: Ms. Senior DC poses with Doug Kammerer.

2 (Left to Right) Roland Gardner and Vic Merriwether with donated flowers from Lee s Flower and Card Shop; Benny Goodman; BFSWC members present Councilmember Graham with plaque; Maria Gomez, Members and guests fill multi-purpose room; Michelle with VIP Guest, El Coro de Amigos ; Bene Durant volunteer; BFSWC Belly Dancing Divas Other March Activities Members had the opportunity to enjoy the splendor of the blossoms at peak bloom when they visited the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival on Friday, March 23, BFSWC Members participated in a Floral Arrangement Demonstration led by Sarah Von Pollaro of Urban Petals. Each participant was given the opportunity to complete their own arrangement. On Wednesday, March 27, 2012, Deborah Parker, Fitness Director, presented a Fall Prevention workshop.

3 TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY Contests on the ballot: The Democratic, Republican and D.C. Statehood Green parties will select nominees of their political party. The winners of party nominations, along with independent and minor party candidates, will appear on the ballot for the general election on November 6, Presidential Preference Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives At-Large Member of the Council Ward 2, 4, 7 and 8 Members of the Council United States Senator (Shadow Senator) United States Representative (Shadow Representative) National Committeeman (Republican Party only; contest will not appear on the ballot for the Democratic Party or the D.C. Statehood Green Party) National Committeewoman (Republican Party only; contest will not appear on the ballot for the Democratic Party or the D.C. Statehood Green Party) Under the guidance of Clarence Buddy Moore BFSWC members have been given the opportunity to write memoirs of their life history. A memoir is about handing over your life story to someone and saying, This is what I went through, this is who I am, and maybe you can learn something from it. It s honestly sharing what you think, feel and the experiences you have gone through. After an introductory meeting on February 22, 2012 Mr. Moore began meeting individually with members to assist with their projects. Three BFSWC members have completed their memoir package, two members are in their final draft and two other members are working on their first draft. All seven members are excited about their newly discovered skill. All BFSWC members are encouraged to participate. 2 9:30 Eating Rainbow Nutrition Seminar with Brittany 12:00 Nutrition Movie Food Matters (Deborah) 1:00 Indoor Tennis 3 10:00-12:00 Individual Sessions with Jessica Luna (DC Hunger Solutions) 1 April Calendar - Subject to Change 4 11:00-2:00 Fish & Fellowship Cookout 5 8:30-5:00 Trip to Harrington Casino 11:00 2:00 Massage 12:00 Card/Board 6 10:00 Sakura: Cherry Blossoms as Living Symbols of Friendship Exhibit at Library of Congress 12:30 Arthritis

4 April Calendar Subject to Change 9 9:30 Your Dental Health (Mary s Center Chief Dental Officer Dr. Richard Gesker) 11:30 Howard Theater Community Day Bunch- Bring Your Lunch 10 10:00 Atlas Theater to see Joy of Motion Seniors In Motion Concert :00 Chair Aerobics 1:30 Chair Stretch 12 10:00 Reiki with Alis 13 TBA- Magic Johnson Theater to See Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7 th Day 12:30 Arthritis :30 Culture & Health ( Mary s Center Staff) Emancipation Day 9:30 Physical Fitness (Circle of Rights) :00 Town Hall & Volunteer Recognition No Afternoon Fitness es 19 10:00 Trip to Wal-Mart & Dollar Tree 11:00-2:00 Massage 12:30 Arthritis

5 April Calendar- Subject to Change :30 Hidden Salts & Sugars ( Mary s Center Staff) 9:30 Pain Management Presentation (Circle of Rights) :00 Trip to Publick Playhouse to see the Dallas Black Dance Theatre 1:00 Chair Aerobics 1:30 Chair Stretch 26 10:00 Reiki with Alis 11:00-1:00 AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly Counseling Sessions Deborah Out No Morning Fitness es with 10:30 Bingo MONDAY 30 8:45 Walking (Michelle) (Please note change in fitness class schedule for today.) 9:00 Chair Aerobics 9:30 Neighborhood Watch Training April is Volunteer Month Wednesday, April 18, 2012 (Following Town Hall Meeting) BRING A FRIEND DAY! Tuesday, April 17 th Bring a friend to share and participate in BFSWC activities for the day!!! April 16, 2012 Emancipation Day Public Playhouse Dallas Black Dance Theatre Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Cost: 6:00