CSAC to hold gut health program on July 22

Here we are in the middle of the month, and I am pleased by how things are rolling along in July here at the Clinchfield Senior Center. We have activities that keep you fit and socialization to keep you coming back for more. It's such a friendly atmosphere with people stopping in at the front desk saying "Give these tomatoes to so-and-so." Right now, your garden is likely flourishing. One way to give back to your community and share the love is by giving away produce. Receiving fresh grown cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes and squash is like getting a warm hug. You may do it just because you have been raised to share your crops with others. But to us who do not have a garden, you are blessing us tremendously. I get so excited when someone hands me a bag of freshly grown squash from their garden as a gift. Knowing the time, energy and patience it takes to raise a garden, I feel that love transferred each time I am given fresh produce. So, the next time you have extra, pass it down and give it away. Not only will it bless them, but it will send the message of love with every savory bite they take. Check out our Facebook where we keep up with recent photos of our trips and activities. We also have our website clinchfieldseniors.com Our Meals on Wheels coordinator is looking for a weekday driver to volunteer for the Unicoi route from 10:30 a.m. to noon. No experience is required; training is provided so drivers feel confident with the route and comfortable serving the seniors who depend on these meals. For details or to volunteer, call Meal Coordinator Carol Custer at (423) 330-6904. If you're 50 or older and looking for friends, fitness and fun, our center is the perfect place to connect. We're not a healthcare or assisted living facility. We are a community hub focused on activities, wellness, and relationships. Membership is just $25 a year, and some insurance plans (United Healthcare and Humana) may cover your membership at no cost. Bring your photo ID and insurance card, and our staff can check for you. Membership Perks• Bingo: A member favorite, thanks to our generous business and healthcare sponsors.• Day Trips: Ride our Center bus for shopping, dining, educational outings and recreational adventures.• Fitness Room: Treadmills, NuStep, bicycles, strength equipment, free weights, yoga mats and more.• Blood Pressure Clinic: Free checks every Monday at 9 with Diane Banks.• Drums Alive: A fun, music‑based fitness class led by certified instructor Lisa Wright.• Circuit Aerobics: Cardio with bands, weights, and balls—chair‑friendly and adaptable for all mobility levels. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.• Tai chi: Improve balance with Bob Hechemovich's gentle, guided movements. Fridays• Congregate Meals: Daily lunch for ages 60 and older with a suggested $3 donation. Sign up three days in advance.• Arts & Crafts Room: A fully stocked creative space open to all members.• Library: Take‑a‑book/return‑a‑book for easy reading.• Billiards: A newly renovated room with morning play and a women's team on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.• Computer Lab: New computers available during operating hours; printing is 25 cents per page.• Homemade Goods: Apple relish, pie filling, cookie mixes, tea blends, granola, and fresh nuts prepared by our wonderful volunteers.• Volunteer Opportunities: Help with Meals on Wheels or the Veterans Food Truck.• Veteran Services: An onsite Veterans Service Officer is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and, by appointment, on Saturdays. Upcoming activitiesJuly 15: Lunch & Learn with American House Senior Living at 11 a.m.July 15: Family Feud at noonJuly 15: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.July 16: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.July 17: Ping Pong at 9 a.m.July 17: Charades with Tony at 10 a.m.July 17: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.July 17: Card Club at noonJuly 20: Blood pressure checks at 9 a.m.July 20: Bingo with Lacie 10 a.m.July 21: Knoxville shopping and Cheesecake Factory trip at 9 a.m.July 21: Diamond Art Class at 2 p.m.July 22: Gut Health by Unicoi County Health Department at 10 a.m.July 22: Wii Bowling at noonJuly 22: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.July 23: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.July 24: Ping Pong at 9 a.m.July 24: Pictionary at 10 a.m.July 24: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.July 24: Card Club at noon. Upcoming Lunch MenuJuly 20: Country style steak, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, mandarin oranges, rollJuly 21: Creamy garlic chicken, mixed vegetables, peach crisp, rollJuly 22: Hamburger, lettuce, tomato and bun, potato wedges, corn, chocolate puddingJuly 23: Sliced ham, lettuce, tomato and bread, potato salad, ambrosiaJuly 24: Shepherd pie, Brussels sprouts, beets, oatmeal cookie, roll We hope to see you soon. Pay us a visit soon. The center is located at 220 Union St., Erwin. For more information, call (423) 743-5111. ••• Lacie Barrett is the activities coordinator at the Clinchfield Senior Adult Center.