Arts for the Aging welcomed special guest Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer to a recent program at Misler Adult Day Center in Rockville, MD.  Formerly a senior advisor for AARP, Reimer is dedicated to improving safety-net services for older adults in Montgomery County. He is also a member of AFTA’s National Honorary Advisory Council.

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MISLER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WITH (FROM LEFT) – COUNCILMEMBER HANS REIMER; SENIOR DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (JCA) ELINOR GINZLER; AFTA DIRECTOR JANINE TURSINI; AND AFTA TEACHING ARTIST NANCY HAVLIK.

On this wintery day, participants at Misler warmed up with musical selections from balmy climates, including Africa and the Caribbean.  Havlik and participants then discussed different types of light.  Several people stayed seasonal — candlelight in the menorah, the twinkling of Christmas tree lights — others mentioned moonlight, sunlight, electric light and even flashlights.

MUSIC AND DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MENORAH
MUSIC AND DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MENORAH

Participants then used realistic LED candles as props as they moved their bodies in their seats and through the darkened room, interacting by weaving darkness with light.  The mood in the room was magical.  Misler staff could not resist joining in as well.

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The session concluded with a lively group dance.  Each participant had an opportunity to strut their stuff.

THESE MOVERS AND SHAKERS COULDN’T STAY OFF THEIR FEET.
THESE MOVERS AND SHAKERS COULDN’T STAY OFF THEIR FEET.

Hans gamely joined in, sharing a few moves of his own!

GO HANS GO!
GO HANS GO!

Thank you again Mr. Riemer for your dedication to our precious senior community  and for your support of the arts.

As we head into the wintery months ahead, heed this advice from Nancy Havlik: “If you’re cold, don’t put on a sweater – put on some music and MOVE!”