Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center prides itself in improving the quality of life for aging citizens. One method used for this is activities conducive to better brain health, such as puzzles. National Puzzle Day is this Saturday, so it is the ideal time to look at what improvements incorporating this type of activity can make.

According to a 2000 study published in The Psychology of Aging, crosswords seem to reduce negative effects related to aging in memory and perception-based tasks. Cognitive research professionals also say this improves reasoning. The Johnson County Senior Center gives away boxes of word puzzle books and magazines to help with brain health donated by the local Food Lion branch each month. This is popular with members, and the books go quickly.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center focused on the New Years’ spirit when reopening for 2022. Full of the hope of new beginnings and refocusing on goals, members, staff, and volunteers prepared for the year.

“Happy New Year,” Director Kathy Motsinger announced. “It’s going to be a great 2022!”

On the days since its reopening, various celebrations have been going on. The original party was set for Tuesday, January 4, but continued to Thursday, January 6, as inclement weather limited those who could come to the center. Because of this, the center essentially had two parties. Cumulatively, the two celebrations had live music from Randy Dandurand, games, treat bags, trivia, and Bingo from Avalon Hospice.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

As the new year begins, many people take a moment to look back at the events, triumphs, and struggles of last year. The Johnson County Senior Center staff and volunteers have been hard at work with their shared resolution to continue improving the center. This includes a variety of planned and unknown improvements in the future. To quote Director Kathy Motsinger, “we can’t wait to serve you in the upcoming year!”

In 2021, the senior center has housed several new and long-time programs based in fitness, such as Silver Sneakers, Zumba Gold, and the exercise room to name a few. According to the center records, over 550 unduplicated parties participated in exercise activities throughout the year. This is one of the areas where the center was able to add more equipment to fit interest.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center had its monthly Veterans’ Cafe on December 15. As veterans and nonveterans alike prepare to celebrate the Christmas season, it is paramount that everyone remembers those who fought to make the lives they live possible. As explained by Veteran Robert Hensley, National Executive Committee Member of the American Legion, showing that recognition could be the difference between life and death.

According to statistics shared by Hensley, 22 active or nonactive veterans in Tennessee attempt suicide every day. That is why officials enacted a Buddy Check Program that contacts those who are or were in service twice a year to make sure they know they are in others’ thoughts. Members reach out each March and November annually. “That call or knock on the door could save a life,” Hensley explained.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center staff, volunteers, and members make it a point to show they are thankful throughout the year. Thanksgiving triggers this emotion even more. As a part of the holiday spirit, the center hosted a Thanksgiving storytelling event featuring Director Kathy Motsinger, former Bus Driver Terry Hodge, and Board of Directors Member Dr. John Payne.

The three speakers focused on the meaning of being thankful among the tragedies each member faced. Motsinger mentioned the loss of her son and husband, Hodge recounted the recent loss of his daughter and in-laws, and Payne recalled his close brush with death itself.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

On Friday, November 19, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger traveled to Johnson County to honor local Vietnam veterans. This tradition started by her predecessor, Phil Roe, spotlights this group of underappreciated veterans around the country. To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary, officials’ first stop of the day was a ceremony at the Johnson County Senior Center.

Congresswoman Harshbarger took the time to speak with each veteran and encouraged them to share stories of their time in service to share insight into what they experienced. As each person was awarded their 50th-anniversary pin, the congresswoman posed for a photo with them. Local John Wayne Jeffries shared the story of his patch-covered vest and how each piece represented one of his comrades who survived and advanced to top ranks in the military.

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The Johnson County Senior Center is constantly trying to expand its resources and programs. As part of this, Director Kathy Motsinger and staff hosted a Diabetes Awareness Day in honor of November being Diabetes Awareness Month. It included a question-and-answer session with Family Nurse Practitioner Kim Kleine, an arthritis exercise class with UT/TSU Extension Office’s Sarah Ransom, catering from the Chef Travis Heath’s Culinary Arts Department at JCHS, blood sugar and blood pressure checks from center representatives, and diabetes-friendly recipes. The event was completely free to the public but required a reservation to ensure there were enough meals. An estimated 80 people showed up to enjoy the festivities.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

Johnson County is rich in local lore and history. The Johnson County Senior Center makes a point to pay tribute to the past. These memories inform the future and are a foundation for both the area and those that frequent it. As a part of this, the center has been putting a strong focus on storytelling. Since October, the organization has attended two events and has several more coming. Two couples have opened up their homes to share personal and area history.

On October 19, seniors headed over to members Bob and Minnie Miller’s home to hear their stories of Forge Creek and Cold Springs. As Minnie explained, they focused on local history with a splash of folklore, which included two ghost stories. Both Millers have lived in the area for almost their entire lives and are well aware of its history. For example, the local third district was reportedly referred to as the “Bloody Third” because of incidents in the Civil War where Confederate soldiers tried to force Union soldiers into changing sides, which occasionally became bloody upon refusal.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center has seen an influx in attendance in the last few weeks. In several cases, staff and volunteers have noted increased participation for activities, trips, center events, and regular attendance. New members are also joining daily. As seniors begin to feel more secure in their health amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, life is starting to go back to business as usual at the Johnson County Senior Center.

The last few events have garnered more people than comparable events of the same caliber previously this year. The fall festival event held on Friday, October 29, is one example of this. The event attracted so many people that seating became a struggle. With the construction of a stage finishing on the day of this publication, Director Kathy Motsinger is debating how to restructure the area to maintain the current balance and not lose seating opportunities.