In the fitness room at Wayside Athletic Club were colorful hanging balloons, delicious food and Frank Sinatra music that delighted the eighty members who gathered together to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day. Many of the members of this elite group have been tied to this club since the 1970’s. According to Pat Kuerino who has been a member since 1991 said, “My kids grew up here and I love the fitness and water aerobics classes.” Janet Saluk has been a member of the club since 1983 and joined “Because my husband enjoys playing tennis and my son learned how to swim at the age of three. The programs and people are so wonderful at this club.”
Another fascinating senior member is Gaetana Cincotta, a Sister of Saint Anne. She is in her nineties and has been a member since 1997. She enjoys swimming and the hot tub since it helps relieve her arthritis pain. In addition to her athleticism, she also teaches English as a second language several times per week.
Photos clockwise from top left
Sister Gaetana Cincotta displaying her Senior Day tee shirt – Wayside Athletic Club
Adi Chehna – winner of the Round Robin Tennis Tournament at Wayside Athletic Club
Pat Kuerino Wayside senior member since 1991
Janet Saluk Wayside senior member since 1983
Following the meal, General Manager Doris Grandinetti gave an inspirational and positive speech to all of the seniors saying that, “You are all winners and we want to honor each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment to Wayside. In addition, we welcome all of your ideas and will be adding new improvements to the gym such as renovating one of our fitness rooms into a mind/body studio, and offering ballroom dancing and qigong.” Included in the speech was a big congratulation to senior, Adi Chehna, who won the Round Robin Tennis Tournament.
Wayside Athletic Club has honored their senior population with these yearly celebrations for twenty-one years. The club caters to all age groups, but having a large attendance of seniors, the fitness facility needed to incorporate many programs such as: tennis, water aerobics, Zumba gold, strength and conditioning classes, and senior aerobics. The club plans to add more programs for their seniors, and continues to support them in any way possible.
Thank you to the talented Janice Elizabeth Berte for this wonderful piece.
