Participants in the 2008 Older Adult Wellness programs were invited to a picnic held June 3 to honor their successes so far this year. The event, held at Engler Park in Farmington, Missouri, included lunch, activities and guest speaker Bob Lewis, a local bird enthusiast.

Lewis gave a presentation on bird watching and its increasing popularity as a hobby.  About 40 attendees at the picnic were given a tour of the Dr. F.R. Crouch Nature Sanctuary at the park.  They were shown the bird viewing blind and Lewis explained about the nature surrounding the sanctuary and the community's role in its success.

Lewis explained that a large variety of birds can be seen in the sanctuary year round but especially in the winter months. "You can see up to 60 birds and over 30 different species when all of the feeders are up," says Lewis.

The Older Adult Wellness Program is a partnership between OASIS, Parkland Health Center and BJC Behavioral Health, with funding provided through a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health.  The program targets adults 55 and older and consists of a variety of classes, workshops, peer support groups and volunteer services.  It encompasses all aspects of wellness for older adults, including physical, mental and emotional well-being.

For more information on the Older Adult Wellness program, or to become a participant or volunteer, contact Donna Gilliam, 573.760.8423.