Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Alexander Stawinski Alexander Stawinski/Senior Photographer [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Alexander Stawinski Alexander Stawinski/Senior Photographer [Click to enlarge]

Not even a wheelchair could stop Claire Apple from dancing at Thursday's "Sweetheart Swirl" at the Tendercare Health Center.

The 94-year-old health center resident still was able to "boogie" with the other 40 attendees.

"Dancing with him was so much fun," said Portland junior Brenda Schafer "Back in his day, he must have been so awesome."

CMU's Leadership Advancement Scholars hosted the event for the residents at the facility, located at 1524 Portabella Trail.



The Valentine's Day dance was a chance for the scholars to volunteer in the community, said Muskegon senior Dana Gifford.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone to get involved," Gifford said. "It helps a large group of people in a small amount of time."

Gifford said it was a great opportunity for many residents who do not have visiting family members.

"We've done dances like this in the past and they have gone really well," said Activity Director Emery Dumas.

Dumas said the dance was a great way to socialize and bring the residents and CMU community together.

"It's a great turnout," Dumas said. "Seeing the smiles on the residents' faces is the best part."

Many leadership scholars also spent time playing cards and dancing with the residents.

"It's a great way to make people feel better," Schafer said. "There's many people who don't get a lot of attention."

Jesse Kapff, DJ and maintenance director at Tendercare, played music that encouraged residents to wheel themselves to the dance floor.

"My favorite part is the music and dancing," said resident Sophie Gergen.

Although she can not dance anymore, Gergen said she danced all the time and participated in many school shows in her day.

"I think it's well put together," said scholar Brittany Mouzouraki, a Garden City freshman. "The residents seem to be enjoying it."

Mouzouraki said the Valentine's Day dance was a great way to do some good and try to make a difference at Tendercare.



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