Senior Living: Staying Active Through Hobbies

Appalachian Photographic Society

Longtime readers of Senior Living know all about the importance of continuing to stay active as we age. Hobbies can be a great way to accomplish this, so in this month’s issue, we will look at two local groups who are offering fun and exciting ways to remain physically and mentally engaged.

The Appalachian Photographic Society (APS) is dedicated to celebrating the photographic arts, and informing people about the joys of photography. For longtime members like James and Maxine Cass, they have witnessed firsthand how the hobby has had a positive effect on both people and places.

The Casses were integral in establishing Camp Wildcat in Laurel County as an incorporated tourist destination in the mid-nineties. It was also during this time that they began to develop a relationship with the APS, partnering with the group to host special photo contests.

“The photo would have to be of a subject found at Camp Wildcat,” said Maxine Cass. “The club continues to come here for meetings, or to have picnics. It has been a mutual endeavor.”

Photo by Peggy Yaeger

Peggy Yaeger, of Corbin, has also been a longtime member of the APS. She says that her time spent in the club has been invaluable to helping her become a better photographer.

“I’ve been coming for about 15 years now,” Yaeger said. “The club has really improved my photography. I have learned so much about how to take a good picture. Thinking about things like lighting, composition, backgrounds and proper focusing. These are the main basic things that we always talk about.”

Yaeger stressed that you do not have to be an accomplished photographer to participate with the APS, which regularly meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Corbin Senior Citizens Center.

“Anyone can attend,” said Yaeger. We have beginners all the way up to the ones who do it professionally. Everyone just learns from the other members.”

Those interested in learning more about the APS may want to consider taking part in the club’s Annual NIBROC Photo Contest. After nearly a decade, the contest has become one of the festival’s most successful featured activities. Yaeger said that the yearly contest typically sees between 30-50 participants entering submissions in categories like nature, still life, people, pets, and more.

More information on the 2023 NIBROC Photo Contest will be included in an upcoming edition of the News Journal. Info will also soon be available on the Corbin Tourism Commission’s website, www.corbinkytourism.com, and via the Appalachian Photographic Society’s official Facebook page.

Of course, before entering any contests, it may be necessary to invest in some proper equipment. Luckily, as Rob Miller of London explained, this investment won’t break your bank.

“You can just start out small,” Miller said. “Starter cameras aren’t that expensive anymore, and you really don’t have to have all of the different lenses to get out and enjoy yourself. It’s really not super-expensive.”

Jason Boulanger, also of London, made another good point when he said, “Photography can go along with any other hobby that you might have. If you enjoy the outdoors, then you can bring a camera along with you and get pictures of anything that you might see there – wildlife, plants, insects. Or, if you are into cars, you can take pictures at shows or races. Really, anything that you might be interested in, you can just incorporate photography into it.”

Burchette talks the many benefits of gardening

Another hobby that can easily be undertaken right at home is gardening.

In the warm month of July, seniors may find themselves thinking about how they can adjust their hobbies to suit the season. When looking for an activity that will be engaging, provide purpose, and, most importantly, give hope, gardening is one that fits all of the above criteria.

Blue Star Memorial in downtown Corbin

For those who prefer to stay local, the Corbin Garden Club is an excellent option as it offers community and fulfillment. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month, excluding January or February, and meets at Corbin High School media room, although the location can vary. The club is affiliated with the state’s garden club; therefore, members of the club are also members of the state’s garden club.

Carcille Burchett, the club’s former president and current South Atlantic Region Director of the National Garden Club, never expected the garden club to have such an impact on her life. When asked about the benefits of gardening, she highlighted the importance of movement, community, and hope.

“Movement is so important, especially as you get older — even small movements. Gardening provides exercise. You’re out in the fresh air, which helps your body physically and emotionally. When you garden with other people, it is a wonderful benefit, especially for older people, because it keeps you sharper. It lessens depression. It is beneficial to your mental health. You also enjoy the beauty of God’s world – it provides hope because when you plant something, you have the hope that it is going to grow.”

Burchette also stressed the importance of community and staying active as you age. “I have never seen a group of older ladies… if you did not look at them, but you heard them, they are young at heart. These people, you don’t think of them being older. They are active and participating. You see people that are able to stay in it and stay active way up into their years and still be young at heart. They are creative and hopeful,” she explained.

“I believe you need to stay active as long as you got a breath in your body. I just believe in community and involvement.”

The club partakes in several projects in the town, mainly focusing on beautifying the city. “The Corbin Garden Club plants the pots at the Corbin Public Library and has the Monarch Waystation at Sanders Park,” Burchette said. “We have two small gardens at Nibroc Park. We have donated and helped plant trees at CMS and in the park at CES. We give to local schools and other clubs that provide toys and clothing at Christmas. For several years, we have donated NGC children’s books that teach about the environment to our local public library and school libraries.”

A feature of the club that no one typically thinks about, but is important to the members, is their patriotic projects. More specifically, The Blue Star Marker in the Veteran’s Memorial Park and at the I-75 North Welcome Center in southern Whitley County.

“A lot of seniors are patriotic because they have seen and gone through periods of time where we have been at war. … [these blue stars] were important to thank our military for our freedoms and way of life here in our country. We have a Gold Star Marker that will be dedicated in Nibroc Park in the fall to honor the families of those who have lost loved ones in service,” Burchett explained.

The Corbin Garden Club is for anyone, even if you lack experience.

“You don’t have to be a gardener. Do you appreciate the world? Do you want to help give back to others and make the world better? If that’s it, you would be an essential part of the Garden Club. We want to take care of our environment,” Burchett said.

So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling and engaging hobby this summer, consider joining the Corbin Garden Club and discover the many joys of gardening in your local community, as they welcome and invite anyone interested, no matter your experience.