An educational curriculum for seniors called ACCENT is being used at the Council on Aging Niagara-Maplewood Senior Center at Stafford Road and Chicago Street since June, 2008. The group is meeting twice a week from 10:00 a.m. to noon for twelve weeks Each session includes a strength training component, led by staff from the Fall River YMCA, designed to prevent osteoporosis and injuries from falls, as well as improving overall fitness. Each week also includes a 45-minute session on nutrition, medications, stress and depression, or another related topic taught by local experts. "The fitness portion has been very popular," reported facility director Patti Linhares. "People have been bringing their friends, and the group is approaching fifty participants each week," she added. The program is the result of a $3,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is designed to train ongoing leaders who will keep it going after the funding has expired. For more information about the program, contact Patti Linhares at 508-324-2717.
 

(Top row, left and center) Student intern Ellie Higgins leads the group in some initial warm-up exercises. (Top row, right) YMCA staff member Kate Tippins keeps the going with some motivational talk. (Middle row, right)  Helen Crupcala enjoys working with a stretchable elastic band. (Bottom row, center) Merhlee Raposa chats with a friend during a break in the exercise routine. (Bottom row, right) Kathy Kitchen and Midge Connell use the elastic band to stretch their legs and toes.