There’s no can’t in contra. “If you can walk and count to eight, you can contra dance,” says David Wiley, the father of the contra dance movement in Jonesborough.

David calls himself an “older fella with two left feet and no rhythm” who discovered a passion for contra dancing during a festival more than 10 years ago.

“It’s amazing how a 64-beat phrase of music and a pattern of dances can move so many people in sync at one time,” he says.

Now, David shares his love for contra dance with anyone who will listen, or better yet, he will show you how easy it is to do-si-do and allemande. Contra dance is unique because it’s an activity great for dancers aged 8 to 80s and no partner is required.

“When you take down all the barriers and let people come together it’s a true community,” he says. “It’s the effect of moving to music and connecting with other human beings - smiling, laughing and sweating.”

While contra dance is very social, it’s also great exercise. David recommends wearing comfortable clothes and shoes while dancing and promises it’s more fun than going to the gym!

David is responsible for bringing community dance back to Jonesborough after a three-generation hiatus. Because there were no local organized dances, David was traveling to other cities to contra dance, but began to think people in Jonesborough might like contra dance, too. Now, on the first and third Saturday of every month, the Jonesborough Visitors Center transforms into a dance hall, with live music and a caller who instructs the dancers.

More than 150 people came to the first dance in 2006 and the courtesy turns haven’t stopped. Maybe that’s because David makes sure each new contra dancer feels welcome and wants to come back. He pairs new dancers with experienced ones to keep the fun going.

Upcoming Events & Classes

He uses contra dance to bring the community together.

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY: DAVID WILEY

A free program sponsored by Mountain States Health Alliance for people 60+. Helping you be active, stay healthy and have fun!

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IN THIS EDITIONWhere to go dancing .......................................... 2How to spot a stroke .......................................... 3Get help with medical bills ................................ 3Steps to downsizing ............................................ 4Volunteer to help kids read ............................... 4

April 2017

Denotes health screening events.

NASCAR - Food City 500 Sun., April 23 Bristol Motor Speedway Tickets: 866-415-4158

Jonesborough Yarn Exchange “Valiant Volunteers”/Fife & Drum Corp Mon., April 24, 7 p.m. International Storytelling Center Jonesborough, Tenn.

Health Resources Center 20-year Anniversary Party Hear Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Tues., April 25, 4-6 p.m. Johnson City Health Resources Center

Nutrition for Strong Bones cooking class *Fri., April 28, Noon-1 p.m. Kingsport Health Resources Center

*Sat., April 29, Noon-1 p.m. Johnson City Health Resources Center To register: 1-844-488-7827

Spring Garden Fair April 29 & 30; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Noon-5 p.m. Exchange Place, Kingsport Age 12 and up $3

Upper East Tennessee Fiddler’s Convention Sat., April 29, starts at noon Old Flag Pond School, Unicoi County

Hearing screening (free) Tues., May 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Kingsport Health Resources Center

Wed., May 10, 10 a.m.-noon Johnson City Health Resources Center To register: 1-844-488-7827

Blood labwork Sat., May 6, 7-10 a.m. Indian Path Medical Center, Kingsport (register in lobby) 423-857-7160

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David Wiley

HEALTHY HOME COOKIN’Strawberry and Kiwi Mixed Green Salad with Poppy-Sesame Dressing

Low in carbohydrates with a good serving of fiber, this salad is full of antioxidant-rich fresh fruit and vegetables. High fiber foods are often low-fat, low-calorie foods that help you feel full without extra calories. Weight maintenance is especially important for those suffering with arthritis as extra body weight bears extra pressure on the joints.

Ingredients:• ¹/3 cup sugar• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds• 1 tablespoon minced onion• ¹/3 cup cane or raspberry vinegar• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 8 cups torn mixed greens (Bibb, red leaf, spinach)• 1 pint strawberries, sliced• 3 kiwifruits, peeled and sliced

Recipe from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Eating Well to Fight Arthritis

Instructions:1. In small bowl, combine sugar, poppy seeds, sesame

seeds, onion, cane vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. In large bowl, mix together greens, strawberries and kiwi. 3. Just before serving, add poppy seed dressing gradually

and serve immediately.

Per serving: Calories 121, Calories from Fat 34%, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 17mg, Carbohydrate 19g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 15g, Protein 2g

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David Wiley“Contra dancers are a very nurturing group and we embrace newcomers,” he says.

Fortunately, David knows what a successful contra dance looks like. He’s danced in 22 states and Canada, picking up lots of connections and ideas along the way.

One of his craziest contra dance-inspired ideas was to build a 2,400-square-foot open-air pavilion behind his home to host dances and events. Another, less contra-crazy idea was to start sustainable farming, which has grown into Serenity Knoll Farm. You can find the farm’s naturally grown produce at the Jonesborough Farmers Market, Boone Street Market and local restaurants.

“I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into,” David says. “I sure don’t act my age, but it’s all about staying healthy and active. I hope long after I’m gone, the contra dances keep going.”

(story continued from page 1)

Makes 8 servings Arthritis-Friendly | Cancer-Friendly | Diabetes-Friendly | Gluten-Free

Time to boogie: Here’s where you can danceLooking to "cut a rug?" Chances are, people are dancing somewhere near you: To receive email updates about monthly dance opportunities in the Tri-Cities, send an email to tricitiesdanceinfo@gmail.com or call Ginny Crouch at 423-943-4190.

AbingdonContra DanceEvery second and fourth SaturdayThe Community Center of Abingdon276-628-3911

4th Friday Ballroom DanceThe Community Center of Abingdon276-628-3911

Johnson CityMountain Empire Shag SocietyMondays at 7 p.m.Johnson City Holiday Inn West Ballroom

Friday Night DanceEvery other Friday, next dance: April 21Memorial Park Community Center423-434-6237

JonesboroughContra DanceFirst and third SaturdaysJonesborough Visitors Center423-534-8879

4th Friday DanceJonesborough Visitors Center423-943-4190

KingsportLine DancingEvery second Friday at 6:30 p.m.Greater Kingsport Family YMCA423-247-9622

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, getting help fast enough can mean the difference in going back to your life or spending the rest of it in a nursing home. Or worse.

That’s why it’s important to know these symptoms of a stroke:

F – Face droopingA – Arm weaknessS – Speech difficultyT – Time to call 911

A stroke is a brain attack that happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (called a hemorrhagic stroke) or is blocked by a blood clot (called an ischemic stroke). Time is crucial because doctors need to work quickly to determine which stroke treatment is best.

If it’s been less than four hours since the stroke symptoms started, doctors may be able to inject a clot-busting medicine known as TPA. Or, they may need to use a coil-like instrument inserted through an artery in the leg to pull the clot out of the brain in a procedure called a mechanical thrombectomy. Drs. Brian Mason and Chip Massey at Johnson City Medical Center Stroke Center are the only physicians in the Tri-Cities who can perform this procedure.

At 87, John Roberts experienced the life-saving procedure firsthand. Eighteen days after his stroke he was back at home making his bed, fixing his breakfast and doing therapy at home. “He has a little trouble with his speech, but you would

never know he had a stroke,” says John’s daughter, Valerie. “Daddy is a walking miracle.”

Patients generally need some additional help with recovery after treatment. Fortunately, Johnson City Medical Center Stroke Center also provides speech and occupational therapists. Sam Turbyfill, RN for outpatient services at Mountain States Medical Group Neuroendovascular Surgery, is there to give support to both patients and families, especially during recovery.

“Getting the right treatment in time is about more than saving your life,” says Sam. “It’s about making sure your family will still have grandma and mom. It’s incredible to hear the stories, like John’s, and see the families we get to keep together.”

Are you worried about yourself or a loved one being able to afford a medical test or specialty care? Are you uninsured and want help finding a plan? Free services for both are offered at Project Access,

a non-profit program funded through government grants, Mountain States Health Alliance and donations from corporate, community supporters and individuals. Here’s how it works:

Financial assistance for medical care: Project Access coordinates donated medical care from specialists, primary care providers and hospital services. If you need a procedure or test, your primary care doctor can send a referral to Project Access where a care manager will determine if you are eligible for financial assistance. If so, the care manager will help coordinate scheduling the procedure or test.

Who’s eligible for help: Residents of Washington, Unicoi, Johnson or Carter counties aged 19-64 with income at or below the 200 percent federal poverty level who are uninsured and have an urgent medical need.

Finding and applying for insurance: Registered navigators and certified application counselors at Project Access can help you choose a plan, create an account and apply for medical insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or for TennCare through their Navigation Program.

Who’s eligible for help: Residents of Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties.

For more information call 423-232-6700 or go to www.ProjectAccessEastTN.org.

Spot a stroke F-A-S-T

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Project Access can help uninsured with medical costs

Our mission is to provide education and benefits that encourage and enhance the health and lifestyle of members age 60+ living in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Website: MountainStatesHealth.com/heart-and-soulEmail: heartandsoul@msha.comCall toll-free: 1-844-478-7685 (SOUL)

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Things to do: Enjoy a show, help kids read

Downsizing? Get started with these tips

You’ve decided to downsize, but where do you start? “It seemed like such a huge task,” says Bev Meadows, who’s in the middle of downsizing her home in Abingdon.

Bev and her husband had to downsize their parents’ homes, and then decided they didn’t want to put their children through the same stress. After their move from the Washington, D.C., area to Abingdon, they started going through their belongings to get rid of things they didn't use or need.

She says some call the process “rightsizing,” instead of downsizing, and points out it’s not always done for those moving to a smaller home. Bev learned valuable downsizing tips after going to a class led by Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist Carol Cole from Roanoke, Va.

Some of Carol’s tips include:• Get everyone on track to downsize – support from

family and friends is important as they may be receiving some items!

• Set goals and a timeline. • Find a downsizing buddy, like a running or walking

partner. A friend can help cheer you on.• Create staging areas for trash, donations and items to

sell or give to family and friends. Use a card table to put items on so you can sort them easier.

• Find the right home for things you get rid of so you can have closure and feel no regret for letting go of items. Realize that you still might feel a twinge of loss.

• Look at your supply of linens. Carol says most people don’t need more than three sets of sheets.

Sorting through sentimental items is a good time to write down the stories about what makes them special to pass on to your friends and loved ones, too. You can enjoy reliving the memories and know that the stories are safely preserved.

Bev admits that the task can seem overwhelming, but she has a sense of accomplishment as she finds good "homes" for items.

“Even if it’s little and silly, I try to do one thing each day and pat myself on the back,” she says.

Make a friend and help a child read Heart & Soul is looking for members who want to volunteer an hour each week to help kids in grades 1 – 3 improve their reading skills. As a volunteer you will meet weekly with the same child after school for a reading session on the day of your choice. Beginning this fall, BEAR (“Being Engaged to Achieve Reading”) Buddies will team up with students at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Johnson City and Elizabethton, and at North Side, South Side, Fairmont, Town Acres and Woodland elementary schools. For more information about becoming a BEAR Buddy, call Heart & Soul at 1-844-478-7685 (SOUL) or email us at heartandsoul@msha.com.

Get tickets to Jonesborough Storytellers Guild showResidents of Colonial Hill Retirement Center (top) and The Courtyards Senior Living (bottom), here with storyteller Linda Poland, enjoyed free tickets to a Jonesborough Storytellers Guild performance in March. If your senior living facility would like free tickets to a Tuesday night show, call Heart & Soul at 1-844-478-7685 (SOUL) or email us at heartandsoul@msha.com.