Join Compeer for an August of fitness, fun and furry friends

In the past several years, August has been a very active month for our Compeer program and this August follows that same course! On our action-packed August schedule we have opportunities for fitness and holistic wellness, summer activities and a kennel club dog show. 

“Holistic Wellness” is becoming a popular concept but Compeer has been offering the NAMI “Hearts and Minds” Holistic Wellness Program since February 2011. Hearts and Minds groups are offered on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month at Far West Center.

The program addresses issues and skills that help people to plan and achieve wellness goals including anxiety reduction, relaxation, exercise, healthy diet and weight loss. Members of our program have accomplished weight loss, engage in weekly exercise, eat more vegetables and have quit smoking. No registration is required and no fees. Hearts and Minds is welcoming adults in mental health recovery. Please call Jody Bell at 440-835-6212, ext. 263.

Did I mention “more vegetables”? Compeer is growing our own for our third season at the Bay Village Community Garden.  The generous donation from the Green Team allows Compeer to participate in a “growing” community with lots of wonderful gardeners! At least half of the plants in our garden appear to be tomato plants, so Compeer will be making plenty of salsa.

Did I mention “salsa”? Salsa is not the only Latin influence helping Compeer stay healthy. Compeer members and volunteers are invited to join in on “Zumba” on our summer schedule. Zumba is Latin aerobics. After only two sessions I am personally sold on it.  It is a great, challenging way to forget you are exercising. 

Two places Compeer will be enjoying our tomato salsa are at a summer outdoor concert at the Westlake Recreation Center and at our annual Compeer Picnic! Last year, Compeer enjoyed the music of Colin Dussault’s Blues Project and made sure to put it on our August schedule this year. 

Our annual Compeer Picnic will be held Friday, Aug. 24, at Bradley Woods Park. Last summer, one of Compeer’s longtime supporters, Mayor Dennis Clough, attended our picnic. There is still time for you to get involved in Compeer and get in on the picnic fun! Contact me at 440-835-6212, ext. 242 and I will save you some salsa!

Compeer loves pets. Most Compeer members and volunteers are pet owners. We are very fortunate to have among our membership a family that works for an Irish Setter rescue organization. They allow Compeer to be honored guests at the Lorain County Kennel Club Dog Show held in August. Dog lovers get to see just about every breed imaginable there. 

Does it sound like Compeer is about healthy fun? Yes we are! It is never too late to join our community of supportive members and volunteers. Our optimism is contagious, I promise. To learn more, contact Compeer at 440-835-6212, ext. 242, or compeer@farwestcenter.com.