Photo courtesy of Ted Mueller Photography

The Bay Country Chorus made a recent performance at the Bayleigh Chase Retirement Community in Easton. This  one-hour performance is part of the yearlong programming presented by the chorus. Since 1995 the chorus has been entertaining throughout the four mid-shore counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne, and Talbot. 

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of older people? Music resides in a separate part of our brains than other memories. Alzheimer patients who may no longer remember their own families come to life when they hear music that brings back memories from their past. It elicits feelings of happiness and well-being and sparks positive memories. 

The chorus sings four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Our programs include a series of ballads, pop standards, upbeat tunes, and doo-wop songs and is tailored to address the audience where we sing. We perform mostly at senior living communities and venues where citizens are in rehab or dealing with dementia. Many of these residents are unable to get out and enjoy live music. Quite simply we bring the music to them. 

The chorus welcomes men and women of all ages who enjoy singing to take a look at our group. Visit our website at www.baycountrychorus.com or just drop in at one of our rehearsals. Our weekly rehearsals are fun-filled and create camaraderie and friendships within the group. We meet most Monday evenings at 6 pm  at Brooklets Place, the Talbot County Senior Center at 400 Brooklets Place in Easton. For additional information or to schedule a performance contact 

John Crovo, 410-820-4761. 

Why not join us as we “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

As you probably know, a weak core impacts everyday life…but maybe more than you think.

If basic functional movements like getting out of bed or walking to the car and getting in and out of the car are becoming a challenge or feeling nearly impossible for you, it may be a sign that your core is too weak.

In order to remain mobile and independent, you cannot ignore your core. And crunches are not the only answer. After all, your core is much more than just your abdominal muscles. It includes the gluteal muscles in the butt and hips, the lats and traps in the middle and upper back, and the erector spinae muscles around the spine. Your core is responsible for keeping you upright and this is why poor balance is one of the more obvious signs that your core is weak.

Here are some less obvious signs that you need to watch for:

1. Do you need to use your arms to get out to a chair or bed? If so, it is likely that your core strength is lacking. To transition from lying or sitting to standing, your abdominals and deep core muscles must be able to brace, while your glutes must be strong enough to propel you to your feet. (“4 Sneaky Signs You Have a Weak Core – Silver Sneakers”) (Michelle Barnett, D.P.T.at TRIA Orthopaedic Center)
2. Have you ever caught yourself standing or walking with your lower back arched and your pelvis jutting forward? This is a signal that your core lacks the stability and control to keep your spine in a neutral position. If your core is weak, other muscles will compensate to hold you up but the overarched position will eventually lead to lower back pain.
3. Tilting and swaying while walking is a sure sign that your core is weak. If your obliques are not strong enough to control your torso, your pelvis ends up dropping to one side.
4. Do you hold your breath while performing core exercises? If so, this could be due to a weakness in your diaphragm which works closely with the surrounding core muscles to control movement and breath. Holding your breath increases abdominal pressure while not engaging those muscles for stability.

To help avoid these problems try including the Pelvic Tilt, the Bridge, the Squat, and the Clamshell exercises in your weekly routine. You can find descriptions of these exercises online at Silver Sneakers.

Susan Covey is the Acts Baleigh Chase Fitness Director 

In a world where human beings are inherently social creatures, the value of community and social interaction cannot be overstated. The power of companionship and engagement becomes even more evident as we age, and the consequences of isolation can be profound. That is the Spy’s reason for checking in with Irma Toce, The CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, as part of our ongoing”Ask Irma” series.

This video is approximately 3 minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry on the Tred Avon please go here.