Senior Sports Week at Indian River Estates is a Smash Success

Laughter and lots of jokes filled the air during Indian River Estates' (IRE) recent Sports Week despite keen competition between 125 sports enthusiasts who took part in eight events.

You could have cut the air with a knife during the finals of billiards between Carl Lehman and Dennis Dabbs who played best out of three eight-ball timed games. Lehman won, despite an excellent attempt by Dabbs. Dabbs, a dapper Englishman who has lived at IRE with his wife for just over a year, participated in IRE's golf tournament at Sand Ridge as well. "I'm excited to travel and play in the entire ACTS Corporation golf tournament circuit. ACTS, leaders in the retirement industry, knows how to put on a great event. I believe the company stands behind its residents and employees, offering the best of amenities and true peace of mind for seniors," Dabbes said.

In ping pong, Mary Allen took first place, winning two out of three games in the finals. Allen had taken silver in last year's competition so she was serving up some quick returns against Trudy Armstrong to take the gold. Allen, who has lived at Indian River Estates West for nine years, loves the camaraderie. "My family has no worries about me, and I'm entirely satisfied with the food, people and atmosphere."

Chairmen of the shuffleboard tournament Ted and Clara Wolfe won top honors for due diligence in coordinating shuffleboard consolation games and finals for two events. There were 22 participants for indoor table shuffleboard, and 48 played outdoor shuffleboard. Ted Wolfe came in first in table shuffleboard and Bob Brost took second. Outdoor shuffleboard winners were: Herb Silva and Dick Booser; Tom Hoffman and Francis Porter; Dave and Bev Miller took third, and Bob and Nancy Cavan were the consolation winners. Teams played to 75 points or 45 minutes, whichever came first.

The men's ping pong event was won by Jim Wagner, and Warren Perkins took second place. Wagner has lived at Indian River Estates East for the past two and a half years. Just prior to moving in, his wife had broken her ankle. He wonders what they would have done if they were both in need of care? That's why moving into Indian River Estates made such sense to the Wagners. While more than 75% live independently in their own luxury residence, should they ever require temporary or long term health care, their monthly fee will not change as a result of a need for a higher level of care through ACTS Lifecare program.

There were 53 contestants in the 18 hole putting tournament. Gil Johnson with a score of 36 took top honors; Jim Wagner took second (39) and John Wakeland took the bronze with 40.

The tennis tournament doubles best out of three games had three divisions: men, women and mixed. Ted Larson and John Dearman came in first; Angela Catallo and Jane Romeyn won the women's division, and Catallo and Dearman teamed up to win the mixed doubles on Indian River Estates' own clay courts.

Indian River Estates Fitness Director Mary Spence chaired the one mile walking race and Bob McBride took first place for the men's division; Ethel Lynch won for women. Allen Hubbard and Ginny McBride took the silver in their respective divisions. "The magic behind winning oftentimes comes from believing you can," Spence said. "We have many residents who are diligent exercise enthusiasts, and when they put their mind to achieving their goals or winning a competition, most times they succeed."

Last but not least was the water volleyball 90 minute game. Four men tied for first place and all won a medal: Roy Datema, Milt Burdsall, Bob Hempton and Ray Paulsen.

This was the third Sports Week hosted by Indian River Estates East and West, a continuing care retirement community located on Route 60 just east of I95. It was a time of fitness, friendship and fun.

Do you know someone age 62 or over looking to downsize and move into carefree, maintenance-free resort-style independent living with guaranteed access to assisted living or skilled nursing should they ever need it? More than 750 Vero Beach residents call Indian River Estates East and West their home, where more than 400 employees service their every need. Anyone interested in checking out this active community and their fun events is encouraged to call Indian River Estates at (772) 770-0058 to attend an informative luncheon.