Kosciusko County seniors could soon have access to new exercise classes in several towns across the county. The proposal, presented to the Health First Kosciusko Advisory Committee on December 4th, aims to bring fitness opportunities to Milford, Mentone, and Pierceton.
Kosciusko Community YMCA CEO Jim Swanson and Kosciusko County Community Coordinator amy Roe presented the initial findings of a community survey,revealing strong interest from local leaders in these towns. “We probably wouldn’t implement the classes until November,” Swanson explained, “with them running until the spring or summer of 2026.” He added that local leaders noted seniors have ample exercise options during warmer months.
to ensure broader participation,swanson and Roe are exploring a partnership with the Kosciusko Area Bus Service to provide transportation for seniors from syracuse to Milford,and Sidney to Pierceton.
The committee approved the advancement of a formal proposal for further consideration.
Other Committee Actions
In addition to the proposed exercise classes, the committee addressed several other health initiatives:
- Approval was granted for the Northern Indiana Maternal and Child Health Network to conduct STI testing, HIV services, and harm reduction measures throughout the county at a cost of $84,000.
- The committee approved advertising for the Kosciusko County Health Department’s Early Start Prenatal Clinic on two local radio stations in English for six and three-month periods, respectively, totaling $5,400. An additional $1,680 was allocated for three months of Spanish-language advertising on another station.
- Lauri Westerhof was approved as a school health liaison at an estimated cost of $78,000, with an additional $10,000 available if needed. Westerhof will facilitate interaction between the health department and six local school corporations: Sacred Heart Elementary School, Lakeland Christian School, Warsaw Community Schools, Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.,Whitko Community Schools,and wawasee Community School Corp.
- The committee agreed to explore funding these approved measures from the 2024 budget rather than the 2025 allocation.
The school health liaison position, radio advertising, and STI testing and related services require final approval from the Kosciusko County Board of Health and Kosciusko County Commissioners before implementation.
the committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.
## Bringing Fitness to the Forefront: An Interview with Amy Roe
**World Today News**: Kosciusko County is poised to expand its fitness offerings for seniors, thanks to a proposal presented at the Health First Kosciusko Advisory Committee meeting on December 4th. Amy Roe, Kosciusko County Community Coordinator, is spearheading this initiative.
Amy, can you tell us more about this exciting proposal and what motivated you to bring it forward?
**Amy Roe**: Certainly! We noticed a significant gap in accessible fitness opportunities for our seniors, notably in Milford, Mentone, and Pierceton. We want to ensure all Kosciusko County residents, nonetheless of age or location, have access to resources that promote health and wellbeing.
**World Today News**: What types of exercise classes are you considering offering?
**Amy roe**: We’re looking at a variety of options to cater to different fitness levels and interests. Chair yoga, low-impact aerobics, strength training using resistance bands, and balance exercises are just a few examples.Our goal is to offer classes that are engaging, safe, and adaptable to individual needs.
**World Today News**: What are the potential benefits of these classes for seniors?
**Amy Roe**: The benefits are numerous! Regular exercise has been proven to improve physical health by increasing strength, adaptability, and balance. It can also play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes. Additionally, these classes can foster a sense of community and combat social isolation, which are critical for mental and emotional well-being.
**World Today News**: How will these classes be funded?
**Amy Roe**: We are currently exploring various funding options, including grants, partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and potentially community fundraising efforts. Our priority is to make these classes as accessible and affordable as possible for all seniors.
**World Today News**: What is the timeline for implementing this project?
**Amy Roe**: We are hopeful that with the committee’s approval and secured funding, we can launch these classes within the first quarter of next year. We’re eager to get started and bring these valuable resources to our senior community.
**World Today news**: Thank you,Amy,for sharing your insights. We
look forward to seeing this initiative come to fruition and positively impact the lives of Kosciusko County seniors.
