Town ‘N Country retirees become powerlifters

BY SHERRI LONON Special Correspondent

Published: January 13, 2014 | Updated: January 21, 2014 at 11:02 AM

TOWN N COUNTRY Edith Traina isnt fond of stereotypes that lead others to believe seniors fritter away their time rocking on front porches.

Thats why Traina, 92, and other members of the Town N Country Senior Stars take it upon themselves to break all those rules, she said.

One of the most recently added activities is powerlifting. The Stars team is called The Record Breakers, and consists of several seniors who work out regularly to keep fit and challenge themselves to break their own personal weightlifting records.

Traina can lift about 130 pounds. Other seniors boast personal best records of more than 160 pounds.

We just enjoy it, Traina explained.

Founded in 1987 as a way to bring seniors together for a tone-and-stretch class, the group has since grown to include more than 300 members, 200 of which are active on a regular basis. While that exercise class is still very much a part of the groups offerings, the Stars continue to expand options to make sure a variety of interests are represented. The lineup of undertakings includes arts and crafts, lunch outings, day trips, line dancing and much more, Traina added.

While the activities bring local seniors together for fun and camaraderie, member Patty Dombrowski, 75, said those who take part often find lasting friendships.

Its friends getting together with friends, she said of Stars events.

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Town ‘N Country retirees become powerlifters