Keeping upbeat

Ortonville- The music of Frank Sinatra played on Tuesday at the Edna Burton Senior Center, and Katie Hobson played, too.
Sitting on a chair, arms raised in the air, with a drumstick in each hand, the 86-year-old grinned as she struck a red exercise ball in front of her again and again as ‘New York, New York? filled the air.
Hobson wasn’t the only one drumming. Several other seniors, many standing, followed the directions of instructor Maggie Barclay, who was demonstrating the Drums Alive! program.
Barclay calls Drums Alive! a mind-body-cardio workout.
‘It incorporates physical exercise along with mental challenges,? she said. ‘They are multi-tasking and there are directional changes to get the mind-body connection. It’s creative.?
Barclay called out directions to the women as songs including ‘Duke of Earl? and ‘Lollipop? also played. The program is for all ages and Barclay has hosted the program for those as young as preschool, changing music to fit the audience.
Senior Center Program Director Martha Tooley hopes to bring Drums Alive! to the center as a weekly event.
‘It’s such a neat way of getting exercise,? she said. ‘You don’t even realize you’re exercising because you’re having so much fun. It’s good for coordination for the seniors, and also strength. I see a lot of benefits.?
Hobson thought so, too. She signed up to show her interest in drumming again.
‘It was fun,? she said. ‘It’s good exercise for your arms and all your muscles. I was trying to keep up.?
Tooley is gauging interest in the program, which would be for all ages. Details: 248-627-6678.

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