Planning is under way for the inaugural Visalia Senior Games, to be held October 21 - 25, 2015. This is being headed up by our Parks and Recreation dept., and the Senior Games Planning Task Force. I counted 28 volunteers at the initial planning meeting. These games are for the 50+ population with an emphasis on promoting health and wellness. Age group competition will be in five-year increments, and includes men's, women's and mixed events. The nine events for the initial games will include archery, bowling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, softball, tennis, table tennis and a 5k/10k race. While other places in California have held senior games for a number of years, including Pasadena, Santa Rosa, San Diego, Palm Desert and the Bay area, this will be the first senior games in the San Joaquin valley.
This signature event is a project that I have been promoting since 2010. I first made a power point presentation to the Visalia City Council on October 18, 2010, followed by a December 2010 article in Direct Magazine. See directfromwarren.blogspot.com. I have competed in senior games elsewhere and have seen the economic impact of the same on those locations. The Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah has 10,000 participants, lasts for two weeks and is estimated to infuse $10 million into their local economy! We have the facilities and weather (fall or spring) to attract delightful senior competitors and their accompanying dollars to our community. Just imagine the impact on our local hotel, restaurant and tourism industries!
I want to say "thank you" to the City of Visalia, particularly the Parks and Rec. dept. for helping make this goal a reality. City government doesn't always zip along, but nudged in the right direction, will eventually get there. I'm hopeful that in future years these senior games will grow, more events will be added (such as track and field, swimming, cycling, foot golf, disc golf, etc.) and eventually perhaps the private sector can take them over and run them profitably.
Sign-ups are being taken now along with sponsorships. Visit visaliaseniorgames.com to obtain further information. Then put on your jogging shoes and join me in getting in shape for this great event. I'll see you there!
Foot Golf
Speaking of getting in shape, in June I finally found the time, at the encouragement of my daughter Lora, to take her and try out this relatively new sport at the Valley Oaks golf course. 18 "holes" have been installed alongside the golf fairways. Both times we went on a Friday evening, when they had a special that for the price of $10.00 per person, the pro shop would provide the soccer balls and golf cart. It took us about an hour and a half to learn the rules since we were beginners, and to play. The rules are very similar to golf except that you're kicking a soccer ball with the objective of landing it in the hole in the fewest tries. We had a blast, and the second time we took some of Lora's teenage pals along. I recommend you try this sport out. It's a great way to get in shape, socialize and have a fun-filled activity. P.S., I promised Lora that I would not reveal who had the low score.
Water-saving Tip
With the ongoing drought, the Gubler family is trying to do its part to conserve water. In addition to putting a bucket in the shower to catch excess water as the shower is heating up, then putting that water on shrubs and trees, "Dad" has now imposed "2-minute showers." Although there was grumbling at first, I found that this has proven to be an opportunity to save time when getting ready for the day. Once this new policy was implemented, I found it only took 3 or 4 times before the 2-minute showers became a habit. Rather than standing under the showerhead and soaking up water for an unreasonable amount of time, I found that a 2-minute shower is refreshing, saves water, and gets me off to work quicker.
Playboy Chickens
The Visalia City Council initially voted to approve allowing chickens in residential areas. However, the subsequent final schizophrenic vote on the new chicken ordinance turned it down. While there were many disappointed people, that is how local government works sometimes. After the vote, someone emailed me an article from Playboy magazine on Visalia's chicken situation. I was surprised to find out that Playboy not only had an interest in this local hubbub, but that they also quoted me as a council member in the article. While I've heard of playboy bunnies, I never thought I'd hear of playboy chickens!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
