James Noyes’ paintings can be seen at collections around the area
Although he was always interested in art, Jim Noyes didn’t pick up a paint brush until the age of 40. He’s been creating impressive oil paintings ever since.
His portrait of businessman/ philanthropist Raj Soin hangs at the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University; his portrait of Dr. J. Milton Zimmerman hangs at the Zimmerman Law Library at the University of Dayton. His work is represented in many private art collections, including the collection of former Governor Bob Taft.
Noyes, who will turn 98 on March 27, says these days he’s painting better than ever.
Getting started
It was about 58 years ago that Noyes confided to his wife that he’d like to be an oil painter and asked if she would take on the role of instructor. “Laura was an exceptional watercolor artist who started painting at the age of six,” he said about his beloved companion who passed away five years ago. “I asked her if she would teach me how to paint and she agreed.”
For the next five years, Laura was
To maintain health and wellness, senior adults should maintain a daily routine that includes diet, exercise, and other healthy habits, such as regular doctor visits, preventative health and wellness programs, and cancer screenings to keep one’s overall health in check.
In Your Prime spoke with Dr. Jessica Uhler, MD, of the Premier Physician Network at Premier Health to learn more on the importance of early cancer screenings.
“Routine cancer screenings are a hallmark of primary care, and it’s one of the most important things we do as part of general wellness visits. It’s important to do the screenings and keep up with them, because it helps us catch things early,” Uhler said.
She said identifying potential problems early can help seniors determine the most effective treatments options and outcomes.
“The earlier we catch these cancers, the more treatment options you have, and the better outcomes you have, so it’s better to screen for things, find things, ideally, before symptoms are there, because often, if you’re waiting for symptoms, or signs to show up, things have progressed,” Uhler said.
She said the five common cancers doctors can screen for include breast, colon, cervical, lung and prostate cancers.
Breast cancer
Mammograms are the screening tool for breast cancer, and they are recommended for women of average risk,
have a parent or grandparent. Most people want to stay living in their own homes for as long as possible. I know I do. We can make that happen,” Baker said.
What it offers
The list of services the center offers is exhaustive. Just a few of the supportive services include homemaker services, public benefits assistance, shopping assistance, Medicare counseling, food services and transportation. Baker said that transportation is by far the most popular service the center provides. The center currently has 22 vehicles.
“They’re all wheelchair equipped. We take people all over. We go to the Cleveland Clinic … we go wherever our clients need to go to get their treatments. We’re on the road every day,” she said.
Another popular service is the food. The daily lunch service is open to the public, and 70-80 people will dine at the center daily. If there is a special event or monthly luncheon event, that number jumps to 140-150 people. The cost for the lunch is around $4 for an entrée and two vegetables. The center also delivers meals for those who are homebound.
“People love our meals,” Baker said. “What we serve in the cafeteria is the food we also deliver. Some pay a reduced cost depending on income. Some of them don’t pay anything. … Nobody is denied a meal for inability to pay. If they need a meal, they can get a meal.”
The activities list for the center is longer than the services list. Typically, there are five different activities offered per day from square dancing to cards to cornhole. Some are free and some might cost a small fee. There is also a billiards area where a lot of members like to meet up.
“This place is great. Us old people need somewhere to go every day. We also have pool tournaments,” said Myles McMahan, XARSC member. The billiards area is definitely the place to go have a laugh.
There are other holiday celebrations, fundraisers and trips that the center plans. This year there are trips planned for Phoenix and Sedona Arizona, a Reds game, and Asheville, North Carolina. There are also day trips to the movies or plays in the area. XARSC also has a library where seniors can read and learn how to use a computer.
“This place is the best in Ohio. They have all the programs. They do great things for people. They’ll give you a ride anywhere. I’m 84 and didn’t my first computer until I was 83,” said Tony Viney, XARSC member.
To become a member of the center, an adult must be 50 years old and pay $25 for the year. For a couple, the cost is $40. Benefits include access to the services, monthly newsletter, participation in various activities, and reduced lunch and trip costs. Baker said that the future of the XARSC is bright.
“I really think we might need to expand if it’s permitted. There is a lot of land here and I think we are going to need more room. I think we’re going to grow and continue to grow in membership,” Baker said.