December 28th, 2022

The STAR Center is a great opportunity for those of all ages in the community with progressive diseases and disabilities. This fall I had the opportunity to volunteer with the STAR Center in multiple different programs that they have.

Every Monday and Wednesday I volunteered at the Rock Steady Boxing Program. This program is a great opportunity for those with Parkinson’s as it reduces rigidity and stimulates the athlete’s brain as well. The sessions started out with a greeting which allowed the participants to get to know each other a little better. We would then go into a warmup which consisted of different stretches. After that we would do different activities in stations to get moving. Next is the boxing portion of the program with core exercises and some stretching to end it.

I then started volunteering on Sundays as well at Central High with hockey. I grew up playing hockey, so I really enjoyed being able to play again and at the same time experience the kids enjoying the game too. The hockey program always started out with doing little warmups that were hockey related. When we were finished with those, we were split up into scrimmage teams and would just play. Once in awhile we would switch teams or sides halfway through the game to have different kids on your team.

I also had the opportunity to help out at one of the wheelchair basketball, programs which was nice to see the inclusion that the STAR Center has achieved. The STAR Center is a truly great addition to the community and a great place to volunteer at as they have many different programs that you can assist with from working with kids to older adults.

-Brock Zartman