Our VIP (Very Important Parishioner) program here at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish not only provides the opportunity to recognize and thank those who have served and some who are serving their fellow parishioners (and others) in a variety of ways, it also reminds or informs us of the various ministries and activities we have happening in our parish, may of which happen in most Catholic parishes throughout the world. Some we offer here, however, are unique in that they help us be the best version of ourselves in spirit, mind and body, which benefits us and, hopefully, others as well. Our VIP for the month of May, Linda Broome, has certainly been the right person for developing physical fitness for those who choose to come to the lower hall on Tuesdays AND Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Fit & Balanced) and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Chair Strech & Balance). She also arranged for a Mat Yoga class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the days mentioned above. To say that Linda is "competent" in helping people (in individual and group sessions) need to be fleshed out by saying she is enthusiastic about what she does, has been committed to her own physical fitness over the years, and has the cretivity to make exercise sessions FUN and beneficial to those who give her time to work with them. She make a very good case to say that phusical activity is especially important for those who, due to what I call "the aging condition" are generally not as active as before in day-to-day life and therefore need scheduled and regular times to stretch their muscles, improve their balance, and get their heart rate up in ways that are helpful to them! She takes the time to listen to and talk to the people who come for exercise and shows in others that she truly cares about each person who comes to her class. She affirms and encourages people and reminds her fellow exercisers to do only what they feel comfortable doing without judgement from her and anyone else who is there. While Linda has a loving husband, Johnny for 40 years, children and grandchildren, three sisters and her mother (in Memphis), she sees those who come to her classes as extended family and whom she loves and loves to help function through the exercise she does with them and what she encourages them to do on their own. Linda also stepped up to the plate as a member of the Parish Life Commission and, for the second year, serves on the parish council as one of two representatives from that commission. She is a member of LOSH and has participated in the Cancer Walk here in the Village, and helped raise funds for the Animal Welfare League of Hot Springs Village (most recently with her "acting" skills in Gil Duran's Mystery Dinner Theater). Most people see her as a "go getter" who seems happiest when around people who are exercising with her. Thanks, Linda, for being the "moving" force behind our exercise program that benefits our parishioners and people in the community at large. You are a blessing to many!