Longtime Westport resident (and Westport Weston Family YMCA member) Pat Carey has a favorite Y instructor. She — and others in her class, including Steve and Rosemary Halstead, Jeff and Nancy Oberman, Tomoko Meth, Katherine Ross, Pam Einarsen, Carol Maloney, Jo Shields and Dionne Pia — write:
What began 3 years ago as a new fitness class at the Y has become something far more meaningful for the seniors who attend it.
Senior Strong was created to help older adults maintain their conditioning, build strength, and improve balance and flexibility.
Its greatest value, however, extends well beyond physical fitness. There isn’t one of us who doesn’t have a replaced (or at least aching or quirky) knee, hip or shoulder.
Senior Strong class. Instructor Judy Samuels is in the front row, wearing blue and holding flowers.
But we overlook our “frailties” because the class has importantly given us a place to gather, laugh, and support one another.
Even as we have faced illnesses, injuries and losses, a deep sense of community has taken root. Friendships have formed.
We care for one another. A simple message when someone is absent — “Missed you today—everything okay?”—reflects the genuine connection this class has created.
The main reason for the program’s success is its leader, Judy Samuels. Her natural warmth, sense of humor and welcoming presence motivates even the most hesitant members, and makes them feel comfortable and included.
Judy Samuels
Through her classic rock music, varied routines and well-paced classes, she has created more than an exercise program. She has cultivated a space where we feel encouraged, capable and connected.
We may be seniors. B thanks to Judy we pump iron, squat, lunge and march — and we are strong!
For all that she brings to us, and the environment she has created for us, we are proud to nominate Judy as an unsung hero.
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so great to see the photo of Judy Samuels and the senior strong regulars. Judy is truly an inspiring teacher. I was doing the class myself until a bicycle accident last month. When I recover, i plan to return to the class. she encourages you to keep up, but not beyond what feels ok. Few instructors understand the importance of that.
Have been there and “fell off the wagon.”
All of the accolades for Judy & the class are 100% right on point.
You couldn’t have chosen a more deserving “unsung hero”
I have known Judy for many years in both private and group classes. There is constantly a smile on her face. She is really interested making you more physically fit while having a little fun at the same time
What a nice tribute for a wonderful person. Judy also teaches fitness classes at the Westport Senior Center. She is always upbeat and positive. Her workouts are fun and make us stronger. Judy truly is an Unsung Hero of Westport.
Thank you for recognizing Judy. She has been at the Y for at least a couple decades and her positivity and professionalism shines every day!
When I was a kid the Westport Y/Camp Mahackeno was full of great people like Judy but I don’t remember any trainers. Counselors and swim coaches were great. Mike Laux, Ann and Charlie Taylor. Sue Baskin, Linda Solway, Vince Perry, Tony Giunta. Too many to count. Bruce Jamieson was the camp director in the summer and boy’s work director in the winter time. He was the guiding force behind the legendary Downshifter’s hot rod club that molded so many young lives into the great adults they became. I couldn’t wait until l was 14 and became a CIT and later a counselor. Summer of ‘68 I worked at camp in the days and bussed at Mario’s at night. Mario had a “cow” one day when I was late to work (I couldn’t leave my post at camp until the last child was picked up and a parent was late that day).He forced me to choose between him and the Y. I said I’d take the Y. So we parted company from a business standpoint but I kept going to Mario’s as a customer because his food was top notch. I never thought to ask Lou Nistico for a job at the Arrow. Perhaps the biggest mistake of my life (next to leaving Westport). Obla-di obla-da life goes on.
Compliments to Judy. She not only can provide support to younger people at the Y but also to more maturely aged people, at other venues, with care and feeling for their age. So, her “students” all know that she will continue to care and assist them for physical fitness purposes.
I try to take Judy’s classes at least once a week, and I couldn’t agree more with everyone’s comments. Judy is always upbeat, her classes are creative and varied, and the music is such an important part of the experience—her song selections are fantastic!
Beyond all of that, I think the biggest reason her classes are so popular is that she genuinely cares about the people who attend them, and that caring is returned tenfold. Kudos to Judy! I wholeheartedly agree that she deserves the “Unsung Hero” award.
Thank you, Dan, Judy Samuels is an Unsung Hero no more. All who know her are singing her praises (with really strong voices) and most deservedly so!!