Anyone familiar with Touchmark knows that life in our communities is vibrant and social. There are groups, clubs, and classes for every interest and hobby, and we enjoy supporting all of them. One example is the Touchmark Larkettes, a group of four residents and one Health & Fitness Club member from Bismarck, North Dakota. All summer long, they have been delighting fans of the Bismarck Larks by performing choreographed dances after an inning at the baseball team’s home games.

No experience necessary

Though none of the women has danced professionally before, they figured it would be a fun way to shake up their typical workout regimen. They practice their routines twice per week with instructors from Northern Plains Dance. Betty Heinrich says, “I didn’t quite know what I was getting into, but I said yes because I like to dance.”

What Betty, Gertie Mettler, Eunice Balzer, Ann Dammel, and Debbie March didn’t anticipate was the overwhelmingly positive response from the Larks fans at each game and the sense of camaraderie in their small group. Gertie says while laughing, “When we go to the games, everybody praises us, so what’s not to like?”

All are welcome

The core of the Larkettes’ activities is making meaningful connections and trying new things, which expands across all residents and communities. Happy hours, painting and art workshops, and Trekkers walks are examples of well-attended events that happen regularly due to popular demand. Resident Stanley Mitchell says, “We’re very social people, and we like to be with our friends. That’s what’s happened here at Touchmark. We’ve become real, fast friends with people and enjoy new experiences.”

No matter where they are or what they are doing, the people of Touchmark share a zest for life.