Over 50 people gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion, Dunsdon Branch #461, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to take part in the ELVISize, Salute to the KING event.
Joan Minnery and Christine Wallace created a new singing and movement program called CROONERcize earlier this year. The event, held monthly, aims to encourage exercise while raising funds for the local legion. Since January, they have raised \$1,581.50.
“We wanted to start the year with a health and wellness event to get people moving,” said Wallace. “The first event was so popular that people asked for more, so we made it a monthly tradition.”
Minnery added, “Our first event was Stayin Alive in ‘25, February was Hearts in Motion, and March was Retro Flower Power. That one was fun with 1960s music and people dressed as hippies.”
At the recent ELVISize event, many attendees wore Elvis shirts and 1950s style outfits. Minnery led the group in clapping, swaying, and singing along to Elvis classics like “Jailhouse Rock,” “All Shook Up,” “Polk Salad Annie,” and “Kentucky Rain.”
“It’s a workout, but fun,” Minnery explained. “The moves are easy so everyone can join. It’s not intense like Zumba or aerobics. We sing and dance for three songs, then rest while I share motivational talks before the next set.”
She added, “People say they’re sweating a lot even though they don’t move as much as usual. Singing helps burn energy — that’s why we call it CROONERcize.”
Long-time friends Debbie Cross and Jackie Haigh said this was their second and third time at the event. They enjoy moving their bodies while having fun.
“Jackie invited me to the 60s event, and afterward, I felt inspired to keep moving,” said Cross. “Even after a long day teaching and working outside, I felt refreshed. Joan encourages us to move to our own beat without worrying about doing it perfectly, so we just laugh and enjoy ourselves.”
The session also featured a 50/50 raffle, a small prize draw, and a door prize for VIP tickets to see Ginger Alden, Elvis’s former fiancée, at her live event in Hamilton on July 12. Minnery will serve as the master of ceremonies for that show.
The next CROONERcize event will focus on country music and take place on Tuesday, June 24. Entry is \$5 per person.
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