Pearce Community Center: Look Who Visited Pearce in June!

"When you sit up front every day," said membership coordinator Jill Rodier, "you get to where you pretty much recognize every member. So when someone new walks in, I know it."

She may have known he was new to Pearce, but it took Jill several moments before she realized that she'd seen this guy before. Then it hit her--that's country music recording artist Granger Smith, the opening act at the Dierks Bentley concert at Three Sisters Park!

In town for the June 6 show, Granger came in to maintain his fitness regime: 30 minutes of P90X3 three times each week. He uses his mobile phone to access videos that lead him through the workout that features body weight functional training.

Granger tries to keep his fitness routine fresh and new, always changing the video he follows. He also follows a healthy diet plan. "If I can make one good decision each day, that's a win," said Granger. "Order grilled chicken with salsa instead of a cheese enchilada." He typically eats three small meals and two snacks each day and keeps a supply of healthy snacks on his tour bus that includes raw almonds, apples, peanut butter, and bananas. "Temptation is the greatest for me at night. I can usually resist, but if someone gets a pizza, man that's hard to turn down."

When he's home, he works out either in his home or in the warehouse he keeps his tour bus in. Since time with his family is so precious, he works out before his wife and two small children get up, or after they go to bed.

"Being accountable to someone is key to maintaining my fitness," said Granger. "My manager pushes me to stay on track."

His motivation for maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle is strong. "When I work out, I feel good. My immune system fires up and I sleep better. I still have a souvenir from high school football: achy knees and back. Working out relieves those aches."

A family history of heart disease also provides motivation. Granger was only six years old when he lost his father to a massive heart attack.

Granger Smith in the Pearce weight room

Granger and his crew leave Pearce
and head to Three Sisters Park

Our second June visitor was, well, different. Bubba, a nine foot alligator, made a stop on June 26 as part of the library's summer program.

Jim Nesci introduces Bubba

Mr. Jim Nesci brought several of his "Cold Blooded Creatures" to visit. Bubba is the only North American alligator who takes commands from his trainer. Bubba came to Jim as a rescue from the Chicago area. He is a unique alligator who amazes teachers and audiences wherever he performs. He has appeared in schools, hospitals, museums and various TV shows and advertisements.

Pearce summer campers, along with the public, settled into the banquet room for Jim's one hour show. A variety of cold blooded creatures were presented including a tortoise, ball python, albino python, monitor lizard, a small alligator, and, of course, Bubba.