The Glenwood Senior Center is usually buzzing with lectures, fitness classes and social events. Many gather here to participate in the activities and in the process, share their life experiences with others. Michael Yuhas Sr., of Woodbine, is an active participant who is able to share an important historical event with heartfelt pride.

In the present day, we often find ourselves caught up in playing with the latest hand-held electronic devices. Back in 1941, however, a young 23-year-old Yuhas lived the reasons for which some of our political policies were established and he held in his hands the devices with which to do it.

It was in December 1941, at Pearl Harbor, that a brave Yuhas fought and survived the Japanese attack. Although Pearl Harbor is remembered on Dec. 7 each year, Yuhas keeps that memory alive on a daily basis by giving out pins. As he handed me a commemorative Pearl Harbor pin, he recounted the past.

"I was there since Jan. 30, 1939, as a sergeant in charge of the gun crew. The Japanese had been bombing Wheeler Field, which was an airbase. I saw the planes coming around the treetops, bombs drop, and debris flying in the air. While the Japanese were straffing our barracks with machine guns and other fire-power, myself and eight crew members had to run for cover up to the mountains. We stayed there for another year and a half, expecting an invasion. "

After several other deployments overseas and within the country, Yuhas was assigned to Fort Meade for almost six years, and then was discharged. What is most touching, however, is that he wants folks to remember Pearl Harbor for all those lost at sea. In 1990, he was given a medal by an Act of Congress to honor Pearl Harbor survivors.

After his years of service, he pursued a boxing career and is honored in the Maryland State Boxing Hall of Fame, at Martin's West. He married Joanna Wojtas (now deceased), has three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Because of his motivated spirit, Yuhas was able to serve his country in Pearl Harbor. His motivation also helped him achieve his goals in boxing, and today, it keeps him walking two miles a day, three days a week, at the center. As he approaches his 90th birthday this October, his advice to the present-day youth is "Keep active, get plenty of rest, and don't smoke!"

Keeping active is the name of the game at the Glenwood Senior Center. If you like the great outdoors, you may sign up for the picnic at Warfield Park on Thursday, June 26 at noon. The cost is $3, plus a side dish.

If a bus trip is on your mind this summer, get on board the deluxe motor coach to Atlantic City. Bus leaves promptly at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 26. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy the beach, boardwalk, food, shops and gambling. Cost is $35.

Looking to go to places where no man has gone before? You may want to join the Glenwood Travel Club -- a group that gets together to plan fun and exciting trips. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.

The Glenwood Senior Council was pleased to report at its recent June meeting that the activity level at the center has increased and the classes are almost always filled. The council's president Eileen Buckholtz and vice president Dick Tufts are making plans for an Antique Car Show for the fall. The council is also actively pursuing the building of a swimming pool at the center that would allow for classes such as water aerobics and recreational swimming. For the e-newsletter, go to www.glenwoodseniorcenter.org.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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