by Megan Guibord

Through engaging in an array of activities to stay active within Spokane, Brenda Jones, a member of The Arc of Spokane’s Community Engagement program, has not only found a way to bring joy to her own life but also to serve as an inspiration to others around her.

While Jones started off taking swim classes at the Spokane YMCA, her love for movement and music led her to find a new passion: Zumba. This lively and energetic dance-based fitness program combines dance and aerobic movements that allow for an exciting workout. Jones appreciates the physical benefits of Zumba, but she also values the strong sense of community that she has found within the class.

From dressing up in Halloween costumes and dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to following along to the instructor’s movements as the Backstreet Boys’ music fills up the studio, Jones has embraced the fast-paced atmosphere of Zumba. Her favorite part? Everything.

Beyond the Zumba studio, Jones’s commitment to an active lifestyle extends to the greater Spokane community events, including Bloomsday. Alongside her staff partner and number one cheerleader, Brenda Fredricks, Jones trained for weeks before the race, taking long walks through Kendall Yards and on the Centennial Trail to prepare for the main event.

The duo also attended the pre-Bloomsday festivities, where they found themselves with an unexpected souvenir: a large bag of raw potatoes. This light-hearted and humorous moment made for a good memory added to their Bloomsday experience.

Throughout the process, Jones’s perseverance and determination shone through and together, they completed the race “There was no sense of giving up in her,” says Fredricks. “There was no question about it, she was going to finish the race.”

In addition to Zumba classes and participating in Bloomsday, Jones also stays active by being a member of a local bowling league as well as being a continuous participant of Spokane’s Hoopfest where she plays 3x3 basketball.

By engaging in a variety of activities throughout Spokane, Jones has not only found ways to maintain an active lifestyle and pursue new passions but established her own sense of community within the greater Spokane area. Her journey showcases the power of inclusivity and opportunity for all individuals in staying active within their own communities.