Still had always led an active life. He was 18 when he joined the Marine Corps in 1979, and for six-and-a-half years he saw the world as he fulfilled his military obligation.

“I saw a lot of countries,” he says, “but not as a tourist. Some of the countries I visited didn’t have clear running water, even in the ’80s. The U.S. is very fortunate. When you are young, you don’t appreciate that.”

His international travels continued when he retired from the Corps and started his career at the New Cumberland Army Depot installing wireless technology internationally.

He has lived in California, Virginia, and Japan, and has traveled to Korea, Germany, Guam, and the Philippines, for a start, though his homebase has always been in Hummelstown, where he has deep roots and raised two children.

He bought his childhood home he shares with his wife of 47 years, Linda. His daughter, Heather, and son, Joseph, are grown and also work for the federal government.

When Still retired in 2017, he started a job in an emergency room, but found that “too much” at this stage of life. “I decided I don’t need to work — I want to live,” he says.

Instead he decided to focus on expanding a free Zumba program he had started in 2011 for children with diverse needs. He had always been active and enjoyed inspiring kids to participate in sports, coaching girls’ basketball for 28 years at Lower Dauphin School District.

Zumba and Cardio Drumming: The Opportunity to Be a Star

From a friend at the Williamsport YMCA, Still learned about cardio drumming, which can easily be adapted for individuals with injuries or limitations. He became certified as a Drums Alive instructor and added cardio drumming to the Zumba program, an exercise program that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

He explains that he was especially interested in developing a program for diverse-needs kids, who are often intimidated in regular gym classes or have health issues that limit their participation in an exercise program.

“They don’t feel safe,” says Still, “or it’s too hard because they are immune compromised or have weak muscles.”

His interest in helping children started in childhood.

“When I was a kid, we were very poor,” he explains. “There were six kids and no father, so we didn’t have much.

“When I joined a community program for sports, people took me under their wing. They even made sure I had shoes. I wanted to do the same for kids in my community.”

With the expanded Zumba program, Still has found his post-retirement joy.

“You put an exercise ball into a 15- to 17-gallon ‘flowerpot’ or plastic drum. Then, with two drumsticks, we drum above, below, and around the balls, clack sticks, and dance. Often we make up choreography moves and play ‘follow the leader’ — the kids love it!”

Still named his free classes that now include both Zumba and cardio drumming the “Superstars Program.” He explains that the mission of the classes is to “provide a fun, inclusive exercise opportunity for everyone, every age, every ability.

“In our program, we are very inclusive,” he continues. “While we have more kids, our participants range from age 5 to individuals in their 40s. The program helps with muscle tone and mental health. Most importantly, every participant feels like they are important and fit in.

“Some can’t stand, some can’t sit. Others come in wheelchairs and walkers, but each participant has the opportunity to be a star. They can be up front with the instructor and mimic what we are doing. Some want to lead and make up their own choreography moves. The kids scream and shout. It makes them feel good, and their confidence grows.”

Still notes that parents are especially thrilled with their children’s excitement about the program. One parent’s response is typical: “That class brought me nearly to tears to see my son smile and dance to music for the first time in his life!”

Another parent told Still, “Superstars was the first activity where my child looked happy and wanted to come back.”

As the program gained momentum, Still was reluctant to stop during the pandemic. Instead he led a daily class on Zoom from his home to theirs.

Now the program has grown to include 30 “Superstars” and their families. Still has added two assistants, Natausha Bulgrien (Taush) and Molly McDonald.

“We want families to participate and get other people there so the kids feel they are part of a community,” he explains. “Parents enjoy the opportunity to sit and talk with other parents who face similar challenges.”

The feeling of kinship is bolstered by trips into the community and other social activities that are now also part of the program.

“Recently our Superstars enjoyed a trip to a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game and also got to demonstrate our cardio drumming on the field,” says Still. “This year we’ve also included a corn maze, a Christmas party, and carnivals.”

Community members in regular Zumba and drumming classes often volunteer to help with the Superstars activities, donating their time and funds for exercise clothes for the group.

‘Love 2 Be Fit’

With his assistants, Still has expanded the program. The team now offers a more formal program of three different half-hour programs he calls “Love 2 Be Fit” to community centers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

Still explains that although most people are seated, “They sing, dance in their seat to old-time music, clack sticks over their heads, and move their arms. It’s a lot of fun.”

While nursing homes pay for the programs, Still explains, “We’re not in it to make money. Most of the funds are donated to the Superstars program.”

As the program grows in popularity, Still recently started an LLC, a more formal business structure to support the growth of both Love 2 Be Fit and Superstars.

According to Still, “It’s our first year for the LLC — we’ll have to figure out what’s next.”

For now, his goal is to give every kid a shot at having fun and exercising, while their parents have the opportunity to relax and smile at their kids’ achievements.

“It’s one of the best feelings in the world,” he concludes.

The Superstars program is held the first and third Sunday every month at the South Hanover Township Building in Hershey, Pa. For more information, email Jeff Still at love2beefit@gmail.com.