Nearly 80 seniors attended a party today (July 26) at the De Soto Senior Center to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
“It’s really exciting,” said Mary Schaefer, executive director at Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, which operates the Senior Center.
“Some of the folks here today have been here since the center started, back when they were just turning 60,” she said.
“This is big for this group,” said Cindy Hunt, Senior Center supervisor. “We had a good turnout of 78 people here today, a little more than expected.”
In addition to the lunches the center offers seniors Monday through Friday, it also provides services and information, such as exercise classes and health information and opportunities to volunteer and socialize.
“It’s changed over the years,” Schaefer said. “But seniors still come for socialization, dancing and exercise programs.”
“It’s a motivator,” said Charlie Heisler, board member. “They get all dressed up, fix their hair… They just become so alive for these events.”
A hot lunch is offered every weekday at the center, and meals are delivered to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, a program run by volunteers. In the last fiscal year, the center’s Meals on Wheels program delivered more than 25,000 meals to homebound seniors.
As part of the anniversary party, which ran from 10 a.m. to noon, seniors enjoyed a roast beef meal, as well as cake and other refreshments. ResCare HomeCare of De Soto nurses offered blood pressure checks, and Jefferson County 911 Dispatch representatives answered questions and gave out goodie bags.
Musical entertainment was provided by Paul and Ann Reed, who played classics, like Elvis tunes and “The Twist.”
“We wanted to get them on their feet,” Schaefer said.
Many of the seniors enjoyed the dancing.
“We’ve got some pretty good music and a lot of people here today,” said Irene Walker, a frequent visitor and the treasurer of the senior center.
“I think it turned out really nice,” said Joyce Ross, a senior who’s been coming to the center for at least seven years. “It seems like everyone had a really good time.”
Also during the celebration, the center received a proclamation from the city of De Soto naming July 26, 2013, MEAAA De Soto Senior Center Day, signed by Mayor Richard Lane.
“This center makes such a difference,” Schaefer said. “It gives them a reason to get up in the morning. That’s why we believe in this program so much. It saves lives and improves quality of life.”
“I just wonder what life would be like for a lot of the citizens of Jefferson County if we didn’t have senior centers to supply meals and provide a nice place where they can come and socialize and have a good time,” said Ralph Queen, a “silver-haired legislator.”
“I hope legislation gives us the funds to continue for years to come,” he said.
The De Soto Senior Center is housed in the upper level of the Knights of Columbus hall, 13227 Hwy. E in De Soto.
Other senior centers in the county include the Quad Cities Senior Center in Crystal City, the Arnold Senior Center and the Northwest Jefferson County Senior Center in High Ridge.
