Like fine wine

‘People of old' mark senior center's 25th

November 4, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - For the last quarter century, countless Mat-Su seniors, many suffering the aches, pains and disabilities of old age, have summoned the necessary energy to serve aging friends and family members.

Wednesday's 25th anniversary celebration of the Palmer Senior Citizens' Center was a living example of the organization's motto, &#8220Seniors helping seniors.”

At age 77, senior center member Eleanor Anderson tirelessly served her fellow seniors a four-course meal. Anderson was one of many &#8220people of old,” as they call themselves, who set tables, poured drinks, served food and washed dishes.

Others in attendance could no longer walk or cut their own food. Some shook from Parkinson's disease or moved about with canes and walkers. Thanks to other seniors, however, these people were well cared for - many laughing, sharing stories and nibbling cheesecake.

At 83, husband and wife George and Bunty Beacon were two of roughly 150 seniors in attendance at the anniversary luncheon. With both Beacons unable to drive, the couple takes advantage of the senior center's transportation services to get around town.

&#8220I enjoy the social interaction,” Bunty said. &#8220And they also offer us a lot of help here.”

Her husband, George, retired a few years ago

after serving 25 years as an Episcopal priest at

Saint Bartholomew's Episco-pal Church in Palmer. Recently, George was hospitalized for a bout with pneumonia. During his recovery, center volunteers brought fully prepared meals to his home every day.

&#8220We've always been supporters of this place because we know it fills a need in our community,” George said during a lively lunch conversation. &#8220They offer a lot of help, and we enjoy the social interaction.”

What began in 1980 as an effort by a few seniors to take care of each other by providing social and practical services evolved into a multi-faceted &#8220ministry of compassion,” as senior center president Ken Anderson now describes it.

The nonprofit organization now includes a variety of programs to suit needs of area residents as they age. The goal is to assist seniors in living full lives right up to the very end by helping them adjust to the gradual loss

of physical or financial

independence.

Programs cover a range of needs, including everything from help finding a job and legal advice to intense personal care as advancing age takes a toll.

The senior center, though, is not all practical. It's also a place to play and socialize. Regular get-togethers include pool, bingo, live theater outings, holiday celebrations, nature walks and a host of brunches, bake sales and craft shows.

&#8220There's always something happening here,” George Beacon said. &#8220It's your own fault if you don't take advantage of it.”

Through all the events, volunteers are the cornerstone of the 333-member organization. Without them, many of the programs and services wouldn't be possible.

&#8220Volunteers have and will continue to be a more critical part of our services,” said Richard Tubbs, the center's executive director.

Speaking to members during the lunch party, Tubbs said recent reports from the state demographer's office forecast Alaska's senior population to increase by 249 percent over the next 20 years, totaling more than 124,000 Alaskans older than 60 by 2025. Tubbs spoke of the need for increased services and many more volunteers as the state's population ages.

&#8220The need is exploding,” he said. &#8220The future is in volunteering. Do not be discouraged from volunteering because of a physical impairment. There is always something a volunteer can do.”

President Anderson called on his fellow members to continue the dream that began with visionary seniors 25 years ago.

&#8220They had a dream, and we are a part of that dream. Here I stand before you, 82 years of age, and I'm still dreaming,” Anderson told the audience, before adding that the organization needs to expand into a new building. He said the center eventually plans to build a new site, nearby, on 11 acres across from Palmer Jr. Middle School.

For now, the &#8220people of old,” like PSCC founding member Helen Dolenc, will continue to pour glasses of water, volunteer time and serve the needs of fellow seniors as they arise.

&#8220Twenty-five years later and I'm still volunteering,” Dolenc said, while admitting that she's cut back a tad and no longer scrubs the dishes.

&#8220I thank everyone else who has come along to hand this off to.”

To find out more about senior services or volunteer opportunities, people may call the senior center 745-5454 or go online to www.palmer seniors.org.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266, or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.