Seniors gather to celebrate Father’s Day

On Monday, the seniors in the Houston and Big Lake celebrated Father’s Day with the first “Gentleman’s Picnic” at the Mid-Valley Senior Center.

“This was a fun way to celebrate all the fathers, sons, and grandsons,” said Melissa Sonnek, Program Manager for Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI).

“They had a Mother’s Day event, a Mother’s Day tea. And we got input from fathers asking for something to honor Father’s Day.”

Sonnek said that the men had a list of ideas for how they wanted to celebrate including playing cards, which led to the casino vibe in the center.

The fathers were encouraged to don hats, whether it be their favorite fedora, coolest cowboy hat, or best ball cap, and enjoy root beer and ginger ale, along with ‘cigars’ or in this case, beef jerky wrapped in cigar labels and served right out of a classic cigar box.

“This was all part of a fun idea to keep things looking ‘fatherly.’”

There were other games like “Do You Remember?” which gave seniors the chance to reminisce as they tried to identify different objects from times gone by, and win a door prize, and later a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament.

Greg Taylor, a Navy Veteran, won one of the door prizes, enjoyed the game, even taking advantage of his former Navy service to help identify some of the objects.”

“This was nice, what they did. It’s good we can come here,” Taylor said.

While it was billed as a “father’s Day” event, the women were more than welcomed to share in the fun, and none more colorful than the Center’s own Jane Bond, complete with a colorful purple and red hair.

“It was a delicious meal and a lot of fun. Truly a great time spent well. Thanks to all who helped make this a great day for fathers,” said Diana Ring.

Earlier this year, the Mid-Valley Senior Center, which is located in Houston, merged with WASI, and the move has increased the visibility of the senior center, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Parks Highway.

“Everything now is all through WASI,

The move also allowed for WASI Mid-Valley Adult Day Services (ADS) to come in and provide structured and comprehensive, with a variety of health, social, and other related supportive services in a protective a nonclinical setting.

“It’s where our vulnerable adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or may be physically frail, have a developmental disability can come and spend time here and their daughter or son, whoever is their caretaker can also have a respite,” says Sonnek. She says that the service is available if people want to come for a few hours once a week or every day.

“Pretty much whatever fits your schedule, and we take care of everything-meals, transportation, all of that.”

WASI Mid-Valley Adult Day Service can help develop an individual care plan and provide activities specifically designed for the participant.

With the older adult population growing, the need for these services has also expanded.

“We are trying to grow our program here, so it’s just kicking off.”

They recently added computer classes for those seniors looking to become a little more savvy and safe to go along with the computer lab and internet access. The center also houses the Mary Hall Lending Library, which has 100s of books in paperback, audio, and large print format.

Another new class they are offering is the Monday “Bingocizers,” and as Sonnek explains that it gives seniors a chance to play Bingo and get a little exercise. They also offer “Strong Seniors” class in which a personal trainer comes out to help seniors work on improving their strength, balance, and overall fitness.

Over course, one of the most valued services the center offers is the opportunity for seniors to get together

Seasonally, WASI and the Mid-Valley center offer a number of services such as AARP Tax Prep, PFD assistance, garden and greenhouse spaces, and for the spring and summer, Farmers Market Coupons.

“These wonderful events are possible with the help of our fantastic volunteers and dedicated seniors!”

For more information, visit the Mid Valley Senior Center Facebook page, or www.wasillaseniors.com