Holiday Activities Planned, More Offerings for Local Seniors

The Coalition for Senior Citizens discussed plans to increase outreach to seniors at the William N. Pennington Life Center, organize holiday activities, and continue movie outings during its Oct. 12 meeting.

Coalition Chair Karla Kent encouraged members to visit the center more frequently, speak with seniors about their concerns, and encourage participation in upcoming activities.

Kent said she recently visited the center to talk with seniors about the coalition and learn whether there were concerns or needs the group could help address. She encouraged other coalition members to spend time at the center, even for brief visits, to become more familiar with the people they serve.

The coalition also discussed plans for a holiday gathering tentatively scheduled for Dec. 2. Members considered offering live music, desserts, and prize drawings.

Kent said she would contact the local band River Road about performing at the event. Members also discussed serving holiday desserts and providing gift cards or other prizes through drawings.

One possibility discussed was giving each attendee a free drawing ticket, with the option to purchase additional tickets. Members considered seeking donations from local businesses and using coalition funds to supplement prizes. No final arrangement for the drawings was established.

The group also reviewed its ongoing afternoon movie program at the Fallon Theatre, including transportation for seniors who need a ride. Board member Lindsay Larsen has been involved in coordinating activities and promotional materials for the outings.

Coalition members discussed distributing promotional flyers earlier and having a member visit the senior center before movie days to encourage attendance and help seniors with transportation arrangements.

Kent volunteered to assist with the upcoming Friday movie outing and continue visiting the center to speak with seniors.

In other business, the coalition approved allowing its debit card to be used by members for purchases, with expenses reviewed by the treasurer and submitted to the bookkeeper. Larsen made the motion, which was seconded by board member Amber Getto and approved unanimously.

Getto was also identified during the meeting as having arranged a Nov. 19 special meeting, which members agreed to retain for further planning of upcoming activities.

Financial reports were not available at the meeting, and their presentation was postponed until the next regular meeting, scheduled for Dec. 14.