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Seniors Day celebrated
By LINDA M. LINONIS
girard
Girard Multi-Generational Center celebrated National Senior Citizens Day Tuesday with food to please the palate, a trivia game to invigorate the brain and a walking race for exercise and laughs.
About 50 older adults attended. Laura Carey D’Rummo, administrative director, said the event was “to honor senior citizens” who in turn support the center through memberships and participation in activities. She said members are “mostly from Girard” but others come from neighboring communities.
Janet and Tom Buterbaugh said they’ve attended center activities for about two years. “We come for the exercise programs and to socialize,” she said. “It’s nice to meet people and talk.”
Joanne Thomas said she frequents the center at least twice a week and attends the exercise sessions. “I like sweatin’ to the oldies and the arthritis class,” she said.
She described the staff as “wonderful” and one of the reasons she likes the center.
Jennie Marinelli of Liberty agreed. “The staff makes the center an enjoyable place.”
She also attends the exercise sessions and Matter of Balance program. “It gets you up, dressed and out of the house,” Marinelli said of attending programs. “When you live alone, it makes the day worthwhile.”
Irma Colby, also an exercise regular, was among seniors who participated in a walk race and “best balloon busting butt” contest.
The seniors said it’s the programs, staff and socializing that make the multi-generational center the place to be.
Jude Signoriello, program director who is a registered nurse and licensed social worker, said the center offers health and wellness activities for all ages along with socialization, recreation and education.
Signoriello said the center has two fitness rooms and 20 pieces of exercise equipment.
She also helps center members navigate the world of social services including Medicare, Social Security, Adult Protective Services and living wills, power of attorney and care- giving issues.