Seniors Have 'Fun Day' At KCSS, Sponsored By Ladies Auxiliary
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Siara [email protected]
KCSS Program Administrator Carol Kreis said one way they do this is to offer two big events each month: one to celebrate birthdays for the month, and the other is a meeting and a meal that is sponsored.
On Wednesday, the Ladies Auxillary VFW Post 1126 sponsored the seniors “Fun Day.” As the sponsor, the auxiliary provided and served the food before an afternoon of bingo with prizes.
“Without our sponsors, we could not be doing this,” she said. “Our sponsors are amazing.”
The sponsors alternate different events and include, Miller’s Merry Manor, Mason Health and Rehab, Lakeland Rehab, Warsaw Meadows, VFW, American Legion, Angels of Mercy, Home Care for Hospice, Lake City Place and Seasons Home Care.
“We do have the best sponsors,” she said. “They are marvelous.”
Kreis said KCSS also relies on volunteers. She said at KCSS, the staff bends over backwards so they can find events to accomodate the seniors. Following their meal on Wednesday was an afternoon of bingo with prizes from Kevin Gardner, a Humana representative.
Leonard Sexton and his wife Beth have been attending KCSS events for quite some time, he said. He was a semi truck driver for 34 years and recalled always being on the highway alone.
“I love being here, this service has been wonders,” he said. “In my lifetime, I lived alone, that semi was my home.”
He said he has made many friends by attending the KCSS events and he enjoys playing euchre, poker and dominoes. Kreis recalled when he first started coming to KCSS, and she said he could barely walk and his memory was terrible due to an aneurysm. She has noticed many positive changes in his behavior and his memory since he has been visiting KCSS.
Sexton smiled while discussing his positive experiences with KCSS.
“My group is wild,” he said with a grin as he looked around at the four women seated at his table.
Maxine Johnson was also at the event and said she enjoys the fun days and other events at KCSS.
“If I didn’t have this, I would be alone,” she said. “I’m thankful I have a place to come to.”
The services are not limited to only seniors living independently. Miller’s Merry Manor Activity Director Marsha Miller said she brings six to eight residents to each event monthly for a meal and to play the games.
Kreis said she wants everyone to feel comfortable when they are at KCSS and for anyone feeling hesitant about attending the events to give KCSS a shot.
“The only way to know you’re going if you’ll enjoy it or not is to stop by,” she said. “I encourage anyone to call us.”
KCSS hosts bingo every Thursday, and they also plan day trips for any seniors interested. Memberships cost $5 per year and with this membership, seniors receive a calendar that lists all of the events and on the back is a nutritional menu. They also host free workshops and chair aerobics.
Kreis said working with KCSS is a true passion of hers and she has witnessed noticeable changes in the seniors who attend and many of them have blossomed.
“I’m a senior myself and I want something like this for me,” she said. “If you look around at the people here they have a smile on their face, they’re not depressed, they’re not unhappy and they’re not alone, that is what is important.”[[In-content Ad]]
KCSS Program Administrator Carol Kreis said one way they do this is to offer two big events each month: one to celebrate birthdays for the month, and the other is a meeting and a meal that is sponsored.
On Wednesday, the Ladies Auxillary VFW Post 1126 sponsored the seniors “Fun Day.” As the sponsor, the auxiliary provided and served the food before an afternoon of bingo with prizes.
“Without our sponsors, we could not be doing this,” she said. “Our sponsors are amazing.”
The sponsors alternate different events and include, Miller’s Merry Manor, Mason Health and Rehab, Lakeland Rehab, Warsaw Meadows, VFW, American Legion, Angels of Mercy, Home Care for Hospice, Lake City Place and Seasons Home Care.
“We do have the best sponsors,” she said. “They are marvelous.”
Kreis said KCSS also relies on volunteers. She said at KCSS, the staff bends over backwards so they can find events to accomodate the seniors. Following their meal on Wednesday was an afternoon of bingo with prizes from Kevin Gardner, a Humana representative.
Leonard Sexton and his wife Beth have been attending KCSS events for quite some time, he said. He was a semi truck driver for 34 years and recalled always being on the highway alone.
“I love being here, this service has been wonders,” he said. “In my lifetime, I lived alone, that semi was my home.”
He said he has made many friends by attending the KCSS events and he enjoys playing euchre, poker and dominoes. Kreis recalled when he first started coming to KCSS, and she said he could barely walk and his memory was terrible due to an aneurysm. She has noticed many positive changes in his behavior and his memory since he has been visiting KCSS.
Sexton smiled while discussing his positive experiences with KCSS.
“My group is wild,” he said with a grin as he looked around at the four women seated at his table.
Maxine Johnson was also at the event and said she enjoys the fun days and other events at KCSS.
“If I didn’t have this, I would be alone,” she said. “I’m thankful I have a place to come to.”
The services are not limited to only seniors living independently. Miller’s Merry Manor Activity Director Marsha Miller said she brings six to eight residents to each event monthly for a meal and to play the games.
Kreis said she wants everyone to feel comfortable when they are at KCSS and for anyone feeling hesitant about attending the events to give KCSS a shot.
“The only way to know you’re going if you’ll enjoy it or not is to stop by,” she said. “I encourage anyone to call us.”
KCSS hosts bingo every Thursday, and they also plan day trips for any seniors interested. Memberships cost $5 per year and with this membership, seniors receive a calendar that lists all of the events and on the back is a nutritional menu. They also host free workshops and chair aerobics.
Kreis said working with KCSS is a true passion of hers and she has witnessed noticeable changes in the seniors who attend and many of them have blossomed.
“I’m a senior myself and I want something like this for me,” she said. “If you look around at the people here they have a smile on their face, they’re not depressed, they’re not unhappy and they’re not alone, that is what is important.”[[In-content Ad]]
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