White County celebrates seniors with month of events

By Amy Widner

LITTLE ROCK — June is Senior Citizen Month in White County, and the White County Senior Citizen Program has scheduled back-to-back events for the month.

The events are intended to celebrate senior citizens and raise funds for the county's Meals On Wheels program, which is stressed by high gas prices, Activity Director Cindy Powell-Keedy said. The money will go to fuel and vehicle maintenance costs on delivery trucks and vans used to transport senior citizens. Food is donated by local businesses and grocery stores, and the center receives quarterly funding from the United Way and the county, but Powell-Keedy said the center still has to do fundraisers year-round to keep up.

"We serve over 200,000 meals a year. Monday through Thursday we deliver hot meals all over the county. On Thursday we also take out frozen meals for the weekend," Powell-Keedy said. "White County is a large county. We have a lot of area to cover, and of course with gas prices like they are, every little bit helps. It's very important for our seniors, because a lot of them are shut-ins."

A change drive and cell phone drive are under way. Powell-Keedy said the change drive has already raised $100. The center has a donation container on site. Cell phones, working or not, may also be dropped off at the center and will be collected and turned into the National Council on Aging, which recycles them. The center has to collect at least 50 to turn in.

There will be a Bingo Breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday. Bingo will start at 9 a.m. Cards are $1 each. Tickets for the breakfast are available in advance from the center for $5 or for $6 at the door. Prizes that differ from the regular weeklybingo prizes have been donated by local merchants.

There will be a Mr. White County Beautiful pageant at 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, for men of all ages. Participants will be dressing as women, courtesy of Von's Outlet in Judsonia, which is lending dresses and jewelry for the event. The center is looking for volunteer contestants and helpers. Those interested can call (501) 268-2587 or (501) 857-1106 to register. The time for the event is unconfirmed. Admission is $5.

There will be a gospel night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, withbluegrass and gospel music. Denny Price and Jay and the Twilighters will perform. Admission is $5.

The Searcy Super Bowl has donated two lanes for a free bowling trip from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Interested seniors may call the center to sign up.

The Senior Citizen Month was designated in June 2007 by White County Judge Michael Lincoln.

"Our seniors have given to the community in their lifetime, and I think it's good for us to recognize that and make sure that adequate programs are available to them," Lincoln said.

In addition to the special events, the center will continue with its regularly scheduled activities.

The center serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During Senior Citizen Month, door prizes will be given out during lunch. Lunch is $2 for seniors and $4.50 for those under 60. Some of the days will have themes. Wednesday will be hat day with a prize for the best hat.

Sponsor a Senior Citizen is a year-round program. Groups or individuals can sponsor meals for seniors at $5 a day. The program is completely flexible, and participants can choose to sponsor meals for a day, week, month or whatever they like.

The center has a senior citizens dance from 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. Admission is $5.

Special classes and trips are offered on a monthly basis. Atrip to Mammoth Springs is scheduled for Monday with spots still open. Seniors may call the center to sign up.

Powell-Keedy said the center is always looking for volunteers to help deliver meals.

"Your hours are defined by how much you can do. They're flexible and up to the individual. People work anywhere from one to four days a week and no more than a couple of hours at a time," Powell-Keedy said.

The program and its events are based at the Lightle Senior Center at 2200 E. Moore Ave. in Searcy. More information is available at (501) 268-2587. All donations are tax deductible.

- awidner@ arkansasonline.com

Three Rivers, Pages 51, 54 on 06/05/2008