Community service organizations throughout the area are celebrating Older Americans Month throughout the month of May, and Pulaski County Human Services as well as Community Services of Starke County have events planned to recognize older Americans and their impacts on the community. Joan Haugh, director of Community Services of Starke County, said the month honors seniors and makes an effort to inform them of the services available for their aid.
“As most people know, May has always been known as Older Americans Month, and this probably started way back in 1965, and it is just an opportunity to recognize seniors for all the value that they give to our community and try and make sure they realize where services that can improve their lives,” said Haugh.
Pulaski County Human Services is planning a number of events, including a Mobile Food Pantry trip to Monterey, available to all ages, on Friday, May 3. On May 7, Food Finders and PCHS will introduce a new food supplement program for those 60 or over, and encourage signing up at the Von Tobel Center, 115 W. Pearl St. in Winamac, for the Senior Box Program.
On Saturday, May 11, Pulaski Memorial Hospital will hold a health fair, and on Tuesday, the VIP Group will meet from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Von Tobel Center to provide information and support for those with low vision. On Wednesday, May 29, the Annual Senior Citizen Picnic is open for everyone ages 60 and over, offering a seminar on Alzheimer’s disease and a special presentation as well as games and door prizes. The event will take place at the Purdue Extension Home Ec building in the Winamac Town Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations for lunch must be made by Friday, May 25 by calling (574) 946-6500.
Haugh said Community Services of Starke County also has some events planned for Older Americans Month.
“During May, we are going to be having a veteran’s program May 16 here at Community Services, and we’re going to have it in the evening at 6:30. So we’re inviting all veterans, whether they’re old or young, to attend that, and we’re going to recognize our volunteers on May 22 at a luncheon at the California Township community building,” said Haugh.
The organization will also name their Volunteer of the Year during the luncheon on May 22.
