‘I love celebrating us’: Hundreds enjoy Senior Awareness Day

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Alice Chambers beamed with joy as she maneuvered through various activities at Thursday’s Senior Awareness Day. It was her first time attending the biggest event of the year.

“It’s wonderful,” Chambers said. “I love celebrating us.”

Chambers was one of hundreds of seniors who headed out to the Wilson County Fairgrounds for the celebration of older and disabled adults. The event is organized by the Wilson County Department of Social Services and is in its 31st year.

“We’re celebrating and honoring our seniors who have given so much over the years,” said interim Wilson County DSS Director Annie Ward. “They have contributed so much to this community …”

The day was packed with festivities, including entertainment, health screenings and food. Community vendors shared information and education on a variety of topics and awarded door prizes. Thursday marks the first time the event was held in person since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s Senior Awareness Day theme was “Senior Derby,” drawing inspiration from the Kentucky Derby. Seniors and disabled adults were dressed for the part. Many wore headbands and hats.

‘THIS IS A ROYAL TREAT’

There were plenty of activities to enjoy. Shirley Powell and Norma Duell decided they’d get pampered at the nail salon station where DSS officials were painting nails.

“This is a royal treat,” Powell said.

Powell, a Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club member, said she planned to dance the day away.

“I just love to be out with people,” Powell said. “It’s fun. You laugh, you talk and get to see people you haven’t seen in a year.”

Duell agreed.

“It’s all been great,” she said. “It just reminds us that we’re loved and appreciated.”

‘THE DAY IS MINE’

Officials with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were on hand to serve lunch.

Joan James and her best friend, Sharion Joyner, couldn’t stop smiling when they sat down.

“The day is mine,” James said with a laugh. “It’s my birthday. I just thank God I was able to get out of my house and come to this function.”

Joyner said she attends the event every year.

“I was coming when I used to work with the seniors, and now I’m coming as a senior,” Joyner said. “It’s just another way to get out of the house and meet some new people.”

The best friends got a kick out of Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard serving them lunch. James, who turned 70, said she loved being able to interact with Woodard. It made her day. James even invited him to her birthday party.

County officials said it’s important to recognize a special group of people who have made Wilson what it is.

“Our senior and older adults in Wilson County are at the heart of what makes this county great,” said Wilson County Manager Ron Hunt. “Our seniors are active, healthy and a major part of so much that we do. It’s important that we pause and recognize them.”

SURPRISE AWARD FOR NANCY SALLENGER

Ward and Wilson County DSS Board Chairman Dante Pittman surprised a special community leader during Thursday’s event.

Nancy Sallenger, a DSS board member and the Wilson Crisis Center’s executive director, was presented with the Friends of Seniors Award.

Sallenger was caught off guard, too.

“I’m speechless,” Sallenger said through tears.

The award recognized Sallenger’s “unwavering support, advocacy and commitment” to the well-being of Wilson County’s seniors, Pittman said. Former DSS Director Glenn Osborne created the award before his retirement earlier this year.

Ward said Sallenger works tirelessly for her community.

“This person is available around the clock when it comes to helping hurting people find hope,” Ward said.

The post ‘I love celebrating us’: Hundreds enjoy Senior Awareness Day first appeared on Restoration NewsMedia .