Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Happy Senior Citizen Day! – By Sue Jurjevic

This day was declared National Senior Citizen Day in a proclamation signed by Ronald Regan on August 19, 1988.

“For we all have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older.” Ronald Regan.

As I read this statement the one thing that stands out the most to me is the first line; that is so accurate for all our Senior citizens over time and especially today. They have and continue to achieve many things. Today they are not anywhere close to stopping setting goals for themselves; they are energetic and on the go. They have days like us that they not so motivated ot work out in our wellness center; however they show up and work out and then to see the glow of accomplishment is a wonderful site. They set a goal and met it even if it was for one day. As we have seen with Senior passport how much benefit they receive with so many programs and opportunities it makes goal setting a lot easier. We see that everyday as they come to Community Center to utilize the programs included in the Senior Passport Program. Some are here for our Aquatic exercise classes, using the wellness center and also our Senior group that meets on Wednesday’s for socializing and activities. It is always a pleasure to see them out and about. I have had the pleasure of being with them every Wednesday for the past year; except for every third Wednesday when they go to a local restaurant to celebrate that month of birthdays. Some of our activities on Wednesday’s are Bingo, Art class with our on Staff artist Todd, cooking classes, and outings to local assisted living facilities for hymns and dinner and we have planned a trip to dinner theatre for this winter. They not only come here to exercise, and socialize the also keep up to date with local happenings to have more time out and about.

It is important to honor our Seniors and let them know how much we appreciate them and all they have done and continue to do. Thinking back our grandparents and parents (now grandparents and great grandparents) were and are our first teachers. They have a well of knowledge just waiting to be shared. Take the time and visit a nursing home, call or visit a grandparent, or friend and ask them to share not just history but “his” or “her” story with you.

Sue

Sue Jurjevic is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at s.jurjevic@manassasparkva.gov

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.

http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/081988b.htm