Family relations can tie eras together that are decades apart. While today's world may look different compared to the 1960s, a grandchild can still relate and form a close bond with their grandparents. The Clinton Senior Center is hoping to foster this connection even more with its inaugural "Kids and Codgers" dance, scheduled for Saturday, June 28th from 5 to 9 p.m. The intergenerational event also serves as the final fundraising effort of the fiscal year.
"Initially, we were going to call it the Grandad's Dance or something like that, and then we thought, you know, let's do a little catchier sort of name," explained Kathy Wilson, county services director at the Clinton Senior Center. "Codgers being a term that means a lovable old person. Some people kind of viewed it as a derogatory remark, but it is not. Our folks out here thought it was very funny."
The event showcases the center's effort to attract younger generations and that its programs aren't exclusively for seniors. Wilson emphasized that the center offers family-friendly activities for all ages.
"I told people, you don't have to be old to come here. We do a lot of fun things, and all of our events are family-friendly" Wilson said.
The dance will feature DJ Bud Powell, who previously performed at the center's car show, along with light refreshments. Tickets are available for $10 per person at the Clinton Senior Center, the Chamber of Commerce, or at the door.
"You can't go to the movie theater and have a good time for that price," Wilson pointed out.
Beyond fundraising events, the Clinton Senior Center provides essential services, including congregate meals and home-delivered meals to 127 recipients throughout Henry County. The center serves rural communities as far as Deepwater, Tightwad, Brownington, Urich, and Montrose, delivering frozen meals weekly to accommodate the extensive travel distances.
The center actively seeks volunteers for various roles, from reception duties to meal preparation and delivery. Corporate partnerships with companies like Schreiber and local churches help maintain their home-delivered meal program.
"We have some great companies that will help us do that," Wilson said, while expressing hope for additional corporate involvement.
Wilson challenges misconceptions about aging and senior centers, arguing that "senior is not a bad word." She pointed to the vitality of the center's patrons, many of whom appear younger than their actual ages. However, as the baby boomer generation continues to age, Wilson anticipates a growing demand for senior services.
"As we go into the next coming years, there are going to be more and more people over the age of 65. So we need to make sure there are services available. Not just fun things to do, but things that will help keep them in their home if they choose. Help them with their Medicaid and Medicare. All those things that get a little harder to navigate in this day and age, particularly because a lot of seniors, 60 to 65, aren't very tech savvy" she explained.
The Kids and Codgers dance represents more than just a fundraising effort to keep these services going—it's an invitation for the community to discover everything the Clinton Senior Center has to offer.
"Everybody come to the Kids and Codgers dance and enjoy a good evening of nice family fun" Wilson encouraged.
