WHEATLAND — Since 1974, Services for Seniors has been making an impact in the lives of county residents, and is still going strong in 2024. In celebration, a party—complete with gold-leaf sprinkled cake made by Pie Tin Catering and a tremendous live performance on the violin from Elaina Haroldson— took place at the Activities Center Thursday.
Activities coordinator Carrie Kafka made classic cream cheese mints (200 in all!) for the occasion and attending seniors enjoyed cups of foamy punch, nuts, and of course, anniversary cake amid laughter and reminiscing. “It was fun and so interesting to hear the stories and memories people shared that spanned the past 50 years,” Kafka said.
Jim Bohl addressed the party and talked about his years of service on the original Services for Seniors Board. Bohl , now 87 years old, was 37 when he first began as a member, and is currently the last living member of the Services for Seniors original board. Bohl remains a very active paricipant in the goings-on at the Activities Center according to Kafka.
Haroldson, an accomplished violinist and fiddler entertained the group with gorgeous classical and lively fiddle pieces; while also demonstrating how she creates layered pieces by accompanying ‘herself’ using what is called a looper. A looper is a device used for recording sections ‘on the fly’ into a seamless length of music that plays continuously. These segments can be any element in a song such as a beat, vocal parts, bass, or even a synth line that creates a multi-layered musical piece all performed by one musician.Haroldson not only provided moving music but also entertained with her sharp wit and humor.
Some area residents shared scrapbooks and photo albums that were kept over the years that documented the steady changes and progress of services available, technology, and transportation.
If you are in search of socialization, fun, learning, and wellness, the Services for Seniors Activity Center is for you. There is a little bit of something for everyone. There is BINGO available every Wednesday afternoon, line dancing every Friday morning, and cinnamon rolls every Tuesday morning.
