By B.C. Manion
They weren’t munching on corn dogs or funnel cakes, going for rides on a Ferris wheel or catching a show in the livestock tent — but the fair goers at the Lutz Senior Center were having a grand time, just the same.
They had a lunch of hot dogs, baked beans and coleslaw.
A little later, they sampled pies and had root beer floats.
They even played bingo, tossed horseshoes, square-danced and had a chance to win some prizes.
The whole idea was to give the seniors a chance to enjoy the fair, even if they’re no longer able to go to the Florida State Fair, said Janet Horton-Vines, the senior center manager.
“We were just hoping to bring some good memories back to them,” she said.
Besides planning a special lunch and activities, the center staff also decorated the center, to help create a festive day.
It’s just one of the special events the staff has at the center, and they’d like to offer even more, Horton-Vines said.
Center revives senior advisory council
To help make that happen, the center is reviving its Senior Advisory Council.
The council will help plan festivities and will have fundraisers to help pay for extras around the center and for special outings, said Joseph Alesnik, who has agreed to serve as chairman of the advisory board.
The board will also have several committees, said Ross Massey, who will be the bookkeeper and Juneirene Bonds, who will be the treasurer. There will be several committees, including one for fundraising that will be led by Rose Ryals.
The senior center has three primary functions, Horton-Vines said. It provides an elderly day care for people who need socialization, supervision and nutrition during the day.
It also provides a nutrition program, which serves lunch, for those who don’t need the other services. And, it’s a hangout for people who enjoy playing pool, pinochle and other card games and who get together for outings, she said. The center is for people who are 60 and older.
Horton-Vines hopes the advisory group will be able to raise money, so the center can do more activities that the seniors will enjoy, like the Fair Day.
“We gave them a fun day,” she said.
About Lutz Senior Center
The Lutz Senior Center is at 112 First Ave. N.W. (behind the Lutz public library).
It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
It provides senior day care, a lunch program for seniors and social activities for seniors.
The center is for people age 60 and older.
For more information call (813) 264-3803
