On Thursday, June 25, the Ocean City Senior Center hosted its 2nd annual “Summer Kick-Off “ celebration. Senior Center Event Coordinator Maryann McElroy and her dedicated staff organized an exciting party that local seniors thoroughly relished. A beach theme set the tone for the day, with seniors dressed in colorful beach attire. Right At Home, In Home & Assistance Care sponsored a photo booth with a nautical backdrop and lots of beach balls. For seniors trying their luck at sinking a hole-in-one, Autumn Lakes Health Care of Linwood set up a miniature golf course. A generous contributor was The Shores at Wesley Manor, which provided an ice cream truck for partygoers to enjoy delicious, custom-made ice cream sundaes for the more than sixty participants attending.
The day began with everyone’s favorite, Zumba Gold. A 30-minute senior exercise class, Zumba Gold, was a great way for many participants to get into the groove. Following Zumba Gold, seniors began meeting up with their fellow “beach goers,” marking the beginning of the official Summer Kick-Off. Partygoers had a “beach ball” of a time taking photos with their friends.
A miniature golf tournament enabled golfers to play several games in the spirit of friendly competition. Along with miniature golf, a “fun for all” Corn Hole game was available for those patrons who couldn’t resist tossing the bean bags around. A wonderful asset to the Ocean City Senior Summer bash was “Nails By Michelle.” Ladies were treated to a glamorous manicure. The ladies all got a turn to relax and chat with Michelle.
“The best part of these kinds of parties is being with all of my good friends; we always do our best to help each other,” says Admiral Ron Denney, who served in the US Navy for 30 years. Joe Walters agreed, “I like being around my friends here at the center. I like seeing so many happy faces.” Chris O’halloran chimed in without hesitation, “Maryann (McElroy) and her staff, including the girls in the office and the people who work hard in the kitchen, are the best thing about coming here. It makes me feel like I’m at home.”
There’s a weighty reason why hosting parties like a Summer Kick-Off is important. “The seniors who come to our community center are all retired,” explains McElroy. “A lot of them don’t have anything to do. Their families may live far away, so when they come to the senior center, we want everyone to have a great time.” Maryann McElroy went on to express how the city has been a vital part of the successful senior program. “Ocean City has helped foster a happy, caring community by giving seniors a wonderful place for them to come to and make friends. For many of these people, friends have become family.”
To illustrate McElroy’s point, Mr. Walter Rider, a member of the OC Senior Center, recently passed away. According to staff members, the loss was deeply felt throughout the center, especially among the gentlemen who knew him well. Rider was a veteran who was well-liked and respected among his peers. Maryann McElroy emphasized, “People were genuinely concerned when he (Rider) was taken to the hospital and when he passed away.”
Friendship and family are the heartbeat of the Ocean City Senior Center. In a community this tightly knit, the summer season promises plenty of laughter and camaraderie. May the mood be light, the coffee strong, and the AC on high!
