Activities for senior citizens abound throughout northwest Indiana, but not too many cities stage a special summer luncheon for them.
Add a peaceful lake view, some live music, a few raffles, and you have the recent Senior Day in the Clipper Room at the Hammond Marina.
“This is the most fun we’ve had all summer,” said Doris Trayner of Hammond, as she headed to the dance floor with her partner. “Í love this yearly party for just for us oldsters.”
More than 150 visitors perused nine vendors present, which were geared toward senior services, such as local dental practices and Oak Street Health, to name a few.
The latter is a health facility focusing on Medicare patients. In addition to medical care, they offer many activities to keep older adults busy and happy, according to Hammond location manager Kyra Reynolds.
“It’s important that we come to these special events, many people aren’t aware of what we have to offer,” she said as she handed out welcome bags. “We are rapidly expanding to many cities, and this gives us a chance to meet the seniors face-to-face and let them know what we’re all about.”
As part of Hammond’s 15th annual Festival of the Lakes celebration, the Senior Day event was first staged during the festival itself at Wolf Lake. This was the first year that it was held indoors at the Clipper Room.
“Planning this (location) makes a lot of sense, since the weather is always unpredictable,” said Carol Newsome of Highland, as she looked outside at the rain that began to fall. “We were just on the patio looking at the view and it began to sprinkle. But we just came inside and didn’t have to scramble for our umbrellas.”
Indeed as visitors socialized and danced to tunes played by the Pete Carlo Three, many said they felt safe and comfortable as the steady downpour continued.
“Seniors are always looking for something fun to do, and this (event) is really nice,” said Kay Muneta of Hammond, as she and her friend Violet Caruso of Munster relaxed on the second-floor patio before the rain began. “This shows the City of Hammond cares about the seniors and wants them to have their own day — with their own music — during the festival.”
Marina summer employee Kathryn Zabava assisted with the food table, which was provided by California Donuts as well as keeping an eye out to make sure things were running smoothly.
“It’s fantastic to see the seniors enjoying themselves,” she said. “It’s great that they have a place to go to be themselves and hear the music they like.”
She added that the bands that traditionally play at Festival of the Lakes are of a different music genre.
Fred Behrens of Hammond heard about the luncheon from friends that are involved with the Hammond Marina.
“They keep me up-to-date on what’s happening here,” he said. “The city (of Hammond) does a great job scheduling events for the senior citizens — it shows that they think we’re special.”
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