COVINGTON, Ga. - Mark your calendars for May 3 To walk to support seniors. For 56 years, senior citizens nationwide are celebrated in May with the observance of Older Americans Month.
The goal of OAM is to encourage all people both young and old to come together and participate in activities promoting wellness and social connection.
This May’s theme for OAM will be, “Connect, Create, Contribute.” The theme will hopefully encourage seniors and their communities to connect with friends, family and local services/resources; create through activities that promote learning, health and personal enrichment; and contribute time, talent, and life experiences to help others.
The Newton County Senior Center will celebrate OAM with the Annual Chairman/Mayor’s Walk at 10 a.m. on the morning of Friday, May 3.
People of all ages are invited to come walk and connect with one another. Participants will meet at the Newton County Senior Center located at 6183 Turner Lake Road in Covington. From the Senior Center, walkers will embark on a 1-mile journey to the Historic Courthouse at the Square. At the end of the walk, the first, second and third place finishers will be recognized as well as the oldest senior in attendance.
After a group photograph on the Historic Courthouse steps, participants will ride buses back to the Senior Center for free lunch and entertainment. Our wonderful volunteers will be honored during this lunch, and we will bestow the Volunteer of the Year Award. The Chairman/Mayor’s Walk is the perfect event to kick start OAM.
In addition to being able to connect with seniors at the Chairman/Mayor’s Walk, the Senior Center invites the community to come connect, create and contribute with seniors during May as well as the rest of the year. All businesses and organizations are encouraged to visit the Senior Center and create a special bond with seniors by sharing their professional skills, hosting a workshop or by presenting details about their company services to keep seniors well-informed. Likewise, any and all individuals who graciously contribute their time by volunteering are immensely appreciated. The Senior Center flourishes when volunteers assist with the special activities and daily programs. Volunteers are essential, and we are always looking for extra helpers!
Each year, more and more seniors are making a positive impact in and around Newton County. As citizens, volunteers, employees, employers, educators, mentors, advocates, and more, they offer wisdom and experience that benefit the entire community. According to the latest US Census, senior citizens comprise 24% of Newton County’s population. This number continues to increase. At almost a quarter of the county’s population, seniors are an important group because they are active citizens who still participate in ways that enhance the lives of many in this community.
Studies for the Administration for Community Living reveal that communities that support and recognize seniors are stronger. The Newton County Senior Center seeks to promote ways that community members of all ages can take part in helping Newton County thrive. Come connect, create and contribute with seniors.
Since the Senior Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, sponsors and volunteers for the Chairman/Mayor’s Walk as well as other events are greatly appreciated. Sponsors for the Chairman/Mayor’s Walk will receive recognition at the event. If interested in participating, volunteering, making a donation, or simply seeking to learn more information, please contact the Senior Center. Aging is a privilege denied to many; make the most of each moment.
