"Creatively Aging" was Theme of Senior Fun FestBy Vicki JacksonThe Largo Community Center was the site of the 2010 Fun Fest, "Creatively Aging," held Thursday, September 23. The Health and Wellness Fair, Volunteer Action Corps Luncheon drew a capacity crowd. Speakers, music, and theatrical entertainment filled the day, which included a free lunch (if you got there in time), as well as plenty of door prizes. Over thirty vendors, from assisted-living facilities and health services to volunteer opportunities, had informative stations set up around most of the room. With hundreds of attendees, the celebration has about outgrown its space. Craig Dolan, Recreation Program Supervisor for the City of Largo, was excited to announce a forthcoming move to a brand new building in February. Located at 400 Alternate Keene Road, the facility of 32,000 square feet, will nearly double the current site. Dolan said the new structure would feature natural lighting, a ballroom, and a dedicated art room. He listed some of the expanded programs, including a lot of programs for the arts, which will be available. A variety of dance programs, such as: square, swing, and belly, are planned. Other offerings include: painting classes, from watercolor to acrylics to oils; writer's workshops; jewelry crafting; wire sculpting; computer; and photography. A contingency from Royal Palms, the independent-living facility of Palms of Largo, attended the festival for the first time. They came to enjoy, but provided well-received entertainment as well. Dee Ragan, Life Enrichment Director and accompanying pianist for the group, reflected on their enthusiastic performance, "The audience was having as much fun as the entertainers." For more than eight years now, she has been doing such shows, vignettes from various Broadway shows. Resident performers range in age from 58 to over 95, such as Clark Sullivan. His rendition of "Old Man River" moved some to tears. Ragan said, "I believe that if I can keep their mind(s) going, I can keep them going." And they won't have far to go at all, when the new Largo Community Center opens its doors just a few months from now.
|