- November 22, 2024
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It’s what the holiday season is all about – good company, a hot meal, and a little gift offered in kindness to warm the heart – even when it’s celebrating Christmas in July. And that’s what seniors did Monday, July 26, at Church on the Rock, the new gathering place for the Flagler County Senior Center Program.
“We are able to do this thanks to the Halifoxes of Halifax Plantation, Home Instead Senior Care, and our local Walgreens stores, which have drop off locations for seniors’ gifts,” said Senior Services Case Manager Winnie Costello who organizes the five-days-a-week hot meal program, and the activities designed to build companionship among its other benefits. “This fun event gives everyone a boost and something to look forward to.”
This is especially true given that the COVID-19 pandemic kept many Senior Services events and programs closed down for better than a year. The Senior Center Program reopened in its new location at Church on the Rock in June.
“This is only the second big event we’ve been able to have,” said Case Manager Ben O’Kelley, who was the Christmas elf and spent the morning helping to spread holiday cheer. “Our first was a picnic.”
The gifts were distributed using a raffle ticket system. Each senior was given five tickets that could be placed in front of an item, or items, of interest.
Also typical of the holiday season was a law enforcement warning about fraud and scams perpetrated against seniors. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Mike Lutz gave some advice for seniors to follow.
“You will never win the lottery via mail. No one will knock on your door to ask you if you have received a COVID vaccination,” he said. “If you ever have any questions about who is knocking on your door in regard to COVID-19, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1 in order for the Sheriff’s Office to prove the validity of the visitor.”
Anyone over the age of 60 can apply to participate in the Senior Center Program, which meets from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at Church on the Rock. A hot meal is always provided at noon.
Other services available during the Senior Center Program include:
Scheduled entertainment and social activities
Transportation is available through Flagler County, as coordinated by Senior Services staff.
Those interested in the Senior Center Program are welcome to drop in at Church on the Rock weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a firsthand look, or they can call Costello at 386-586-2324 ext. 3623.
