TIFTON — Tift County Older American Month Chairman Craig Sowell has announced activities to be held throughout May.  

Sowell said that the committee has once again put together an array of activities to highlight and show appreciate for our seniors 55 and older.  

The George A. Wright Memorial Award Luncheon which is the kick-off for the month will be held at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:30 a.m. sponsored by Byrd Enterprises and other sponsors.  

This luncheon is given in honor of our senior adults while celebrating “Springtime for the Young at Heart” and the national theme of “Engage At Every Age.”  The Tift County Older American’s Organizing Committee has been coordinating senior activities for 40 years during the month of May.  The George A. Wright Memorial Award will also be presented to a deserving senior adult who has contributed to their community much like Mr. Wright did.

Because of George’s outstanding contributions as a citizen of Tift County, a perpetual memorial for George A. Wright has been established which will be awarded to individuals, sixty years of age and older, who exemplify the qualities that George Wright exhibited.  His many examples to us all include:  his contribution as a community servant and civic leader; his Christian witness as a church man; his service as a dedicated patriotic American; his loving devotion to his family; and his career as an outstanding businessman.

Fran Kinchen, Tift County Older American Committee member, said the theme “Engage at Every Age” proves that getting older doesn’t mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals and dreams can get a new or second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and living the way that suits you best.  

Since 1963, Older American’s Month  has been a time to celebrate older Americans, their stories, and their contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the annual observance offers a special opportunity to learn about, support, and recognize our nation’s older citizens. The 2018 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that no one is ever  never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities such as participating in activities that promote mental and physical wellness and offering wisdom and experience to the next generation.

 Sowell said that throughout the month, the local Older American Committee will conduct activities and share information designed just for seniors  He told of the following free events taking place during the month of May.  

May 4: Living with Low Vision 9 1:30 a.m. and 1:30-to 3 p.m. at FBC Tifton Memorial Social Hall. It is presented by the Center for Visually Impaired.  This is an education and in-service day with Diane Lumpkin and is for individuals experiencing vision loss including difficulty reading mail and medication labels, using a computer or walking safely as well as for family members, caregivers, and healthcare and social service providers staff at senior centers and retirement communities.

May 9: Senior Fish Fry at noon. It is sponsored by the City of Tifton, Leroy Rogers Senior City and Tifton Fire Department. The fish fry will be held at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center, 315 West 2nd Street.

May 10: A Tai Chi class will be held at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. Tai Chi is a slow moving, internal martial art that helps improve balance and health in many ways. The class is sponsored by the City of Tifton, Leroy Rogers Senior Center  and Diversified Resources.

May 14: Board Game Day at First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center from 3 to 5 p.m. Come out and enjoy various board games. Participants will be going to eat a dutch treat meal afterwards.

May 15: Community Bingo at Cypress Pond at 2 p.m. Come on out and fellowship with other senior adults, play bingo and win prizes. Cypress Pond is located at 15 Kent Road.

May 17: Senior Picnic at the Tift Co. Rec Multi-purpose Building/Gym, 401 Victory Drive N at 11:30 a.m.  The picnic is sponsored by the Tift County Recreation Department and the Jay Deason Fund.

May 17: Legal & Financial Seminar and Dinner for Aging from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. The seminar will address issues regarding income, consumer protection; abuse, neglect, exploitation,  healthcare, housing, long-term care, and more.  It is presented by the Alzheimer Association of Georgia, Southern Hospice of Moultrie and  Southern Elder Law Center of South Georgia.

May 21: From 9 -10 a.m. will be Senior Exercise and from 10:15-11:00 a.m will be  Chair Yoga. All sessions are held at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center.

May 21: Trees for Bees at 10:30 a.m. at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center.  UGA forest health specialist Elizabeth Benton will Learn the importance of natural habitats for pollinators. Participants will have a hands on project creating a bee house while they learn to tweak their landscape to make a pollinator friendly environment. The event is Sponsored by UGA Extension, FCS, and the  Leroy Rogers Senior Center.

May 24: Come participate in fun rotations  led by Tift County 4-H members from 9-10:30 a.m. Participants have the opportunity to learn about everything from agriculture to nutrition, and more. The event will be held at the Tift County Extension Office, 1468 Carpenter Road S., Tifton, GA 31793.

May 25: Maple Court Butterbean Auction at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Court. Come and enjoy our Butterbean Auction. There will be  Lots of items to bid on and butterbeans are used to bid. The event is free and will be held at 2408 N. Tift Avenue.

May 30: Senior Luncheon at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center at 11 a.m. Door prizes will be given. The luncheon is sponsored by Cypress Pond, Maple Court, Ga Living Senior Homecare and the City of Tifton.

For more information, contact the Tift County Recreation Department, 401 Victory Dr N, 229-382-3262 or the Leroy Rogers Senior Center, 315 West 2nd Street, 229-391-3956.

The activities scheduled include these recurring events:

Senior Exercise Classes at 9-10 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. These classes are designed to help adults maintain their cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility and are sponsored by the City of Tifton

SAINTS Exercise Class at First Baptist Church Tifton Family Life Center. 8:30- 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The church is at Church address 404 Love Avenue, use rear side lot on 4th Street.

Chair Yoga – Every Monday & Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. A gentle form of yoga that uses a chair for support.

Buy One Get One Free on clothing for Seniors 60+ will be held on May 1, 8 15, 22 and 29 at The Salvation Army, Tifton Service Center, Hwy 82 East. For more information call 229-386-1503.