Garland Senior Center director Marie Faircloth would love nothing more than for others to appreciate senior adults as much as she does. So, she is hoping to sell this image by having an Older Americans Celebration at the center this May.

“We really want the entire community to be involved,” said Faircloth of the celebration that is set for May 20 at 9 a.m.

While her celebration is taking place, seniors across the nation will also be celebrating the month, which has been recognized nationally since 1963, according to the Administration on Aging’s website.

Faircloth noted that this has been a major event for the Garland Senior Center since its opening over 30 years ago.

This year, Faircloth established that she has big plans for an event centered around the theme, “Age Strong, Live Long.”

“We encourage all seniors to keep their bodies and minds strong by eating right, exercising and watching their medication,” said Faircloth of this year’s theme.

The Garland Senior Center director pointed out that she plans to inspire her seniors to do so with health screenings.

“We are going to check for diabetes, blood pressure and other types of health education,” said Faircloth.

To coincide with this health theme, Faircloth pointed out that seniors will also be enjoying lunch at the Garland First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, which will be provided by two of the event’s sponsors, Liberty Hospice and Tarheel Diabetics.

“We couldn’t do it without their support,” said Faircloth.

In addition, Faircloth pointed out the Sheriff’s Department will also be sending a representative to teach seniors about safety.

While the day will be primarily focused on educating seniors, Faircloth contends that there will be a significant amount of time spent simply having fun. One favorite senior activity that will surely be a part of the festivities, Faircloth explained, is bingo, which the group enjoys but also allows them the opportunity to win some small prizes.

In addition, the children of Garland’s Head Start will entertain the group with singing and dancing. Faircloth explained that dancing always seems to bring out the youthful disposition with the older folk. In fact, in year’s past, Faircloth explained that some seniors have gotten up to dance with the pre-schoolers.

While the day is set out to celebrate older adults, Faircloth hopes that this day will help show the public all that the Garland Senior Center has to offer.

“I think it is important to give the entire community an opportunity to see what we have to offer,” Faircloth explained, noting the fellowship and education that can be found just at the center.

In fact, currently, she noted, around 30 seniors walk through the doors of the center each day looking for entertainment or a warm meal and as many as 27 other seniors get meals delivered to them.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.