Submitted by Meg Dickens

Elections are drawing near. With this in mind, the Johnson County Senior Center has become somewhat of a hub for local politicians. Candidates have been sponsoring one of the most popular center activities as a gateway to interact with the older generation of voters: bingo.

“People here take their bingo seriously,” Director Kathy Motsinger explains whenever the subject arises.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

When the average person thinks about a senior center, the first thoughts that come to mind probably revolve around trips and activities. The Johnson County Senior Center is excited to offer a variety of classes and programs for seniors but provides more than just that. Those outside the center often also benefit from what happens behind the facility’s doors.

One of the most obvious examples revolves around community outreach projects. The Quilting Bees and Chicks with Sticks groups have been creating objects to help people in the community. These include blankets to help keep the homeless population warm and hats and scarves for young children within the Johnson County School System. These items are free of charge and usually made from materials donated by the community.

Submitted by Meg Dickens

The Johnson County Senior Center had its monthly Veterans’ Cafe on February 23. Those in the service sacrifice a lot to protect the liberties of all citizens. As Veteran and National Executive Committee Member of the American Legion Robert Hensley explained, they are still serving the country today, long after their discharge.

Hensley shared updates on legislation and current events revolving around veterans. Veterans received salad, pizza, drinks, and assorted desserts, made possible by the donor and other volunteers, including the FCE Laurel Ladies, who helped serve and provide parts of the meal. This month’s updates included details of a recent coffee meeting with Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, who is continuing her Vietnam Veteran Pinning ceremonies and plans to progress to honoring other war veterans, such as Iraq War veterans, when these ceremonies are complete.