By ALINE BEHAR KADO
Two chatting women weren’t the least bit bothered by the rattling and creaking of the bus on their trip to Waterford Fair, in Waterford, Va. The women were deep in discussion about their children and grandchildren. They were eager to get to the fair, Waterford’s 80th annual event. And they were eager to join future city-sponsored trips, too.
“When you go, you feel happy,” said Kay Miller, 77, a regular participant of Laurel Parks and Recreation Department’s day trips for seniors.
The division plans at least three trips each week for seniors; each trip calls for a minimum of five participants to happen. Trips are open to city residents and seniors who live nearby. Interested parties can sign up in person, by phone or online. anc.apm.activecommunities.com. Fees generally range from $10 to $30.
“When you’re talking beach, Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach, you’re going to sell out,” said Gena Wade, director of senior services. “Twenty people, 25, you’re gonna have a waiting list a mile long.”
The city uses its own vehicles for transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs.
Wade is open to seniors’ suggestions and recommendations for trips. She often scouts out locations beforehand to ensure that there are no apparent obstacles.
“They love old homes, they love to see how people used to live, but they also like to try something new,” Wade said. “So that’s where the street festival is really popular, in addition to beaches — any place that’s far away that they will not drive to on their own, that’s a day trip now.”
“It’s awesome for the community, Lisa Butler, 55, said. Butler recently went on a senior trip to Larriland Farm, in Woodbine. “The price is phenomenal, so you can’t beat that. You get to keep your car at home, don’t have to worry about parking, and you get to meet other people that live in the same place you live.”
The department sponsors other events and activities, too, such as jewelry making and painting.
“It’s senior recreational services. We don’t do the social work part at all,” Wade said. “We’re about the recreational side of providing seniors with activities to do, biggest thing being socialization, so they’re not isolated and alone.”
And talking about being on the road, the department also provides transportation services for seniors living within city limits. To register for this service, go to anc.apm.activecommunities.com.
“Every day, we send two vehicles out on the road to transport seniors back and forth, from their homes to doctors, to the grocery store, to visit a friend, to the senior center on Contee,” Wade said. “So that’s also very helpful, and it’s only $30 a year for that service.”
