Senior Services Rock-A-Thon next Friday

Published 9:56 am Thursday, March 23, 2017

There will be soon be some famous faces in Davie County.

On Friday, March 31 from 5-8 p.m., Davie County Senior Services’ annual Rock-a-Thon will have a rock legends theme.

Bring your camera to get your picture taken with Elton John, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Elvis and more.  Feel free to wear your favorite rock attire.

Twelve teams have been collecting sponsors for their time in the rocking chairs.  A friendly competition has ensued between the teams, and the chart topper board at Senior Services has been updated almost daily to show which team is in the lead with donations.

The rockers will have a front row seat for an evening full of entertainment and fun. The fun isn’t just for the rockers, though.

The community of all ages is invited.

Davie County Early College students will provide several acts of entertainment, along with Ryan Short, magician and balloon artist, the Boogie Brigade line dancers, some fun games of bingo and a performance by Elvis impersonator, Bobby Davis.  Gunny Smitty’s Food Cart will be on site with hotdogs.  Meals start at $5.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event and admission is free. A donation box will be available for those who wish to support Senior Services.

Proceeds go to Davie County Senior Services, a county agency that provides programs and services to adults 55 and older. Senior Services provides parties and special events, a computer lab and computer classes, fitness classes and equipment room, educational seminars, day and overnight trips, health screenings, community events, a daily lunch program and more.

In addition to the activities, there are many services to help senior adults and their caregivers. Homebound meals provides a meal to those who are unable to cook for themselves and unable to come into the center for lunch. There is no waiting list for services and there is no charge for those who receive the meal.

The Caregiver Support Program provides a trained worker to stay with a loved one while the caregiver gets a break to run errands, go to a movie, whatever they wish to do.

The Legal Aide program provides assistance with such things as wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney and living wills by paying attorney fees for those who cannot afford to pay for the services.

The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) helps answer questions about Medicare, Medicare supplements and Medicare’s Prescription Drug program.

The Alzheimer’s Support group is open to any caregiver and provides a supportive environment and guest speakers from time to time.

The community resource specialist at Senior Services can assist seniors or family members in obtaining a variety of information and services.

“Many older adults take advantage of the offerings of Davie County Senior Services and are grateful that such a program exists in Davie County,” said Kim Shuskey, director.

John Cottle, who is a regular in the fitness room, enjoys coming each day to work out in order to “keep his body moving and his mind limber.”  Cottle also stays each morning after his workout to socialize with a group known as the Coffee Club.  According to Cottle, “we solve a lot of the world’s problems while together in the coffee club.”  Eddie Johnson, Carl Fulton and Jack Trivette are also regular coffee club attendees.

Each enjoy starting their day with friends and fellowship at Senior Services.

The socialization factor is an important reason many come to Senior Services.

According to Shelbia Crawford, who attends many of the fitness classes: “This is a real asset to the community. It is such a warm and friendly place that has something for everybody”.

Shelia Wilcox moved to Davie County not long ago. “When we moved down here we wondered, what will we do with ourselves? Then we found Senior Services.”

Norma Rennie, who has been coming for the past seven years, enjoys attending and making new friends.  “This is a safe place where I can fellowship and socialize with others.”

Most of the classes, activities and services offered by Senior Services are at no cost to the participant.  Funding comes from the County of Davie, grants and donations from the community.

“The support we receive from the community is overwhelming,” Shuskey said. “These funds are so important to help us continue to operate the many programs and services we provide without a waiting list.”

Stop by Senior Services for the Rock-a-Thon and enjoy an evening full of activities.  If you feel inclined, drop a donation in the box before you leave to help ensure that older adults in the county continue to have the assortment of activities and services.

To learn more about Senior Services or the Rock-a-Thon, call 336-753-6230, visit the Mocksville site at the Bobby H. Knight Senior Services building,  278 Meroney St., beside of the EMS building.