SeniorConnectionsHJ . COM Senior Connections November / December 2023
Delano Senior Center throws ultimate 85 + bash 130 guests , 10,000 years of wisdom , and one memorable party
BY ROBERT HOPWOOD
Delano Herald Journal Editor
The Delano Senior Center hosted a lively lunch last week , welcoming those 85 and fabulously older along with their family and friends .
The 85-plus party , sponsored by CorTrust Bank , spilled into the city council chambers . Guests gathered around tables that stretched from the senior center ’ s reception desk to the mayor ’ s dias .
More than 130 guests showed up Thursday , Aug . 24 , Community Services Director Nick Neaton said . The party ’ s VIPs , those who were 85 or older , were treated to a free lunch , while everyone else paid $ 5 for a Salisbury steak , mashed potatoes , vegetables , and dessert provided by Coborn ’ s grocery store .
About 75 % of the guests were at least 85 , Neaton said . Altogether , they collectively represented more than 10,000 years of life experience .
The honored guests included Erv Nistler of Independence and Bob Bauman of Franklin Township , two fishing buddies who were over 90 and still partying . ElVera Gustafson of Delano , who celebrated her 100th birthday in June , also dropped in with her loved ones .
Jim and Mike Wendolek of Silver Lake played polka while Tamie Kugler and Ruthe Hitz danced .
Kugler and Hitz , who will turn 89 in a few days , are two friends who are members of the senior center ’ s weekly knitters and crocheters group . Last year , the group made 151 hats for people in need , Kugler said .
Delano Ambassador Chloe Semeizer and Little Misses Rilynn Peterson and Aria Thunell weaved in and out of the tables as they served the beverages to the guests . submitted photo Ruthe Hitz left , and Tamie Kugler took a chance to dance at the event .
submitted photo Fishing buddies Erv Nistler of Independence left and Bob Bauman of Franklin Township look at a smartphone while chatting .
SUBMISSIONS
Senior Connections welcomes submitted items of any kind that may be appropriate for our readership . Contact us at senior @ heraldjournal . com submitted photo Evan Thunell serves beverages at the Delano Senior Center ’ s 85-Plus Party on Thursday , Aug . 24 . He ’ s helped by Delano Little Misses Rilynn Peterson , middle , and Aria Thunell , his daughter .
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SeniorConnectionsHJ . COM Senior Connections November / December 2023
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