Commemorating May as the "Older Americans Month" began in 1963 after a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens. It is a celebration of the wisdom, strength, resilience, and the vigor of old age.
Each year, a different theme is used to mark the month. The theme for 2018 is "Engage at Every Age." Jeanette Ellington, Executive Director of the West Ouachita Senior Center, encouraged the local community to "celebrate the many contributions that our elderly have made in the community and promote their skills and talents."
Ellington invited the community to a "Crawfish Festival" being hosted by the West Ouachita Senior Center to celebrate the Older Americans Month. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 16, at the West Monroe Convention Center. Reservations can be made at 318-324-1280 for chicken or crawfish dinners. Seating is limited, and the event includes live entertainment. Ellington proudly pointed out that the entertainment will be provided by "all 80 years and older" and there will be "cha cha cha."
Ellington emphasized that we need to "change the aging stereotypes."
"Let's make our wrinkles look like we smile very often, and let's make our gray hair beautiful."
