Walton County celebrates senior citizens with activities and a sense of community

By Wendy O. Dixon

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Aug. 21 to be Senior Citizens Day. This holiday is a special time to show appreciation for the invaluable contributions senior citizens make to their community. It’s a chance to recognize their wisdom, achievements and talents. 

Of course, you can show your respect any time of the year. Spending quality time with a senior, offering a helping hand, a kind gesture and gratitude goes a long way to make their day.

Seniors can feel appreciated and loved all year long at Life Enrichment Senior Center in DeFuniak Springs. The center provides a gathering place to enhance the quality of life for Walton County residents ages 50 and older. The facilities include an activity center, a reading center, computer lab, meeting rooms, a billiard table and a game room. Their mission is to empower seniors and to enrich their lives by creating a vibrant community where they can thrive. “Through innovative and engaging programs, social connections, and wide-ranging outside activities, we foster well-being, promote lifelong learning and create a sense of purpose and camaraderie which support our participants’ independence and encourages their involvement in and with the broader community of Walton County,” the mission statement continues.

“We give senior citizens purpose, a sense of community,” says Susan Bakalo, manager at the center. “Through daily programming, members are offered enriching opportunities in a safe, fulfilling environment designed to promote active, transformative, independent and healthy lifestyles.” 

Think of the center, which has 365 members, as an adult Boys and Girls Club. “To achieve our goals, we offer unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, purpose and when it seems appropriate, cookies,” Susan says. “The reality that people are living longer than ever before is something we believe should be celebrated, and we find innovative ways to do so every day.”

Freeport resident Peggie Leonard has been coming to the clubhouse, as she calls it, for about a year, enjoying a weekly lunch with other ladies there. “I love doing the Wii bowling. I didn’t even know how to do it at first and now I bowl over 200,” she says. “Without the clubhouse, I wouldn’t have met all these friends I now have.” 

Peggie adds that Susan has a knack for putting people together who can enjoy each other. But Susan says it’s a team effort. “We really do change lives,” she explains. “When I’m down and out and don’t want to go to work on a Monday I just think about them and it just makes my day brighter.” 

Helene Chandler, also a Freeport resident, has been going to the center for six years. “When my husband died, my life was in ashes,” she says. “God says to give Him your ashes and He’ll give you beauty for those ashes. The center is a big part of that beauty. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”

Helene attends line dancing classes on Tuesdays, bringing cookies for the group. “I love the fellowship,” she says. “It gives me peace and joy and makes life so much better.”

The senior center has something for everyone, and is considered a home away from home for many. “It’s very warm and welcoming,” Helene adds. “Susan is so caring and so wise. She takes care of everyone and is always there for us.”

The center is celebrating National Senior Citizens Appreciation Day Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event includes lunch, music, skits, giveaways, information booths, door prizes and dancing. The community center is located at 361 N. 10th Street in DeFuniak Springs. 

You can learn more on their Facebook Page.