MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging held its annual Senior Spring Spectacular on Thursday at the Renaissance Theatre in recognition of Older Americans Month.
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older people, particularly those who defended the country, according to the Administration for Community Living website.
Older Americans Month is celebrated each May through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
“This is our way to say thank you to our older adults,” Teresa Cook, chief of marketing and development at the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, said of the Senior Spring Spectacular. “We wouldn’t be here without the generations before us, so it’s really special to be able to honor them today.”
Attendees were treated to refreshments, door prizes, information from a variety of organizations and entertainment by local actress Kelly Knowlton, who performed as herself and the legendary singer Patsy Cline. There was also a performance by the Richland Newhope Dance Troupe.
Cook estimated that approximately 400 people would attend the event, noting, “We’ll have people here from each of the nine counties that [the agency] serves.”
“They look forward to this,” she said.
Judith Ehrensberger of Lexington said she’s been coming to this event for the past several years. She enjoys the opportunity to connect with her friends and witness some great entertainment, she said.
Sisters Lilly Fellure and Emma Chronister were first-time attendees. Chronister said she was excited to see Kelly Knowlton’s performance as Patsy Cline, having been a huge fan of Cline’s music. “She’s one of the best [singers],” she said.
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. serves nine counties in north central Ohio. The agency offers a variety of programs and services that help older people remain healthy, access public benefits and discover meaningful ways to continue contributing to society. Through Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, older adults, their caregivers and families have access to information, assistance, consultation and long-term care services. For more information about their services call 800-860-5799.
