May 8, 2004 – The V. I. Department of Human Services Division of Senior Citizens Affairs is celebrating the contributions of island elders. May has been proclaimed as Senior Citizen month and a number of activities have been planned for seniors in St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. This year's theme "Aging Well, Living Well – Promoting Healthy Lifestyles" acknowledges the longer and healthier way of life of today's seniors.
Eva Williams, senior citizens affairs administrator, said the planned activities celebrate the achievements and contributions of older Virgin Islanders, as well as engaging them with their families and their community. The Virgin Islands has eight Senior Citizens Centers in operation: three in St. Thomas, two in St. John and three in St. Croix. Williams said the centers service over 320 seniors each month and host regular activities such as guest speakers, an exercise program, arts and crafts, and shopping outings. Williams said the department is planning to expand the services to more centers in the future.
Senior Citizens month activities are free to participants in the program. Activities marked with an asterisk are for program participants only. However, according to Human Services officials, if one wishes to attend "participants only" activities, they can call the office at 772-9811 or 774-5265 and sign up for the activity. This is necessary so the organizers can have a correct count of attendees. The Department will provide transportation to and from the events.
The activities planned by the department for Senior Citizen month are:
St. Croix
May 12 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Open house at Herbert Grigg Home
May 13 — 10 a.m. to noon, Walkathon from United Shopping Plaza to Island Center
May 14 — noon, to 3 p.m., Outing at Divi Carina Casino, including prizes and giveaways for seniors
May 17 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bingo at Rotary West
May 20 — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Senior Citizens Ball* at the Rainbow Center in Estate Upper Love
May 21 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Beach outing, Kramer's Park
May 25 — Gospel Fest (time and location to be announced)
May 28 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., — Movie day (time and location lo be announced)
St. Thomas
May 12 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., — Movie day (time and location to be announced)
May 13 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., — Beach outing at Lindberg Beach
May 18 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., — Citizenship Day legislature session, Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas (This event is alternated between the two districts every year.)
May 19 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., — Kon Tiki boat ride from Havensight Dock
May 21 — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., — Jumbie Jamboree at John Brewer's Beach*
May 26 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., — Social at Lucinda Millin Home*
May 27 — 12 noon, — Senior Luncheon at Palm Court Harbor View Hotel
May 28 — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., — Senior Citizens Ball at Frenchman's Reef*
St. John
May 14 — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., — Administrator's Cocktail Sip. This will be held at one of the senior citizens centers on St. John. Exact location will be announced.
May 25 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., — Beach outing at Openheimer's Beach*
The local observance coincides with a national campaign that honors the contributions of seniors to our society.
President George W. Bush issued a proclamation lauding the contributions of older Americans to our nation. The proclamation stated, "Older Americans continue to work in a variety of jobs, from teachers, to engineers, to business owners and entrepreneurs, and in so doing, bring invaluable experience and leadership skills. Additionally, their wisdom, strength, and compassion reflect the character of our great Nation. During this month, we honor our seniors and thank them for the lessons they teach us and the strong values they instill in families and communities throughout our country."
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