PARSONS – Lots of people are complaining about Old Man Winter, but Tucker County Seniors took action against the long, cold winter days with a Polynesian luau. Seniors gathered at the Parsons Senior Center Tuesday dressed in their brightest summer clothes, leis, flowers and grass skirts as they celebrated the coming of spring.
Roxanne Tuesing, Tucker County Senior Center Director, said they decided to do something a little different for the seniors.
“They are so tired of winter,” Tuesing said. “A luau was the idea that everyone came up with. We took off running with the idea. Riverview Chapel Church loaned us some of their decorations. Pleasants County had a luau a couple of years ago and gave us some of their stuff. I went to Party City and purchased some items and our dining room has been transformed into paradise.”
Tuesing said the luau theme even covered the lunch items.
“We are having Polynesian chicken, pork BBQ, Hawaiian fried rice, summer corn salad, Hawaiian coleslaw, pineapple upside down cake and tropical punch,” Tuesing said. “We are looking forward to a great event.”
Linda Bonner, who served as the escort for the Tucker County Senior Center trip to Hawaii, shared photos, souvenirs and trinkets from the trip. Bonner, who donned a grass skirt, Hawaiian shirt, a lei and flowers in her hair, said she hoped the lunch event helped lift everyone’s spirits.
“We are trying to chase winter away and bring on spring,” Bonner said. “Everyone is tired of the cold and snow and we are definitely ready for warmer weather.”
Sam Eichelberger, Activities Director for the Tucker County Senior Center, said he asked everyone if they were tired of winter. He said the luau event gave folks the opportunity to travel to Hawaii for the afternoon – allowing them to warm up and celebrate warmer weather on the horizon.
“We are going to talk a little bit about Hawaii,” Eichelberger said. “Roxanne and the cooks have been working for days on the Polynesian food and it’s going to be delicious.”
Attendees sang songs, played games and even challenged one another in a limbo competition during the luau.
Students from Tucker Valley Elementary-Middle School shared excerpts from their upcoming play of “Beauty and the Beast” during the luncheon.
Additional information about the Tucker County Senior Center is available by calling 304-478-2423. The Tucker County Senior Center is located at 203 3rd St. in Parsons.
Meals were delivered to about 50 seniors who were unable to attend Tuesday’s celebration.
