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Casey Chief of Police Mark Jenkins speaks to the crowd gathered at the Casey Senior Social Center Tuesday night for the Township Board meeting. Board members are pictured (l to r) Carl Vernon, Ted Perillo, Mike Brandenburg, and Mike Patrick. Photo by Sharon Durham
Casey Senior Center receives enthusiastic support  Share
The Casey Senior Social Center received a shot in the arm Tuesday night when nearly 60 people turned out for the Casey Township Board meeting to show their support for the center. Many good suggestions came out of the meeting along with the possibility of bringing Dine with a Doc(TM) to Casey. Township Supervisor Carl Vernon thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. ''No one can tell me there's no interest in the Senior Center,'' Vernon said. ''We're dealing with some huge issues, and I want to lay it all out for you.'' Vernon said the board has given him every tool and every penny he has asked for, and they've done everything they can to make the center a place where seniors would like to come.
''As elected officials, we have a sworn duty to be good stewards of your money,'' Vernon continued. ''We spend $30-40,000 a year for salaries, utilities, insurance and maintenance. We don't have a problem spending the money, but not for two or three people. I know I'm not real smart, but I know a dead dog when I see one, and this place has turned into a dead dog.'' He asked the seniors, ''What role do you want the center to play?'' They came up with the following list: 1. Hot meals 2. Socialization 3. Blood Pressure Clinic 4. Outings (Wal-Mart) 5. Flu shots, toe-nail care (medical care) 6. Activities (pool and cards) 7. Walking program (exercise) 8. Line dancing 9. Sr. Education/Information 10. Holiday/B'day Celebrations 11. Senior Club. Vernon gave the history of the Senior Center going back to 1971 when six ladies had a vision and formed the Casey Senior Center but were forced to move from place to place. In 1977, Vernon said Jim Hutton approached him, and the Township took it over. It wasn't until 1980 when the Township purchased the Lindsey Shoe Store that the Senior Center had a permanent home. Shortly thereafter they purchased the adjoining Shafer Pool Hall, and the Center remains there today. Along with the history, Vernon gave the disturbing facts: the decline in numbers each year since 1980. Senior Center Director Darla Hammond spoke to the group and addressed the decline in attendance for the daily meals. ''Meals are a part of the Center but only one part,'' she said. ''There are people who come in or contact the center seeking information. I spend much of my day helping people.'' She stressed the importance of activities and social events, and said the center strives to enhance the dignity of the seniors and also support their independence. ''It is my hope that we can find a way to keep this location open. I believe there are people who would benefit who do not attend. We are open to ideas,'' she said. In concluding her comments, she announced she had just received a phone call from the Women's Club, wishing to donate at least $300 to try to keep the center open. A questionnaire was passed out to each person in attendance. Vernon intends to tabulate the results and use it as a road map for the direction they will take. ''Be truthful,'' he cautioned. ''Don't say you want to be a part of the center and never show up. You have a chance to save the center. We recently changed meal plans; we can change again, or we can change it up.'' As suggestions began to flow in, Vernon referred to the list on the board and asked the group to target the areas for improvement. Numbers 6 (activites), 7 (walking, exercise), 9 (Sr. Education), and 11 (Senior Club) were the areas singled out. Suggestions included adding the Wii video game, Internet classes, knitting classes, grief counseling and more. One guest, Elaine Worley, had done her research and stressed the need for soicalization among seniors to improve mental attitudes and avoid depression. ''We recently moved here, and one of our reasons for choosing Casey was for the Senior Center,'' she said. Lisa Dashill, activity director at Wyndmoor Retirement Community in Terre Haute, said she agreed wholeheartedly and had intended to point out some of the same things discussed by Worley. Dashill is from Marshall and comes to Casey once a month for ''Bingo with Lisa.'' ''We always have 15-20 people every month,'' she said. ''They make my visit a joy.'' She then introduced her friend, Lori Aplin RN, co-founder of Senior Education Ministries and Dine with a Doc(TM) along with Lori's husband, Bud. Aplin said Dine with a Doc(TM) is a free event that has been highly successful in Marshall and Terre Haute. She described Dine wth a Doc(TM) as a faith-based ministry focusing on the physical and spiritual well-being of seniors. The ''Docs'' donate their time to listen, hear and answer medical questions while sharing a meal. Various community busineses also participate by donating door prizes and/or monetary contributions to cover the lunch. ''They don't have to be a medical doctor,'' she explained, ''as long as they have Dr. in front of their name. They bring information to you and allow you to make informed choices. It's a win-win situation.'' She said it has been so successful that they have now started ''Lunch with a Lawyer.'' Dine with a Doc(TM) will be piloted in Casey on Dec. 15 with Dr. Erica Yegley, a veterinarian from Marshall. Mayor Scott Elkins was also in attendance and offered his support and that of the city of Casey to the Senior Center. Ben Hammond, president of the Senior Club, added a few words before the evening came to a close. The meeting definitely generated enthusiasm and a pledge from many to do whatever it takes to keep the Senior Center going. Sharon Durham is a staff reporter for the Casey Reporter.
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