Hundreds headed out to Farmington Heights Church Friday for the 21st annual Senior Awareness Day event.

"We try to come every year," said Janice Gardner, who was also with her husband, Clifton. "I like picking up the information and reading it at home."

She said they also enjoy just getting out in the community.

Seniors browsed dozens of booths and received information about programs and services offered in Wilson County. While the Wilson County Department of Social Services hosts the event, more than 50 community partners teamed up this year to make it happen.

Vivian Burke of Wilson Parks and Recreation said they hope seniors will take advantage of the programs they offer, including senior fitness and power lunch aerobics.

"Our main goal out here is to get more seniors involved in our programs," Burke said. "We want to stress the importance of being fit, staying active and living a healthy life."

Wilson Parks and Recreation also offers the Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club, which is designed for those ages 55 and up. The club meets twice a month and seniors participate in games, talent shows, field trips and festivals.

"We have over 100 members and we are looking for more," Burke said.

This year's theme for Senior Awareness Day was "Safe today, Healthy tomorrow." The program included multiple guest speakers including Don Schwenneker, ABC 11 meteorologist, who got the crowd energized. Other speakers included Dr. Venkata Jonnalagadda, medical director of Eastpointe MCO and a partner in Greenville Psychiatric Association, and Kim Emory, of Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging. Emory, who believes laughter is good medicine and spoke to the crowd about the benefits and scientific facts about laughter yoga.

Musical guests included Making a Difference, Loyal Leisure Choir, DSS choir and 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus.

Shirley Best, who is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, said Friday was her second time attending the event.

"I come for the educational part so I can know what's out there for senior citizens in Wilson," Best said. Best is also a member of the Loyal Leisure Club, which she thoroughly enjoys.

"It's something you can't explain," she said. "It makes your retirement that much better. You meet people you wouldn't ordinarily meet."

Best also wore her pink Loyal Leisure T-shirt which read, "Getting better with age."

Senior Awareness Day aims to educate Wilson County seniors and disabled adults about federal, state and local services and to celebrate their lives by showing seniors appreciation for their contributions to the community. DSS' Adult Services Team created the program in 1993.

The Wilson Times was also an event sponsor.

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