There were some threatening clouds outside on Thursday afternoon, but it was a perfect day inside the Oakland Senior Center where the Seniors Club was sponsoring a picnic for members. The fare was a traditional summer picnic menu with hamburgers, hot dogs, and salads. Soda was available, but members were welcome to bring something a touch stronger if they wanted. The Senior Club holds various fundraisers throughout the year that pay for events such as this one.
Everyone enjoyed the meal well enough, but it was really about members getting together to celebrate the start of the summer season, catch up with friends, meet some new folks, and just have a good time. There were a few words and announcements from the dais, but mostly a lot of conversation and laughs being enjoyed at the tables. It was a great success with over a hundred members attending, and a few local politicians on hand to accept the free lunch.
Mayor Szabo worked the local crowd getting both thanks and suggestions from resident seniors. It was a testament that Oakland’s senior citizen population is both vital and active in the community. As the town moves forward into the 21st century, local seniors are involved in helping to keep taxes under control, providing leadership on “green” technology and energy efficiency, and putting forth practical advice on the development of downtown Oakland. Mayor Szabo and other members of the Town Council had an opportunity to meet and converse with the seniors in a casual, genial setting.
Membership in The Club is open to any resident sixty and over, and you can join at any Regular Club meeting. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 11:00AM. Coffee and tea are served, and usually some cake, pizza, ice cream, or other snack item is offered around noon with a short business meeting following it. The Club plans various social events for seniors, offers educational speakers, and keeps members informed of various issues, from health to finance to politics, which might impact the lives of seniors. Residents can call 201-405-7731 for additional information.