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Mower County Seniors, Inc. on Friday recognized its half century milestone with a celebration that marked not only 50 years, but also the significance of how it meets the needs of the county’s senior citizens.

Friday afternoon’s party welcomed old and new faces and re-established connections made long ago and through the Senior Center’s time.

“I have many, many thank yous for the people who have supported us throughout the years. Thank you for standing beside us. Thank you to our past and present members, staff, directors, partners and friends,” said Executive Director Joan Hanson. “This celebration is for you. Let’s celebrate our past, honor those who paved the way and look ahead for the excitement of what’s to come.”

Established in 1975, the Mower County Seniors was set up to give seniors a place to go and to take part in activities that kept them connected.

“It’s a milestone,” said Hanson, who took over the position in April of 2022. “The vision of city leaders 50 years ago to establish one place where older adults could come and have their independence, have companionship away from isolation — that was key.”

While Mower County Seniors was established in the 70s, the Senior Center’s location was established in 1991 and was the effort of leaders, community partners and volunteers.

“It’s because of the community,” she said. “The community has put a priority on something like honoring seniors. Making a place for seniors. Respect for seniors. Without the community’s support we wouldn’t happen.”

Hanson herself saw this value when she applied, shifting over from a position within Hormel Foods to take the position.

She saw the opportunity to contribute to the area she’s lived in since 1988.

“This looked like a place where I could contribute and be a part of making lives better for older adults,” she said. “The mission statement for the Senior Center is to enrich the lives of older adults in the community. That seemed appealing to me and I have found it extremely appealing.”

Friday’s celebration included a short program from 1-1:30 p.m. during which Mayor Steve King read a proclamation.

Following the presentation, there was an open house featuring music by the B-Sides as well as drawings and refreshments.

Prior to the event, Hanson said she hoped it was an opportunity of connection.

“I hope it’s a time where people can connect. They can see folks if they were staff or volunteers in the past,” she said. “Maybe they’ll come and meet some new friends.”

Aletha Coyle is one of those people who took up that opportunity about two and a half years ago after her husband passed away three years ago.

For Coyle, who spends five days a week at the Senior Center taking part in a variety of activities, being able to come down and socialize with others was just what she was looking for.

“I just needed to get out of the house and it’s the best thing I ever did coming down here,” Coyle said. “I’ve met so many people. You come in and they just welcome you. It’s just a great place to be.”

Not only did it open the door for more socialization, Coyle said that the Senior Center was an opportunity to step out of her home.

“It’s actually to keep moving,” Coyle said. “I think it’s the best thing instead of sitting at home. There for a while, after I lost my husband, I was just sitting. My boys were getting worried about me just sitting in the chair and doing nothing.”

Despite Friday being about celebrating the Senior Center and everything it offers, it was also about the future and what it can be in the next 50 years.

Over the years, the Senior Center has been part of a continuing evolution of services and activities, meeting the needs of seniors as demographic changes.

To date, there are just over 750 members at the Senior Center, but Hanson and others want more to take part. In order to achieve that goal, Mower County Seniors always want to be on the front edge of that evolution.

“To do that, I’m constantly asking, ‘what would get you down here?’” Hanson said. “Sometimes the answer is surprising.”

As these needs continue to expand past Friday’s celebration, Hanson sees a focus becoming one of centering on companion programs like memory cafes, which help those coping with memory loss.

The center also wants to be at the forefront of addressing food insecurity amongst the senior population within the county.

“One in two older adults are hungry and are food insecure,” Hanson said, explaining they meet those needs, “by having affordable lunches. We have take home meals and we have food vouchers. We’re doing our part to address that.”

“We are seeing the number of folks coming in requesting help increasing and the complexity of their questions and needs are only expanding,” Hanson continued. “We have to focus on that so we can help those seniors.”

And a first step is coming down and seeing what the Senior Center and Mower County Seniors has to offer.

“Please, come down. Find out what’s here,” Hanson said. “We want you to know about the Mower County Seniors and what activities there are. I would love to have a cup of coffee with you and get to know you better and find out how we can make your life better.”

Rocky Hulne contributed to this story.