Seniors aged 60 and better are invited to celebrate National Older Americans Month at Grainger Stadium on Friday, May 7, 2021. The first 200 seniors who register for the free event will receive a ball-park style lunch as well as join in a health fair, community vendors, speakers, entertainment, and games.

“Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties,” said Lenoir County Council on Aging Director Betsy Griffin.

The event is sponsored by Down East Wood Ducks, Lenoir County Department of Social Services, Spring Arbor, AseraCare, Caswell Center Foundation, Lenoir County Health Department, Lenoir UNC Health Care, Lenoir County EMS, Kinston Community Center, and Lenoir County Council on Aging.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to host the Lenoir County Council on Aging event at Grainger Stadium,” said Wood Ducks Director of Special Events john McCormick. “It’s a terrific way to kick off Older Americans Month in our community,"

Seniors 60 and older that do not register by April 30, 2021, will still be able to attend the event but will not receive a meal.

"The Kinston Community Center strives to engage our senior community and looks forward to celebrating with them at Senior Appreciation Day this year," said Kinston Community Center Director Kelly Cannon.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme is “Communities of Strength”.

“Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others,” said Griffin. “This Older Americans Month (OAM), we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.”

The Lenoir County Council on Aging is dedicated to improving and promoting the well-being of seniors in Lenoir County.

"We look forward to connecting with them while providing important information and services available to seniors in our own community," said Cannon.

Communities agencies will provide seniors with information and education specific to their demographic.

“We’re looking forward to a day of engagement and celebration with our Older community in Lenoir County,” said McCormick.