ALLEN — Several Lyon County residents sat at Allen Senior Center on Friday talking, laughing and sporting colored glasses and Sponge Bob Square Pants hats. They were being honored for being 90 years old and and over.
Allen Senior Center Manager Judy Parks decided to hold the birthday party to honor the residents.
“I just thought it was a privilege to associate with all of them turning 90 plus,” Parks said. “It’s an honor to me. I love to hear their stories.”
Parks chose to have the birthday party for the seniors during the summer months so all of them could come, she said.
Those who attended were Virginia Paine and Sophia Burns of Admire; Elma Moore of Emporia; Pete Pykiet, Anna Maud Hayes and Fletcher Helton of Allen; and Woody Conrad, formerly of Bushong who now lives in Florida. Two others, Eugenia Wheat and Leona Whittredge, did not attend.
“It’s very nice,” Paine said, of the party. “I didn’t know what to expect. It’s nice to honor those for being so old!”
Moore said she lived in Allen for 50 years and came back for the party.
“I was surprised but I’m pleased,” she said. “I get to see these people. So many of my friends are gone.”
Conrad, who used to live in Bushong, has since moved to Florida.
“I think this is wonderful,” he said, while waiting for party favors and cake and ice cream to be served.
Before the party, the guests of honor sat at a round table, swapping stories and memories. Just before 1 p.m., when the party was supposed to start, Parks helped the birthday honorees put on hats, glasses and gave them party horns. Smiles and chuckles rippled around the table as they glanced at each other’s hats and glasses. A few people tried out the horns, triggering more laughter across the table.
When the party favors were passed out and the cake and ice cream were on the table, Parks addressed the group, which included senior center members, friends and family. The group sang Happy Birthday to the honorees.
“It’s a great honor for all of us to be in the same room with ladies and gentleman that are 90 plus,” Parks said. “I just felt it would be fun to honor those who are or are going to be 90.”