News: Clark Co. Seniors (‘Fun Day’ Event - 1974)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lehnen, Steiner, Sjolin, Richmond, Spiegel, Sorenson, Wallin, Schroeder, Pakiz, Maki, Lueddecke

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/06/1974

County Seniors (‘Fun Day’ Event - June 1974)

To climax activities for Senior Citizen’s month, over 300 senior’s attended an afternoon program sponsored by the Clark County steering committee. The offices of the 11 senior citizen’s groups within the county organized the event. Their aim was to provide the older adults with a lively and enjoyable afternoon of entertainment.

On Sunday, Mayor Edward Lehnen of Owen opened the program by saying that U.S. heritage and success hinged on the hard work and experiences of those attending. After the welcome, Francis Steiner, of Granton, master-of-ceremonies, introduced M. E. Sjolin, extension home economist, who serves as an advisor to the senior citizen’s organizations in the county.

The afternoon’s entertainment began with Miss Carol Richmond, sponsored by the Granton senior citizen’s group. She played a number of accordion selections including, “Village Town Polka,” and “Old Folks at Home.”

Two readings were presented; Nan Spiegel, daugher of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spiegel of Granton, gave a humorous declamation on old time school discipline. Her selection from the book, “Everything but Money,’ received an A rating in the state forensics competition. The second reading, by Mrs. Ester Sorenson, a member of the Owen senior citizens group, was a satire on marriage.

Music for the afternoon program was sponsored by the Greenwood senior citizens group. Two soloists, Knute Wallin and Dave Schroeder, entertained. Wallin verbalized with some Norwegian dialog and Schroeder sang spiritual songs. Accompanied by Patrice Pakiz, the two men led a sing-a-long which was enjoyed by all.

The 4-H program sponsored the parks Happy 13 music group of Owen. Their “Gospel Medley” was directed by Kathryn Maki, a volunteer 4-H leader. One of their folk songs and guitar selections was, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Final selections were performed by four piano students of Mrs. Lester Lueddecke, Route 1 Abbotsford.

After entertainment, seniors enjoyed a social hour and had an opportunity to view six beautiful quilts handmade by members of the Neillsville, Owen-Withee, Colby, Abbotsford, Dorchester and Loyal senior citizen groups. After the program these quilts were given to needy families in Clark County.