BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Lake Butler city commissioners thanked three Union County programs focused on seniors during its August 19 meeting.
Mayor Melissa Hendrix handed out plaques to representatives of Lake Butler Hospital’s Let’s Thrive, Union County Senior Citizens on the Move and Gather Senior Connection.
Hendrix said the mission of Let’s Thrive is simple yet powerful: to provide seniors with a welcoming space to connect, grow, and continue living vibrant, fulfilling lives.
“For the past six months,” she said, “Let’s Thrive has been bringing seniors together once a month for an uplifting time of connection, learning, and fun. Each meeting is designed entirely with seniors in mind, offering an engaging presentation on an important health topic, delicious and wholesome treats, and a lighthearted game that encourages gentle movement.”
Union County Senior Citizens on the Move recently celebrated its first anniversary of bringing seniors together for fellowship, support, and community connection.
The mayor stated that each month, various agencies and local businesses partner with Gather to offer valuable resources and information that directly benefit senior citizens.
“The program is powered entirely by volunteers who give their time and energy to service seniors,” she said. “Most recently, the group has also become a distribution site for food boxes, extending its mission of care to even more members of the community.”
Hendrix said Gather Senior Connection started in May of 2024 through a collaboration between Jennifer Thomas and Pam Osteen.
“Both have the vision to provide a space for our community, seniors to come together for fun,” she said. “Fellowship, food, educational programs, and activities including games, crafts, gentle body movement, cooking, gardening, and much more. Throughout the year, the Senior Connection has had the privilege to serve many seniors in our community. The free program meets on the first Monday of each month from 10:30 to 12:30 and is open to all individuals 55 and over.”
