Blakes Senior Pictures

Seniors celebrate the first 40

Obson Blake isn't from Kenai, but sometimes he wishes he was.

Although he lives in Houston, Texas, Blake makes his way up to Kenai every summer, and this time his trip fortunately coincided with the Kenai Senior Center's 40th anniversary party.

"I've considered moving up here just for the senior citizen benefits," Blake said while socializing with friends during the luau-themed Friday get-together. "We don't have anything like this down in Houston."

Neither the senior center's users nor its staff take this fact for granted. While the center has modest beginnings-it was first housed in a construction trailer in November 1971 - it has blossomed into a first-class facility that serves 40,000 meals a year to its 1,500 active clients, in addition to providing driving services, exercise classes, and recreational activities.

"I believe that our mission back then is still the same today," said executive director Rachael Craig. "Even more so, because our senior population is growing and it's vital that we have a senior center where they can come and enjoy health and wellness, give back to the community, and socialize."

The center's dining room was packed to capacity Friday evening as lei-sporting seniors chatted with friends while digging into roasted pig, grilled pineapple, and halibut dip. Live bluegrass music filled the air, and the senior center's line dancers took the stage in their Hawaiian grass skirts to entertain the crowd.

"We love it here," said Jimmie English, speaking for herself and her husband Dan English. "They have the ability to make everybody who walks in here feel so special. They're wonderful people. It's just a great place to be."

The Englishs started coming to the senior center 15 years ago when Dan retired. Jimmie became involved in quilting and line dancing, while Dan chose to volunteer as a driver for the center.

"It's a second home where you always feel welcome," Dan said. "They always have a lot of activities for you to be involved in so that you get on your feet, out of the chair, and out from sitting in front of the TV."

Bill Milewski and his wife Marge Milewski pointed out that many seniors would go hungry without the home and congregate meals services provided by the center, nor would many be able to afford engaging in the activities offered if they had to seek them out independently.

The center not only offers physical resources like food, but also provides fellowship and emotional support for seniors who sometimes have nowhere else to turn.

Blue eyed beauty | Meridian Idaho Senior Photos | » Photography by ...

Welcome to the blog!

I'm Amy -- mom to two crazy, fun little boys and a wife to a wonderfully supportive husband. We like to have dance parties in the kitchen, eat popcicles on the back porch and go on road trips. I love funky earrings, DVR, sweets, sunshine, being outdoors and I really, really love to take photographs. Enjoy browsing the blog, go check out the website and contact me if you have any questions at all or if you're interested in scheduling a session!

I love being a photographer and I love sharing my photography with others. I've spent countless hours learning and studying photography both through courses and self-study. My style is a mix of traditional and lifestyle portraiture with a little bit of "me" thrown in. I love fresh, vibrant photos that capture who you are. My ultimate goal is to create images that you will treasure for years to come, and provide an experience that will help you love your images even more!

Photo courtesy of Kim Matthews Photography of Meridian, Idaho

Those eyes… oh my goodness!  Is she a gorgeous girl or what?!  It was a very windy evening so we had to be creative on where we could use to avoid poor Samandra being totally blown away – but I’d say it worked out :)  I love photographing ‘seniors’ just as they great ready to start their senior year — such an exciting time with so much to look forward to!  I know it will be a great year for Sam!