» Dayton Senior Center Pays Tribute on 9/11

Dayton Senior Center Pays Tribute on 9/11

Dayton Senior Center Manager Vickie Parks thanks special guests - including State Representative Donna Oberlander, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Kurtis Glasgow and local Ventriloquist Rev. Jimmy Swogger - for attending a special September 11th luncheon yesterday at American Legion Post #955.

by Jonathan Weaver

More than 70 senior citizens paid tribute to those that lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and remembered those currently serving in the Armed Forces during a special luncheon

Meeting five days per week at American Legion Post #955 in Dayton surrounded by headshots of local soldiers, the local residents that attend the Dayton Senior Center were treated to a ventriloquist program by Distant Pastor Jimmy Swogger and an opportunity to meet with State Representative Donna Oberlander, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Kurtis Glasgow of the Kittanning barracks and Armstrong County Commissioner Rich Fink.

The three-hour event was coordinated by Center Manager Vickie Parks and the center council – led by Council President Pat Wolfgang.

“We just take (ideas) and go – everybody pitches in and we all work together,” Wolfgang said. “We’re very blessed that way. It’s like a big family working together.”

Wolfgang –who was the reading specialist at Dayton Elementary 13 years ago on September 11 - remembered where she was that day that changed history.

“We were all in the building – the kids weren’t allowed to go out for recess. We weren’t to tell the kids what happened so they wouldn’t panic, but when it came to lunchtime, we got them all in the cafeteria and all the teachers were in the back room with the TV on,” Wolfgang said. “It was quite a day.”

She retired 10 years ago after teaching 40 years.

Rev. Swogger was in a Mercer County courthouse and quickly evacuated. He enjoyed listening to the other stories and entertaining the residents.

“I’ve traveled for many years doing (ventriloquism) just about everywhere for all kinds of people, to everyone from presidents to churches to school programs and today – this has been a great day,” Rev. Swogger said. “I was here several months ago for National Senior Citizens Day and they asked me if I could come back.

“It’s been a good day of reflection about the blessings, patriotism and our thankfulness for our country, those who lead our country and those that protect our country.”

During the program, “Kermit the Frog” sang the Star Spangled Banner and led the Pledge of Allegiance before Rev. Swogger explained to young “Bobby” that 9-1-1 is a sign of emergency but is also a day to reflect on what happened September 11th and isn’t just a day to get out of school.

The Reverend Jimmy Swogger, pastor of the Oakland Church of God, poses with his ventriloquist buddy “Bobby” following a special presentation before lunch yesterday. He explained to “Bobby” the significance of September 11, 2001 and sang patriotic music before asking more than 70 local residents to join along.

The Pastor of Oakland Church of God also sang some patriotic songs before everyone joined in with “God Bless America.”

Center Supervisor Nancy Wright was impressed with Thursday’s event – and all of those members plan.

“I think this was fantastic – this is exactly what I encourage my centers to do, events like this to get the word out that we’re out there. Vickie and her crew have always seemed interested in doing things, so I think it’s great,” Wright said.

“It’s one of our more-active centers.”

ArmsCare Marketing Representative Allen Dinardo was also invited to the luncheon and donated favors and an American flag for the 50/50 drawing.

“I come out and see what I can do for the community, help out,” Dinardo said.
“I thought the program was excellent – man, what a turnout. This is a nice turnout, especially on 9-11, when there are other things going on.”

Parks, of Rural Valley, said there have been September 11 tribute programs in the past, but Thursday was the most-attended. She credited her residents for a great event.

“I’m very blessed to have the people I have in this building – they’re like family,” Parks said. “We’ve done a lot of laughing and a lot of crying here. I wouldn’t trade this group for anything.

“The plans have been in for months – we start planning in May. People are so willing to come in here and help out.”

Her goal is to retire from the senior center.

Wolfgang also lit a candle in remembrance among the several desserts available – including those donated by local residents and the Kittanning Care Center and red, white and blue miniature Jell-O molds to symbolize the former-World Trade Center in New York City.

Many military veterans are also part of the local residents that frequently attend the senior center including Bruce Steele of Dayton– who served 16 months during the Korean War.

Local News | jweaver September 12, 2014