Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
First Overall Float in the Alaska State Fair Parade this year was our very own Senior Center float. The mural on the float this year has been almost entirely because of the vision and work of Taylor York. He has been a volunteer at the center for some time and leads a painting class at the center. He has said that he had lots of help in constructing the structure for the mural and finding materials. He also had help painting it after he had laid out the artwork. Then came the job of getting it on to the flatbed trailer and dismantling it after the parade.
But what amazed me was all the detail that needed not only coordination to finish the mural in time, but the brains, brawn and ingenuity needed to get the mural up onto the flatbed trailer and anchor it soundly. They even constructed a railing of hay bales so the old people wouldn't fall off during the parade. Then came the final touch of taking real trees and attaching them to the sides of the mural. So much work and so many volunteers helped to make the float the best in the parade. I am so proud of our Senior Center and especially of the vision and follow through that Taylor York showed throughout the enterprise.
When the parade was over, and the mural was unloaded, Taylor decided to cut it up into portions that could be taken home by the seniors at the center as momentous. What a wonderful ending to a beautiful mural.
We hope the mural will make more people aware of what senior citizens can contribute to our community. Also, please be aware that Taylor York is one of the many area artists who have work for sale at the Senior Center gift shop. He paints some lovely scenes of the mountains, trees and flowers in the Mat-Su area.
Just another reason you should visit the Palmer Senior Center gift shop. Although, of course the hours make it difficult for many of our friends who would like to shop here. Unfortunately we can only be open from 11AM to 3PM, Monday through Friday due to a paucity of volunteers. So if you are considering being a volunteer this would be a great place to start. One of the advantages is that you would be the first to see some of the one of a kind items that the gift shop takes in. Secondly you will get the opportunity to meet interesting senior citizens and hear great stories. For more information on the Senior Center gift shop go to the Palmer Senior Center to volunteer or give them a call.
Thank you in advance for caring.