FRACKVILLE -- Senior citizens in Frackville have been coming together and improving the community for 50 years and that's a reason to celebrate.
The Frackville Area Senior Center celebrated half a century at the Fountain Springs County Club in Ashland on Tuesday. It's something members said is a pretty big deal!
"Terrific, terrific. It's a wonderful feeling."
For 25 of those years, Grant Klock was the president of the club. He said it was his pleasure to get the seniors in Schuylkill County out and about.
"Instead of them sitting at home in a rocking chair, we get them out moving."
Klock's daughter Kathy Kraft is involved in the center now too, making it a family affair.
"I kind of grew up and have been indoctrinated with the Frackville seniors for the better part of my life," said Kraft.
The senior center citizens meet in Frackville once a week and they said that's the best part, just hanging out with their friends.
"We have a lot of fun together."
"I've been a member since 1987. I've gone on all the trips and participated in all the programs that they have," said Silva Wyaonalunas of Frackville.
The senior center is self-funded and has been since it started. To keep the center running, the seniors host their own events to bring in the cash.
"We run trips to the casino. We run trips to shows. And we run trips for overnighters," Frackville Area Senior Center President Marie Pacenta said.
Members said they're always looking for new people to join the center, as long as you're 50 or older.
"New members, new trips, new ideas and go from there!"
For now, the center looks to the future and the good times.