BOCC Proclaims September as National Senior Center Month; Recognizes the JOY Center in Upper Keys

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) proclaims September 2024 as National Senior Center Month and recognizes the special contributions of Just Older Youth (JOY) members in the Upper Keys. The group can frequently be found in the lobby of the Murray Nelson Government Center before BOCC meetings playing ukuleles and recently partnered with the County to provide two days of activities at the Plantation Key Community Center to enhance the well-being of the older citizens of our community.

The proclamation says that older Americans are significant members of our society, investing their wisdom and experience to help enrich and strengthen our community. The JOY Center has acted as a catalyst for mobilizing the creativity, energy, vitality, and commitment of older residents of the Upper Keys.

"The JOY Center has been a community partner in ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens, people aged 50 and older, stay safe and connected in our community," said Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. "The JOY Center affirms older persons' dignity, self-worth, and independence, and we are honored to celebrate you all. We love our seniors and appreciate the advocacy for the seniors in our community."

The JOY Center will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30am - 5pm.