Good day,
Attached is a press release from the city of St. Ingbert with a request for publication.
Entertaining Senior Day in St. Ingbert-Mitte
Around 450 seniors and accompanying persons gathered in the town hall for this year's Senior Day in St. Ingbert-Mitte. Local head Irene Kaiser warmly welcomed the guests on behalf of the local council and emphasized the special importance of the older generation for social coexistence in St. Ingbert. Mayor Dr. Ulli Meyer also made a point of personally greeting the elderly in the town hall. He used his brief speech in particular to provide information about current construction projects and investments in the city.
Currently, around 2,000 people living in St. Ingbert have already reached the age of 80 or will reach it during the current year. Of these, 1,718 people are between 80 and 90 years old, 260 people are between 91 and 99 years old, and 12 people are between 100 and 105 years old. Irene Kaiser regarded the fact that around 300 senior citizens were registered and a total of about 450 guests could be welcomed as a "beautiful and impressive sign."
„Our society is aging. This is a challenge, but above all also an enrichment,“ emphasized the local mayor. Many elderly people continue to be involved voluntarily, are active in clubs, sports associations or choirs, and thus make an important contribution to social cohesion. At the same time, limitations, ailments, and loneliness in old age must not be overlooked. These people need attention, support, and reliable services.
St. Ingbert has a wide network of aid and support services, including those provided by Caritas, Malteser, German Red Cross, and Lebenshilfe. The project "Together – by Seniors for Seniors," a cooperation between AWO, the Senior Citizens' Advisory Council, and the city, also offers valuable opportunities for participation through excursions, events, mobility training, lectures, and healthy eating initiatives. Kaiser particularly emphasized the communal lunch, which is now very well received in all districts and provides a great opportunity to make contacts and engage in conversation.
Projects for more accessibility, safety, and quality of stay
Irene Kaiser also presented specific projects by the local council aimed at increasing accessibility, safety, and the quality of stay. These include the designation of additional disabled parking spaces, improved lighting of streets, paths, and squares, as well as an additional double lamp at the Schmelz parking lot directly in front of the disabled parking spaces. In the Gustav-Clauss-Anlage, a barrier-free accessible calisthenics park with fitness equipment for all age groups is being created, complemented by a table tennis table and a seating area. In Elsterstein Park, 14 new benches have been installed, the signage of the tree educational trail renewed, and a pavilion modeled after the historic Krämers Pavilion constructed. The renovation of the Hubertus Fountain by the senior fire brigade was also named as a positive example of civic engagement.
"Senior citizens are a true treasure for our city," said Kaiser. Their experiences, their knowledge, as well as their life and work contributions, are invaluable for social cohesion and community spirit in St. Ingbert.
Numerous senior citizens were honored that afternoon with small gifts. The three oldest women in the hall were Erna Mrosk (100 years), Lieselotte Hanz (98 years), and Johanna Schwinn (98 years). Among the oldest men, Erich Schmitt (98 years), Hans Günther Hanus (95 years), and Antonius Flätchen (93 years) each received a gift. Manfred and Wilhelmine Kelleter (92 and 86 years) were able to enjoy a biosphere box and flowers as the oldest couple present.
The local council had put together a varied program for the afternoon. In addition to musical and dance performances, the lecture by Daniel Roschy was a complete success and a "stroke of luck for the dialect," as he gladly took over Manfred Kelleter's role. The latter was now sitting comfortably among the guests, pleased with the successful contribution of his successor. Another highlight was the performance of the Hasseler Cuckoo Choir under the direction of Hansi Spengler. They managed to get almost all the senior citizens in the hall to join in their songs and joyfully sing along to "La Montanara."
With coffee, cake, and sandwiches, Senior Day offered the perfect opportunity for conversations, encounters, and shared moments.
Photos: Fabian Roschy
CAPTION 1: Daniel Roschy with his predecessor, the dialect poet Manfred Kelleter (right)
BU2: The well-attended town hall at the senior afternoon event.
