- The WOW Van serves as a mobile senior center approaching wellness in creative and energetic ways.
- Four events are planned while Center 50+ is closed for annual maintenance.
Salem, Ore. – Where is the WOW Van popping up next? The award-winning WOW (Wellness on Wheels) Van will be appearing at four locations through the next few days, while Center 50+ is closed for annual maintenance through Labor Day. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy arts and crafts, dance, Tai Chi – even race a zucchini or two!
Recognized nationally for its innovation, the Center 50+ Wellness on Wheels program received the Modernizing Senior Centers Innovation Award this year from the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers Program of Excellence. Center 50+ is one of only seven senior centers recognized nationally as going above and beyond to provide older adults in their communities with helpful resources and opportunities to prevent social isolation
The WOW Van has roamed throughout Salem this summer, helping people connect with others and exercise their brains and bodies. All ages are welcome at these upcoming events, which promise plenty of fun:
Bush’s Pasture Park Pop-up, Thursday, August 22, 10 a.m.-noon on Mission Street near the base of the Soap Box Derby Track. Staff and volunteers will offer refreshments, a fun drop-in craft activity with beads and a Tai Chi session.
Zucchini Races at Salem Saturday Market, Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 865 Marion Street NE. Zucchini is abundant this time of year. Bake, roast, fry and even make noodles out of zucchini, but be sure to race them first! All entries are free. Zucchini will be available, along with wheels and axles, tools and accessories to decorate a zucchini racer. The Zuke 500 Pit Crew will be available with expert assistance.
Let’s Dance, Sunday, August 25, 6-9 p.m., Gerry Frank | Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. Enjoy a community sock hop brought to you by Center 50+, the South Salem Senior Center and the Keizer Senior Center. Dance to records from the 50s, 60s and 70s spun by DJ Freddie & KBZY Radio’s Charlie Fox. Admission is $5 at the door. Event proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Boys and Girls Club of Salem, and the Center for Hope and Safety.
Bush’s Pasture Park Pop-up, Wednesday, August 28, 9-11 a.m. on Mission Street near the base of the Soap Box Derby Track. The WOW crew will be back with coffee and morning refreshments, and a Watercolor in the Park craft.
The WOW Van serves as a mobile senior center, traveling throughout Salem and approaching wellness in creative and energetic ways, focusing on many aspects of wellness for older adults including:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Social
- Spiritual
- Occupational
- Environmental
Discover where else the WOW Van is going and where it’s been at https://salemor.gov/WhereisWOWNow.
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