Carnival With a Cop offers fun, builds trust
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on June 13, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Ada Cooper plays ladder ball against Brian Elder from the Goldsboro Police Department during Carnival with a Cop Tuesday at the Peggy Seegars Senior Center.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Shirley See competes against Andrew Nail with the Goldsboro Police Department in the balloon pop during Carnival with a Cop Tuesday at the Peggy Seegars Senior Center.
Full SizeRegulars and visitors to the Peggy Seegars Senior Center were hosted to a fun-filled day Tuesday with the second annual Carnival With a Cop.
Six Goldsboro police were on hand during the event, which started at 9 a.m., and included music, games and prizes.
"It is a day to get out of the house and a day to get away from stress and a day to just come and relax," said Mary Hardy, who visits the senior center once a week. "I have made a lot of good friends here."
At the center, located at 2001 E. Ash St., participants played an array of indoor games with officers, including a miniature hole-in-one golf game, a bean bag toss and a balloon game.
Paula Edwards, Peggy Seegars Senior Center director, said the carnival is a great way for people to connect with law enforcement.
"This helps our seniors feel comfortable with officers," she said. "It also provides a window of opportunity for seniors to share any safety concerns they may have in the community."
Goldsboro police officer Marissa Davis said it felt good to be part of the carnival.
"We just wanted to let seniors know that they are a vital part of our community, and that we love and care about them," Davis said. "Oftentimes, seniors can be forgotten, but here at the senior center, they are so active and are just an important part of our community.
"It has been a great day to see the seniors just having fun."
The carnival offered fun, all in a competitive environment.
"It is always fun to see seniors compete with an officer and actually win," said Rob Phillips, senior center program manager.
Exercise opportunities were also part of the day, with Lisa Weston, senior center exercise instructor, offering exercise to music where participants kept pace to the rhythm of the music.
Weston regularly selects exercises from the Arthritis Foundation, which helps keep older adults living healthier lives.
Each day, the center offers an array of actives that are designed to help seniors stay active. A computer room is available onsite that allows seniors time to enhance their computer skills. According to research, active seniors live longer and healthier lives.
In January, members plan to take a 10-day Caribbean cruise. For more information about the trip, contact Hermanita Harris at 919-705-1784.