Three North Clark County senior groups came together this month for a first-of-its-kind holiday social that focused on connection, collaboration and giving back during the holiday season.
Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc., RetireRidgefield and the Woodland Senior Enrichment Group held the event Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Battle Ground Senior Center. Roughly 75 seniors from across Southwest Washington attended, filling the room with conversation, coffee, desserts and raffle prizes while meeting people from neighboring communities they may not have met before.
The groups also organized a donation drive to support local families in need ahead of the holidays. An estimated 50 pounds of nonperishable food was collected for the North County Community Food Bank in Battle Ground. Clothing items were also donated to the Ridgefield School District’s Family Resource Center.
The idea for the gathering came from RetireRidgefield Founder and Organizer Charles Petitjean, who wanted to bring the groups together for the holidays.
“I just thought, hey, it’d be neat if we all got together and supported one another, not viewing us as like these segregated organizations, but try to give an opportunity for cross collaboration so that each of our members could see what all these other groups were doing,” Petitjean said.
Petitjean said the turnout and energy in the room indicated interest in additional shared events in the future, especially for seniors new to the area.
“It was fun to see them talking to other folks that they didn’t know who were from either Battle Ground or Woodland, and got feedback from them afterwards that they really enjoyed meeting these people,” he said.
Battle Ground Senior Citizens volunteer Lori Lindberg said the event allowed seniors to socialize during a time of year that can feel isolating for some.
“I just think it’s another fabulous opportunity for seniors to prevent isolation, to get out and meet new people,” Lindberg said. “It’s very important to remain active and involved, to age healthily.”
Petitjean said attendees expressed interest in additional joint gatherings. Some are interested in possibly making the holiday social an annual tradition or adding a summer gathering
Beyond the donations and activities, Lindberg said the event reflected the strength of the senior community in North Clark County and its willingness to support one another and local families during the holidays.
“I just think it’s great that the community rallies around senior events and donates needed items,” she said.
