Scotland County seniors took their seats in the movie theater to participate in free movie day.
LAURINBURG —Wednesday, the Laurinburg Cinema hosted “Senior Citizens Day at the Movies.”
This event was free for all senior citizens 55 and older who previously registered.
Seniors were provided with free popcorn, drinks, candy, and the movie Secondhand Lions.
The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office and Parks and Recreations partnered together with the Cinema to host this event.
Scotland County Sheriff Lt. Darryl Ford was the “brains behind the operation” and played a big part in putting this event into action.
Ford said that some of the seniors in the community can feel alone at times, and this event could be used as an opportunity to show that the community still cares for them, as well as seniors being able to enjoy things outside of their homes.
“We kind of realized that (the seniors) feel lonely, some of them feel abandoned, some of them don’t get the chance to get out of the house a lot,” said Ford.
Ford added that he wasn’t sure of how the event would turn out, but it exceed his expectations and there could be another movie event in the future.
Ford also noted that if it wasn’t for Tammy Jacobs, Senior Programs Coordinator of Scotland County Parks and Recreation, and owner of Laurinburg Cinema Jack Coan, this event would not have been possible.
Misti-Laurel Loan, the Activity Coordinator at Scotia Village, was able to bring 31 residents to the movie.
Loan said that many of her residents are 90-plus years old and haven’t been to a movie in years.
“A lot of them are 90 plus and today we were able to bring 31 residents,” said Loan. “Several were from our skilled nursing and our assisted living because this trip was so close.”
Scotia Village brought a 99-year-old, and a 94-year-old who both said they haven’t been to the movies in years.
The mentor and community service group The Blue Blazers, were also a part of the event, where they assisted the seniors around to the seats and brought them their popcorn and drinks.
James McLean, the founder of the Blue Blazers group at Carver Middle School, said, “I think this event is a fantastic thing. Anytime you can get the elder residents of the community out and about and moving, and show them some love, it is something we can be all about.”
Owner of the Laurinburg Cinema Jack Coan said that he enjoyed the turnout and thought the event went well.
“I think we had a great turn out, it went well, all the local departments like Scotia Village did a great job of getting everybody here, and getting them here safely,” he said.
Calvin McIntyre who attended the event said that something like this is great for the community, and it makes them feel appreciated.
“It makes me feel really good. I saw it in the paper and said it was a great idea,” said McIntyre. “Especially with the Sheriff’s department working in with it because that makes me feel safe in here.”
McIntyre also noted that this event is great for catching up and seeing friends he hasn’t seen in a while.
“Enjoying a good movie and seeing fellow seniors we hadn’t seen in a while so it’s a good time of fellowship. It’s a really good thing and I really appreciate it,” said McIntyre.
Questions about future events for senior, contact Jacobs at 910-277-2585, or visit www.scotlandcounty.org