Margaret Fowler (right) shares a laugh and a free lunch with members of the new Seniors on the Go group during the July 16 meet-up at Tri-Counties Community Center in Marysville. Fowler originally launched the program in the Yuba County foothills and helped bring it to Marysville this year.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – The Tri-Counties Community Center was buzzing with activity on July 16 during the third “Seniors on the Go” meet-up in Marysville. Coinciding with the center’s public health fair, the joint event created a lively, welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all ages — a mash-up that organizers say is here to stay.

“I think we’re gonna keep doing it this way,” said Harry DeHaan, president of the Tri-Counties Community Center. “It’s never any fun when you have these vendors come out just for no one to show up. This way they’re guaranteed an audience, and they can actually target a demographic that needs served.”

Nearly a dozen vendors participated, including the Yuba City Lions Club, which offers free eye exams, glasses and even optical surgeries to those in need — particularly children and seniors.

A local family receives information about a new dental program for children while visiting a vendor booth at the Seniors on the Go and public health fair mash-up at the Tri-Counties Community Center on July 16 in Marysville. Access to affordable dental care was a major topic of discussion among seniors at the event.

“A lot of people are unaware of what we do,” said Don Cornett, past president of the Yuba City Lions Club. “But helping people see, that’s our mission and all the money we raise it stays local.”

As guests lined up for a complimentary baked potato bar, Elicia Stewart — walk manager for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with the Alzheimer’s Association — stopped by to explore the crowd and expressed interest in joining the next event. She was eager to include her organization and affiliates like Sutter Health in future programming.

“This is the community that we’re trying to reach,” said Stewart. “Events like these are instrumental to making sure that those that need it (care/funds) have it.”

A guest at the Seniors on the Go meet-up receives a free blood pressure screening during the health fair at Tri-Counties Community Center in Marysville. Preventative care was a major focus of the day’s offerings.

For Margaret Fowler, chair of the Yuba County Commission on Aging, the day was simply another opportunity to connect with friends. Fowler started “Seniors on the Go” three years ago in the Yuba County foothills (Browns Valley area). The effort has helped county leaders identify and address senior-specific needs in the region — such as providing free firewood to seniors who rely solely on wood-burning stoves for heat.

“One of the reasons why I started it up there is because there’s so many services that don’t come up there,” Fowler said. “The people up here don’t complain, that’s why they live there — to be very self-sufficient. So, we’re here to help support their needs.”

Wanting to bring that same sense of community and service to Marysville, Fowler teamed up with Peggy DeHaan, former director of the Tri-Counties Community Center. DeHaan had been working for two years to establish a senior program in Marysville, and Fowler’s “Seniors on the Go” gave her the breakthrough. DeHaan now also serves on the Yuba County Commission on Aging.

A local senior chats with a representative from LifeWave while exploring alternative health information on stem cell activation patches and pain relief services available at the health fair hosted at Tri-Counties Community Center in Marysville on July 16.

“My goal is to get seniors out of their house and socializing because this is so good for them,” said Peggy DeHaan. “Too many seniors sit at home, and they aren’t familiar with the internet enough to be talking to people that way, and there’s so much isolation — isolation leads to depression — and depression can lead to a decline in basic self-care.”

With funding support from Yuba County, the official Marysville chapter of “Seniors on the Go” is now hosted by the Tri-Counties Community Center. The program invites seniors to gather on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a free lunch and guest presentation. Throughout the week, seniors can also take advantage of other free resources, including arts and crafts sessions hosted by the American Indian Education Program on Monday and Thursday evenings.

“Yesterday our county took a huge step toward providing comprehensive programming for senior citizens in Yuba County,” said District 2 Supervisor Renick House in a public statement on June 25. “We (the Yuba County Board of Supervisors) happily voted to provide the funds necessary to provide services for Yuba County Seniors on the Go at the Tri-Counties Community Center in Marysville. The programming will be two days a week and have monthly luncheons. This is just the start — we will continue to look for opportunities to expand into Linda, Olivehurst and other communities. Thank you to Yuba County Health & Human Services for listening to the asks of our senior community and finding funding for the start of this program.”

Peggy DeHaan stands in front of a bustling room of participants during the Seniors on the Go event and health fair at Tri-Counties Community Center. DeHaan helped spearhead efforts to bring a dedicated senior program to Marysville and now serves on the Yuba County Commission on Aging.

Beyond camaraderie and resources, “Seniors on the Go” is becoming a hub for advocacy, a place where older adults can voice concerns and offer feedback. While many appreciated the resources available at the health fair, one vital service was noticeably missing.

“One thing we do need is help with the dental,” said Fowler. “There’s really nothing for seniors especially up in the foothills. We’re also finding a lot of people either can’t come into town because they lack transportation or won’t come into town for dental because it’s either too long of a drive or their insurance isn’t going to pay for it…we need some type of service.”

Paul DeLong (right) demonstrates an eye testing camera during a health fair event at Tri-Counties Community Center on July 16, joined by fellow Yuba City Lions Club member Don Cornett (left). The club provides free vision screenings, glasses, and even surgical care for those in need.

Many seniors echoed the desire for low-cost or mobile dental options, similar to those provided to schools or underserved neighborhoods. In the meantime, Fowler has partnered with Delta Dental and The Center for Oral Health to get an official assessment on the need.

Currently, “Seniors on the Go” is the only senior-specific program operating in Marysville, which does not yet have a dedicated senior center. Events and activities are hosted at the Tri-Counties Community Center, located at 1830 B Street in Marysville.For more information, call 916-296-1907.