Lots of Moving & Grooving at this Year's Annual Sock Hop Celebration

Published on May 23, 2025

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Wyandotte/ Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging hosted its annual Sock Hop celebration and resource fair at the George Meyn Community Center (631 N 126th St, Wyandotte County Park Bonner Springs, KS) in observance of Older Americans Month.

While moving and grooving to best classic hits, over 200 older adults were able to receive many FREE community resources, games, door prizes, dance competition, lunch, and an overall feeling that the celebration was designed especially with them in mind. Various community organizations provided health and service resources to all that attended.

“It is important that we honor and celebrate the hard work, sacrifices, and legacy that older adults have contributed locally and across the county,” said Ruth Jones, Director of Wyandotte/ Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging. “We are committed to ensuring our older adults remain engaged, independent, and feel supported in their communities."

Through months of planning and collaborative efforts spearheaded by the Wyandotte/ Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging this event hosted tons of community vendors and sponsors to help make this event a huge success. The Unified Government Transportation Department also provided free shuttle transportation to guests from the Area Agency on Aging office to the George Meyn Community Center.

A special thanks goes to the many onsite volunteers, DJ Dale B. from the UG Buildings and Logistics Department, and celebrity dance contest judges, Mayor Tyrone Garner, At Large Commissioner Melissa Bynum, County Administrator David Johnston, and Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic.

Honoring Older Americans Month

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, (ACL), leads the nations Aging network, which consist of up to 640 Area Agencies on Aging, up to 250 Title VI, Native American Aging service providers, and over 20,000 network organizations, in honoring our Older Americans during the month of May. During this time of the year annually, networks all over the country set aside time to recognize the many contributions that older adults make to our community.

The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. The Annual Sock-Hop hosted by the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging aligned directly with the national theme.

Area Agency on Aging Mission and Services

The AAA’s mission is to provide services to older adults and provide them with resources and information, allowing them choices and options to remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible. These community-based services give older adults the opportunity to Age-in-Place and assist with warding off premature institutionalization.

In-Home Homemaker and Personal Care services, Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal Sites, Case Management, Information and Assistance, Legal Services, Hygiene Products, SHICK Counseling, Family Caregiver Support, CHAMPPS meal programs, Newsletter, Enhanced Fitness, are some of the many services offered through the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging.

To get connected and learn more about the Wyandotte/ Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging Department, please visit our website at wycokck.org/aging.