The sense of accomplishment as one conquers a situation which might otherwise be out of reach is very powerful. The Silver Sampler Summer Seniors offered a new set of outdoor recreation experiences for seniors 55 and over who live within the service area of the Marquette Senior Center. With a goal of introducing seniors to new hiking trails and water pathways and hopefully revisiting some of the special places they discovered in the past. The $500 grant from the Community Foundation was used to engage Senior Citizens in outdoor activities to enhance their physical, emotional and community growth and increase awareness and skills in outdoor recreation in and around Marquette. Participants have been able to explore numerous outdoor venues (hiking and kayaking) and have also been introduced to non-program events such as races, hikes and biking opportunities offered in the community. One returning participant from last year was anxious to rejoin in 2017, she signed up for all the scheduled events. Unfortunately, her husband had a serious stroke. Immediately, group members, the group leader and the project director reached out to offer support. They stayed in contact with her. She later returned to the group saying the group “saved” her!
