Medina County Office for Older Adults brings back summer Picnic on the Patio

MEDINA — Local seniors have the opportunity to socialize in the sunshine this summer as part of the Medina County Office for Older Adults Picnic on the Patio series. The first 2024 Picnic on the Patio happened Friday on the lower-story patio at the human services building at 246 Northland Drive. Office for Older Adults Director Laura Toth said Picnic on the Patio was brought back in 2022 but paused again last year because of construction on the building's bridge above the patio. The bridge structure was deteriorating and had to be replaced. "Hopefully now this will re-become an annual event," she said. "We like to do this every summer and have two picnics per month." On Friday, seniors were served summertime foods including hot dogs and potato salad while listening to music and trivia from The Music Men. Toth described the event as food, fun and fellowship. "It's a chance for people to get outside, enjoy the weather and just have fun with each other," she said. "We'll have singing and dancing probably at many of them, and they get to get out and have a good time. It's purely a fun social event." The schedule for this year is as follows: Burgers and soulful acoustic music by Chad Hoffman on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Italian sausage and party music from the '50s, '60s and '70s by the Celebration Band on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barbecue pulled pork and Americana, roots and blues music from Grady Miller on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bratwurst and melodic pop and rock music by Greg Crowe on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A luau featuring teriyaki chicken and Scott Sopata performing on the steel drums from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's also one of the only Office for Older Adults events that is open to the public, Toth said. The cost for adults who are 55 years old or older is $5, and it is $6 for anyone else who would like to attend. "This is my first Picnic on the Patio," senior Anna Haverdill said. "It was quite an experience, and I did like it, so I'll be back in two weeks." Senior Gerry Geringer said she attends Office for Older Adults events frequently because the programs keep her mind active, and it is a good way to socialize. Haverdill and Geringer even met and became friends at the Office for Older Adults. "It gives you quite an opportunity to just do a variety of things," Haverdill said. "Otherwise, we'd be sitting at home." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.