Kids put on patriotic show for Wadsworth-area seniors

WADSWORTH — A group of kids dressed in red, white and blue sang the national anthem and other patriotic songs, read poems and played trivia with a group of seniors at the Soprema Senior Center on Wednesday. Sophie Shifferly, the program director at the Wadsworth YMCA, said the kids featured in the performance are part of the YMCA's summer day camp, and it is a tradition to perform a patriotic show for seniors. "I think it just shows their personality, and it's something that they all look forward to," she said. "The kids from last year that are returning this year were begging that they do the Fourth of July show. It just brings out the best of them, and they get so excited and nervous, and they just have the best time with it." Shifferly said the coolest part of the program is bringing different generations together. "They might not even know about the senior center, so it's getting them involved here, getting their foot in the door and seeing the great facility that they have over here," she said. "There's so many different things that add on to this (event)." The Soprema Senior Center will have another event open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18. The annual Christmas in July car show and craft fair will feature music, food specials for purchase at the Soprema Café, homemade ice cream by Roger Havens and a visit from Santa Claus. Entry is free, and local judges will decide on more than 12 categories for the car show in which winners receive prizes and dash plaques. Those who are interested can make reservations for their car by July 9 or until the event is full by calling (330) 335-1513 or stopping by the center at 617 School Drive. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.