The Senior Connection in Hailey is celebrating life and it's sweet. Open for business is the Senior Connection's new ice cream parlor, which will be the site of a Sock Hop fundraising event on Saturday, June 5, from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds will support vital senior transportation programs and Meals on Wheels.
"There's no money and no one is donating," said Senior Connection Executive Director Kim Coonis. "An ice cream shop has never been done, and we need money."
The ice cream shop will help raise funds for seniors in Blaine County and will be run by Senior Connection volunteers. The shop will sell banana splits, large and small sundaes, milkshakes, root beer floats and egg creams.
"We want to get across to everyone that the shop is open to all," Coonis said. "The idea has been in the making for three years. We are so excited and plan to grow it."
The Sock Hop benefit will feature women in poodle skirts, a '55 Mercury and '56 Chevy for display as well as a silent auction with fun items, games, prizes and dancing. The event will also include appetizers, ice cream, chocolate and wine. Tickets are $20 for Senior Connection members, $25 for non-members and $15 for children under 12.
"Everything is abuzz at the Senior Connection," Coonis said. "We had a big Memorial Day with the vets who said it was a different and lively experience. The Senior Connection has classes and movies and it's a fun place all day."
Coonis said her vision for the Senior Connection is to have a country club feel where there is always something happening and seniors do not have to sit home alone.
"We save lives," Coonis said.
She said the Senior Connection is both a lifeline and a family.
"We want the community involved and people need to understand these are not old people. They are here doing things. Where else can you have lunch for $6?"
The Senior Connection is located on 721 Third Ave. S. in Hailey. For details, call 788-3468.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
From left to right, Kris Haynes, Constance Ireland, Diana Sharpless, Barbara Espedal and Kim Coonis get in the spirit at the new Senior Connection ice cream parlor. Photo by David N. Seelig
