LANDRUM–There is a new community event catering to the young at heart in Landrum. The Fifty Upstate organization specializes in making those whose families have grown ups to have a constant inviting place to enjoy fun with others. 

 

Fifty Upstate has eight aging well centers throughout Spartanburg County, with one location being in Landrum. 

 

The group has been meeting since August and has grown quickly. Fifty Upstate uses the Train Depot in Landrum for their Aging Well center. With grants from the Spartanburg Regional Foundation and the Appalachian Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, this “do well for the soul” organization is able to function.

 

For the foothills community, fifty upstate goers have the opportunity to go and enjoy all of the activities Fifty Upstate has to offer twice a week. The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Daily schedules vary. On some occasions there will be guest speakers or special visitors, like the O.P. Earle dance teams. 

 

Other activities include playing bingo, various exercises and special crafts. And this group loves to dance. A meal is also included in their time together. 

 

Executive director, Yvonne Harper describes the get together as starting kindergarten again.

 

“You remember in kindergarten where it did not matter what you wore or looked like, you just played with everyone because that was how it went, that’s exactly what these events do for our guests.” Harper says. “Everyone who comes just wants someone to interact with and these event days do that for those who join in on the fun.  It is no surprise to see them show up thirty minutes early just so they can talk with everyone in the room before we start.” 

 

It is very obvious that all who attended the event were excited to be in the company of others. Many of the members were chatting and giggling as if they had been friends for decades when in reality they met in August when Fifty Upstate started in Landrum. 

 

Shelby Ward, site manager for the Landrum location said, “ [She] loves the community that comes along with fifty upstate and how diverse it is.” 

 

This organization is growing rapidly throughout Spartanburg County, but Harper made sure to say, “all is invited to join in on the fun they have at the Depot every week.”

 

Harper ended with this, “Life is a beautiful ride, so let’s enjoy it together.” 

by Carson Parnell