MURFREESBORO, NC – On March 21, 2017 Chowan University hosted over 325 senior-adults at the 11th annual SeniorFEST.

SeniorFEST is a senior-adult event held each spring on the historic campus, highlighting healthy lifestyles, Christian living, and shedding light on issues facing senior-adults today. With special guest speakers, informative breakout sessions, live musical entertainment, classic southern buffet and door prizes, SeniorFEST offered a day full of fellowship and fun for individuals and groups.

Senior citizens from our own town of Murfreesboro, and from hours away gathered to partake in the event. Some participants traveled from as far as Goldsboro, NC and Virginia Beach, VA. They attended an opening session with entertainment provided by Bean and Bailey, America’s New Comedy Duo, followed by breakout sessions facilitated by individuals across multiple disciplines. The sessions included advance care planning, chair yoga, preventing diabetes, Christians of the Holy Land, Christian Millennials, scam and fraud prevention, and writing your life story.

Christina Thomas who was a guest speaker for the Christian Millennial breakout session hosted by Campus Ministry said, “I enjoyed how interested the attendees were in finding new ways to solve current issues in the Church.” Thomas, a millennial herself, spoke to the breakout group about ways millennials may think differently, incorporating concepts of entrepreneurship and creativity. Other speakers included current Chowan University students who shared their own testimonies, highlighting ways they prefer to be engaged by the Church.

The most attended session was scam and fraud prevention. The attendees were eager to learn how to protect themselves in this growing age of technology. Chair yoga was also very popular, requiring ticketed attendance due to limited space in the packed room. Attendees exiting the session had an energy and excitement about them from the experience.. Christians of the Holy Land was hosted by Nicola Khour, Chowan University Associate Director of Admissions, who received rave reviews from many attendees. There was even talk about bringing him back to home organizations to share his knowledge.

Each event had something unique to offer the participants. There were several new participants as well as numerous returning. One participant said she had been attending the event for three years, and each year it just keeps getting better.

During lunch, Bean and Bailey performed again. Audience members were engaged, laughing and singing along during skits. The excitement radiated the room during this time of community.

Lou Ann Gilliam, Director of Church and Community Relations, and organizer of the event said, “Proverbs 17:22 states, ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine.’ I feel like the day accomplished that, providing good medicine through a lot of laughter, fellowship, and learning. Attendees left with cheerful hearts, and are able to utilize the tools acquired at this event in their everyday lives.”