The Month of May is Older Americans Month and the Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter of Troy University takes the opportunity to show appreciation to local seniors for making the world a better place for the younger Americans.

On Thursday, Kappa Alpha Psi brothers, hosted a fish fry picnic and invited all the Older American within shouting distance to come celebrate with them. And, more than 200 Older Americas accepted their invitation.

Ernest Powe, chapter president, said the Colley Senior Complex and the Troy Nutrition Center have standing invitations to the annual fish fry but all seniors are invited.

“We want to celebrate the contributions of all our Older Americans,” Powe said. “They are all welcome.”

And a good time was had by all, said Catherine Jordan, Colley Senior Complex director.

“It was a perfect day for a picnic and a wonderful way to recognize and celebrate our older Americans right here in Troy and Pike County,” Jordan said. “There’s no way that we can ever thank our Older Americans for all they have done for us over the years. Their contributions have made Pike County and Alabama a better place to live and work and we owe them a world of thanks.”

Jordan also expressed appreciation to Kappa Alpha Psi and all the volunteers for their outpouring of gratitude for the Older Americans.

Powe said the thanks were appreciated but not necessary. The Kappa Alpha Psi brothers were honored to be able to do something for the senior adults of Pike County during Older American month.

“This is our fourth year to host the fish fry for the senior adults,” he said. “We have 18 members of our Troy ‘State’ alumni chapter and we are blessed to be able to do this for the older Americans in Troy and the surrounding areas.”

The Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter members recognized that older Americans are, too often, an underserved group. So, they decided they wanted to do something to let them know they are appreciated. That’s how the brothers got involved with the annual fish fry at the Colley Senior Complex.

“The fish fry is one way we can give back to those who have given so much,” Powe said.

The alumni chapter assumes the financial responsibility for the fish fry and most of the funding comes from the membership.

“We have a few fundraisers – car washes – things like that,” Powe said. “But most of the money comes out of pocket and we are just proud and blessed to be able to give back to these amazing people. Their smiles are worth it all.”