Southeast Senior Services provides seniors with door-to-door transportation in Haines. They offer rides for shopping, medical appointments, the ferry terminal or airport. Through coordination with the Alaska Arts Confluence, the service has expanded to include cultural events.
Alaska Arts Confluence board member Cheri Price explains the change.
“I went to Cari O’Daniel, she is the director for the senior center in Haines, and I let her know that there is a need in our community for seniors to attend art events. And she said yeah, she thought the van could be made available but she needed to get permission from Juneau. So she said ‘Check back with me in two weeks.’ I made a note in my calendar and I checked back and she gave happy news that they approved. So now, seniors in our community can attend those events if they need a ride.”
Price says the increased service will benefit both seniors and artists
“The Alaska arts confluence is working on putting out a schedule of events so people know. Because, then they can come out and support the arts and the artists in our community.” Said price.
Rides are offered weekdays at 766 2383. Some advance notice is required to ensure a driver will be available. Reservations have to be made by 1.30pm on Friday to book a ride for the weekend’s events. The van serves the town site as far as the cannery, the airport and the ferry terminal. Anyone over sixty qualifies for the service.
“We want that community to be able to enjoy the arts. To go to First Friday, for example. Now they can. It’s entirely free for seniors.” said Price.
The service is also available to people with disabilities.
