Senior Connect 2026 will bring Wichita-area adults 55 and older together for a free day of information, resources, entertainment and celebration Friday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carl Brewer Community Center, 1329 E. 16th St. N.
Hosted by The Community Voice and the Wichita Council of Elders, the event carries the theme “Living My Life Like It’s Golden” and is designed to help older adults connect, discover resources and live well.
A highlight will be the presentation of the first Senior Legacy Award during a free luncheon for registered participants. This award will be presented to Sandra Rankin, 87, a retired Wichita Public Schools teacher whose community involvement has continued long after retirement.
For nearly 20 years, Rankin has chaired the Wichita Branch NAACP Education Committee, meeting regularly with school board member Diane Albert to discuss issues before the board and concerns affecting children of color. Rankin also coordinates the NAACP’s citywide voter empowerment forums, bringing candidates before the community ahead of elections to answer questions and explain their positions.
She is also active with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and St. Paul AME Church.
Another featured presentation is “Protecting Your Legacy,” an estate-planning workshop led by Wichita native and attorney Olivia Dempsey. The session will cover wills, probate, long-term care and steps seniors can take to protect what they have built.
Think you don’t have enough of an estate to worry about estate planning? That may make planning even more important. When there is less to pass on, protecting those assets and making sure they go where you intend can matter even more.
Senior Connect will also feature health screenings, Connection Sessions, exhibitors and community resources, music, activities, Golden Giveaways and a free Community Legacy Award luncheon. Luncheon seating is limited and advance registration is encouraged.
Admission to Senior Connect is free, but guests are encouraged to register in advance at https://www.communityvoiceks.com/secnior-connect-registration/. Lunch space is limited, so register ASAP.