Ann Hatch, Lorraine McCauley and Helen Wasson pose with a spotted seal during last year's annual senior center picnic at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.
SeaLife center host explains the life cycle of salmon.
Last year's picnic lunch on the trip was joined by Alaska SeaLife Center Executive Director Tara Reimer (center).
Seward Senior Center members will once again visit the Alaska SeaLife Center in January for the "FREEzing Wednesday Picnic". The annual event takes advantage of the free admission the SeaLife center offers on Wednesdays during the cold months, says Seward Senior Center director Dana Paperman. Meal "baskets" are provided, courtesy of the senior center's lunch program, and the visitors are introduced to new exhibits, animal feedings and behind the scenes tours at the SeaLife Center. The picnic closes with a raffle for a one-year SeaLife Center membership, a gift from the Sealife Center.
The Alaska SeaLife Center lies on the shores of Resurrection Bay. Visitors to its "windows to the sea" have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other marine life while learning about the work researchers conduct both in the field and in the center's laboratories.
The center is the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response.
While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state.
This year's picnic takes place Jan. 17, 2018, at noon. RSVP by calling the Seward Senior Center to reserve your picnic basket, 224-5606.
