Armchair Travel series at Willow Pond brings Spain to seniors
Willow Pond Senior Center is bringing the world to its residents. The new Armchair Travel program, led by Sara Chandler and Lynn Deal Futch, recently transported participants to the colorful streets of Segovia, Spain.
On September 12, 2025, residents of Willow Pond Senior Center embarked on an unforgettable journey, without leaving their chairs. This session of the new Armchair Travel series, hosted by Sara Chandler, Life Enrichment Director, and volunteer Lynn Deal Futch, transported participants to Segovia, Spain, a land of vibrant culture, colorful streets, and unforgettable flavors.
Together, residents explored this beautiful country with curiosity, laughter, and comfort every step of the way.
“Welcome to Armchair Adventures! Sit back, relax, and let your imagination take flight. No packing, no airports, no jet lag, no passports, just the joy of discovery from the comfort of your favorite chair,” Futch opened. “Close your eyes and picture a place full of sunshine, music, and flavor. Bring the adventure to us! Ole!”
Chandler actually spent a semester in Spain and shared her beautiful photos and personal stories, making the experience even more vivid and immersive.
‘Travelers’ received festive fans and castanets, while lively Spanish music filled the room, decorated in bright red and yellow to honor the Spanish flag: a true fiesta for the senses.
Residents also enjoyed Spanish-inspired treats, including tortilla española (potato pancake), paella arancini bites, focaccia with grapes and olives, sweet almond cookies, and manchego cheese.
“This vacation is special to me,” Chandler said. “My residents knew I lived overseas briefly, but we’ve never had a chance to dive deeper into the adventure. This activity brings that opportunity and it brings us all closer together.”
Armchair Travel is designed not only for entertainment but also to foster social connections and encourage cultural exploration.
“Our residents used to travel a lot; some were born overseas and love sharing stories of their homeland,” Chandler explained. “As my mother repeatedly told me, she doesn’t have the energy to travel anymore, so why not bring the world to her and others?”
With the help of slides, audio, and video equipment, residents experienced Spain in a fully immersive way. Physical limitations, finances, or time could not stop anyone from discovering a new place.
“Powered by imagination, Wi-Fi, books, and documentaries, armchair travel blends storytelling and curiosity. In short, armchair travel is stripped down to its most enjoyable elements: discovery, imagination, and comfort,” Chandler said.
Looking ahead, residents will be invited to share their own travel stories or suggest destinations they dream of visiting. Willow Pond’s Armchair Travel proves that adventure is accessible to everyone—one comfortable chair at a time.
Below, enjoy the recipe for the Paella Arancini Bites.
Paella Arancini Bites
- 500 g leftover paella
- 50 g plain flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 75 g breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
With wet hands, divide and shape paella into 12 balls. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg. Mix breadcrumbs with paprika and roll the balls into the crumbs. Chill until ready to fry and serve (or at least 30 minutes) to allow rice balls to firm up.
Fill a deep saucepan 3/4 full with oil. Bring up to 400 degrees. Use a slotted spoon to carefully lower the arancini into the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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