Bonnie Messinger was announced as the winner of the “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow” writing contest sponsored in May at the Bonney Lake Senior Center.

For her efforts, Messinger was presented a first-place certificate and a dinner for two by Senior Service Assistant Staci Guirsch Thursday at the center.

Messinger, 70, said she composed her winning essay the night before the deadline. It was the first time she’s written an essay and it was hand-written on paper.

“I just started right as things came to me,” Messinger said. “I think lots of people have a misconception of older people. We may be old, but we still have a sharp mind.”

The former Bonney Lake resident has resided in Edgewood for 16 years, but has visited the Senior Center several times a week for the past seven years.

Messinger, a housewife, is active in the Orting Eagles Club and has been a past-president three times.

In her spare time, She enjoys crocheting, playing Texas hold ‘em poker, and spending time with family, friends and her close friend, Cliff.

“I have had a great time my whole life,” Messinger added. “We can still have fun at our age.”

She has two children, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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