The wheels on the Sumner Senior Center’s bus go round and round – to destinations like farmers’ markets, casinos, fine restaurants and even an annual oyster feed.

Denise Schultz has been behind the wheel of each of those trips for the past five years. As trip coordinator, she considers members’ requests for the twice-monthly excursions, which are limited to 14 passengers each.

At an average cost under $14 per trip, the adventures’ popularity have quickly gained speed. “They fill up three to six months in advance, which makes me real happy,” Schultz said. “I see the benefits to the seniors because they enjoy themselves. Some don’t drive, so this gets them out of the house or apartment.”

Senior Services Program Coordinator Linda Clagert also saw the benefits to the trip program. “It’s a chance to not only be together on the bus and have fun, but some of them may not have someone to get in the car with and just go,” she said.

Schultz said she enjoys not only planning, driving and accompanying the seniors but enjoys the camaraderie – as evident in a March trip to Cabela’s in Lacey, Wash. Dressed in a black rain slicker with brightly-colored polka dots and matching boots, it didn’t take long for her to get the trip off in high gear with the seniors’ good-natured joking.

“You’ve got your polka-dotted rain boots on,” exclaimed one member. “Are you waitin’ for a flood?”

“Yep,” she answered. “I’m ready!”

The bus filled with laughter. She glanced up in her rearview mirror and smiled at the passengers. “I wore my make-up this morning just for you,” she said, followed by more laughter.

She treasures the relationships she’s built with her senior passengers. “I like the fact that we have a small group,” she said. “We really get to know each other and because it’s just myself over-seeing the trips, I can talk with everyone and enjoy the trips.”

Each of the center’s trips are well-liked, but visiting the annual Brady’s Oyster Feed in Westport, Wash., and trips to the casinos always win top honors. Other destinations have included adventures to Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Pike Place Market.

And with each mile the wheels push, three things are clear: Schultz loves her seniors, the trips and the memories.

“The fun we have with the program is very important,” she said. “The seniors worked all their lives to have fun in their latter years, as I plan on doing.”

Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@courierherald.com or 360-802-8210.