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Senior News January, 2003 Vol. 22. No. 1
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
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Del Norte Senior Center More people, more options, growing energies mark community center by Sharon McKinney The Del Norte Senior Center, 1765 Northcrest Drive, is a lively place and becoming more of a community center every day. When Cyndie Brande became the executive director in August 2000, the facility was underutilized. She has brought new vision to the center and its potential as a place for seniors and community members of all ages. Cyndie wants seniors to "own" the center, to develop activities and programs that they want and need to keep their minds and bodies active and stimulated. The nutrition program, both the on-site lunch program and the home delivered meals, have doubled in number. Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the rectangular tables were replaced with round tables that make conversation more enjoyable. Many people from the community come on the last Friday of the month for the birthday lunch. Some bring their parent or older relative to introduce them to the center and its socializing opportunities. Service clubs such as Soroptimists and Shrine Club and The Foster Grandparent program have lunch at the center. There is a separate room for this purpose. AARP holds its monthly meeting with a catered dinner. The next phase in the nutrition program will be frozen meals for the home bound participants so that they can have well balanced meals on the week-ends. Eventually, the home deliveries will go to the outlying areas of the county, such as Gasquet, Hiouchi and Klamath. Activities that are open to all include card games including pinochle and bridge, a variety of classes and interest groups. The monthly calendar gives the times for two computer classes, crocheting, ballet, photography, line dancing, and writing groups. Five computers are equipped with high speed connections and one connected computer for the sight impaired. The goal is to have something going on at all times so that anytime a senior drops in they will find an activity to stimulate and entertain individual interests. Besides the AARP meeting, the facility is also used in the evening by a folk dance group and a model airplane club. The beautiful rooms can be rented for receptions and public gatherings that can include the use of the complete kitchen facilities. The programs would not function without the dedicated volunteers. Cheerful greeters and people who answer questions and direct visitors are important assets to the center. All ages of people are welcome to come and participate in the many places for volunteers-from setting the tables for lunch to leading classes, from working in the gift shop to tending the needs of the frail or handicapped seniors, and from stocking the salad bar to clearing up after the meal. The more the merrier-new volunteers find a rewarding experience in this warm and inviting setting. Cyndie has future goals and a wish list. She would enjoy having an activities director-someone who would schedule classes and events and be sure that materials were supplied. She would be delighted to have someone come in about four times a year to decorate for the seasons and perhaps the holidays too. In the next five years, Cyndie hopes to have full utilization of the building and expansion to include a separate activities facility to promote the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of all community members. Sharon McKinney of Crescent City is a board member of the Del Norte Senior Center where she is especially enjoying the new Tuesday vegetarian lunches. Her e-mail is sjmck@earthlink.net. |
Senior News 