Charles City Senior Center plans for an eventful holiday season and beyond

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Seniors and others looking for things to do and people to do them with should take a look at the Charles City Senior Center, center supporters say.

December is going to be a big month at the Senior Center as a range of special activities is set to be interwoven with the usual assortment of events.

Holiday programming begins on Saturday, Dec. 10, with a Christmas party scheduled from 1-4 p.m. where guests can enjoy punch, sandwiches and live music to kick off the season.

On Thursday, Dec. 15, Tim Howland of Elma will be visiting for a musical event, followed by the Charles City High School choir stopping in on the 19th for some afternoon caroling.

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Becky Meyer will be at the Senior Center to provide gift-wrapping service to anybody who needs a hand getting everything ready to go under the Christmas tree.

“She wraps them beautifully,” said Senior Center board member Judy Hauser. “She loves to do it.”

Outside of the holiday events, the Senior Center will maintain its usual schedule of programming through the month.

Partnering with Elderbridge in Mason City, the Senior Center offers congregate meals every weekday, weather permitting. Everybody is invited to join for the meal, though Hauser does advise people to call ahead a couple days in advance so that the staff knows how much to make.

Meals are made by the Senior Center’s new head cook, Donna Holland, with help from Linda Radamaker and Bev Grube.

“Those two have been a godsend for us,” said Hauser.

On Dec. 7, Heidi Reams of Floyd County Conservation will stop in for her monthly presentation and Lesley Millus of Floyd County Extension will be there on Dec. 14 to discuss food and nutrition.

“She always brings things so that people can try them out,” Hauser said about Millus.

Floyd County Medical Center also frequently sends a staff member out to make a presentation. Speech therapist Sara Stewart will be there on Dec. 20 to share what she does to help people with speaking issues.

Of course, one of the most popular events at the senior center is bingo night, which is played every Tuesday evening and generally sees 30 to 40 people coming in to compete for the ever growing pot. The games are open to the public.

“We had a $500 winner a few weeks ago,” said Hauser.

Along with the regular bingo night, a special game is scheduled for Dec. 16 where players will compete for McDonalds cards and other prizes. Hauser says they are hoping to make the extra game a regular event at the center.

The Senior Center will be closed from Dec. 23-26, but will be back again with more things to do for the community.

Along with bingo, there are regular card games for people who want to learn a new game, days for crafts, and the occasional movie showing with popcorn. With so much happening, the senior center is looking at hiring an activity coordinator to manage it all.

“There’s just so much going on there and there could be even more,” said Hauser.

Until then, Hauser says that she and the rest of the board members will continue to work on more ways to encourage area seniors to get out and stay active.

“Socialization and friends are so important and we just want to help make that possible,” said Hauser. “Especially in the winter, people need something to do.”