Senior Center provides a social hub ‘for everybody’

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

The guest speaker was Floyd County Sheriff Jeff Crooks, along with some of his deputies, who answered questions.

The meal was homemade tuna casserole, along with some spinach salad.

The post-meal conversation was lively, and the talking points varied widely — from grandchildren to health, from clean jokes to travel, from local issues to the weather — and everything in-between.

It was just another Wednesday at the Senior Center in Charles City.

“We have excellent programs,” said Judy Hauser, the center’s co-recording secretary. “I love the programs because you hear from the people themselves.”

Hauser said she particularly liked the presentation by the Sheriff’s Office that day.

On a typical Wednesday, the program might include a presentation or performance by a student group from the district, or someone from school administration “to tell us what’s going on.” Sometimes officials from the city will come to talk, and sometimes a musical group will perform.

This Wednesday it will be live music by Sam Crosser. Entrees on this week’s menu include salisbury ground beef, crunchy pollack and oven fried chicken. All the food that’s served Mondays through Fridays is donated by members.

“The Senior Center provides a social hub for people in the area,” said Vonda Cummins, who serves as co-secretary, along with Hauser. “It is a wonderful place for singles and couples who do not wish to cook or eat alone to meet and get an excellent meal at a reasonable price.”

Goldie Jordan, who has been active at the senior center for at least 30 years and served as secretary for several of those years, said the meals are usually “very likable.”

“There are some things I don’t eat, but sometimes I’ll still come,” she admitted. “I come here to meet people and talk to them, and exchange our feelings about the place.”

The center hosts public Bingo on Tuesday nights, which Hauser said is a “cash cow” for the center. It also provides a number of resources and activities for senior citizens, including blood pressure clinics, fitness classes and income tax counseling.

“I come here for the programs and to visit with everybody, and the food is delicious,” said Carol Tyler, who has been coming to the center for about four years now.

Cummins said, “It also provides a place where groups can meet to play cards or pool, or participate in programs that keep them in tune with the current issues in the area.”

On Sunday, the center will host its annual Fall Fling from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to the public. For just $8, participants can get a dinner of maid-rites, beans and cheesy potatoes — and a choice of some highly-regarded pies. The Fall Fling also includes a silent auction of “donated treasures.”

Hauser said the annual event is the center’s biggest money maker.

The day also serves as a membership drive — new members can join for $10. Members are entitled to card games and shooting pool, free coffee and rolls on a cold winter Saturday, an open invitation to the annual Christmas party and $10 off renting the facility — which typically costs $75. The center is used for bridal and baby showers and wedding and funeral receptions, among other events.

Hauser said that the Senior Center often struggles to keep the doors open, and new members are the best way to combat that.

“We want to save this place,” she said. “In the last year we’ve lost between 12 to 15 members because they’ve either died or they’ve gone to a nursing home or gone to live with their children. We’re trying to get more people, and younger people to come. It’s for everybody.”

Many of the members said that the Senior Center gives them a reason to get up in the morning, get dressed and get out of the house.

“My kids really like me to come here, because then they know I’m getting one good meal,” said Mae Rodamaker. “My husband died six months ago, and I’m just not cooking. If I come over here and eat, they know I’m getting something I should be having.”

Paid for by donations, the building is debt free, with no monthly mortgage. Monthly bills include utilities, maintenance, upkeep and insurance.

In the mid-1970s, Charles City Mayor Leo Schula and some other local leaders helped form Charles City’s Senior Citizens Club, and initial meetings were held at the Carnagie Library in town. At that time, there was national and statewide sentiment to provide seniors with nutritious congregate meals, and several programs were launched.

Senior citizens in Charles City met and dined at various locales, and the outings became popular, so participants began looking for a permanent location, where the meals could be made and served and where other events could be held.

Enough money was raised, the property was donated by the city, and construction began on the building in July of 1984. The center opened in June of 1985.