Christmas celebration at the Senior Center

Food, sweet treats, live music, games and Christmas Carols were all a part of the annual Christmas celebration Saturday at the Charles City Senior Center.

Entertainment was provided by Gene Parson and Family and Denny Tynan performed on the cello.

The Charles City Senior Center provides a number of resources and activities for senior citizens, including blood pressure clinics, fitness classes, income tax counseling, congregate meals, holiday get-togethers and other programs.

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

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. The center is used for bridal and baby showers and wedding and funeral receptions, among other events.

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.

— By James Grob