Senior center is bustling with summer activities, services

Some older people may self-isolate, not feel good about themselves and could be grieving a lost partner or other loved one. April Caruso, director of the Spencer Council on Aging/Senior Center, wants those individuals to know that they do not have to be alone and they are always welcome at the very active senior center, located at 68 Maple Street in the former schoolhouse.

Open Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seniors can get a range of help with everything from filling out forms for fuel assistance and SNAP (food stamps) to MassHealth, Medicare, Prescription Advantage and more.

But services extend far beyond medical advice, blood pressure and wellness checks and visits with a podiatrist—all which are offered. The center’s programming is also designed to address the recreational and social needs of elders.

Caruso explained that the facility has ample space and features on two floors including a double exercise room, fully equipped gym, two pool tables, a kitchen, thrift shop and library with a 75-inch TV.

Rarely is there a time or day without something going on.

Caruso noted it is the seniors themselves who determine what they would like to do – offering input on sign-up sheets. If 10 or more people show interest, the activity is generally put in place.

For example, beginning new this week on Wednesday, July 17, at 10 a.m., there will be a Hip Hop dance class. She said seniors also recently expressed an interest in a couples’ class on square dancing.

Exercise and wellness offerings are plentiful with low impact aerobics on Mondays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Fit for Life exercise classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Tai Chi on Wednesdays, 11:a.m. to noon; and line dancing on Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 1: 30 p.m. for advanced participants and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for intermediate/beginners.

On the air-conditioned first floor, Caruso said, coffee socials are held on Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and free water and coffee is also available at the center. It is also one of the town’s cooling spots.

For those who prefer games, cribbage (Mondays, 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) and Bingo (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) are offered and in the fall, at the Memory Café, caregivers for people with brain disorders gather to hear speakers, enjoy live entertainment and snacks/beverages and also play memory games.

Crafters can join groups for sewing on Monday afternoons and croquet and knitting on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Caruso pointed out that a quilter’s group created more than 50 quilts and pillow cases and donated them to the police and fire departments along with stuffed animals for children and adults in crises.

And if that is not enough, Movie Mondays happen the second Monday each month with matinees; free manicures are given on the first Thursdays; and guest speakers come in once per month to provide information and/or talk about town projects, etc.

Hot lunches by Tri Valley Chartwell’s Catering are served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. for $3.

Caruso recognizes it may be difficult for a senior to visit the center for the first time but she assures people they will discover a “warm and very friendly” atmosphere.

“People see others they went to school with all the time,” Caruso said, “or have kids who grew up together or other connections.”

They set up a reception area in the back hall and utilize senior workers to help each other out.

“It can be challenging to first come in,” Caruso said, adding that she would be happy to meet visitors at the door and show them around so they do not feel alone or awkward.

“Sometimes, there are misconceptions that it is like a nursing home. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Caruso said. “It’s a very active place with seniors of any age. We even have a person who is 102-years-old!”

The director noted that approximately 400-500 people come through the center’s doors weekly and not all of them are Spencer residents. She said seniors from Holden, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Auburn, Leicester and other communities participate in activities like bingo.

“We are a very inviting community here and welcome (everyone) with open arms,” Caruso said. “It’s a great place to be.”

Next up is a July 31 cookout/chicken BBQ with live entertainment. Supported by the Friends of the Elderly, cost is free for seniors age 60 and over and $5 for others.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-885-7546.