Almost everyone at the Senior Center is in disbelief that 2017 is nearly over. Now it’s time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and identify goals for next year. Our year has been full of activities for our growing number of participants.
The Age of Love
In February, the Senior Center flirted with the idea of finding love at any age with the film “The Age of Love.” The story followed speed daters aged 70-90 and addressed the anxieties, needs and realities of dating at an older age. After the screening, many viewers expressed interest in a local speed dating event.
Lunch & Learn
The Lunch & Learn program launched in March and experienced an increase in attendance at each presentation. The Center invited experts to talk on topics such as budgeting, compassion fatigue for caregivers, lost restaurants and dining trends in Sacramento, and World War II history. Lunch, usually pasta salads or sandwiches, was generously sponsored by longtime supporter Eskaton Monroe Lodge. The success of these events suggests that Senior Center members have an appetite for practical and academic knowledge — as well as a good meal.
Reading Our Lives
Other highlights include the return of Reading Our Lives, an event that showcases the voices and story writing talent of those in Life History Writing class. The Senior Center also hosted another Open House in September with the hope of reaching new seniors with three days of free classes. There are plans to make these events bigger and better in 2018.
Bit Fellowship
Computer classes covering basics, Microsoft programs, and security issues launched earlier this year, thanks to a partnership with Bit Fellowship.
Film Club
The My Story Project’s Popcorn & Movie activity morphed into the new Film Club, a social group for movie lovers. Next year the Senior Center will expand its Wellness Program offerings as well as its computer workshops, art classes and educational presentations.
For Free-Timers Who are 50+
The Senior Center strives to offer engaging, relevant activities and classes for all free-timers who are 50+. Generally speaking, senior centers are important agencies as they provide social interaction, encourage health and wellness, and connect individuals to key resources.
Keep the Senior Center Strong
Keeping Senior Center strong In the spirit of holiday giving, we hope you consider investing in your community by donating to the Senior Center. The center relies on the support of members, neighbors and businesses. Online donations can be made at www.sierra2.org/senior-center or by mailing a check to 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.
By Katie Byram Sierra 2 staff