CENTRE COUNTY — If you drop in to any one of the senior centers in the county, you will find a group of older men and women playing cards, making crafts or enjoying coffee and conversations. Many enjoy lunch at the center before heading home by car or, in many cases, by Centre County van. Although the centers have similar programs, each manager and regular attendees add their own unique fingerprint to the activities.
At the Bellefonte Center, Macy Stimely, manager since May, has a lot going on. Since July, the center has changed its former schedule and is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I’m glad to work at the Bellefonte Center and hope to grow it as we work together,” Stimely said. “We will be offering a walk on Mondays in August. Tuesdays are traditionally bingo days and 18 people, plus or minus a couple, come for that. Many take the van for the trips, which are usually once a month. In August the group will go to a cave.”
Throughout September, exercise is on the activity list each Tuesday.
On any given day, Monday through Friday, people come to play cards, enjoy crafting, needle work such as knitting or simply enjoy chatting with other members.
On average, 10 people show up for lunch.
The Centre Hall Center is managed by Paula Snyder, who also works as the manager of the Penns Valley Center. The Centre Hall location is in the fire hall on Witmer Avenue. Centre Hall Senior Center meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and schedules trips on Fridays also.
Penns Valley Center people meet in Madisonburg at 102 Leisure Lane. Penns Valley operates on Mondays and Wednesdays with trips on Friday.
The two centers sometimes share trips and events.
Additionally, the Centre Region Active Adult Center is open in the Nittany mall daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Philipsburg Senior Resource Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Philipsburg Towers at 300 North Front St. and the Snow Show Senior Resource Center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and every other Thursday at 402 South Sycamore Road.
For more information on the Centre County senior centers, visit centrecountypa.gov/349/Senior-Centers.
