Local seniors were treated to a morning of fun activities, fellowship and a little silliness thanks to the Senior Citizen’s Center staff with the help of several vendors.
Booths were set up in the rear parking lot of the center with games, a photo booth, pie toss and much more. City officials, law enforcement and the fire chief all participated as targets for the pie toss.Angie Dees, the Director of Senior Citizen’s Programs at the Senior Citizen’s Center stated that the fair was planned to give additional activities to the many seniors that frequent the center and to give some publicity to the public that there is more to the senior center than just a place to gather for a good meal.
According to Dees, there are approximately 120-160 seniors who enjoy activities at the center on a daily basis. Many days, she explained, there are people waiting before 8:00 a.m. when the center opens, to have coffee and enjoy the many activities available. Some of these activities include video games on Wii and Play Station gaming systems, air hockey, pool, 42 tournaments, Bridge, board games, and more. There are also seasonal events, such as a Valentine’s party, Men’s Day, Women’s Day, Easter egg hunt, summer luau, fall festival, and much more. The center is open from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily on Monday-Friday.
In addition to the activities, one of the most important function of the center is their meal program which is supported by the City of Brownwood and the West Central Texas Council of Governments, offering a low cost lunch to senior citizens. Those dining at the Senior Center can eat daily for just a suggested donation of $2. Meals are also available for shut in senior citizens for the same suggested donation of $2.
Dees stated that the meals that are delivered also gives the Senior Citizen’s Program a chance to help check on the welfare of our seniors.
“The meal delivery program is one that is dearest to my heart,” said Dees. “It provides a welfare check daily to make sure these seniors are doing okay. We don’t just knock on the door and leave if they don’t answer, we definitely care for them.” Dees explained that some of the home deliveries are often the only meals some elderly people receive, that some may even portion out Friday’s meal to last over the weekend until the next delivery on Monday. This lack of food can be due to poverty or the elder not being able to fix their own home cooked meals anymore.
The Senior Citizen’s Center also provides some wellness activity for those who participate in the programs. Recently, the center received two ZAAZ machines, which help people passively exercise. Dees explained that the machines help improve oxygen levels, circulation, and help those with leg aches. The machines were made possible by the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WTCOG) and the Texas Department on Aging and Disability. The machines are always in use and have a waiting line throughout the day, according to Dees. She stated that one of the seniors pledged to buy a machine if the Senior Center could match the donation and get an additional one. With this pledge, and the help again from the WTCOG, the Senior Center will have three additional ZAAZ machines by the end of the year.
For more information about the City of Brownwood Senior Citizen’s Center, it’s programs and meals, call 325-646-0550.
Pictured above one senior throws a pie in the face of Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright.
Below are more photos from the field day.
