BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
STARKE — If you think of Bradford’s elder citizens as members of the Over the Hill Gang, then you haven’t met Ms. Cool and the Gang at our Bradford County Senior Center. That would be the center’s director, Diane Gaskins, and the very cool seniors who participate in the variety of programs offered.
Della Covington, a regular participant in programs, thinks the Senior Center is where the “cool” folks hang out. “I come because we have a lot of fun and we love it. We’re young at heart.” When Diane mentioned the AARP safe driving program, Della, who is legally blind, laughingly asked if she was going to learn to drive!
If you can claim a half century or more on the planet, then the Bradford Senior Center is the coolest place to spend some time this summer. In a pleasant and comfortable space, there are activities to get your blood pumping and others that focus on getting creative juices flowing. But, no matter what activity you choose to take part in, you’ll find kind, vibrant and downright amusing people to share experiences with. Even if you just need a little laughter and acceptance in your life, you’ll find joy abounds at the Senior Center.
It is true that we seniors have our own special wisdom and talents to share, but also true that we have unique constraints that pose challenges for us. The Bradford Senior Center addresses those specific needs.
Margie, 70, had a stroke four years ago and credits the Senior Center with being a big part of her recovery. Now she loves the continued benefit she gets from Zumba and the other physically challenging activities.
Coping with creaky and sometimes painful joints is one of those typical aging challenges. Tai Chi for Arthritis is a new program from Elder Options that seeks to address this constraint on senior mobility. Try Chair Yoga/Tai Chi for a tranquil exercise movement to help with range of motion, balance, reduce stress and offer arthritis pain relief.
Have you put on a few pounds lately that you’d like to shed before donning shorts and T-shirts during the hot summer months? Are you likely to put on a few more by becoming a couch potato, avoiding the humidity by hanging out in the A/C? Then, you should come and try some of the energy pumping activities tailored to your own abilities at your own pace.
ZUMBA Gold classes are a great way to get an hour of exercise. Zumba Gold is a low- to no-impact dance fitness class. Join the fun three times per week. Participants enjoy easy-to-follow moves with exciting rhythms. So much fun, you hardly notice you are exercising. Another class that will get you up and moving is Line Dancing.
Are you thinking you’d like to pick up a new indoor hobby to engage your creative talents this summer? If COVID isolation has left you bored and craving for social interaction, rejoice in the opportunity to share your talents with other artisans of woodcarving, sewing, crochet/knitting, needlework or quilting. Beginners are always welcome! Don’t be shy.
The center is also a place where local community groups sometimes hold their meetings and offer informative presentations. You can join local clubs that stimulate your mind, such as Book Club, or get your hands in the dirt with the Alligator Creek Garden Club.
Garden Club president, Paul Still, and wife, Kathy, have been coming to the Senior Center since it opened the doors in 2012. Kathy participates in a variety of the programs there, including Zumba and quilting, and Paul takes advantage of the great internet speed and quiet conference room to get some work done. There is even a fully outfitted computer room for those who don’t have home access.
Need advice on issues that matter to seniors? Elder Options provides numerous programs of interest to seniors. SHINE, acronym for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, is a free unbiased program that offers information and counseling on Medicare options.
It’s been a hard couple of years for the Bradford County Senior Center, having to shut the doors to the usual activities and participants in order to accommodate COVID testing. But, they’re back in action and anxious to see old friends and make new ones. Come join the fun and be one of the cool kids.
The center is located at 1805 N. Temple Ave. in Starke. You can reach them at 904-368-3955.
