BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
OK Boomers, this is for you: Bradford County’s Senior Center helps our elders stay physically and mentally fit as a fiddle.
Our Bradford County Senior Center has recently reopened after a long COVID-19 hiatus. It became a Health Department testing site, so the programs were halted for more than a year. But, they’re back in business now.
For those regular attendees of the many programs offered, that’s really good news. If you are among the target population of 50 or over and haven’t checked it out for yourself, read on to see if one of the programs, from woodcarving to Zumba, piques your interest. You can take part or offer a talent you’d like to share. After all, where else in our area will you find such a diverse selection of activities?
The Senior Center has come a long way since its beginning in 2012. It was the forward-thinking wisdom of then Commissioner John Cooper and a citizens’ advisory board. They determined our older population deserved a dedicated space to provide programs for graceful aging and a chance to exhibit well-earned creativity. Success!
Under the leadership of Director Diane Gaskins, the Senior Center has constantly evolved to meet the changing needs and talents of our community.
We’ll be featuring a few articles in the next few weeks that detail many of the programs offered, starting with those requiring physical exhilaration, such as Zumba, Chair Yoga/Tai Chi and line dancing.
Next we’ll focus on the creative genius displayed by our residents. The Sunshine Quilters are award winners in their artistic patterns. They constructed a quilted “map” of Bradford County that is jaw-dropping, but that’s just one representation of their numerous designs. Other artisans we’ll feature include the sewing group; the knit, crochet and needlework group; and the woodcarvers.
The Senior Center also opens its doors to nonprofit groups for their monthly meetings and offers special events as well. Monthly groups include the Book Club and the Alligator Creek Garden Club.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is weekly group run by Elder Options that offers advice for seniors on health care, needs such as Medicare choices. By the way, open enrollment for Medicare is October–December, so if you have questions about those options, they’re the ones to consult with. You can even make an appointment to avoid waiting time.
The Senior Center also offers computer access in a quiet room. You could pick up or drop off some jigsaw puzzles for exchange. Or, you could try your luck at bingo once a week on Mondays before getting your heart pumping at Zumba.
Our Bradford County Senior Center is a gem of our community! If you are of the senior set and you haven’t visited yet, you should. With such a broad offering of activities, there is surely something for you.
You can get the monthly schedule on Facebook or link to them from the county website. If you have an idea you or your group would like to incorporate, or have a question, give Diane a call at 904-368-3955. See you there!
The Bradford County Senior Center is located at 1805 N. Temple Ave. in Starke. If you have any questions or would like further information on any activities or events, please call 904-368-3955. A calendar of events can be found at www.bradfordcountyfl.gov, click the senior center picture.
SHINE — Medicare
Medicare open enrollment will begin Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. SHINE representatives will be available to council you on finding the best insurance and prescription plans for your needs. Turning 65 soon? SHINE counselors are standing by to help you navigate the Medicare maze so that you can make informed decisions. Come get the help you need every Wednesday from 1–3 p.m.
Yoga and Tai Chi
Need to improve your balance? Maybe you’re having issues with range of motion in a shoulder knee or hip. The senior center offers classes to help with these issues. Join us for Chair Yoga and Tai Chi Hour on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
One hour three times a week will improve range of motion and balance, and refresh the mind. For a more advanced yoga class, join us for one hour every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m.
Zumba Gold
For the active senior, 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 Mondays at 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Participants enjoy easy-to-follow moves with exciting rhythms. So much fun, you hardly notice you’re exercising.
Line dancing
Come kick up your heels in our line dancing classes. Line dancing is a great way to get no impact exercise. Easy instructions are taught by our line dancing teacher. Classes are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Book club
Book Club offers participants a chance to experience literature in a more interactive way. Members will get up close and personal with different genres of books. Each member of the book club will focus on the same book and then meet for discussion on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Wood carving
Stop in and see what the Bradford Senior’s Wood Carving Group is up to. Class meets every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m.–noon. Not a wood carver? No problem, we have a great instructor, and in no time you will be whittling away the hours.
Crochet and Knit Group
Come join us every Thursday at 3 p.m. for our Crochet, Knit and Needlework Group. Beginners to experienced and those in between enjoy getting together to learn how to do all types of needlework, plus share ideas, projects and patterns.
Starke Sewing Group
The senior center hosts the Starke Sewing Group every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, from 9–11 a.m. Learn about patterns, fabrics and techniques involved in sewing. Beginners to advanced are welcomed.
Sunshine Quilters
The Sunshine Quilters is another talented group that meets at the senior center. Learn new techniques and ideas, and help quilt projects for the community. Sunshine Quilters get together on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 1–3 p.m.
