Community Center offers plenty for seniors

DAYTON – A lot is happening at the Dayton Community Center, especially for local seniors, with tons of activities and now free food being served up each week.

Beginning next week, the community center staff and volunteers will serve meals at 11 am on Wednesday and Friday to area seniors. In the past, seniors were charged $ 3, but a new grant the city received through the Trinity Food Bank and G.R.A.C.E. Initiative is helping fund the program. Funding comes through the Houston-Galveston Area Council.

Anyone interested in participating in the program is asked to call the community center and tell staff they are interest- ed in the program ahead of time.

Seniors also have a monthly covered dish meal on the third Thursday of each month from 11 am – 12 pm, and everyone is invited to enjoy food and fellowship.

There is also a monthly breakfast on the third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am. Seniors have voted on biscuits and gravy as the meal.

According to Amanda Wilson, the community center also offers various programs for seniors each week.

There are currently several opportunities for healthy living, with Sit and Be Fit Chair Yoga every Monday and Thursday, offering a low-impact workout at 12:30 pm.

There is a more intensive workout available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5- 7 pm, and of course, anyone wanting an opportunity to walk in an air- conditioned environment can utilize the community center Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.

Fans of arts and crafts also have options, with the Yarn Club and a monthly craft day.

Dominoes are always fun, and seniors can join in on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm.

There is also an upcoming opportunity for seniors to get involved with the Dayton Senior Group and its activities and organization. The organization’s leadership has recently debated whether to dissolve the group; however, city officials have been working to find a solution to continue the organization’s mission.

At a meeting just before the end of 2022, members met to discuss that future, and Mayor Caroline Wadzeck spoke in hopes of coming to an agreement that would see them pass the torch to future seniors while reminding everyone that activities and meeting area was for seniors and that would not change.

Several individuals joined in that support of continuing the group, including longtime resident Mike George.

“What we have here is a group of dedicated individuals who have given their time and effort to something they no longer feel they want to do. I feel like others can help continue what they have been doing and find new ways to help our senior citizens,” said George.

Anyone interested in taking a leadership role or helping with that group’s mission is encouraged to attend a meeting in the Senior Center next Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 9 am.

Another program the community center offers for area senior civic organizations and clubs is meeting space and time at the center.

Finally, Wilson encourages anyone interested in volunteering with activities or other programs like the South Liberty County Meals on Wheels to reach out.

“ There is more to come,” Wilson said and hoped local seniors take part in building a great community for everyone.

For more information on any programs or to sign up for the free meals each week, call 936-258-6630.