Seniors staying active at Hodges Senior Center
HODGES — Alison Armstrong, director of the Hodges Senior Center, said the center works to create a welcoming environment where seniors can socialize, stay mentally active, and feel connected to the community.
“We’re a small town, so some days it’s hard to fill the center, and other days more people show up than we expect,” Armstrong said. “It’s a struggle, but it’s always down to coming up with new ideas. But we’re doing actually pretty good right now.”
The center also relies on volunteers to help carry out activities. Armstrong said volunteer Angela Gray plays a key role in keeping programs running, particularly on days when Armstrong is at nursing school.
“She loves coming because it makes her feel needed and useful, and then we need her,” Armstrong said. “This is how the center is supposed to work.” Armstrong said the center provides a balanced, nutritious meal five days a week, which she said is increasingly important as grocery and utility costs rise.
“In a world where many seniors have to make the choice between good food and medicine or heat, this could be a game changer,” she said. “Having companions to eat with also increases pleasure in and desire for food.”
Armstrong said the center is working to increase participation through surveys which will be sent to current participants and other eligible residents in the community.
A small group of longtime participants, which Armstrong calls the “faithful four,” has attended regularly since she took over, and the center continues working to attract new visitors.
On a typical week, participants gather for card games like Rook and dominoes on Mondays, triviastyle activities, including the center’s “Brain Buster Bowl,” and bingo at least once a week. Other recent activities have included indoor bowling and paintand- sip sessions featuring coffee, tea, and light refreshments.
One newer program, called “Celebrating Our Seniors,” highlights one participant each month with games, interviews and personal tributes from fellow attendees. Armstrong said the program has been an emotional and meaningful experience for participants.
“There were tears all around,” she said. “It was a simply beautiful thing to witness.”
The first honoree was Julia Suggs. January’s honoree is Angela Gray, and February’s honoree will be Zelma Nichols.
Participant Joyce Saad said the center gives her something to look forward to. “I love coming to the center to be with my gal friends. I like the activities, the camaraderie, the friendship,” Saad said. “Sometimes you think, ‘Eh, I don’t want to get ready, but you just got to get up and get out, and you really are glad you came.’” The Town of Hodges is also purchasing a new four-in-one game table for the center, featuring pool, foosball, air hockey and table tennis.
Looking ahead, Armstrong said the center is planning a bowling trip, a Valentine’s brunch, craft projects, light exercise programs, and a new “armchair travel” series, along with other seasonal activities and community projects.
She said the center also plans to create “birthday boxes” containing decorations and cake supplies for local families who cannot afford birthday celebrations for their children.
For information, call the Hodges Senior Center at 205-935-5403, Hodges Town Hall at 205-9353445, the NACOLG Area Agency on Aging at 256389-0500, or message the Hodges Senior Center on Facebook.
