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Renovations unveiled at open house

By Peggy Blackburn
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Don’t be deceived by the phrases “senior center” or “senior services” in connection with Wetumpka’s revamped program for the older crowd. DeLane Poague, the city’s new director of senior services, has lots of enthusiasm and plenty of ideas -- and most are aimed at keeping the 55-plus set active in both mind and body.

Hence the program’s new name -- “PrimeTime” -- geared toward providing health, social, nutritional, educational and recreational activities for retirees and senior citizens.

“We plan to offer country line dancing lessons, computer classes, bridge and other activities,” said Poague. “The programs we have will be based on what people are interested in doing.”

And to gauge those interests, signup sheets were prominently displayed Sunday afternoon during a special open house held to allow the public a look at recent renovations to the Fain Center on Cotton Street. Beginning next Monday, when all of the remodeling work is complete, the senior services program will officially resume residence in the facility.

“I like the way it’s turned out,” said District 2 Councilmember Elaine Lewis. “It’s always been a pretty place, but it’s just beautiful now.

“I’m glad to see so many people here today,” she continued. “I’m excited because we’re expanding programs for our seniors; and I’m excited because I hope more of them will be participating.

“I’m glad to have had the opportunity to be part of this project,” Lewis added. “In a couple of years I’ll be eligible to join them and I want to have a lot of choices of what to do.”

Mayor Jo Glenn greeted attendees and talked about the renovation project and senior services program.

“I’m extremely excited about the turnout for this,” she said. “And we have a wonderful new director who is already working on providing new venues and opportunities for local seniors.”

Poague said one of the new programs is a men’s coffee club that will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m.

“There will be free breakfast and coffee, and they can watch television, read the newspaper, or play poker or horseshoes,” she said.

Bobby Murchison, former superintendent of education, said he is already signed up for the coffee club.

“DeLane came to our church and talked to us and explained about it,” said Murchison. “A bunch of us will be coming from there. It sounds like fun.”

Another new program will be “crafts for a cause.” Poague said attendees will create items for hospice patients and children in Department of Human Resources custody.

Other offerings will include exercise classes, cross stitch and theater. The current meal program and morning games will also continue.

Lenora Strickland has volunteered to teach a bridge class, and hopes to attract enough players to form at least three tables.

“We’re going to play and have a good time,” she said. “A group of us have been playing in Montgomery, but we would rather be here.

“The trip is long and gas is expensive; this would be ideal,” said Strickland. “I’ll be teaching beginners, but hopefully we’ll also have some people who have already played, too.

“It’s a great game and it will improve your memory,” she said.

Poague said she would like to eventually expand the center’s programs to include some night and weekend classes and activities. She is also interested in organizing a quilting class or group.

“And, maybe we’ll even plan some day and overnight field trips,” she said. “There are just so many things I’d like for us to do.”

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