The building might be labeled Eclectic Senior Center, but there is little senior about it.
Yes, some of the services at the senior center on Fleahop Road are intended for the aging population, it doesn’t limit the fun. Director Minnie Johnson said the center’s mission is to get seniors together to stay mentally and physically sharp.
“We want to have fun,” Johnson said. “It helps get you out of the house.”
The senior center services are for those 60 and over and includes lunch Monday through Friday. But it’s not just a group of elderly sitting around and watching the world go by.
“We play cards,” Johnson said. “We play dominos. We play Bingo.”
There are scheduled exercise times and Bible studies at the center, too.
Johnson said everyone is looking forward to a program in December.
“The first part of the month the kindergarten from Eclectic Elementary is going to come and sing Christmas carols,” Johnson said.
Robin Nummy retired to Santuck and was bringing her child to Eclectic Middle School everyday. She saw a chance to volunteer and help the senior center.
“I might as well stay in town,” Nummy said. “Often I go and pick someone up.”
Nummy also sees value in the senior center for the aging population.
“Playing games like cards helps keep minds sharp and the interactions are good for everyone,” Nummy said. “It allows us to keep an eye on each other.”
Entertainment in the winter months is just outside the window looking over the park. In the window is a bird feeder that attracts wildlife.
“There are squirrels, birds,” Johnson said. “They entertain us.”
Johnson said the birds and squirrels can be seen jockeying for position to take advantage of the sunflower seed and more in the feeder.
Nummy does this before helping to deliver meals for those who are homebound managed by kitchen director Pam Haskins.
Nummy starts her route about 11 a.m. and finishes up about 1 p.m.
The meals are funded by the State of Alabama and the Central Alabama Aging Consortium but there is a suggested donation of $1.60 per day. The center also has a handicap van to aid in picking up seniors who are unable to drive.
Once a month there are basic health screenings and sometimes nursing or medical school students help with the checks.
“We have health providers that come and do programs but we don’t know too far in advance when they are coming,” Johnson said. “Everyday we play it by ear.”
The delivery of homebound meals is something Nummy and other volunteers do not play by ear. Every Monday through Friday except holidays the meals are delivered to those who are unable to make it to the senior center.
“Many of them live by themselves,” Johnson said. “This is a good way to check to make sure they are OK. We have been there and found people on the floor and other issues. It is a way to check on elderly.”
Nummy said the center helps seniors when nobody else can.
“Some families are out of state,” Nummy said. “It helps make sure they are fed. It keeps the seniors active. If they don’t have anyone else around, we are here for them.”
Those interested in taking advantage of the programs at the Eclectic Senior Center can call 334-541-3917.
