Community Center Offers Convenient Location for Seniors to Socialize

Seniors residing in Park Place Apartments need only step outside their doors to enjoy a variety of daily activities and a hot meal courtesy of Area Agency on Aging.  I’m here five days a week,” said Park Place resident, Marie Jenner. “I enjoy playing bingo, cards, and doing puzzles. It’s just a nice way to spend your day.”
The Senior Community Center located in Park Place Apartments in Wyalusing is operated by Laurel Health Senior Support Services through a contract with Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Area Agency on Aging.  The center is open not only to building residents but members of the community and offers activities for those ages sixty and older 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. Lunch is also served on a daily basis. There is no admission cost to attend the Center although donations for meals are appreciated.
“Anyone can attend,” said Center Manager, Connie Wilson who has served as the center’s manager since 2010. Wilson does her best to assure that attendees spend their time socializing and taking part in activities in a warm and inviting space. “They (attendees) really enjoy playing bingo and just socializing.”
Bingo games are not the only form of entertainment as Wilson often ties-in seasonal activities in addition to those that happen year round. Holiday decorating and games occur frequently.
“It’s always my job to decorate the Christmas tree,” said 93-year-old Helen McDonald who has decorated the Center’s Christmas tree since she moved into the building several years ago. “I’m here every day for lunch,” added McDonald. “If it (center) were anywhere else I wouldn’t be able to attend because I’m too old to be driving!” she chuckled.
Four additional Housing Authority owned buildings located in Towanda, Troy, Elkland and Westfield, PA have partnered with BSST Area Agency on Aging to operate centers within their respective buildings. These locations not only offer a great deal of convenience to tenants residing in these buildings but also provide easy access for community members who attend.
Carol Jacques attends the center most weekdays and even teaches some informational classes there on behalf of American Association of Retired Persons. “I usually stop in to play bingo, have lunch and just to get away from my husband,” she laughed.