Senior Center reflects on 'first' 10 years

The Carson City Senior Citizens Center is celebrating 10 years of activity, accomplishments and memories within the walls of the big blue building.

The new facility was built to accommodate the growing needs for services to the area's seniors and the growing number of seniors using the facility.

The senior center began 25 years ago in two older homes at 901 Beverly Dr. They now house the Thrift and Gift shops as well as a pool room.

The center was organized through the public and private organizations of Carson City and the Kiwanis Club of Carson City.

At that time, the city's involvement was primarily as the landlord, owner of the land and facilities. Within just a few years, the center became a private, nonprofit corporation.

Many changes have occurred over the past 25 years for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. The most noticeable is the need for increased services and the need to expand to accommodate those services.

And contrary to popular belief, the center is not a retirement home. Just by reading the activity schedule one can see that it might take several weeks to participate in all the programs.

For example - health walks, resistance exercise, crafts, dance lessons, bridge, gem and mineral group, singing group, several support groups, movie days, hiking, art classes, golf, legal advisor, bunco, bingo, bridge, computer learning and more.

It is an activity center where the mature generation meets to socialize, take part in activities together and enjoy a wholesome meal. Many of those who are members of the center are also volunteers, sharing their skills and time with others.

"We will finally be able to breathe because we'll have room," said Janice McIntosh, director of the center.

"I've had people tell me to send the seniors to the (Carson City) Parks and Recreation Department, but I don't want to do that. I want them to be able to do things here because they prefer to do things here. We're not a country club, but the seniors socialize and relax well here."

The center has a Web page on the Internet, designed by Caroline Johnson, who helped get the Nevada Elders on the Net program off the ground. The site is ccseniorcenter.webjump.com. On the site, there are several links to other sites of interest to seniors, including the Division of Aging Services.

"We're equal if not ahead of other centers in the area and the nation, and possibly the most advanced in the state of Nevada," said McIntosh.

"What I anticipate the seniors needing though is more help with social services like Medicare and Medicaid. With seniors now living longer, they want to eat well, get involved in activities, keep their minds active and with this, more seniors are coming in to the center."

McIntosh said ideas for the expansion have been planned for the next 10 years. They are anticipating the needs and growth of the future and know they have to be flexible. They will add programs as needed and take away programs no longer used.

"The center is also getting more technology because that's where the world is going," said McIntosh.

McIntosh has been working with the building committee and the seniors to ensure they will have what they want and need.

"My vision is to keep reaching and communicating with the seniors, not only here, but across the country. Communication is really important."

"Now that we are expanding and doubling in size, we will hopefully be breaking ground in the spring of 2001," said Bob Kennedy, chairman of the governing board of the senior center.

"I've heard from many people who have come in here through the years, say we have the finest senior center they've ever seen. And I think it's the finest in the state of Nevada. With the expansion, we'll be able to offer many and varied programs to the seniors."