Senior center has much to offer

The Bert E. Sigsby Senior Wellness Center has been a vital part of the Rector community since it first opened in 2004. In the time since, the center has been a retreat of sorts for local senior citizens, offering a wealth of activities for this often-overlooked demographic.

"We try to offer a variety of things," center director Judy Grubb said. "We try to have something that will appeal to everybody."

In an effort to achieve this goal, the center hosts a number of different activities, geared toward providing entertainment and education.

"There's always something going on here," Grubb said. "Whether it's game night, the ladies quilting circle or even music, we're always doing something. We try to entertain them, educate them and make it a fun place to be."

The center frequently has special visitors who offer information of both the interesting and valuable variety. Representatives from the local healthcare offices and providers often visit the site to answer questions or explain available services.

The center also takes part in events and programs designed to help seniors enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Each year the site has several visitors take part in the Senior Olympics events, as well as other programs such as the Senior Challenge, which focuses on physical activity and nutrition.

Providing good nutrition is a large part of the center's goal. At noon Monday through Friday, the center provides hot, nutritional meals for those in attendance. These congregate meals feature one-third of the daily recommended dietary allowance. The center also provides meals to many seniors who are unable to leave their home through its home delivery program.

The meals come to the center in bulk form, where they then are served in single portions. Glenda Ellis oversees the kitchen duties, with several volunteers lending a hand. Home delivery meals are transported by the center's van, driven by Betty Small.

The center's congregate meals are available to any person over age 60 for no charge, regardless of economic status. The spouse of any person over age 60, regardless of age, also may dine at the center.

"I think there's been some confusion in the past about the meals," Grubb said. "We want to make it clear that they're available to anyone over 60 or their spouse. There are a lot more people who qualify than those who come here every day. We want to invite those who have thought about coming here, but just haven't yet, to stop by some time."

Many of the center's regular visitors consider the meal a nice addition to the total experience.

"I just like being around the people here," Pauline Bullinger said. "That's the biggest thing for me. The meals are good, but they're a bonus. I don't have to have them. They're not the main reason I come here."

Mike Elinburg said he visits the center because he enjoys sharing the company of the others who attend. Elinburg often participates by playing his guitar at the center, a practice which has lead to many sing-a-longs and performances with others at the site.

"It's a lot of fun," Elinburg said. "This is just a good place to be."