By DALE BRAKHAGE / Community Columnist

“There is no reason for seniors in this community to sit around with nothing to do,” said Nancy Ledbetter, manager of the Mary Ellen Estes Senior Community Center. It is located on U.S. 119 in Heardmont Park.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, people 55 and older can come to the center to participate in scheduled activities, use computers, go online, play games or just sit and enjoy the good company.

Ledbetter became center manager in April 2012. She is enthusiastic in explaining what the Senior Center offers every week. Exercise classes, Bible studies, games of Bridge, Canasta and Bingo and line dancing are a few of the activities available. They also have a great library and computer access to the Internet. They even teach computer classes.

Most months, the Senior Center schedules an interesting field trip. December’s trip was a tour of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery.

For seniors who cannot drive and live within five miles of Heardmont Park, free transportation to and from the Senior Center can be provided. Please call 991-5742 to learn more about that service.

Many seniors enjoy exercising at the center. Low impact aerobic classes and chair exercise classes are taught by trained instructors. Not everyone, of course, is expected to exercise at the same level. According to Ledbetter, “Whatever level the person can participate, we have a challenge for them.”

Lunches are another service the Senior Center provides. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a hot lunch is served for only $2 per person. Call 991-5742 to learn more about it and to make your reservation.

On Dec. 11, the center will host its annual Christmas luncheon. For this once-a-year special event, they are providing hot lasagna and special music. The attendees bring side dishes to share with others.

“I feel like there are seniors who don’t know we exist, and I want them to be part of our center,” said Ledbetter. Consider stopping by the center to take a look inside. There are always calendars of events located just inside the front door.

 

Dale Brakhage writes a weekly column about Indian Springs and its residents. You can reach him at dale@dalebrakhage.com.