Indian River Senior Center celebrates 40 years
The Indian River Senior Center in Millsboro, founded in 1970, is celebrating four decades of service providing senior citizens with classes, along with health services and financial advice.
The 700-member center, which is not a part of the state’s CHEER centers, relies on grants-in-aid, fundraisers, volunteers and donations.
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Center activities
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Monday: Ceramics class at 10 a.m., cards and golf
Tuesday: Exercise class at 9 a.m., Bible study at 10 a.m., tai chi at 10:15 a.m., extended aerobics at 1 p.m. Wednesday: Mornings are open for card games, playing pool, shuffleboard, crafts and socializing. Coffee and cookies are available. The third Wednesday of each month is catered dish day for $5, beginning at 11:30 a.m. All other Wednesdays, a light lunch for $3 is served at 11:30 a.m. Members are urged to attend Wednesday meetings to learn about upcoming events, changes to activities and schedules and weekly announcements. Entertainment or informational programs take place at 12:45 p.m., followed by bingo. Thursday: Exercise class at 9 a.m., yoga at 10 a.m. Friday: Mornings are open for card playing, playing pool, shuffleboard, crafts and socializing. Every two months, a newsletter is available electronically. A bulletin board in the main hall posts notices and information. For more information, call 302-934-8839. |
In late 2008, the center moved from the Millsboro Civic Center to its new home behind the Wawa on Route 113.
Members pay $30 a year to join, with access to a lending library, including DVDs.
Exercise and art classes engage seniors with a focus on health and creativity, said center President Suzanne Frame. “It’s a bargain, believe me,” she said.
Bible study classes, choirs and sports leagues stimulate the mind and body for many retirees.
“We are the only senior center in the state that offers golf to seniors,” said Frame.
With new kitchen equipment, a spacious main hall is available for rent to nonmembers for wedding receptions, anniversaries and other parties, said Frame.
Fundraising events such as a March 7 spaghetti dinner and dance included a Chinese auction and 50-50 raffle that also helps keep the center running. “It was very successful,” said Frame. “But we’d like to have even more people attend our fundraisers.”
Regularly held public bingo also helps raise awareness and money. Wednesday lunches for $3 remain the center’s most popular events. The center offers regular outings and day trips, including group excursions to Harrington Raceway and Casino and Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Maryland.
Volunteers are planning a three-day trip to New York City at the end of March, open to nonmembers. Indian River Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The next public bingo will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 1, for $15. For more information, call 934-8839.
