WINNEMUCCA - Winnemucca's Pleasant Senior Center is known as a social gathering place for members, but it also serves as a resource for several other services. Everyone is welcome at the center, but services are geared toward those aged 60 and above.
Program Director Patricia Tindall noted that people in their sixties and seventies, and many people in their eighties and above, are still very young in terms of their health, interests, and personalities.
She explained that the age limit is merely a number set by the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
"Age is just a number. It depends on your focus and point of view," Tindall said, adding that many enjoy the opportunity to socialize with people of the same generation in order to share memories and common experiences.
In addition to the hot lunch offered five days a week in the center dining room, senior center members who are unable to leave their homes may use the delivered meal service. Transportation services are also available through the center. Rides must be arranged 24 hours in advance.
"You may use the transit bus if you are at least 60 years old or if you are younger but have a disability recognized under the ADA," Tindall explained. "We prioritize medical appointments and therapy sessions, but we can take you anywhere you need to go."
Transit service clients may schedule rides to the bank, the post office, local stores and restaurants, and hair salons and other cosmetic appointments.
While the transit program is referred to as "the bus," there are no tickets to buy. Clients may make a donation if they wish, but rides are offered free of charge and will never be denied if a rider chooses not to contribute funds. Transit bus riders will be picked up and dropped off at their destination and are not required to walk to a bus stop.
"Part of that program's goal is to make sure that people remain independent," Tindall said. Riders can even choose to schedule rides to the center to participate in the lunch program, socialize, play cards, learn or practice a variety of crafts, join in on the exercise program, attend special events and speak privately to a social worker about any needs they may have.
"We have a social worker who is a State Health Insurance Program volunteer and a member of AmeriCorps," Tindall said. "If you are aged 60 and above she will help you with all social services."
Many people who spend time at Pleasant Senior Center will find the opportunity to help others and may receive help from their friends.
"We have a lot of senior volunteers," Tindall said. "We couldn't run as many programs as we run without our senior volunteers."
Pleasant Senior Center member Cliff Olson enjoys having lunch, hanging out at the center and assisting those who need help with computer issues.
"Singles generally like the meal program because they don't have to worry about cooking and cleaning," he said. "You can get a good full meal here. It's a good social day too. There is such a variety in what people have done in their lives. It makes an interesting atmosphere. We also try to help with the computers, making sure the computers here at the center are free of viruses It takes about 10 hours a week minimum to keep them going."
Robert Dionne is also a Pleasant Senior Center member who generously donates his time and computer knowledge to others. Both Olson and Dionne are available to help members and guests use the computers available at the center and to help others learn to use and enjoy their own computers.
"There are more seniors getting involved in computers because it's the only way to keep in touch with their grandkids," Dionne said. "Grandkids don't use snail mail."
He added that center members and others who spend time there are welcome to ask them any questions they might have about any type of computer.
"We do smartphones, computers, and tablets," Dionne said. "It can be anything in the digital age."
Olson and Dionne are even available to visit center members' homes to help with those electronics that cannot be carried in to the center.
"As volunteers here we have both been to peoples' houses to help with computers. It's hard to bring in a desktop," Dionne said.
More information about the meal programs, the transit program, center activities and events, and social services can be obtained by calling 775-623-6211. Visitors are also welcome to drop by at 1480 Lay St.
[[In-content Ad]]
