Alexandria Senior Center is there for you A wide variety of services and social activities are available for those 50 and older Did you know if you are over 50 years old, you are qualified to utilize the many services of the Alexandria Senior Center? Located at 414 Hawthorne St. in historic Downtown Alexandria, the center welcomes all. There is the Lorsung Art Studio, a variety of meeting rooms that anyone can rent, and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. There are activities and entertainment on a regular basis and there are also programs sponsored by AARP that utilize the Alexandria Senior Center space. In today’s world, the term “senior” has a totally different
meaning than it did 40 years ago. If you were a “senior” 40 years ago, you were likely in your early 60s. Due to advances in medicine and improved health care knowledge, the average life expectancy is far greater than it was in 1977. According to www.data360. org, average life expectancy in the United States for men and women today is 82 years. In 1977, the average life expectancy was 77 years. Today, more and more Americans are living well into their 90s or even hitting 100. The Alexandria Senior Center was created in 1984 as a nonprofit organization. Then, and now, it is a local spot where seniors come togeth! er to enjoy cards, meals, t i s i V Come ned Our special events and fellowpe ship. While much has We’ve Oonce again. changed in the AlexDoors , 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. andria Lakes region y a id r since 1984, the mis-F to y es Monda nter striv eople e C sion of the Alexanr io n ria Se g for p l, Alexand hy, active livin a dria Senior Center n o ti a l, educ healt has not wavered. suppor t providing socia tional by forma The Alexandria Seover 50 al and in nutrition services nior Center has grown its membership to an amazing 840 members. Mem-
Music returns to the Center Weekly concerts and monthly dances, curtailed because of the pandemic, have returned to the Alexandria Senior Center, although precautions are still in play at this time. Weekly concerts and monthly dances had been a staple for the senior center until COVID shot everything down. Seating will be at limited capacity due to COVID restrictions, and all staff and visitors must wear masks,
wash their hands and follow social distancing. The Center reopened its doors on Feb. 1 and is slowly increasing the number of activities, programs and services it offers with limited capacity. Safety protocols are in place and will be communicated to all prior to entering and posted throughout the building. For more information, call 320-762-2087.
10 | GENERATIONS • Summer 2021
FOR MORE INFORMATION on services and programs available at the Alexandria Senior Center, or to become a member, stop by 414 Hawthorne St. or call
(320) 762-2087 bers currently receive many benefits, including a monthly newsletter, and reduced fees for meals, classes and facility room rentals. At the Senior Center, members have access to free internet and wi-fi, and some qualify for annual free income tax preparation. Nutrition Services Incorporated provides onsite lunches five days a week for seniors, and also provides the Meals on Wheels service for those unable to come to the center for lunch. The Alexandria Senior
Center also has an extensive lending library and offers free computer and cell phone assistance for those seniors wishing to learn more about the digital world. There are many opportunities for entertainment and fun at the Alexandria Senior Center every month. From live music, card game groups and bingo to pool enthusiasts and birthday parties, there is truly something for everyone at the center.
ALEXANDRIA SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES
CARDS & GAMES Currently, there are three Bridge groups playing Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, one group of Hand & Foot on Fridays and Whist on Wednesday mornings. Cribbage and MahJong are beginning in June. FUN BINGO There is FUN BINGO every Monday at 1 p.m.
BILLIARDS Monday through Friday 9 a.m. LORSUNG ART STUDIO The Lorsung Art Studio is open to the public for classes and studio time. Classes are available for adults and, where noted, youth. Some of the recent classes include rock cutting, rock shaping and polishing, metalsmithing, assemblage, jewelry making as well as other types of art.
