CENTER: Seniors find a social hub

About three years ago my wife and I first went to the Post Falls Senior Center for lunch. Why we went I cannot remember, but when we first walked in, I thought to myself, "Why am I here with all these old people?" Many had physical infirmities. Wow, I thought! I realized that I was actually older than most of them.

Since then, we have continued to go, visit with different ones and make new friends. We have observed that many come early in the day, read their papers, visit with many people, drink coffee and then eat lunch. It is a place where they feel comfortable and at ease with other congenial friends! To some, it is a great part of their social life.

At that time the facility was an older building, drab and un-inviting. Lighting was old, walls were dark, there was an added-on sound system - overall it was essentially uninviting. For various reasons attendance at meals decreased until December 2010. In January 2011 the fire sprinkler system froze and a great deal of damage resulted.

Since then, a complete make-over has given us a totally new building, thoughtfully and warmly decorated. Attendance for the noon meal has set new records. The meals are well prepared and elegantly served on round tables seating six people each, making it a real joy to go and be a part of this group of maturing people. (My mother said when she was 100, that she was not old - just older!)

If you are 60 or above and have an adventurous spirit, I invite you to come to the Senior Center in Post Falls. They have many other activities including Bingo and dances. I think you will find like we did, that those who attend are people just like you, with the same interests. Almost all who are there have grown children who may live elsewhere, and so they are alone.

Come join us and visit. It is imperative that you make reservations so that enough food will be available (208-773-9582).

We hope to see you there!

GEORGE W. RODKEY

Post Falls