Center: It's always been there!

I have been on the Lake City Center (formerly the Lake City Senior Center) Board of Directors for years. Though I am 84, I just retired from Kootenai County Government.

My plan of involvement with nonprofits in the area continues. However, I know I need to plan how I am going to BE RETIRED socially. We seniors need interaction with other people. I found it ... right there where I was already on the Board of Directors but as I was working wasn't able to take advantage of all they have for us.

When I first came to Coeur d'Alene I did take dance lessons there ... met a lot of great people (who are still my friends). I recently decided to go to lunch. I went to lunch on a couple of Fridays, they have musical entertainment on Fridays - it was great. The first Friday lunch was very good "Chinese salad and dessert." The next was "Cornish game hen and potato salad and dessert."

The music was full of all of our "old" songs on one Friday and a singing troubadour on the next Friday. I paid $4 for lunch (age 60 and older is $4, considered a donation; under 60 is $7; children 8 and younger are $4.25.) We need you to call if you're coming so the kitchen is prepared. Call Friday by 2 p.m. for reservations Monday and Tuesday lunch, and call Tuesday by 2 p.m. for Wednesday and Friday lunch. Lunch starts promptly at noon. No lunch on Thursdays. Leave a voicemail if no one answers.

The people there are in lively conversations, understanding that where we are today on a national level we have been there in some form of government turmoil or victory before. We all either have someone who has served or is serving (grandchildren) our United States in wars. Some have lost loved ones.

When you hear this group as they stand just before lunch is served and hear them sing God Bless America (or other patriotic song) and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, some with tears in their eyes, you know the backbone of our nation as it has grown is represented there. They have been through it all, and though body weaker, the mind of a nation, present, past and future, is there.

Join us for a game of WII, play cards, dance, play pool, paint, knit (or learn how to interact with family and others on a computer) ... JUST ENJOY BEING A SENIOR... and remember everyone is eventually a senior. AND REMEMBER, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE 60 TO BE A SENIOR???

I will continue to let you know all about being an involved senior - AND REMEMBER IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE HAS A NEED FOR MEALS-ON-WHEELS, CALL THE LAKE CITY CENTER (208) 667-4628.

Colleen Allison is a Coeur d'Alene resident.