Central Senior Center Opening Today

Sponsored by EBR Council on Aging

CENTRAL — The new Council on Aging Central Senior Center will hold its Grand Opening at 12 noon Thursday, July 12 at 17070 Greenwell Springs Rd. (site of Future Hope Ministries).  The center, which will cater to the needs and interests of local residents 60 and older, will operate from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Center coordinator Ann Watts said daily activities will include fitness training, games, Bible studies, hot lunches and self-help/wellness workshops. COA outings will include day trips to New Orleans and Paragon Casino. Planned among other events are dinner/dances, senior nights, holiday celebrations and Sunday bingo games.

The COA will offer outreach programs such as “Meals on Wheels” and assistance with light housework, errands and personal care. All services are free of charge for seniors.

The COA’s National Family Caregivers Program will provide relief to senior caregivers unable to leave their loved one’s side. The program offers each senior 120 hours per year of free time.

By supporting senior independence, Watts hopes to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

In an interview Wednesday, Mrs. Watts gave the following insight into the center:

Q: What inspired you to get on board so quickly with the Central Senior Center?

A: “My brother-in-law, Mayor Mac Watts, has wanted Central to get a Council on Aging center for four or five years. So he came to me and asked if I was interested in being the coordinator. My husband was very sick before he passed away two years ago, and I had really gotten out of touch with the community during that time. And because I am a senior, I feel like I know some of the things that seniors might like.”

Q: Are there many seniors anxiously awaiting its opening?

A: “I have had such a wonderful response from seniors and those interested in helping. I’ve been amazed. Even Frog’s, the service station by us, has been so welcoming. I went over there to tell them that I was their new neighbor. They asked me for a phone number because they’ve had so many people asking about us.”

Q: Do you have a full staff yet?

A: “It’s only me. The COA hired me. I’m 70 years old and I even had to take a drug and background check!”

Q: Who will provide services such as “Meals on Wheels,” and other forms of personal assistance?

A: “All of that is done by the main East Baton Rouge Council on Aging office. By the way, the food is excellent! We’ll have some at the grand opening.”

The new Senior Center is located in space being rented by Future Hope Ministries, a church pastored by Ron Erickson, president of the Central Chamber of Commerce.

The Central City Budget includes $14,900 for the center.  A total of $750 a month will reportedly be used for rent.

To learn more, contact the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging at (225) 923-8000 or e-mail Watts at annieann@cox.net.