SIDNEY — The Senior Center of Sidney/Shelby County had a very successful year in 2022.

“Our membership totals have returned to pre-Covid numbers and are continuing to increase every day,” said Executive Director Rachel Hale. “We started 2022 with an updated logo, and it was a year of celebration for us with our 25th Anniversary. There were many events all year that were open to the public, such as: Friday Fun Night Karaoke, Trivia Night, dances and much more. We held our first Trunk or Treat event which was very well attended and open to the public. The finale was held in September with a “Walk Down Memory Lane” theme showcasing 25 years of pictures, newspaper articles and memorabilia. A catered dinner was enjoyed by all and awards were given out to “The Originals,” those that had the idea, worked hard for the dream and then saw it become a reality.”

Her report continues:

Our program “Veterans Coffee, Donuts and Camaraderie began in October. This is open to any veteran 50 or better regardless as to whether they are a member or not. It takes place every Friday 9–11 a.m. They can come in and enjoy some Free refreshments, a game or more of cards, play billiards or air hockey. It is our way of thanking our veterans for their service.

There has been many updates and improvements over the last year that includes interior paint, a new roof and additional new equipment in our Fitness Room. This area has seen a considerable increase in visits since the latest addition of a multiple person weight/work out station machine called a Tuff Stuff Apollo 7400 gym system. Our Athletic Trainer Laura Cianciolo helped in guiding us to the machine that would be best for our demographic of 50 years of age and better.

We are a non-profit organization and our funding comes from grants such as the Shelby County United Way, city of Sidney and Shelby County commissioners. We also have several fundraisers through-out the year. The increase in utilities and supply costs were our biggest struggle in 2022 and I expect it will be the same for 2023.

I am confident that 2023 will be even better and our numbers will continue to increase. We are partnering with Wilson Health on a “Live Healthy, Get Active” incentive program. You can sign up and track your hours of exercise or miles you walk/run/bike in our facility. Incentive items will be provided by Wilson Health and will be given out at different levels of achievement. The goal of this program is to get people more focused on their health and amount of activity they have each day.

Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–noon. This makes it available to many of our members that are still in the work force. You must be 50 or better to join. If you are under 50 but married to someone over 50 who is a member, you may also join. We offer two free visits before you join and our membership dues are very affordable. $35 per calendar year for in county residents and $40 per calendar year for those out of county

The center focuses on four areas of enrichment: Health, Education, Recreation & Socialization. Each of these are vitally important in their own way.

We invite you to stop down to the center located at 304 S. West Ave.

Until we see you here, Have a Blessed Day!