Joanne Ahern

By JOANNE AHERN
N. Mecklenburg Senior Center Director

We are very grateful to the River Church for housing us in Cornelius for the last four years. They got us started on our journey and helped us get our feet on the ground as we came together as a senior center. We will never forget our first location and the memories that were made there.

Our new home is the Solid Rock Christian Church, 16601 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. They have been very gracious in agreeing to share their space with us and we hope to expand our programming as we move onward to becoming a “Multi-Purpose Senior Center” which will make us eligible for more state funding. Journey with us as we embark on the second chapter of the North Meck Senior Center’s long and illustrious life.

To all of you who helped move us here, then helped get us settled in, thanks.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

In our new location, we need your volunteer time more than ever. With my office being in the lower level at the back of the building, our front lobby and greeting area must be “manned” at all times. As we get new visitors from around the area, it is extremely important that they get a warm welcome, program information and a tour.

Thank you to all of you who are already volunteering on a regular basis. Are there any others who will commit to twice a month or more so that we can have all the coverage that we need? We will train you to answer phones, make phone calls, keep records, and anything else that needs to be done. Remember, for each hour that you volunteer, the center saves the equivalent of what a part-time employee would have been paid. Thank you so much for your time.

The next volunteer training sessions are Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, 1 to 3 p.m.

FREE COMING EVENTS

The following programs are FREE to all, no discount card required.

First Monday of the Month Birthday Bash – 10:30am – Entertainment by Captain Conrad Sells – come and sing along to your favorites; 11:30am – Birthday Bash Pot Luck Lunch. Everyone invited. Bring a dish to share for the pot-luck luncheon. Those with the birthday of the month will be honored. Free to all. Please pre-register 704-875-1270

MONDAYS – Knit/Crochet Club. This club worked like crazy making items for our Harvest Craft Festival and all that work netted $423 for our center. Thank you to all of you. The club has now returned to making prayer shawls, lap robes and baby hats to be donated to local charities. All levels of experience welcome. Instruction available. Please bring your own needles and materials if you have them. Come and enjoy others who love this craft. FREE Mondays at 1:00pm

Happy Feet Walking Club – This faithful group of walkers meets at Jetton Park Tuesdays at 9:30am at the Waterfront Hall. All levels of walkers are welcome. The paved walking trail is 1.4 miles long. Walk once, twice, or as many times as you want. A great way to meet new friends and stay fit as well and it’s FREE. Call 704-875-1270 for more information

Book Club – Friday, November 18, 2011 – noon – 3:00pm – This month’s book discussion – “Think No Evil” by Jonas Beiler.

OTHER EVENTS

The following programs have fees, lower for those with discount cards.

Easy Does It Strength Training Class – Keep your bones and your muscles strong using hand weights and exercise tubes. Improve your flexibility, blood pressure, range of motion, bone density, and posture. This class is on-going. Newcomers welcome.
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am Mondays and Wednesdays
Fees: $32.00 /month. $16.00/month with discount card

Tai Chi – Tuesdays at 9:00am at the Hut at Mt. Zion UMC, Cornelius Join Tai Chi Instructor Mike Gentile as he presents Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi, recommended for all older adults. This form of exercise is wonderful for increasing balance, coordination, and strength, all of which can greatly benefit older adults.
Fees: $30.00/month. $25.00/month with discount card

Bingo – Two cards is the limit and we ask that you donate $2.00 per person to help with purchasing prizes, which you will get every time you win.
Tuesdays at 1:00pm

Hand and Foot Card Game – This card game, based on Canasta,is easy to learn and very addictive.
Fees: $2.00/day. Free with discount card
Wednesdays at 10:00am

Pinochle – Thursdays – 12:00pm
Fees: $2.00/day. Free with discount card

Mexican Train – First and third Thursdays every month. 10:00am – Bring your lunch
Fees: $2.00/day. Free with discount card

Bid Whist – Thursdays 12:30
Fees: $2.00/day. Free with discount card

Line Dance Class – This class is for persons of all abilities who want to enjoy a good time of dancing for exercise and fun.
Fees: $20.00/month. $10.00/month with discount card
Thursdays at 9:30am

Monthly Luncheon – Enjoy a healthy lunch and gather with special friends.
Friday, November 18, 2011, 12:00PM
Pre-register and pre-pay at 704-875-1270
Fees: $8.00 per person. $4.00 per person with discount card
Caterer: TBA
Sponsor: Partners in Care
A representative from the Charlotte Rescue Mission will speak about their mission and how it helps many people in need. Please bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to donate to the Charlotte Rescue Mission for this Thanksgiving season.

Out to Lunch Bunch – Monday, November 21, 2011 – 12:30pm
Please call 704-875-1270 for restaurant location information.

Greeting Card Class – Create three handmade greeting cards with Instructor Nancy McKay.
Fee: $6.00 for the three cards, all materials provided
Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Please call to pre-register 704-875-1270

Trips – We have a committee setting up day trips for our participants. A group traveled to the Reynolda House in Winston Salem on October 18th and had a marvelous time. More trips are planned. Don’t miss out. Contact Wendy or Mary Ellen here at the center for information. 704-875-1270.

Flower Arranging Class -Create a Thanksgiving Center piece with fresh materials.
Fee: $20.00
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011
Please call to pre-register 704-875-1270

WANT TO GO?

The North Mecklenburg Senior Center is now at the Solid Rock Christian Church, 16601 Old Statesville Road (NC 115), Huntersville. You can get an annual discount card for $52, which offers discounts on fee programs. More info: Call the new number, 704-875-1270, or visit www.cmseniorcenters.org