HUNTERSVILLE – North Mecklenburg Senior Center will expand its daily hours of operation beginning Monday, April 2. The center also has a new program assistant and a new instructor for its strength training chair exercise class.

The center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, an additional seven hours weekly, according to Center Director Joanne Ahern. The center is at 16601 Old Statesville Road in Huntersville, in the Solid Rock Christian Church.

“We invite all older adults 55 and over to come and participate in our regularly scheduled programs or just come and have a cup of coffee, read a book from our new John M. Curles Memorial Book Nook, play some board games or read the newspaper anytime during these new hours” Ms. Ahern said in a press release. “Wii Bowling will also be available to all who want to enjoy some fun and exercise.”

In addition to the new hours, Ms. Ahern also announced that Mary Troncellito is the center’s new Strength Training Chair Exercise Class instructor. She currently teaches at Summit Place of Mooresville, the YMCA, and Davidson Parks & Recreation. The class is held Monday and Wednesday and will start at a new time: 9 to 10 a.m. The class registration cost is $32.00 per month ($16.00 with an annual discount card). Call 704-892-4041 for more information.

Ms. Ahern also recently hired Ginger Watkins as a Program Assistant. She’ll help with schedules, fliers, attendance sheets and anything else that requires a computer, according to Ms. Ahern. Her hours will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. “Having her here will free up some time for me to do more networking out in the community where I can be promoting the senior center and advocating for seniors in our region,” Ms. Ahern said in an announcement to center followers.

The North Mecklenburg Senior Center is one of four centers operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers, whose mission is to serve as a focal point to deliver a broad spectrum of services and activities for older adults throughout the Charlotte Mecklenburg community. It is a nonprofit organization which operates for the benefit all senior adults in the community, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.