Earlier this year, Mid-County Senior Center changed its name to Mid-County Social Center, to better reflect its role in the community. A lively hub of activity for all ages, MCSC is known for its robust performing arts program, live entertainment weekly, and its Ranch Breakfast, held the fourth Sunday of each month.
Senior centers are not a luxury anymore. They are essential infrastructure, as vital as the roads we drive and the water we drink. If we fail to support them, the long-term cost will be far higher than any short-term municipal budget savings. This is more anecdotal than scientific, but quite simple to observe.
MCSC hit a membership milestone this spring when enrollment reached 625 members, the highest since COVID. “Ever since I’ve been here, since 2010, I try to get younger folks involved,” says Curt Jewell, past president. “All you have to be is 50 to join the center. We’re just trying to rebrand a bit the perception that folks have of us.”
Fortunately, we have several senior centers that offer the opportunity to pursue interests and hobbies. Most centers have membership requirements of ages 50 or 55 and up.
Here’s a glimpse at some:
Mid-County Social Center hosts Friday night dances every week. The Next Blues Band with Chicago Bill performs July 17 with a barbecue of ribs, cole slaw, beans and garlic bread for $20.
At the Center’s community garden, 55 members are each allotted an average of 18′ x 20′ space for growing organic flowers and vegetables. The annual fee is $50.
Traditional classes like crafting and knitting are available, but how about learning the game of Mexican Train Dominoes, salsa dancing or yoga? The Center is a member-owned, self-supporting, non-profit. Membership is not required but it provides class discounts.
Celebrating 37 years, Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., offers recreational, educational and crafts options. Open daily at 10am, the center runs a popular tech support group on Tuesdays for help with phones, tablets and computers.
“I have a fantastic tech team, and they would love to have people get help,” said SVSC coordinator Darshana Croskey. Drop-ins are welcome from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5-$7 members/non-members.
“Anyone can participate,” added Claire McKinney, recreation assistant for the City of Scotts Valley. “They can always bring their kids or grandkids.”
Architect Bill Hall designed SVSC, and it is the only senior center with access to Bocce courts. Some may remember President George Bush, Sr. flew into Sky Park after the Loma Prieta earthquake and used it as a command center.
In addition to Bocce Ball, SVSC hosts card games, board games, two kinds of Majong (American and Chinese), Canasta, Mexican Train and cribbage. Fitness classes include chair yoga, Zumba, and Qi Gong by Denise Allen and Giro-Kinesis with teacher Sharon Barth on Wednesdays.
SVSC offers a nine-part series with the Alzheimer’s Association: one, on Aug.11 is “A Caregiver’s Guide to Financial Issues.” “It is so frightening and it’s really hard to navigate,” Croskey said. For more information 477-0886.
London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St, provides a computer center with laptops, printers and internet. One-on-one appointments and tech classes are available. Classes and services are through the Parks & Recreation Department – no need to pay a membership fee. Suggested donations are $5 per class, ranging from yoga and Qi Gong to line dancing, book clubs and walking groups. They also provide seniors with tax assistance and health insurance counseling.
Membership for the Senior Computer Center is $25 annually. Hours are 9am-3pm Monday-Friday, 420-6180.
Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Road, provides a food and meals program, classes and fitness and wellness programs through Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation. Live Oak also hosts adult day trips to Capitola Mall, arts and cultural visits and scenic destinations, 475-6333.
Fitness for Life
Chiropractor Arthur Faygenholtz teaches stick yoga at the Mid-County Social Center and an outdoor fitness class as a form of “radical self-care,” he said.
Taking advantage of the chemistry of nature, Faygenholtz teaches a diverse group of sunrise and sunset classes outdoors by the concrete ship on Seacliff State Beach. “It’s inviting people to come outside rather than be housebound and to be with people that are moving in the right way, the safe way.”
These classes are designed to prepare the body and mind for the day, or have a good night’s sleep after being near the ocean, Faygenholtz says. “It’s about self-care in nature. Knitted by the plants and the trees.” For more information, stickyoga.com.
