Among various excellent social clubs in Watonga is the Watonga Senior Citizens Club which meets at the Senior Center on South Noble. Several activities of the club involve health of seniors.
First, the club has an active 45-minute exercise program on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 AM. Exercises, many of which are done sitting, are led by one of three leaders. They focus on flexibility, strength and endurance. About 25 men and women are part of this fun and social activity.
A second activity relating to health is nutrition. The Club employs two cooks to prepare delicious and nutritious meals to eat in, take out or delivery to those not able to come to the Center. The cooks begin preparing meals “from scratch” at 8 AM and food is ready by 11:00. A benefit of membership in the club ($15/year) is a free meal during your birth month. The main dish, vegetables, salads, desserts and drinks are all designed to promote good health. Of course, non-seniors are most welcome. Currently the price is $6:00/meal, but with inflation, the price may go up in September, but will still be an excellent value.
A third component of health that the Center provides is social interaction for seniors. In addition to time at meals and exercise, members play cards, complete puzzles, work on quilts, check out books and videos, and other projects. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday nights, the Club gathers for a light meal and live entertainment. This kind of social interaction is key to senior’s health.
Fourth, the Center partners with Mercy Hospital to provide health screening for diabetes and hypertension each month.
The costs of the Club and center are partially covered by dues and meals, but far exceed this income. Recently, a commercial refrigerator had to be replaced at over $3000 and a much-needed accessible sidewalk was installed in back. In April, the Club hosted a chicken noodle dinner and cake auction which provided much needed funds. The Club is a 501 (c) (3) organization for tax deductible donations (check with your tax advisor). Come enjoy some of the Club’s vibrant activities. Persons 55 and above can join, but younger persons visiting with members will find lifetimes of interesting experiences to enhance their knowledge and education.