The Golden Grapevine by Steve Tate with Mike Sanchez
It ' s All at the Centennial Senior Center !
Morgan Hill values it ' s Seniors and is committed to providing comprehensive programs , services and referrals to afford them the quality of life they deserve . Proof of their commitment can be found at the Centennial Recreation Senior Center . Here , Seniors can find a good meal , recreation for body and mind , social interaction , entertainment , and much more .
Operated by the City of Morgan Hill , the Center provides comprehensive fitness classes , educational classes , social services and enrichment programs to adults 50 years of age and older in the Morgan Hill , San Martin , and Gilroy communities . Though the Center had to close temporarily in 2020 after the first COVID-19 shutdown , it reopened in October , 2021 and most programs have been reinstated .
The Center ’ s cornerstone lunch nutrition program is still on a drive-through or home delivery basis but will soon move back indoors . The kitchen is led by Senior Nutrition Coordinator Sandra Madriles . She and her staff prepare 200 delicious and nutritious meals daily , including 75 that are delivered to the Gilroy Senior Center . Lunches for seniors are a bargain at just $ 3 for Seniors over 60 , and $ 8 for Seniors under 60 years of age .
In the lobby , seniors can watch TV , read available books or magazines , work on a jigsaw puzzle , play bridge , canasta or board games , or socialize with friends . A receptionist is available to answer questions or make referrals and the Center ’ s director Debbie Vasquez is a great resource .
Additional activities include discussion groups , walking and biking clubs . Sports-minded folks can take advantage of an outdoor Bocce court , indoor swimming pool and ping-pong tables . Seniors can take in a movie ( for a minor charge at the Playhouse downtown ), learn watercolor , creative writing , and paper crafting . Fitness for arthritis classes are offered weekly for a $ 3 charge , and an Alzheimer ’ s / dementia caregiver support group also meets weekly .
Additional services include a weekly “ copilot ” activity providing Seniors help and training on their laptops , tablets and cell phones . A weekly alteration / mending service is also available . During tax season , Seniors can get health insurance counseling , legal assistance , and income tax assistance by appointment .
Funding for the programs is provided by the City of Morgan Hill , the County of Santa Clara , the YMCA and the non-profit Friends of the Morgan Hill Senior Center .
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Former Mayor Steve Tate is a community champion and supporter of many local organizations . His public service career spans over 27 years including 12 as mayor . In 2019 he received the Leadership Excellence Award and was honored for his years of service with the dedication and re-naming of the Steve Tate Morgan Hill Library . Contact Steve at : stevetate @ charter . net
46 SPRING 2022 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com