By Amy Whelan , City of Morgan Hill

The Senior Center provides fitness and educational classes , social services and enrichment programs to adults 50 years of age and older . It feels like a welcoming and comprehensive club that has set a high standard for community , connection and care .

is a free program that takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of most months from 2:30PM-3:30PM at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center . Previous presentations include “ Writing Your Life : Transform Real Events into Powerful Story ;” “ A Legacy of Laughter with the Pintello Comedy Theater ;” and “ Good News About Your Health .” Always interesting ; always engaging !

The Senior Center also offers two separate programs for dementia support . The first is a Dementia Caregiver Support Group presented by the Alzheimer ’ s Association . It helps caregivers find support and learn how to cope with the symptoms and life changes associated with dementia . Meetings take place virtually on the 4th Monday of each month and in-person on the 2nd Monday of each month .

• Senior Adult Legal Assistance is free for Santa Clara County residents ages 60 and older needing help to manage Social Security , Medicare , Medi-Cal , mobile homes , elder abuse and housing .

• Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy is also free of charge . Please call their appointment hotline at 408-350-3288 for assistance .

Fast facts

• Senior Café serves lunch at 11:30AM . Meals are a voluntary contribution of $ 3 for seniors over 60 years and $ 8 for those under 60 years of age .

• A monthly newsletter details the lunch menu , each day ’ s schedule , plus updates about programs and services for each month , like dances and seasonal parties .

• The Centennial Recreation Center offers dedicated Senior Center parking during the day .

Programs and support

Let ’ s begin with the Senior Advisory Committee ( SAC ). Open to all volunteers , SAC supports the Senior Center by planning and providing extra activities for learning , transportation , socialization and information .

For example , SAC organizes the South County Lifelong Learning series , which

The second program is the South County Dementia Caregivers Support Group for families living with Lewy Body Dementia . This group is facilitated by the Susan & Charles Berghoff Foundation and led by an experienced dementia caregiver support group facilitator who is also a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner . It is held on the 4th Sunday of every month . Please email the Support Group Administrator , caregivers @ berghoff-foundation . org , if interested in attending .

Services

The Senior Center offers wide-ranging services for every aspect of life , including :

• RYDE : a curb-to-curb transportation and local trip planning service for adults 65 +

Contact the Senior Center ’ s program coordinator , Anna Bielecki , 408-782-1284 or anna . bielecki @ morganhill . ca . gov , for Senior Center information

How to donate

There are many ways to support the Centennial Recreation Senior Center and help to assure the longevity of its programs and services . Through an existing endowment fund you may choose to leave behind a legacy that will help support and sustain programs and resources for the Senior Center today and into the future . Find out more about what may be an option for you .

68 SUMMER 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com