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Wednesday, April 3, 2002 A visit to the Friendship Center By JANET
McGREGOR Walter Hester, 91, left a game of dominos to drop by the craft area for help in getting his "Hawaii" hat fixed. He made the hat in one of the craft periods and plans to wear it someday while taking hula lessons when he visits his favorite state, Hawaii. Teresa Lizarazo proudly displays the shelf she hand-painted at the urging of others in the craft room. They prod her until she goes and pulls out one of the tiny sweaters she is knitting to donate to the hospital for newborn babies. Mary Rose Williams decided to put a picket fence around the bottom of her shelf, and will add a butterfly on the top to complete the spring look. Emma Embry and neighbor Lorene Peppers have been coming to the Friendship Center for over a year. The pair each made a summer bonnet during "Hat Week." They usually come on Tuesdays and Fridays, but added an extra day so they could work on their hats and attend the quarterly meeting. Emma notes that she very much enjoys playing King in the Corner on Fridays. Gloria Natale has been a regular at the Center for over four years. She says she loves the arts and crafts, playing Scrabble and the Bible Study. She said, "I have made lots of friends here. Everyone is friendly and helpful." She is working on a hat to give her granddaughter. "She'll get a kick out of it," she says with a smile. Margaret Michalski moved from Chicago to be closer to her son. She says, "I met all these nice ladies. I look forward to coming every Tuesday and Thursday." Anne Rosada may be the veteran of the group - she has been coming to the Center since 1993. She enjoys the activities of the J.O.Y. Club on occasion also. The "Just Older Youth" Club meets at a local church and is part of the services offered under the umbrella of Fayette Senior Services. Members travel, go to theatrical productions, dine at various restaurants and enjoy other activities. In the main dining and activity room, two tables of seniors challenge each other to games of dominos - a regular much-loved activity. They were quick to explain the rules when I mentioned I had never played. Talk shifted to some of their favorite activities with the card game Uno high on their list. John Boyden who says he is a "2 year man, almost a veteran," spends time on-line at one of the center's computers. He and his family are planning a return to their native home of England and he is utilizing the computer to check ferry schedules for his daughter. Over 20 local seniors spend a portion of each weekday at the Friendship Center at Fayette Senior Services. Many have been coming for over five years, some for as many as nine or ten. When asked why they come to the center, most for at least two days a week, the reasons are varied. One constant theme for most is friendship and fellowship. They have all made friends and enjoy the time they share in various activities. Some mention the crafts - the craft room is a testament to the variety of crafts the seniors have made over the years. There are quilts, knitting projects, woodwork, flower arrangements and other beautifully detailed works of art around the center that have been crafted by attendees. The daily routine usually includes breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by some free time to visit. Exercise is at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:55 a.m. and Bingo begins at 12:15. Next on the daily agenda might be crafts, walking, cards or some other activity. Most leave for home around 1 p.m. Not everyone chooses to participate in the various daily activities. Some enjoy time on the computers or like to relax in the sitting room to read a good book or the daily newspaper. Occasionally couples will grab a table and play each other in a game of cards. Bunko is a regular on the monthlyschedule, as is a weekly Bible Study. Some drive themselves to the center, some take advantage of transportation provided by the Center and relatives bring a few. Throughout the month there are special activities to add some variety to the schedule. On St. Patrick's Day, John Boyden got on the phone to Irish Tourism and decorated the Center with posters and other items they provided. Using a poster and an ingenious grid system, participants had fun searching for an elusive leprechaun. During the month a group may travel to Wal-Mart to shop, or visit the library. Working with other agencies and medical groups, the Center also presents educational classes on topics like nutrition or safety. The first Wednesday of each month is the day birthdays are celebrated. The Friendship Center is located at Fayette Senior Services on 390 Lee Street. The building sits next to the site the new courthouse and jail are being built. Fund raising efforts are underway to build a new Senior Center on property donated by Fayette County. The new center will allow for expanded services and activities.
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