Community center hosting an open house for senior activities

Cheyenne County Community Center's will host an open house showcasing senior activities next Wednesday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a tour, door prizes and a discounted lunch at Congregate Meals.

"I want our senior community to come out and see what we have to offer," said Scott Borcher, senior community director for Cheyenne County Community Center.

Borcher said while the community center has hosted open house events in the past, this will be the first in connection with National Senior Health and Fitness Day.

"And it looks like something that we'll probably do every year," he said. "It's a good time to have an open house, going into the summer months."

Senior activities offered at the community center include morning "stretch" classes, gym facilities and even a group that gets together to play card games.

"We play pitch, bridge and pinochle," Borcher said. "They are pretty dedicated, with anywhere from 10 to 15 people playing cards every day, and are always looking for new people to play."

One Sunday every month, a senior dance is held, Borcher said, along with monthly pot luck and bingo during non-summer months.

"That's a real popular event, too," he said.

Borcher said with the programs offered at the community center, which also include a meal program and out-of-town trips, senior activity has improved steadily over time.

The open house will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, with a free "stretch exercise class conducted by in-house trainer Andi Ambur. A healthy breakfast consisting of juice, coffee and muffins will also be provided.

A tour will be conducted following the class, with a discounted meatloaf lunch for $3 at Congregate Meals and drawings for door prizes after. The grand prize will be an annual limited senior citizen membership to the community center, which typically costs $70.

"That allows them to go to the classes and walk the track," he said. "If they want to use all of the equipment and facilities, it's $250 annually. That's to use everything."

If a senior is looking to just play cards or similar activities at the community center, Borcher said there is a senior activity membership at $48 annually.

"They have three choices," he said. "And they can come in for membership at any time."

For senior memberships, Borcher said the age limit is at least 60 years old. That age limit, however, does not extend to participation in the offered senior activities.

"We have people that are under the age of 60 and are basically retired, but use these programs as well," he said. "So I really don't have an age limit, but for technical senior memberships, it's 60."

The Cheyenne County Community Center is located at 627 Toledo St. next to the American Legion Park in Sidney. For more information on the open house, contact Scott Borcher at (308) 254-7000.