ELLSWORTH – What is a senior center? A senior center is a type of community center where older adults can congregate to fulfill many of their social, physical, emotional and intellectual needs. We at Ellsworth Senior Center are proud to celebrate 50 years of providing that space!

Organized on Oct. 1, 1971, Ellsworth Senior Center is a non-profit organization focused on providing a friendly, safe atmosphere where adults age 50 and above may engage in recreational, social and educational activities. Currently located beneath the Ellsworth Public Library, we have been graciously sponsored and supported by the Village of Ellsworth, community donations and our member dues.

On Thursday, Oct. 14, we will celebrate the Ellsworth Senior Center 50th anniversary with an open house from 4:30-7 p.m. with a short program at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. We would love to have you join us!

October is also our membership drive month. Dues for the October 2021 through September 2022 year will continue to be $15 per person. Dues can be mailed to the Ellsworth Senior Center 312 W. Main St., Ellsworth, WI 54011, dropped by our center during our hours of operation, or paid on Oct. 14 at our 50th anniversary celebration.

The senior center phone number is 715273-5873 and is open 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. Feel free to stop in to select food items from the food pantry, a puzzle to put together at home, or a DVD to watch at home.

Our senior center is currently in the process of reopening all of our events while following the CDC guidelines. The following events are currently being held:

•Pool Players meet every Monday and Friday 1-3 p.m.

•Euchre Card Players meet the second Thursday (Oct. 14) and the fourth Thursday (Oct. 28) of each month at 1 p.m.

•A foot care clinic is scheduled at six-week and eight- week intervals. This month foot care will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. Please call and schedule a time.

•Tuesday Club is held the second Tuesday of the month. Programming is provided by the Ellsworth Public Library with a light lunch provided by the Ellsworth Senior Center and the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library. This month it will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12 with the Twenty-Two Farms Sanctuary presenting. A light lunch will be provided following the program.

•4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 we celebrate the Ellsworth Senior Center 50th anniversary.

•10 a.m. to noon Oct. 19 and 26 Julie Carlson will discuss Medica Health supplement plans at the Ellsworth Senior Center.

•The last Wednesday of every month we host a birthday party at 1:30 p.m. with a short program followed by cake, ice cream and fellowship. The October Birthday Party will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 at the senior center. We will promote our membership drive; have a short annual meeting; elect President, Secretary, and two directors for the Ellsworth Senior Center Board per the bylaws of the Senior Center; and play bingo.

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” ~ Betty Freidan

Submitted by Ellsworth Senior Center Director Janelle Braun