Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Volunteers Vel Bujack, left, and Lynda Campbell take a look at some of the furniture, and a ceiling fan, that have been donated to the Fallbrook Senior Center Thrift Store. Sales at the store benefit the center's programs. Shane Gibson photo (Volunteers Val Bujack, left, and Lynda Campbell take a look at some of the furniture, and a ceiling fan, that have been donated to the Fallbrook Senior Center Thrift Store. Sales at the store benefit the center's programs. Shane Gibson photo) (Volunteers Val Bujack, left, and Lynda Campbell take a look at some of the furniture, and a ceiling fan, that have been donated to the Fallbrook Senior Center Thrift Store. Sales at the store benefit the center's programs. Shane Gibson photo)
Flo Judd adds a candleholder to one of the display cabinets at the Fallbrook Senior Center Thrift Store where she volunteers her time.
Bob Hein plays his ukulele during a class at the Fallbrook Senior Center.
The Fallbrook Senior Center (FSC) has been a strength in the community since 1974. Located next to the Fallbrook Community Center at 399 Heald Lane, the organization offers numerous activities to its approximately 320 members.
For an annual fee of $15, local citizens who are 55 and over can become a member and benefit from the center’s facilities. Games such as billiards, cribbage, mah jong, pinochle, and bridge attract seniors who share an appreciation for friendly competition. The popularity of these past-times have resulted in weekly and monthly tournaments for some of the games. (Bingo is available for an additional fee, and includes cake, tea and coffee at intermission).
Members also have the opportunity to join in watercolor painting, a writer’s group, a book group, ukulele class, and even a knitting group (Knit Wits). More active forms of involvement are also available, including a wellness exercise class, chair yoga, Wii bowling, and line dancing. Occasionally, health checks are available such as blood pressure, glucose, body mass screening, and a hearing clinic.
Phyllis Sweeney, special projects manager for the FSC, spoke about the center's meal program. "Every morning, the meals are prepared fresh by employee Chef Rudy. David, another employee of the FSC, delivers meals to members who subscribe to the Home Delivered Meals program and develops a meaningful relationship with those recipients. The 'Hot Shot' truck, provided by the county but maintained by the FSC, keeps the food at appropriate temperatures to ensure safety and quality."
Members who either receive the delivered meals or those who come to the center for congregate meals, are asked to make a financial donation. The monetary difference is made up through thrift shore sales and fundraising. One of the fundraising programs is called the Stepping Stone Fundraiser. A stone brick is available for a $100 donation. Of this amount, $20 is used for the application of two lines of engraving. The stones are then placed at the front entrance to the FSC. The remaining donation pays for seven meals.
The FSC also has a travel program which offers day trips to places of interest such as the Nixon Library, Reagan Library, art festivals, and Old Town San Diego. More lengthy trips visit such destinations as San Francisco/Bay Area, Las Vegas, and several national parks.
When asked about any future programs that the FSC will be offering, Sweeney replied, "There is an upcoming opportunity for our members to read to local children in the works." The FSC is involved in the local community through other avenues such as participating in the Avocado Festival, Scarecrow Days, and various Chamber of Commerce events such as the upcoming golf tournament.
"I am continuing to look for more ways to have us participate in the community and bring awareness about what the center and its members have to offer." said Sweeney. Citing the success of the Cleveland Clinic, Sweeney emphasized the importance of bringing seniors together to socialize and how it positively it can affect their wellbeing.
The FSC board meeting is held the first Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m., and general meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m., usually with a guest speaker. On the first Wednesday of every month, a birthday lunch at the congregate meal honors members whose special days fall within that month, and includes cake, tea and coffee.
The Fallbrook Senior Center has an on-site thrift store, which accepts donations of jewelry, clothing, and furniture. Significantly discounted medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, medical beds are often available too. Pickup and delivery are offered on occasion.
For more information regarding activities and programs, the center publishes the senior monthly Chronicle with the monthly menu and times of the activities.
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thrift Shop hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To learn more about the Fallbrook Senior Center, please call (760) 728-4498.
Reader Comments(0)