Madison Senior Center’s new location with expanded options excites members, staff

Written By Gregg L. Parker | Photographs Contributed | Living 50 Plus

MADISON – A large group of Madison residents already had a dynamic place for recreation, learning and fellowship. Now, those senior citizens are excited to have a larger home with more activities at the new location of Madison Senior Center.

The senior center was the first component to relocate to Madison’s new community center. Previously, the seniors’ home was adjacent to Discovery Middle School at 1282 Hughes Road. Center members now drive or ride the Senior Cruiser bus to 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road, the community center’s address.

Madison Senior Center Director Levoneia Ayers and staff are welcoming members who have returned, now that furniture, equipment and supplies have been placed. “The center is beautiful,” Ayers said. “We have plenty of room to grow, create fun memories and establish new friendships.”

“We hope to see you soon,” Ayers said.

At the new facility, center members can enter at a dedicated entrance to their wing. Three large multi-purpose rooms will accommodate members as they engage in different activities simultaneously, such as a Bingo game in one room while a support group listens to a guest speaker in another room, for example.

The center’s uber-popular sport of billiards has a separate room for spirited games at the pool table. Fans of ceramics, another avocation in demand, can prime and paint projects in the Ceramics Room. The kiln room is conveniently next door and has access from the ceramics room.

Experienced or novice sewers can create their designs in the Sewing Room. The members can walk down their hall to reach the cafeteria, which has adjacent space for delivery of food for Meals on Wheels.

In addition, Ayers and the center staff have office space on that wing. A small conference room is situated off the center’s main lobby. Center members will have access to other common areas, like the expansive patio where they can chat with friends or possibly pot some annual flowers, like they did at their former facility.

“We’re using the whole building for senior programming,” City Administrator Steve Smith said. “The Fitness Room in Building 2 is dedicated for senior programming, and even the gymnasium is used by senior center members during the day.”

In addition, the rooms for the kiln, art and ceramics will be used by the seniors during the day and will be used for community classes at night, Smith said.

“The transition to our new facility has been incredibly positive, both for our staff and members. With a substantial increase in space, from 10,000-plus to over 30,000 square feet, we’re thrilled to offer a wider range of programs,” Rachael Burrus said. Burrus works as Program Coordinator for Madison Senior Center.

“We’re particularly excited about the possibility of having a Travel Club, which will provide opportunities for members to explore new destinations together. Additionally, our art program will be enriched with a variety of mediums, inspiring creativity and fostering artistic growth,” Burrus said.

“Our new on-site gym and fitness center have transformed our center into a hub for health and wellness,” Burrus said. “Members now have convenient access to exercise equipment and a variety of fitness classes, making it easier than ever to prioritize their well-being.”

Among many possibilities for sessions, center members can learn more about a hobby or pursue a brand new interest:

* Stained glass — Participants can learn basic techniques and create a beautiful, unique piece of art. The sessions are perfect for active adults looking to explore a new hobby. (fee required)

* “Friday Film” – Every Friday, members can watch a popular movie from the past. For example, the original “Ghostbusters” from 1984 was shown in November; that movie started at noon and the session ended at 1:45 p.m. The movie – and the popcorn – are free.

* Exercise – Members can improve their physical fitness with classes, such as “Balance,” “Chair Cardio,” “Drumming” . . . and even “Chair Yoga.”

* Good health – Blood pressure checks are available often to rule out any concerns. CPR training will equip members in helping others in an emergency. During the year, the center invites an insurance professional to review Medicare coverage with center members to identify or confirm a person’s most affordable and comprehensive coverage.

* Open Jam Session – One of the center’s most innovative and entertaining activities. Anyone who plays a musical instrument or enjoys singing can join others to make music and have a fulfilling experience. Keyboard available!

Members of Madison Senior Center are settling in and enjoying their new ‘home.’ George Wallace said, “The facility is spacious and beautiful.” Anh Downhour has one favorite spot: “I love the courtyard. It’s beautiful and relaxing.”

Another member, Tammy Bauerle, “loves the location and the spacious rooms. It has been a great experience for me. Dazella Lauristen said, “I love the community you find at the senior center. It’s been a great place to meet new people and fellowship.”

The center’s staff members want to add other programs, including support groups, foreign language courses and fitness classes. “The adage, ‘It takes a village,’ rings true. Our community’s collective effort has been instrumental in our success,” Burrus said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our local sponsors and volunteers for their time and generous contributions. Their support enables us to offer health screenings, fun events like Bingo and Team Trivia and a variety of educational and fitness classes,” Burrus said. Local businesses often sponsor a Bingo game with coveted, sought-after prizes.

“I love the quote from George Bernard Shaw that says, ‘Progress is impossible without change . . .’ In just a month, Madison Senior Center has seen a lot of positive changes, and it’s just the beginning,” Burrus said.

Concerning available programs, “If you or someone you know needs resources, encouragement and support, then make plans to attend a support group at Madison Senior Center,” according to center staff. To register, visit myactivecenter.com.

Numerous support groups that face various life challenges conduct meetings at the center. “The Caregiver Support Group allows City of Madison residents to realize they are not alone. The group creates a safe space for sharing stories and experiences only another person on the same journey can understand,” Ayers said.

Family members and caregivers can learn from each other at sessions concerning Alzheimer’s Disease. Meetings for Grief Support can show individuals the ways that people can deal better with the loss of a relative or friend.

Other members of the center’s staff are Vicki L. Kanik, Arts & Crafts Worker; LaWanda Mason, Senior Activities Coordinator; Sharma Hines, Food/Meals on Wheels Coordinator; Darielle Stover, Administrative Secretary; and Ashley Harris, Senior Center Maintenance.

Madison Senior Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Madison residents who are interested in membership at the center can call 256-772-6242, email seniorcenterinfo@madisonal.gov, check out the center’s pages at madisonal.gov or Facebook/Madison City Senior Center or visit the new location in person.