This month, Santiam Senior Center celebrates a decade of providing people over 50 with a place to interact.
“We are here to have a place where retired people can get together, socialize and have coffee,” said Polly Greaves, activity director for the Stayton facility. “Ruth McWayne and her husband started this as a place where retired people could get together, socialize and have coffee. It just grew to playing cards and Bingo, quilting, line-dancing, Tai Chi and other activities. We even have a gentleman that teaches a one-on-one computer class.
“AARP comes in every three or four months for people to take its driver’s education class and get a discount on their insurance,” she added. “And we have a library now, and sometimes people like to just come and read.”
Other activities include potlucks for Bingo and Pinochle players; playing Cribbage. Bridge, Canasta and other card games; hosting a rummage sale in June; holding an annual picnic and holiday activities; and participating in the Fourth of July parade in Stayton.
“One of our members let us use her truck,” Greaves said. “Some of us marched on foot, rode a bicycle, or rode in the convertible… And on the last Tuesday of the month, we celebrate birthdays.”
The fully self-supported center is a registered nonprofit organization. A major source of income comes from the on-site thrift shop, selling donated items to raise funds for activities and events, plus the annual rummage sale.
“We get lots of donations from people,” Greaves said. “The center is run by volunteers. If we don’t get volunteers, that’s a challenge.”
Greaves said her goal is to get more seniors to get involved and become active, and enjoy the center. She will take on the SSC annual membership drive starting this month; it will run until June. Currently the membership list stands at about 400, with approximately 170 active members, she said.
“The center is a great place to bring a friend, aunt or uncle to come on down and socialize,” she said. “It’s lots of fun!”
Member Don Rhoads called SSC “an excellent place for ‘kids over 50’ to come and make new friends.”
Greaves said to look for extra activities throughout the anniversary year.
“We will host an open house for the public to come and visit,” she said. The date is still pending.
This year, SSC was the first Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce partner to renew its 2020 membership, according to a Chamber post on Facebook.
SSC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Membership is $20 a year.For more information, call the center at 503-767-2009 or visit the SSC Facebook page.
