EATON — You have probably read something at one time or another about the Preble County Senior Center, but do you really know us? Have you visited the Senior Center? Do you know where the Senior Center is located? Are you familiar with all the amenities associated with the Senior Center?
We are not a sedentary Senior Center. We are very active; just ask any senior. In fact, our entrance sign says, “Preble County Senior Activities Center.” We focus on health, fitness and well being. We keep our seniors active in fun ways. We have a fitness room with treadmills and other exercise equipment. We have gentle exercise available at 9 a.m. weekdays. We have a Pool Table, Wii Games, a Weekly Thursday Night Dance, Line Dancing, Clogging and more. We have mini-trips for shopping, walking, etc. We have motor coach trips to destinations far and near. Overseas trips are available through Joy Tour & Travel. There are no rocking chairs at our Senior Center.
Have you heard about the evidence-based program, A Matter of Balance? Since the Preble County Senior Center started offering classes, we have had many seniors complete the program. This nationally recognized fall prevention program was developed by the Roybal Center at Boston University. The program was designed with several purposes including: helping to reduce the fear of falling, stopping the fear of falling cycle, and improving the activity levels of older adults living in the community. The program consists of eight classes, each two hours long that are run by trained coaches. Class size averages eight people. Strategies incorporated into their sessions include group discussions, problem solving, exercises to improve strength, coordination, and balance, and a home safety evaluation.
A Matter of Balance also has good outcomes supporting their program. After completing the program, participants demonstrated improvements with areas including their levels of fall control and fall management. A Matter of Balance research indicates that after completing the classes:
• 98 percent of participants would recommend the program to others
• 97 percent felt they were more comfortable discussing the fear of falling
• 99 percent planned to continue exercising
The actual Senior Center building has many features for you to use. We have a very nice library (named after our former Executive Director Alice McMann), with many paperback and hardback books available to check out. There are online computers ready for you to use daily (first come, first serve). We also have Wi-Fi.
We have many other activities for you to enjoy, everything from quilting to playing cards, movies to bingo to special events. New activities are planned each month. We are especially proud that the Preble County Senior Center is located on 28 acres of beautiful land. Our yard is landscaped, with lots of flowers, and beautiful trees in bloom in the spring. We have a koi fish pond. We have bird feeders. We have a lovely patio where you are able to dine or sit and enjoy the surroundings. We have space available in the spring for gardens. It is plowed and ready for your use. Just give us a call in early spring to request garden space.
The Decade’s Diner, with a “fab ’50s” theme, serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is a popular location for friends to gather for a good lunch that is reasonably priced. It is available for all ages so bring your family. We have a daily special for $4.99, plus a combo special and many other menu items like salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts.
Our yearly membership is $10. You are able to pay your yearly membership dues on our website: www.prebleseniorcenter.org or in person at the Senior Center. Membership entitles you to several benefits, which includes receiving our bi-monthly “Senior Scene” Newsletter. The newsletter includes articles of interest, plus the monthly activity calendars and the monthly menus. You will also receive discounts on Senior Center planned trips, as well as some special events and activities. We invite you to visit the Preble County Senior Center at 800 East St. Clair Street, Eaton. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Remember: You don’t have to be a member to visit and participate in our events and activities or use our services. If you do have any questions about the Preble County Senior Center or services available through the Preble County Council on Aging, please give us a call at 937-456-4947. We look forward to hearing from you.
