This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
(Image credit: Sharon Nikosey)
(Image credit: Sharon Nikosey)
Did you know socializing is good for the heart and soul? If you enter 136 Elm St. Stoneham, you’ll pass a bocce court. In the building’s back is a deck, the top floor has an exercise room, the middle floor – a dining room. In the basement is where you’ll find medical equipment. This is just a few offerings; but you are welcome to see for yourselves or read on.
When Senior Center guests were asked about their favorite things, most commented that it was the people there. Second only to the camaraderie and the laughs. Not the hot and cold lunches, not the movies they show, not the counseling services available for those with questions about housing, finances and health, and not the fact that most everything is FREE. Those are all pretty great, too. And the building is wheelchair and walker friendly.
Similarly, the reason many guests come back week after week (if not day after day) include the wonderful staff, opportunities to share a laugh, and, well, the coffee. Both the other guests and the staff are very welcoming to not only Stoneham residents but other towns, too. They come from Melrose, Saugus, Winchester and Wakefield, for example. And there is a wonderful sense of community. As a result, some guests have been coming to the center for 12 or more years!
For people who enjoy games or socializing, the Senior Center has Mahjong, Cribbage, Bingo, Bocce and Bridge. There are physical activities too, such as drumming, Zumba, Tai Chi, yoga and weight training. If you work up an appetite, lunch is served four days a week. Less aerobic activities include knitting and crocheting, meditation and a book club.
One thing unique to the Stoneham Center is that that they offer furniture caning. “The Caners” will repair a caned chair or stool for a reasonable fee. Alternatively, if the community cares to donate any caned furniture in need of repair, they will fix and sell them at their Thursday Bargain Barn.
There is still more going on at the Center. They loan out gently used shower seats, commodes, wheelchairs, rollators, canes, transport chairs and walkers – even if you aren’t from Stoneham. They also offer incontinence supplies if someone is in need.
Special events include musical and comic performances, ice cream social, and guest speakers. If all that isn’t enough, guest are welcome to suggest new ideas or activities and they will be considered. Transportation is available upon request, although the Center is currently operating with only one of their two vans. The other is in need of repairs and is expected to be replaced by the end of the year.
For more information contact 781-438-1157. Amanda Costain is the Assistant Director/Outreach [email protected] and Kristen Spence is the Director [email protected].