The Beatrice Senior Center offers a variety of opportunities.
Deb Drewel, president of the board, said she has been involved at the center since she moved to Beatrice about nine years ago.
“The purpose of the senior center is for people 55 and over to come and socialize, have fellowship, play games, dine and exercise,” she said.
The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the week to the public. A morning coffee from 7:30 to 9 a.m. is held most weekdays. In addition to regularly scheduled cards and activities throughout the month, there is also a pool table, exercise equipment, a library and computer lab.
In a previous interview, board member Karen Mains said the jam sessions are important to her.
“On the first and third Thursday of the month, people who can sing or play an instrument meet at the senior center for jam sessions,” she said. “Some people just come to listen, and it’s even more fun when there are more people. Anyone who wants to come is welcome. Just bring your instrument or your voice.”
People are also reading…
Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging offers a noon meal at the center Mondays through Fridays.
Director Carla Frase said daily meals are offered in Beatrice, Wymore and Odell. Weekly meals go to Plymouth and Cortland and once a month to Pickrell. These are congregate, to-go and home-delivered meals.
Nutrition manager Carmen McKeever said in September they served a total of 2,305 meals, serving 600 clients.
Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging also provides a transportation service.
Jim Hinz and Richard Schnaidt, both of Beatrice, rely on the van service every day to take them to the senior center, where they have the noon meal.
On Sept. 16, Jane Nider brought a cake to the center as both Hinz and Schnaidt celebrated their 70th birthdays.
Hinz, who was born blind, now plays piano and sings with a three-piece band and is a part of the twice-a-month jams at the center.
In addition to volunteering in the community, Schnaidt enjoys using the computer, playing pool and working on puzzles at the center. He also attends the jams.
Nider said the men are good examples of people overcoming a disability and being an active part of the community.
An evening meal is sometimes held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the center. Reservations need to be made in advance by calling the center at 402-223-3055.
The Beatrice Senior Center is a city-owned building but operated by a local board. The current board includes Drewel, Mains, Jeff Westphal, Rhonda Menzl, Nettie Sikyta, Shirley Parde and Jon Herron.
The center is at 101 N. 25th St. It can also be rented for family events, parties or celebrations.
