Harrison County Senior Center boosts participation with crafts, trips, and holiday events

The Harrison County Senior Center wrapped up a busy November with Santa’s Workshop and a game of The Price Is Right, following a month filled with craft days, meals and special events.

On Nov. 9, the center’s bus transported four seniors to the Elite Academy for pampering and desserts. Earlier in the month, on Nov. 6, local crafter Barb Horn led a paint-and-sip session where participants enjoyed sparkling cider and personal charcuterie boards.

To help residents with Christmas shopping, the center hosted Santa’s Workshop, a small craft show featuring more than 10 vendors offering jewelry, stuffed animals, wood art, winter wear and other handmade goods.

Activity Coordinator Christy Holmes said event planning is a collaborative process. “Usually it is something I or the staff here suggests, sometimes the seniors suggest it as well,” she said. “They are the ones that choose where to go for our lunch bunch every month.”

Holmes, who has served as coordinator for six months, said she has already noticed rising participation. “When I first started, we had the usual three or four people. Now we are seeing up to 20 on any given day. It just depends on what we are doing. We are continually growing.”

December is expected to be just as busy. Seniors will have two opportunities to visit Oglebay to see the Christmas lights. The center’s “elves” will offer gift-wrapping help Dec. 11 and 18, and two shopping trips are planned to the malls in St. Clairsville and New Philadelphia.

The center will close the week of Christmas so seniors and staff can enjoy the holiday with their families.

Holmes said she is excited to continue the holiday spirit but noted that transportation remains a challenge for many older adults. “Getting to where they need to be seems to be the biggest struggle,” she said. “Having a place to go, have lunch and visit with friends seems to really help.”

The center offers rides for seniors who need them for medical appointments and other travel, not just center activities.

Updates are available through the Harrison County Senior Center Facebook group. For event information or registration, call 740-942-3238.