CSAC to offer hearing acuity testing on Aug. 3

I thought I would use the first part of this week's column to introduce our center to the community and to those who do not know what we are about. When you think of a senior center, you might think of terms and phrases such as "nursing home" or "that's where old folks go." But that is far from the truth. Our senior center is a wonderful place for recreation and social connection. It's a community of friends and family that help you feel the warmth of camaraderie. If this is something that you are searching for in your life, I promise you, this is the place where you belong. Are you a recent widow or widower? The center can give you stability and a routine for your everyday life. I have watched a widow come through our doors and go from a downtrodden face to a twinkle back in her eye. She filled her time with trips and activities that helped soften that void of loneliness. The Clinchfield Senior Adult Center is a place with a purpose, and that purpose is you. Everything from our decorations to our trips is designed for you. This is your place of comfort, and we want you to feel like you are right at home. Did you know if you are 50 years old, you are considered a senior? You may not feel ready to join a senior center. What if I told you that you can join with your friends, while also making new ones? Just give it a try by stopping by from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our address is 220 Union St., Erwin. One of our staff can give a tour of the facility and answer any of your questions. We have plenty of things coming up in August that you have to look forward to. We are offering hearing acuity testing from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 3. This is one of our many examples of free center activities. Be sure to sign up for upcoming trips and activities before they fill up. Check out our Facebook where we keep up with recent photos of our trips and activities. We also have our website clinchfieldseniors.com Our Meals on Wheels coordinator is looking for a weekday driver to volunteer for the Unicoi route from 10:30 a.m. to noon. No experience is required; training is provided so drivers feel confident with the route and comfortable serving the seniors who depend on these meals. For details or to volunteer, call Meal Coordinator Carol Custer at (423) 330-6904. If you're 50 or older and looking for friends, fitness and fun, our center is the perfect place to connect. We're not a healthcare or assisted living facility. We are a community hub focused on activities, wellness, and relationships. Membership is just $25 a year, and some insurance plans (United Healthcare and Humana) may cover your membership at no cost. Bring your photo ID and insurance card, and our staff can check for you. Membership Perks • Bingo: A member favorite, thanks to our generous business and healthcare sponsors.• Day Trips: Ride our Center bus for shopping, dining, educational outings and recreational adventures.• Fitness Room: Treadmills, NuStep, bicycles, strength equipment, free weights, yoga mats and more.• Blood Pressure Clinic: Free checks every Monday at 9 with Diane Banks.• Drums Alive: A fun, music‑based fitness class led by certified instructor Lisa Wright.• Circuit Aerobics: Cardio with bands, weights, and balls—chair‑friendly and adaptable for all mobility levels. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.• Tai chi: Improve balance with Bob Hechemovich's gentle, guided movements. Fridays• Congregate Meals: Daily lunch for ages 60 and older with a suggested $3 donation. Sign up three days in advance.• Arts & Crafts Room: A fully stocked creative space open to all members.• Library: Take‑a‑book/return‑a‑book for easy reading.• Billiards: A newly renovated room with morning play and a women's team on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.• Computer Lab: New computers available during operating hours; printing is 25 cents per page.• Homemade Goods: Apple relish, pie filling, cookie mixes, tea blends, granola, and fresh nuts prepared by our wonderful volunteers.• Volunteer Opportunities: Help with Meals on Wheels or the Veterans Food Truck.• Veterans Food Truck: Free food for veterans, spouses, widows and widowers on the second Tuesday of each month at noon. Lineup begins at 11:30 a.m. • Veteran Services: An onsite Veterans Service Officer is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and, by appointment, on Saturdays. Upcoming activities July 29: Swap Shop at 10 a.m.July 29: Family Feud at noonJuly 29: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.July 30: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.July 31: Ping Pong at 9 a.m.July 31: Pictionary at 10 a.m.July 31: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.July 31: Card Club at noonAug. 3: Blood pressure checks at 10 a.m.Aug. 3: Hearing Acuity Testing from 10 a.m. to noon. Must sign up or call us.Aug. 3: Drums Alive at noon Aug. 3: Art Class at 1 p.m.Aug. 4: Devotions at 9 a.m. Aug. 4: Trip to Yuimaru Kitchen, Ross and Five Below. Bus departs at 9 a.m.Aug. 4: Circuit Aerobics at 1 p.m.Aug. 4: Diamond Art Class at 2 p.m.Aug. 5: Bingo with Christian Care at 10 a.m.Aug. 5: Family Feud at noonAug. 5: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.Aug. 6: T-Shirt making at 9 a.m.Aug. 6: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.Aug. 6: Circuit Aerobics at 1 p.m.Aug. 6: Silk embroidery class at 2 p.m.Aug. 7: Free breakfast with The Greens of Erwin at 9 a.m. Aug. 7: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.Aug. 7: Card Club at noon Upcoming Lunch Menu Aug. 3: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green peas, fruit cocktail, rollAug. 4: Chicken parmesan with pasta, California mixed vegetables, peach crisp, rollAug. 5: Egg patty, sausage and gravy, oven browned potatoes, orangejuice, biscuitAug. 6: Sliced ham, lettuce, tomato and bread, macaroni salad, fruited Jell-OAug. 7: Chicken philly with peppers, onions and bun, sweet potatoes, succotash, graham crackers We hope to see you soon. For more information, call (423) 743-5111. ••• Lacie Barrett is the activities coordinator at the Clinchfield Senior Adult Center.