By Jeannie Howard | Photo credit: San Pablo City Staff.
The region’s many senior centers are full of activities, classes, social opportunities, and even experiential events all to help combat the isolation that many seniors can experience.
Midtown Activity Center – El Cerrito
10940 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, (510) 559-7677
With nearly 200 senior patron every day, Mark Deleon, activity coordinator, credits the many friendship making opportunities available at the center as being the main drawl for so many people. “A lot of our classes have social engagement, such as our lunch program, and we go to museums and restaurants so people can get out and experience the community,” he said.
Below are a few of the many programs available:
Coco café: Enjoy lunch and making new friends at the same time. Available Monday to Friday to those 60 years and older. Lunch is free, but there is a $3 suggested donation. Reservations are required.
Easy Ride Paratransit Service (ERPS): From shopping to doctor appointments and every errand in between, catch a ride through ERPS. This ride-share program is available to El Cerrito residents 65 years and older and those 18 years and older with disabilities. Rides are available Monday through Friday. For information on how to sign up and cost, call Easy Ride Paratransit Service at (510) 559-7677.
Alzheimer’s Respite Program: For individuals with Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and other memory losses, and their families this, program has a variety of appropriate activities with close supervision. Available every Tuesday from 10:00am-3:00pm. Call the center for registration and cost information.
El Cerrito Committee on Aging: Meeting every Wednesday, the committee is a way for interested residents to get involved in issues that affect seniors in the community.
Computer Classes & Cyber Café: From classes like Introduction to Computers and iPhone Basics to the Cyber Café, the center offers many ways to brush up on tech skills. Registration is required for classed; call the center to sign up.
Richmond Senior Citizens Center – Richmond
2525 Macdonal Ave., Richmond; (510) 307-8087
Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 pm., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Annex Senior Center -
5801 Huntington Ave., Richmond; (510) 620-6812
Services are available Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both locations off a variety of services such as fitness and health classes, including a nutritional program and the popular Coco Café, as well as several field trips throughout the region all aimed at providing enrichment and social opportunities for area seniors. For more information about times each activity is available and cost, call the main Richmond Senior Center.
Hercules Senior Center – Hercules
111 Civic Dr., Hercules; (510) 799-8219
Striving to be a place where adults 50 years and old can feel comfortable socializing, learning, and becoming physically fit, the Hercules Senior Center offers a diverse variety of programs and services. Here are a few of the classes, event, and programs members have access to:
Health and legal services: Available services include advice on wills and trust, assistance with health insurance questions, or even questions for a nurse and blood pressure screening. Contact the center for more information on times and days these services are available.
Community Produce Program: The first and third Tuesday of each month between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. members who meet the income guidelines are able to receive free produce; don’t forget to bring a grocery bag with you.
Meals On Wheels: If you are in need of a meal delivered to you, please call 510-412-0166. Deliveries occur Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Coco Café: Through a partnership between the Contra Costa Health Services and the Hercules Senior Center, individuals are able to enjoy a social lunch Monday to Friday. Registration is required; call (510) 724-7433 at least 24 hours in advance.
Zumba Gold: Combining fitness and world music into a one-hour class, members of any fitness level are welcome to participate every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
San Pablo Senior Center – San Pablo
1943 Church Ln., San Pablo, (510) 215-3090
Services are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After a recent remodel, the San Pablo Senior Center is more equipped than ever to be the multi-services center they have been known as. “Our center is a place where seniors are able to receive a healthy meal, participate in programs, attend events, and also a place to socialize with others and make new friends and memories,” said Andrea Mendez, recreation manager. It is common for seniors to not have family visits during the day therefore they are often alone during the day, Mendez explained. “So, for them to be able to come to our center and interact with others in our programs and activities , they feel like they have purpose and that is exactly what we want for them, to create a sense of belonging and community with us.”
Senior Nutrition Programs: Offering daily lunches through the Coco Café and monthly food giveaways in partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Senior Nutrition Programs are a vital element of wellness for seniors in the community. For more information or to make reservations call the center.
Senior & Disabled Transportation Service: From shopping to doctor appointments and every errand in between, this ride-share program offers a convenient and low-cost way for seniors 55 years and older, and those 18 and older with disabilities, to get around the area. Please call the center’s main number to make pick-up reservations.
Pinole Senior Center – Pinole
2500 Charles Ave., Pinole; (510) 724-9800
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. Operated by senior volunteers, the Pinole Senior Center has its pulse and the diverse services seniors in the community need and want.
Fitness Program: Seniors will find a wide array of fitness classes available for individuals at every fitness level, such as Zumba, Tai Chi, weight training, and even dance classes. Fitness classes are available to both members and non-members; call the center for more information on registration and cost.
Activities & Classes: Enjoy even more socializing with a variety of games, such as bridge, pinochle, and billiard, or learn a new skill in the art class including guitar, writing classes, and woodcarving. Activities and classes are available to both members and non-members; call the center for more information on registration and cost.
Seniors, members and non-members alike, will also find several additional services available at the Pinole Senior Center, such as massage and hair salon services, and legal and health advice services.
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