Operation Round Up stops potential leaks on entertainment
by Carmen Devney
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Jean Binsfeld, vice president of the
Wilton Senior Center (left), and Pat
Ochsner, cook, enjoy working with and
serving the members. |
More than 35 years old, the Wilton Senior Center has seen its share of excitement. It’s been a host to countless billiard games, card tournaments, monthly potlucks, an extensive library and companionship during meals. But when the roof threatened to leak over the piano after a hard rain, members of the board knew something had to be done. They applied for a Capital Electric Cooperative grant through Operation Round Up and were awarded $900 to install a metal roof and replace the shingles.
Maintaining the Senior Center and providing a gathering place is important to the citizens of Wilton, says Jean Binsfeld, vice president of the center.
“We have lots of older people who have nothing else to do. Many of them don’t drive, so we deliver meals and provide transportation for a minimal fee,” she says.
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Senior Center members Jim Peterson
(left) and Irvin Jose shoot pool. |
While the goal of the Senior Center is to provide recreation and education—the members may say they come for the fellowship and good meals. The meals are planned through the McLean/Mercer Meals on Wheels program and dinner is served over the noon hour Monday through Friday. Anyone can be a member, Binsfeld says. The cost is $5 per year and age requirement is 55 or older. She guesses the Senior Center currently has about 50 members.
“Our members continue to invite others to join, but many think they are just not old enough to be a senior citizen,” says Binsfeld with a laugh.
Card parties are popular, including “Hand and Foot” on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, pinochle on Monday nights and whist on Saturday nights. Members also enjoy playing dominos, putting puzzles together and eating treats. The men also enjoy weekly pool tournaments.
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The Senior Center is located at
42 Dakota Ave. in Wilton. |
When asked what he likes best about the Wilton Senior Center, member Irvin Jose simply said, “everything.”
“It’s a great place to spend my leisure time, and I don’t have to cook,” he says.
