Senior center creates an environment of community and fellowship

With more than 15 activities happening every day, the Waxahachie Senior Activity Center is always bustling with energy, but for members and staff, the center not only gives them something to do, it gives them a place to have community.

“We love this community and this community of seniors,” director John Smith said. “Whatever we can do to make their lives richer and happier, you know, that’s what we’re here for.”

Smith said there is a strong “community spirit” at the center. He explained how he has met people from all different walks of life and from all over the world.

Sylvia Segura joined the center three months ago and exercises regularly in the morning. She said, as a former educator, she needs to be around people, and the center gives her that opportunity.

“I meet a lot of nice people and just kind of share our stories or our experiences, and then I go home and just get started with my day,” Segura said. “I really enjoy it. It’s a really great place.”

Rick Barnes is a member and one of 85 volunteers. He joined in 2016 and has been volunteering since. He helps serve lunch to members, but he said he enjoys the center because of the fellowship and the activities.

“It beats sitting at home,” Barnes said. “I don’t have to search for things to do; the center has stuff for me to do. I love the fellowship here.”

Rudy Hernandez became a member a month ago and said he enjoys playing pool in the billiards room and has signed up for an exercise class. He said the food is “really good,” and that he has made a lot of “beautiful friendships.” He expressed his excitement to be involved in more activity classes.

The center has a billiards room, a fully equipped exercise room, a library, a computer lab, a community garden and multiple rooms for a variety of classes and games. It offers field trips to places in the DFW area including the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Dallas Arboretum. The center shows movies twice a week, serves a “nutritional” lunch every day and hosts tournaments. A full list of activities and events can be found in the monthly newsletter found on its website.

Those interested in learning more about the senior center or becoming a member can visit https://www.waxahachie.com/services/senior_activity_center_new/index.php.

Originally published September 16, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/senior-center-creates-an-environment-of-community-and-fellowship/article_9546bf52-357f-11ed-b785-abc2653b8ea9.html