The Mentor Senior Center will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year with a series of events including an open house on June 26, 2023.
The center was established in 1973 by a small group of citizens who recognized the need for a place in the community for seniors to gather and interact. There were other clubs at the time for various interests like gardening and arts and crafts, but none specifically for those aged 60 and older. The original club members met at Mentor Beach Park. Dues at the time were $1 per year.
The club was small in those early days, but word of mouth quickly spread and it became apparent that they needed to look for a new location to accommodate their growth.
In the winter of 1977, the city purchased the old Ohio Bell building on Hart Street and remodeled it to become the new home of the Mentor Senior Center. The center continued to grow from there. It wasn’t just a place to get a cup of coffee or play a game of cards anymore. Multiple arts and crafts and fitness classes were added. Several additions were added to the building as well but there was no real way to add any additional parking for their popular events. By the time the 2,000th member was registered, it was clear that a much larger facility was needed.
On November 6, 1991, Mentor City Council unanimously approved the purchase of the former Godfrey’s restaurant on Center Street. Senior center members, city council, and administration worked with an architect to develop the concept of a new state-of-the-art facility. On April 29, 1993, a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction. Phase I consisted of refurbishing the existing building. Phase II, which began in late 1994, consisted of a 22,000 square foot addition.
The facility we know today opened to members on November 1, 1995, and features a community room, a lobby/lounge area, library, activity rooms, fitness area, game room, arts and crafts areas, and a stage.
And, it continues to grow! Today, nearly 5,000 members enjoy a wide array of programs and activities.
Many take advantage of fitness classes including low impact aerobics and strength training as well as health services and support groups. Others enjoy arts and crafts such as woodcarving, ceramics, painting, and knitting. Still others participate in computer and other tech help program.
And, there is also a nutritional benefit for joining the Senior Center as they offer made from scratch, hot meals every day.
For those who don’t cook anymore, this service provides a homemade meal that they may not get otherwise.
In addition to all the wonderful activities located inside the Senior Center, one of the most popular programs is the Travel Program which offers as many as 100 trips a year, including day trips to casinos and theaters, as well as overnight trips to destinations such as the Finger Lakes and the Smoky Mountains.
Over the past 50 years, one of the keys to their success has always been to keep looking towards the future for their growth and expansion. The city of Mentor recently purchased the former nursery property on Munson Road adjacent to the facility with the intention of expanding parking.
The Mentor Senior Center has come a long way since 1973, and annual dues are still affordable at just $10 per year for residents and $15 per year for non-residents.
Thanks to the dozen members who had a vision 50 years ago and happy anniversary to the members who keep this a vibrant part of our community.
The Mentor Senior Center is located at 8484 Munson Road. Learn more at www.mentorseniorcenter.com.