Waupaca Senior Center turns 50
By Angie Landsverk
The Waupaca Senior Center’s 50th anniversary celebration showcased the range of activities the center offers.
“We are pleased to serve adults 55 and over in the Waupaca area since 1969,” said Sara Reybrock, the senior center coordinator.
Held on June 12, the event took place throughout the rec center and began with cardio drumming, followed by Tai Chi and line dancing demonstrations.
“We wanted to show you can be 55 and a real active senior, or older and learn about fall prevention,” she said.
Reybrock said the center provides education, recreation and socialization.
Her staff offers about 30 different programs a week.
“They are very dedicated to this population,” she said.
Half a century of moving forward
Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Whitman acknowledged Reybrock, her staff and the volunteers.
“The senior center made great strides the last 50 years,” he said.
When Reybrock looked back at the center’s 50-year history, she saw it was initially a social gathering space for older adults.
“Now, the focus is on evidence-based programs,” Reybrock said.
For seniors who are grieving, it is important for them to get out of their homes and know they are not alone, have support and that there are others feeling the same way, she said.
Many visit to attend its fitness and wellness classes.
Roy Luellen joined the center three years ago.
“I’m here Monday through Friday,” he said. “I do drumming, Silver Sneakers, Jamba and line dancing. The staff and members are wonderful. I substitute teach.”
Luellen turns 64 in August and recently became a member of the Senior Center Advisory Board.
“I just love being part of the senior center, serving the community,” he said. “It’s such a great program.”
The center also offers computer and craft classes.
“They just provide so much for everybody,” Luellen said.
An annual membership is $15 for those who live in the city of Waupaca and towns of Dayton and Farmington.
It is $20 for those who live in the towns of Lind and Waupaca and other areas.
Members may use the entire rec/senior center, with many classes free with a membership.
The center is located in the lower level of the rec center.
Aging gracefully
What it offers is ever expanding to meet the needs of seniors so they can age as active, healthy, happy people, Reybrock said.
“A lot of our seniors give back as volunteers,” she said.
They find purpose through the activities in which they participate.
“We have an incredible group of folks,” Reybrock said. “We’re friends. We’re family.”
She describes those who visit the center as gracious, kind and giving.
“They can teach future generations how to age gracefully,” Reybrock said.
Planning for the anniversary celebration began about six months ago.
The event also included yoga, belly dancing, jamba and woodcarving demonstrations.
“We’re showing anyone can participate in anything here,” she said.
Tours, a watercolor artist display, picnic lunch, raffle and prize giveaway were also part of it.
“If you want to see what we’re all about, stop in,” Reybrock said. “I promise you’ll find something you’re interested in, and great friends.”