By JIM GORBY
Guest Columnist
The Senior Center on Cumberland Road in Noblesville was established in 1978 and has served those over 55 ever since. Thousands of seniors have benefited from its services and friendships.
In 1978, the main focus was on seniors who grew up and lived in the area all their lives. Many participants had been friends since childhood. Everyone knew one another or at least had heard stories about the other.
Beginning about 1990, Hamilton County started to grow like crazy. Suburban towns like Noblesville, Fishers, Westfield and Carmel took off, and newcomers arrived from many points on the compass. New business came in to enjoy the pleasant surroundings and to employ hardworking folks who lived here or would soon join them. Rather suddenly, the area became not just a bedroom community for Indianapolis, but a destination in itself.
The Senior Center has evolved to serve additional clientele. As businesses started up, relocated here, and expanded, young professionals arrived from across the nation to take jobs and start families. Grandparents visited to see the new grandchildren and thought about moving to the area to be closer to them. And the moves began.
Today, our Center has a mix of long-time residents and many newcomers who are looking for activities and friendship among people of their own age.
The Senior Citizens Organization (to give its proper name) offers games, dinners, trips, a thrift store, hobbies, dancing, exercise programs, and opportunities to get involved in the community. We are member organized and run in a pleasant facility with all the amenities the community offers.
Come give us a look and get involved.
Jim Gorby serves as the President of the Senior Citizens Organization.