ORIGINALLY WRITTEN JULIE ANDERSON
After retirement, many senior citizens trade the time demands of a job
for involvement in community activities and service.
The Hillsboro Senior Center provides opportunities to participate
in
both.
?I think those who eat here and are involved in activities are
healthier and have a more positive outlook on life,? said Connee
Willis, center director.
Seniors can take part in craft lessons, games, special day
activities,
decorating, showcasing hobbies, quilting, aerobics and more at the
senior center. The center has more than 100 volunteers, spanning a
wide age range.
?We really try to get the younger retirees volunteering so we have
a
constant supply of volunteers,? Willis said.
The number of volunteers has remained fairly stable over the
years.
Area seniors can volunteer to drive meals to home-bound residents,
quilt, prepare mailings, provide in-town transportation, help in
the
kitchen, drive passenger vans, serve on committees, contribute to
programs and serve on the executive board.
Willis said she feels it is the religious faith of the seniors
which
gives them the desire to help others.
Helping others also lets them know they are still useful and
needed.
?I think a lot of them volunteer at their churches and just in
their
neighborhoods,? Willis said. ?They probably were people that all
their
lives were concerned about others.?
The volunteers at the senior center make it possible for the
center to
carry out all of the activities and services it offers.
Willis said anyone can volunteer and jobs are available for
everyone
who does.
?I think it helps them stay active and appreciate life more,? she
said. ?It helps them to maintain a positive outlook about life.?
Wilbur Hanneman, Hillsboro, has been volunteering at the center
for a
number of years. He is typical of many seniors who invest their
time
there.
?I enjoy it and it gives me something to do?and I?m doing it for
other
people,? he said.
Hanneman is a meal driver and does building repairs?among other
things?at the center. He also mows the lawn at his church and does
maintenance work at the Et Cetera Shop.
?I can?t sit in the chair in the afternoon and watch TV,? he said.
Other outlets for seniors are service organizations, such as the
Lions
Club.
Art Unrau, secretary for the evening club, said the majority of
their
membership is senior citizens.
?We help in various ways,? he said.
Members can work in the concessions stand at baseball games, with
the
senior center, and drive for FISH and meals on wheels.
?I don?t think you can find an organization that has more
advantages,?
Unrau said. ?It?s good fellowship.?
He said during his time with Lions, he
SENIOR YEARS: ?Retirement? keeps local seniors active still
