‘I really enjoy it!’: Redmond Senior Center offers more than activities, also hosts events such as Wellness Fair

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Redmond Senior Center is providing visitors with more than just activities. It's a community center for older adults to enjoy activities and friendships. On Wednesday, the center held a Wellness Fair.

"They've taken me out of my shell," member John Haller said.

Redmond Senior Center Marketing Director James Morris said, "Our goal is to make sure that people in their golden years have a place so that they can come and socialize and participate in activities and make new friends."

The Wellness Fair was open to all seniors and caregivers wanting to get a better understanding of health and wellness. It provided a variety of vendors, each offering services for seniors.

 The Council on Aging of Central Oregon shared resources and support, Redmond Fire & Rescue discussed fire safety, and St. Charles presented services to improve senior health. 

St. Charles Community Liaison Mindy Laidlaw said, "We have home health, we have palliative care transitions and hospice. Being here is just a connection-building relationship, letting them know that our service lines go not just in the Bend community."

Morris said, "Being able to provide an event like this just gives them a opportunity to see what is available out there for services, other than just coming to the Senior Center to participate in activities."

The center also holds activities like line dancing, chair yoga and bingo, as well as providing lunches to more than 100 members like John Haller, whose been taking part for about four years. 

"They're taking care of me now," he said. "I mean, they feed me, I got all these friends here. It is a fantastic place! I really enjoy it."

Members of the Redmond Senior Center, pay $50 a year or $5 a month. This was the first Wellness Fair held there since COVID, and seniors were happy to see it return.