Despite how hard retired people have worked throughout their lives, communities still need active seniors.

All volunteers make a difference, but experienced and knowledgeable seniors can make an even bigger difference by saving organizations money — money that can be better used in other ways.

Many seniors spend most of their time at home where they are comfortable. In fact, a recent article in the L.A. Times states that seniors currently spend between half and three-quarters of their time awake watching television.

This social isolation helps explain why so many seniors suffer from depression, an estimated 6 to 6.5 million aged 65 years and older. Senior volunteers spend less time at home and more time in their communities, which helps them increase their social and support networks.

Many young people volunteer with various organizations, so seniors who choose to do the same help to bridge the generation gap. The cultural differences between seniors and young people are huge and include topics like technology, workplace behavior, and political differences. Young people rarely have the opportunity to work with seniors, but when seniors collaborate with young people, there is reciprocal learning for everyone involved and therefore a better understanding of each other.

There are always volunteer opportunities at the senior center. If you haven’t decided what opportunity best fits your skills, stop down. We would be happy to discuss our openings and see what works for you. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; movie, “The Help,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers Club, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Computer Class, 2 p.m.; Hearing Aid Clinic, 3:15 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Feb. 20, three tables

1st John Allen, 2nd Bud Higgins, 3rd Carolyne Higgins, 4th Larry Larson, 5th Loretta Nelson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Feb. 21, 4.5 tables

1st Jim Fischer, 1st Bud Higgins; 2nd Dick Hansen, 2nd Larry Crowe; 3rd Ray Schmidt, 3rd Gail Schmidt;

4th Gene Muchow, 4th Ron Peters

Tuesday “500”

Feb. 21, three tables

1st Arnold Bergstrom, 2nd Lois Anderson, 3rd Barb Dickman, 4th Jerry Downing

Weekly “500”

Feb. 24, four tables

1st Beulah Luthe, 2nd Willard Ballantyne, 3rd Dorothy Stern, 4th Lois Anderson

Friday Bridge

Feb. 24, three tables

1st Dave Ring, 2nd Dave Solomonson, 3rd Steve Howard, 4th Shirley Knowlton, 4th Jaynard Johnson

Weekly Cribbage

Feb. 24, 3 3/4 tables

1st Lottie Sierra, 2nd John Allen, 3rd Loretta Prantner, 4th Jessie Swain

Pinochle

Monday

1st Dave Solomonson

Tuesday

1st Mildred Ballantyne

Thursday

1st Dorothy Schloo, 1st Loretta Nelson

Friday

1st Mildred Ballantyne

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Tator tot hotdish

Tuesday: Chicken breast

Wednesday: Pork roast

Thursday: Beef tips in gravy

Friday: Meat balls