BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Senior Citizens Center is working to meet the growing needs of local seniors, providing vital meal services and community programs despite limited resources. Director Jennifer Crum, speaking at a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon, discussed the center’s efforts to deliver meals, offer daily activities and expand services that benefit seniors and the wider community.

“She’s done a great job there,” Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps said, introducing Crum, who has held the position for 11 years. “COVID impacted what she could do for a while, and she’s working to rebuild it. They do some great things at the senior citizens center—and it’s not just for seniors; it’s for everybody.”

Crum shared that the center currently delivers 95 meals daily to seniors in their homes but has a waiting list.

“We can’t get to everyone in the county,” she said, explaining that the center operates with only two vehicles. “Our transport boxes only hold so many meals, and we only have so many cigarette lighters [for plugging in the electric transport boxes].”

For residents in remote areas, the center provides frozen meals.

“They receive seven meals a week,” Crum said. “The UPS truck delivers them. They say they’re really good.”

Martin County’s most recent allotment of frozen meals from the Big Sandy Area Development District is six.

To qualify for home meal delivery, participants must be 60 or older and have no one at home to cook for them. Disabled children of seniors are also eligible.

The center also offers congregate meals daily from 11 a.m. to noon. Anyone is welcome, with individuals aged 60 and older given the option to pay $2, though payment is not required. Lunch for those under 60 is available for $3. Curbside pickup is also offered from 10 a.m. to noon.

“You just pull up between the dumpster and the building, and we will bring them out to you,” Crum said.

She mentioned the importance of increasing senior participation at the center.

“Anyone 60 or older who comes and signs up will help us get our money. I only have to see you once a year. If I give you a menu and calendar, that counts and we will get paid.”

Last year, the center’s five employees served over 300 seniors and provided more than 30,000 meals.

According to Crum, the center plans to expand transportation services—picking up seniors from their homes and bringing them to the center.

Health, fitness and
social programs

In addition to meal services, the center offers educational resources as well as health, fitness and social programs.

Wednesdays draw the largest crowds for Bingo, while Fridays are reserved for Bible study with Debbie Small from Calvary Temple.

“They really enjoy that,” Crum said.

One of the center’s fitness programs is the Arthritis Foundation’s “Walk With Ease” program, which promotes walking, stretching and strengthening exercises. Another program, BINGOcize, combines the game of bingo with exercises designed specifically for older adults, blending fitness with fun and enhancing social connections.

Crum hopes to introduce a new program called “Drums Alive,” which incorporates fitness, drumming, music and educational concepts to improve participants’ physical, emotional and social well-being.

“I have to get the training for that,” she said. “I’m thinking about having an evening class, not just for seniors but for everyone, once I get trained.”

Each May, the center participates in the Big Sandy Senior Games. Events include bowling, cornhole, horseshoes, walking, basketball, shuffleboard, lawn mowing, softball and archery. Participants compete in age and gender categories. A banquet and awards ceremony at Jenny Wiley Lodge follows the games.

“Everybody loves that,” Crum said. “We had a 99-year-old who came out and played in the games. They would not give that up.”

Anyone aged 50 or older is eligible to compete in the Senior Games, regardless of whether they participate in the center’s programs.

“It’s really fun,” Crum said. “You get to meet people from other counties. I would love to have a lot more sign up. We need to bring medals home.”

Crum concluded by inviting Kiwanis Club members to join the center.

“We would love to have you or any of your family.”