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Area senior centers prepare to kick off member drives

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Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Mary McIntosh and Ruth Johnson quilt a tea box (or six painted stars) quilt Oct. 14 inside the Middletown senior center.

Officials at the centers say they offer members a variety of activities and quality, affordable meals.

By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer Updated 11:45 AM Sunday, October 18, 2009

Even during these difficult economic times — when about every business is suffering — membership remains strong at area senior citizens centers.

The only center to report a drop in membership was Partners in Prime in Hamilton, and that can be blamed on the flood at the center earlier this year, said Christy Quincy, director of community relations.

Membership at Partners in Prime fell this year from 1,879 to 1,010 after the Jan. 16 flood closed the center and moved activities to Grace United Methodist Church, 1200 Main St.

Quincy said she expects members to return — and, hopefully, membership increase — once the facility reopens later this year.

All the area senior centers will kick-off their membership campaigns next month. Officials at the centers said they offer their members a variety of activities, quality meals at affordable prices, and the opportunity to remain connected with their friends and make new ones.

For the first time, the Middletown Senior Citizens is going to offer three tiers of membership, said David Voyles, activities director. There will be a basic membership, one that includes certain meals, and another that includes meals and activities.

Membership, he said, has grown about 25 to 30 members per month.

He credits the increase to the center’s new building on Central Avenue, additional activities and the larger kitchen.

Mildred Brown, director of the Deardoff Senior Center in Franklin, said a membership luncheon will be held in early November and members will be encouraged to bring a guest, a potential new member.