Emilio Biamonte, a 91-year-old Hollywood resident, can’t think of a better place to spend his days than at the Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center. He simply thinks it’s terrific. He loves participating in music therapy classes, dancing at the monthly birthday parties, playing dominoes, going to the Finding Joy in Your Life group and socializing with the other members during lunch at the Center.
The Center, which began offering programs in 1978 and has existed at its current location in Hollywood since 1987, aims to meet the needs of older adults and their families, with care and dignity, by providing the community a variety of programs and services, according to its website. The 501(c)(3) charitable agency offers many free programs and services, such as education classes like current events and computer literacy, tai-chi, yoga, and referrals for Medicare and Medicaid, to Broward residents 60 or older and to residents caring for these individuals.
“Many seniors could be isolated in their homes, and this is a place where they can gather together,” said Beth A. Allen, executive director of the Center. “The Center is a support system. They make friends here. It keeps them connected to each other and, more importantly, to the community.”
The Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center strives to keep seniors active and engaged, Allen said. And with the wide variety of programs offered, she said there’s something for everyone. An adult day care program also offers the elderly who are physically or cognitively challenged structured activities like music, movement and pet therapy, brain games, exercise, creative art activities, discussion groups and outings in the community for those who can.
“It saves us from going crazy at home alone,” said Esther Graber, a Davie resident. “You feel satisfied that you have done something constructive at the end of the day.”
In addition to physical fitness and education classes, the Center also provides day trips for seniors that include trips to the grocery store, local attractions and cultural events, as well as overnight trips and cruises. On Sunday, April 3, for example, the Center will provide buses to take seniors to the David Posnack Jewish Community Center to watch Jackie Jacob, an international star who’s headlined shows all around the world, perform in “L’Chaim to Life 2011,” a musical journey celebrating Jewish culture.
Allen said support from the community and local organizations have allowed the Center to keep its doors open to the seniors who have come to rely on the nonprofit for both basic human necessities and entertainment.
“The Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center is an independent nonprofit agency that lost a major funding source this year while costs to provide services, programs and transportation continue to go up,” Allen said. “We are pleased that the Jim Moran Foundation is supporting us with a $50,000 grant to support our senior center programs and our buses. We continue to look for other sources of funding to help us keep our doors open. We want all of the older adults and their families in our community to know we are here for them.”
For more information about the Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center located at 3081 Taft St., visit www.meyerhoffcenter.org or call 954-966-9805.
Programs offered at the Meyerhoff Senior Center
Fitness Class
Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center/Southeast Focal Point teamed up with Nova Southeastern University to provide a new fitness class to seniors in Broward County.
The Enhanced Fitness Class is a full hour of dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training and stretching. The class is FREE, but participants must register at the Center. Classes: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
AARP Driver Safety Program
The Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center/Southeast Focal Point will offer A.A.R.P. Driver Safety Classes at 3081 Taft St. for seniors ages 50 and older. There is a $12 fee for AARP members and a $14 fee for non-members. Next classes: Thursday, March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hula Dancing with Uilani
(She was born and raised in Hawaii.)
Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m.; $3 per class.
Beginning Conversational
Spanish with Marcy
Mondays from 12 to 1 p.m.
Computer Classes
$30 for 4 weeks; Monday sessions: 1 to 3 p.m.; Thursday sessions: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. To register for classes or for information, call Frank at 954-370-9778.
Trip to Winter
Park and Mount Dora
Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30; $215 per person double occupancy; $260 per person single occupancy; Call Margie at 954-966-9805 for more information.
Bridge
Intermediate Progressive Bridge: Mondays and Fridays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge: Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; There is a $3 donation per afternoon; Games located at the Southeast Focal Point Senior Center, 3081 Taft St.
Senior Programs
FREE classes and programs for adults 60 and older include Yoga, Tai-Chi, meditation, painting, Mah Jongg, Brain Aerobics, Enhanced Fitness, current events, lectures and bingo. Other activities include jewelry making, trips to museums, theatres, casinos, and other local attractions. Transportation and lunch provided.
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