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Friends pop in to Girard center luncheons twice a month
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Evelyn Myers of Girard writes down flavors of popcorn for a taste test during Popcorn Fest at the Girard Multigenerational Center. Tuesday’s luncheon was one of two the center has each month.
GIRARD
In the basement of the Girard Multigenerational Center, large, tempting bowls of popcorn were the center of attention for Tuesday’s luncheon.
Popcorn Fest was in full swing, with a taste test to see how many flavors people could guess. Then, it was build-your-own-bag with toppings.
M&Ms in popcorn? Peanuts? Of course!
No matter how they topped off their popcorn, however, participants in the event acknowledged that the biggest attraction there was not those fluffy white kernels.
It was one another.
“I don’t come to every one,” said Ruth Ralston of Girard about the luncheons the center has twice a month. “But I’ve enjoyed the ones I’ve come to.”
Ralston said the emphasis is on “Multi” in the name “Multigenerational,” because her son is 33 and enjoys going to the center.
“We have exercise rooms,” said Leona Greathouse of Girard, sitting next to Ralston at a table of friends as they finished their lunch, enjoyed some popcorn and got ready for a game of bingo.
“Craft rooms — it just keeps us busy,” Greathouse continued.
“I’m here every day for the coffee bars,” said Shirley Martin of Girard, who volunteers to run the Monday-through-Friday morning offerings of coffee, muffins, cookies, cakes doughnuts, bagels and toast.
The coffee bars begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11.
Membership costs $10 a year for Girard residents.
“Anyone can come,” said Jackie Giuriceo, the center’s activities and outreach specialist.
The center is particularly important in that it offers seniors a place for socializing, she said.
“We like to plan different activities, just to get them out,” she said.
The center has two fitness rooms.
Fitness classes include stretching class at 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; tone up with tunes at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; Tai chi at noon Friday; and yoga.
For yoga times and days, call 330-545-6596.
There is computer tutoring at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and a computer cafe, with computers open every day.
Health screenings are available from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays.
The center offers help with Medicare appointments, and offers support services for anything a senior needs, Giuriceo said.