Christmastime brings out the humanitarian in most of us, but at the Buellton Senior Center, caring for others in the community is a common thread, 24/7. 

The Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation was established in 1976. Executive Director Colleen Klein said that thanks to community support, its thrift shop and private donations, the center serves lunches Monday through Friday to 265 seniors a month and delivers to even more. The center set a record in October, serving 900 Meals on Wheels in a month.

 

“Five hundred and eighteen of those delivered lunches were provided by scholarship,” said Klein.

Lunch is available to seniors Monday through Friday at the center, located at 164 Highway 246, for $3 a meal. Chef Wayne Norburg prepares the menu, which is available to peruse in advance at the center or on its Web site at www.syvalleyseniorcitizensfoundation.org/services.

 

“We also provide emotional support, health aides like wheelchairs and walkers and guidance to help the elderly move on to the next step of aging,” Klein said. “We are able to provide these services through donations.” She added that the center is currently in need of wheelchairs.

Other services provided include computer training and country music line dancing on Mondays, a quilting class on Wednesdays, bingo and grief counseling on Fridays and a community dinner on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Seniors are invited to sign up for the Dec. 16 special holiday dinner put on by Mother Hubbards’ Restaurant, at a cost of $7.

 

This month, senior center members created lush and festive wreaths with the guidance of Rosemary Hrehor, which are on sale at the thrift shop.

Seniors may call (805) 688-4571 or visit 164 Highway 246 in Buellton, to sign up to receive a copy of the newsletter or sign up online.

The center will be closed during the holidays, Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.

The success of the senior center’s thrift shop on Highway 246 led to the acquisition of property at 410 Central Ave., which will be used for a Buellton Senior Annex geared toward men — the Man Cave — as well as a community garden. All are invited to throw in their trowel. The grand opening was slated for Nov. 24.

 

 

Reach Wendy Thompson at wendy@syvjournal.com.