Senior Center Gets a Helping Hand From First People’s Bank

First People’s Bank has opened a special account for the Dandridge Senior Center, allowing donations to help the center recover from a recent break in and burst water line. Branch Manager Becky Thomas initially reached out to the director of the center to discuss setting up the account. Donations will go towards roofing needs, exterior painting, dish washers, microwaves, and will replace some of the items stolen from the center in January: Wii Chargers, a 60” smart TV, a Blu-ray player, and cash.  Those who wish to help the center with a donation may do so at any First Peoples Bank branch.

The Dandridge Senior Center is an amazing facility that provides enjoyment, entertainment, lighthearted chatter, fitness, and hands-on activities for adults over the age of 60. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A full lunch is available on Mondays and Thursdays. The facility and grounds, owned by Dandridge Area Senior Citizens Inc., is located at 917 Elliott Ferry Road near Maury Middle School. It is run by a most captivating and efficient lady named Ronda Davis. She has worked there for more than two and a half years.

The center has a wide variety of enjoyable activities such as playing cards, group dominoes, jigsaw puzzles, line dance lessons, ice cream socials, Wii video bowling and badminton, one-on-one technology training, and free monthly blood pressure and glucose screenings. Van trips are a truly popular recreation. Recent and upcoming trips include the Dogwood Arts Festival, McKay’s Book Store, Aubrey’s Restaurant for lunch, WDVX Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, and shopping at the Mast General Store. Another favored and growing interest at the center is their fitness room featuring a treadmill, three stationary bicycles, and a Body by Jake Ab Scissor, all for the enjoyment of members and friends.

Federal, state, and local governments help some financially. However, it is the seniors themselves who provide much of the upkeep and maintain of their own facility as best they can. New volunteer recruits are needed for the more strenuous maintenance and repairs to keep the building up to high standards. The United Way helps out by donating food. First Peoples Bank recently set up a Dandridge Senior Center donation account to accept contributions from local residents and businesses.

Devastating events took place at the center early this year. In late January the building was broken into, ransacked, vandalized and burglarized. A wide-screen TV, Wii video machine and games as well as money was taken. Thankfully, a loaner TV is in place and Wii units and a few games have been donated by caring Samaritans and a generous local business. The money, however, is gone. Then, in February, a burst water line flooded the middle section of the building where the main office and supply room are located. There was damage to the computer, printer, fax machines, and various supplies.

The Dandridge Senior Center will host their first themed open house “Relax After Taxes” on Friday April 15 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to stop by. There will be light refreshments for all, and seniors will show the public some of their activities. There will be a silent auction in connection with the open house. Donatable items are currently being collected and are welcomed from the community and local businesses. Please come and show your support!

If you or a family member are sitting home alone and would like to get out and have some fun during weekdays, please know that you are more than welcome to come and join the folks at the Dandridge Senior Center (865-397-7605). It’s sure to be a great time.