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Willits senior activities


You're invited to lunch at the Harrah Senior Center in
Willits, Mendocino County, California
Nadine Koll

Good news for seniors traveling to Willits in Mendocino County.  Just because you’re away from home when you travel doesn’t mean you have to leave all the familiar comforts behind.

In Willits, Mendocino County, Northern California -- there are extensive programs serving seniors. Visitors are always welcome in Willits.

The Senior Center in Willits is a popular luncheon place for seniors and their friends. Their healthy lunch program is from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Seniors pay only $5; others, $6.50. (A senior is anyone 60 or better.)

For those who like to eat light, there is the option of soup for $3 in the wintertime -- or the salad bar for $4.00 in the summer.

Special calendar events for the senior center in Willits:

August 21, 2010, attend the yearly fundraising dinner at the center, sponsored by the Lion's Club of Willits.  (5:30pm to 8pm)  The event will benefit the center's Outreach Dept. and the Senior Transportation Dept.  Appetizers, including BBQ shrimp & oysters will be served while they last.  Also, BBQ Chicken & Beef, Baked Potato, Salad, Rolls & Dessert.  Beer, Wine, & Sodas available.  Call in July for ticket purchase: 707.459.6826.

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Regular events at the senior center in Willits:

Sundays -- There is a pancake breakfast on the second Sunday of each month. It’s 8-11 A.M. 

On the first Sunday of every month, "Bonanza Bingo Splash & Luncheon" takes place from 11am to 4:30pm.  Luncheon is $4.  Bingo games begin at 12:30pm.  Minimum buy-in is $10 for the first pack.  Specials include two Progressive Blackout games paying up to $200.  Cost is $1 a sheet.  They also have Pull Tabs, paying up to $25, Pig Game, & Snack Bar.  Free Coffee available.  Jan Wakeland is your hostess.  Info: 707-459-6826.

Mondays, there’s bridge from Noon - 4 p.m. The second Monday of the month, there is an ice cream social. Visitors pay just $1.50. There’s entertainment and door prizes, even a Name that Tune contest. (Are you sure that’s “Unchained Melody”?)

Tuesdays, you can brush up on your computer skills, 2-4 p.m. Classes are open for all levels. Come early and have your blood pressure checked: 11 a.m. - Noon. $2 donation requested to cover the expense of Internet access and supplies.

"Mendomoves" exercise class, instructed by professional dancer, Bess Bair, will be having separate seven week sessions in the large conference room, from 11am to noon.  This class is based on release & balance as a healthy fun way to get moving.  After a gentle musical warm-up, there are simple dance combinations to familiar tunes.  This class will appeal to adults who want fun dance exercise within their normal range of movement.  To sign up for future sessions, please call the center: 707.459.6826.

On the second & fourth Tuesdays of every month, from 1pm to 2:30pm, the "Catastrophic Health Events Support Group" takes place in the Large Conference Room, led by Barbara Sicard.  The group will address the participant's needs through:  Discussion & Sharing, Guest Speakers, Movies, &  Handouts.

Wednesdays, there’s pinochle from 12:30 noon - 4 p.m. Acclaimed local artist Ann Maglinte teaches a watercolor class for intermediate and advanced students, 9A-Noon.  Then, there is a beginner watercolor class, 1-4 p.m.  Call Ann to verify class schedule and discuss class costs: 707.984.6747. 

"Mendomoves" exercise class (same as Tuesday). 

Thursdays, there’s afternoon bingo. Hard cards, $.50 each. 1:30 - 3 p.m. If you’re there on the first Thursday of the month, you can get your hearing tested. Make an appointment in advance: 707.463.2966. There’s also non-denominational bible study class, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fourth Thursdays, there is a health insurance counseling advocacy program (HICAP). Advance appointments: 800.434.0222.

Computer Class, from 12:30pm to 4pm for beginners & internet users.

Fridays, there’s bridge, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tole painting, 9A- Noon.
Lunch is served from 11am to 12:30pm. Games begin at 12:30pm. Buy-in is $10 for the first pack and $5 for additional packs. Two $200 Progressives, $1 each. Specials are $1 each or 3 for $2. Pull Tabs pay up to $25. Cost is $5 a pack or 25c each. 50/50 Game tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Win 1/2 the money collected! Also, the Pig Game, and Snack Bar.  Still have questions?  Call: 707.459.6826

The Senior Center Thrift Store in Willits is a year-round attraction for bargain hunters. (GREAT book selection for the weary road traveler!) The Thrift Shop is open Monday - Friday, 9A-4P and Saturday, 9A-3P. 

So you see, any day but Saturday (when the center is closed -- except the thrift shop), the William Harrah Senior Center in Willits is open and bustling with activities and friendly people from throughout the Willits community. Every day there are friendly people eager to make new friends. Ther're at 1501 Baechtel Rd., Willits, CA 95490. Phone: 707.459.6826.

Visit Mendocino is your source for advice and lodging assistance.

Need driving directions?  You can get anywhere with Google Maps.

Photos courtesy Nadine Koll

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Comments

  • Patty Davis 2 years ago
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    One of the advantages of getting older - cheap eats! Yea!

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