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An extension of home for Turlock seniors
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Members of Turlock Senior Citizens gathered at the Turlock Senior Center on Thursday for a catered dinner and ukulele performance from the Sunshine Strummers.

For the nearly 500 members of Turlock Senior Citizens, the Turlock Senior Center is more than just a meeting place to find companionship, entertainment, and activities with other senior citizens.

“For many of our members, this feels like a part of home,” said President Gail Frost. “This gives them a chance to socialize, play games, and keep active with other members.”

To provide just one example, the Turlock Senior Center was filled on Thursday evening with members donning colorful Hawaiian shirts and leis for their monthly dinner, which was catered by Ono Hawaiian BBQ and accompanied by a soothing ukulele performance from the Sunshine Strummers.

These monthly dinners, which alternate between catered meals and potlucks, are just one of many activities that Turlock Senior Citizens can engage in at the center.

Every weekday, the Turlock Senior Center has at least one activity lined up for members, with options including low impact exercise classes, arts and crafts, line dancing, senior choir, tai chi and quilting courses. Members can also challenge themselves on various days in bridge, pool, pinochle, bingo and dominoes.

“It’s good that seniors and older folks have a place to come together, especially widows,” said past President Arby Hoobyar. “So many people can and make lasting friendships here.”

Hoobyar, who has been involved with the center for approximately 20 years, welcomed other senior citizens who are interested in meeting new people to attend one of their dinners, which is always accompanied with entertainment.

“The Turlock Senior Center is important in the community because it allows for companionship,” said Hoobyar. “People need people.”

Barbara Larsson said that she became involved in nearly everything at the center after she retired and wanted to find something to occupy herself in her newly found free time. Among other activities, she said that she enjoys playing bingo, dominoes, as well as exercising and eating with friends.

“This is a great place for senior citizens to find something to do,” said Larsson. “Some older people live alone and just stay at home — this place keeps them involved and active.”

Turlock Senior Citizens was officially incorporated in 1962, following their first meeting five years prior. In 1968, the Directors and a building committee formulated a plan for Turlock Senior Center to be built in Library Square. The City of Turlock donated the site and through hard work and donations, Turlock Senior Citizens held the dedication ceremony in 1971.

For more information on Turlock Senior Citizens, including a calendar of upcoming events and activities, visit turlockseniors.org.