Student Contributor -B. Reilly
The purpose of the association is to promote fellowship, health, recreation, social and education activities for persons 55 years of age and older, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry. The Senior Center offers a year-round variety of activities including social, recreational, educational, and nutritional programs to meet the interests of seniors. Those programs include: bingo, card games, Wii bowling, aerobics, tai chi, pickle ball, information and referral 
services, art classes, dances, free hearing tests, foot care and other kinds of care.
The organization focuses on building connections with the seniors of Spokane Valley. When people think of “seniors” they usually think of those who need to be in a senior home and need an extra hand. The seniors that come to the center are those who are still independent and want to socialize. The bond between seniors is crucial to their well being and health. The seniors who come to the center make relationships with other seniors that come from other walks of life. From this they usually can learn a thing a two and/or make connections.
Bringing students in to participate with people who have experienced life in different ways can help share their wisdom and knowledge to the students. The bond between seniors and the younger generation is crucial to their wellbeing and health. There is usually a miscommunication between the two generations so creating a bond will help both sides grow. Kids need to know that there are real heroes in the world — not basketball players or drug dealers, but real heroes. Being a senior center, the seniors can choose to participate with the students and there are more options for the students to do when at the facility with their senior partner. Also, this will benefit the seniors because they can see and influence the next generation.
I think that the facility and teacher can set a schedule to go twice a month for two hours. The center is only 3 miles away from Trentwood Elementary and across the street from Trent Elementary so time getting there and back should not be an issue. Students will make a difference by socializing and the bonding of friendship with their senior partner. Students and their partner can write letters back and forth when not visiting. Some of the letters can include their writing assignments. There can be involvement with the winter concert and other holiday traditions.
