Respect Your Elder’s Center
By Samuel Fortilus, Westfield State University Student Intern
A little over three months ago, the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center (RAJ Sr. Center) was introduced to the citizens of Springfield. Since then the establishment has been running with great success, packed with members on a daily basis, from what I’ve witnessed on my recent visits. With confidence, I can safely say that what I experienced lives up to what was previously reported by Moyah Smith in the March 1st issue of Point of View in her article titled, “Grand Opening of the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center.”
On Friday, May 25th at noon, the senior attendees enjoyed a barbecue and relaxed under the sun or within the comfortable and beautiful confines of the dining hall. Walking through the center, I was very impressed with how clean, neat, and pristine each area was, as well as how friendly and helpful the staff members were. Fortunately, I was able to speak to some of the members as well as one of the staff and ask their opinions on how the center is working since its opening. I sat with Kerry Welch, the staff member who supervises and assists the seniors in the Fitness area, who was very open to answering the questions I had. With great enthusiasm, he informed me of how much he loved the constantly welcoming environment and the activities that seniors could get involved in. One of the most notable activities, outside of those available in the Craft and Recreational rooms, takes place in the Community room, where the older generation is able to learn and understand the evolving technology of the new and constantly changing world.
Marcia Olivia Crenshaw, a frequent member, added her opinion of the center, expressing that she felt it was a fantastic center for seniors. Her favorite part, I soon found out, as well as that of those around her who nodded in agreement, was the lunches, mainly the fact that the menu held diverse options for each day along with affordable prices for each meal. She also informed me that not only has the staff been supportive, but fellow members have been as well. Many use clappers, which are miniature sets of plastic hands bound together by rubber bands that create a sound akin to hands clapping when given a shake, to congratulate each other when they interact in the Activities Room, creating a warm and positive environment.
When asked if they had any words to share with the public regarding the RAJ Sr. Center, both Mr. Welch and Ms. Crenshaw felt that all members of the public who are able to should come and spend time there. They openly encourage individuals to come and experience the atmosphere and get a feel for the center, which is located at 1476 Roosevelt Avenue in Blunt Park.
On June 16 at 4 p.m., the center will be holding a Juneteenth Celebration to honor the emancipation of slavery that took place in Texas back in 1865. The event will feature live entertainment, presentations about Juneteenth, and is free of charge. Ms. Crenshaw personally hopes that this event, as well as many others to come, will bring more individuals together, spreading positivity and more understanding throughout the community.
