Reisterstown Senior Center a 'Second Home'

Two seniors wrote about their home away from home, the , in an essay contest for National Senior Center month, which was September.

Senior center director Mike Schneider said members were asked to think about what the center means to them and what they've gained by participating in center activities.

Essay by Charlotte Levin

I have been a member of the Reisterstown Senior Center for about two years, and been doing volunteer work about a year.

I have met the nicest group of people that you would ever want to meet. It means a lot to me to be involved with such wonderful people.

I could come into the center upset over something, but as soon as I set foot in that door, my troubles have disappeared. They have made me feel very welcome from day one.

I enjoy the speakers, Bingo, etc – or just to sit and have a cup of coffee and chit chat.

The directors have been super. If you want to go back and talk about something to be done or just to talk about something bothering you – they always have the time to listen without rushing you. Their door is always open for us to go back and talk.

I have never been happier, content and comfortable than when I am at the center. And I can’t wait to go up to the center every day – my second home.

When 4:00 comes around – I never want to leave. It is a wonderful place to spend time with friends, just to hang out, to do whatever you feel like doing.

Essay by Mary K. Merriken  

After 62 years of marriage, I lost my husband in February of 2010. Shortly after that, a friend stopped by with a copy of the Reister’s Town Crier, the newsletter from the Reisterstown Senior Center.

That was the beginning of my days at the center.

I put in over 100 hours of volunteer work in 2010.

I read in the Community Times that help was needed in the garden at the Reisterstown Senior Center. I called the number and was invited to help. I met Margie, and say no more. I help in the garden whenever I possibly can.

When I arrive at the center, I ask at the front desk if anyone needs help. Most times things are under control.  Towards the end of the month, the newsletter comes out. Most times there is an addition to be inserted. I like to do this. About 500 copies are received. I ask the director if I can help him with anything. If so, I do help. Everyone is very friendly. It is one happy family.

I need to get out of my empty house, and this center is my answer. In recent months we got a new custodian and a new director, and they are the best.