The Mid-County Senior Center is celebrating 50 years in Capitola, but the folks who run it want you to know this is not your parents’ senior center.
Teri Mantz joined when she was 53. She was signing her mom up when she learned anyone 50 and up is eligible. She’s been a member ever since; currently, she is second vice president.
Cindy Kiernan joined when she was 50, specifically to get a space to garden. She is also serving as treasurer.
Patti McIntyre, who in two years turned an empty space into a sanctuary.
The center’s garden is huge, all organic, no pesticides, with 54 spaces “… and there’s a waiting list of 18,” said Curt Jewell, the president and garden manager.
He is thinking of rebranding to Capitola Event Center to avoid the “senior” stereotype.
One admirable activity is growing the herb lavender, which goes into fragrant cachets sold at the center’s craft market.
Some 70 years ago, the garden was an orchard. Plum trees, fig trees, and apple trees are still there flourishing, along with sweet peas growing to incredible heights.
Beyond the garden, the Center has been a place for people over 50 to gather, socialize, exercise, play cards and games, sing and dance, and enjoy their retirement.
There are 38 different activities weekly, including bridge, bingo, senior exercise, Gi-Gong (exercises developed in China to optimize energy), photography, ukulele, Mahjong, and dancing.
These activities are stimulating — physically, mentally and socially.
New classes include basic Spanish, and classes on how to use the new software, myseniorcenter.com.
Activity fees are modest, generally $4 for members and $6 for non-members.
Membership is $45 a year.
Staff are mostly seniors who volunteer.
Lavender ladies at work in the garden, from left, Linda Herring, Linda Neher and Sharon Caredio.
The gift shop offers a colorful selection of hand-knit caps, $5 for kids, $10 for adults. Knitters gather on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to socialize and make new items.
At Friday night dances, the place is hopping with live music — everything from jazz and blues to country and swing. Cost is $10.
In June, the Friday night dances feature Bradley Presents, Country Feeling Band, and Kid Kameleon & the Lounge Lizards.
Don’t know how to do country line dance? Take a class on Monday afternoon.
The monthly Bowman Ranch Breakfast offers scrambled eggs, with bacon or sausage, fruit, and all-you-can-eat pancakes, or French toast with bacon or sausage and fruit. The price is $10 for adults, and $5 for children 10 and under. The next breakfast will be Sunday, June 23, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
The Center was the brainchild of Sharon Ginocchio. In 1967, she first raised the need for a community senior center in Capitola to Father Brice of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Center opened its doors on Sunday, Feb. 10, 1974, with 700 members Today, the center is a nonprofit member-owned corporation used by hundreds of people weekly, members and non-members.
Ask people who are regulars, and here’s what they say.
“When I retired, I wondered what I would do with all my extra time and not having people around,” Bella Hughes said. “I joined Mid County Senior Center, even though I knew no one. Thirteen years later, I have a place to meet and keep friends. Play games, Mahjong, canasta and bingo. I also enjoy the monthly breakfast. This is a friendly, lovely place that provides recreational activities.”
Gertie Johnson, who books the Friday night bands, said, “My favorite thing about MCSC is the Friday dances because I’ve been attending them for almost 30 years and have met some of the most amazing dancers, many who became lifelong (whatever there is left of it) friends. It’s been a wonderful place to spend time that many people just spend sitting at home—so much better to be in relationship with others than be alone.”
Attention: She’s scheduled a swing dance party Saturday, Aug. 24, from 7-10 p.m. featuring Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang for all those like to Lindy hop, East Coast swing, Balboa and Bai swing.
Cindy Kiernan said, “What I love most about the center is the garden. Having a space here to grow food and socialize and share information with other gardeners is priceless. The people here are so wonderful.”
Her husband, George Kiernan, said, “I enjoy working with other members of the MCSC community, where I share my knowledge of photography.”
The Center is celebrating its 50th year in Capitola with a fundraiser dinner/dance at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 29. The celebration will include a grand opening ceremony, a Mediterranean dinner, choice of Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Marbella, or Coq au Vin prepared by The Summit House and dancing with the 10 O’clock Lunch Band.
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If you can’t attend, consider sending a donation.