Iowa City’s senior center hosting membership drive this month

IOWA CITY — The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center is holding a membership drive this month to invite community members to experience the various activities and programs.

The membership drive is also to celebrate National Senior Center Month in September. There will be free events throughout the month.

“We are encouraging people to come so you can find out what’s available to you,” Senior Center coordinator LaTasha DeLoach said.

Kristin Kromray, the center’s operations assistant, said staff is looking forward to the building “being vibrant and busy.”

The Senior Center, a division within the city of Iowa City, has been serving older adults for decades. Membership is open to all adults age 50 and above regardless of where they live.

The center offers classes, activities and volunteer opportunities, as well as space for rent. Tours are offered since it is a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places.

DeLoach previously told The Gazette how the center keeps people learning and is a “community center.” While the programming focuses on those who are 50 years and older, the center is open to everyone.

September events

The center’s membership drive includes various free opportunities for community members to explore the center and try programming.

Upcoming free events include:

In addition, there are weekly programs such as sports forum discussion, card games, Scrabble and more that interested community members are encouraged to check out.

A full list of programs offered throughout September and October can be found online at icgov.org/senior. There are activities offered both online and in-person.

“We make sure that we include the voices of people who come through the doors on the things that they would like to see here,” DeLoach said.

Welcome breakfast

There will be a free breakfast for all members at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3. It’s an opportunity for members to see each other, meet new people and connect with staff.

There also will be an announcement made at the event.

“We will be revealing something that we’ve been working on, so we definitely want people to come and be a part of that experience together,” DeLoach said.

Membership registration

Membership for Iowa City and North Liberty residents is $40 a year. Residents who live in other areas pay $75 a year. There also are visitor memberships available for $5 per week.

DeLoach said she does not want cost to be a barrier for anyone wanting to be a member of the center. Reduced rates are available depending on financial situation.

Membership benefits include the fitness area and billiards room, member-only programs, classes and activities, discounted parking while visiting the center and annual events.

To register as a member, visit icgov.org/senior or call (319) 356-5220.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; izabela.zaluska@thegazette.com