The Bedford Senior Center is located at 205 S. Richard Street in beautiful downtown Bedford. The Senior Center is a home-away-from-home for the senior population of Bedford county. Each day the center offers a wide variety of activities, some of which include bingo, exercise, health screenings, educational speakers, live music... and it serves a hot congregate meal at noon. The senior center is open to those 60 years of age and over. For many the senior center is a source of entertainment, fun and fellowship.

Mick Gordon, director of the Senior Center, states that due to reallocation of funds by the state, centers must be responsible for part of their own funding for operating expenses. Many folks ask “what about the lottery money”? The lottery supports many programs to include the pace prescription program, the shared ride “cart” transportation, congregate hot meals, property tax rebates and long term living services. The lottery does not give money directly to the senior center. Therefore, centers are responsible for fundraising to help with operational expenses.

Many of us know someone that attends the center and how important it is for them. Some of your donations will help with the following:

• Rent, maintenance, and upkeep of the facilities
• Heating (this is a BIG one), electric, cable, internet, and telephone bills
• Insurance costs
• Office supplies
• Special events, activities, and entertainment

I've literally entertained at hundreds of retirement homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers. Having spent so much time at these places, I can be objective when stating that the Bedford Senior Center, among countless other centers, is so necessary and valuable to the well-being of our seniors and to our local communities. I don't view this as something I choose to do because it's a good deed... this is a duty. Just as it’s our responsibility to care for our youth, so it is with the elderly. I've contributed my time by volunteering, by sponsoring the costs to produce the monthly newsletter, by raising money through benefit concerts, and by creating awareness. If we all give a little, a lot can be accomplished.