Craig Howell RACKING UP – A group of area residents spent time recently socializing over a game of pool while at the Greater Weirton Senior Center.

WEIRTON — Since 1992, the Greater Weirton Senior Center has provided activities, friendship, meals and more for the community’s older residents.

“It’s like a second home for many people,” board member Joann Shorac said.

Offering “smiles, laughter, and friendship,” the Senior Center is a nonprofit operation that relies primarily on grants and donations to keep its doors open.

From lunches to daily activities including bingo, exercise programs and other social events, Senior Center officials noted the importance of having such a facility available for the community, providing an outlet for those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to leave their homes or spend time with others.

“That’s what this is all about,” board member Gary Lilly said.

Craig Howell GET IN LINE – Among the activities offered at the Greater Weirton Senior Center are weekly line dancing classes.

The Greater Weirton Senior Center offers activities every day it is open, ranging from pool and pingpong to cornhole on Mondays and Wednesdays, chair and standing exercise classes Mondays and Thursdays, bingo and card games Fridays, darts Thursdays and line dancing classes.

While many of the activities are free, some include a small fee to help cover materials and other costs.

The center also hosts dance socials twice each month that are open to the community and include dinner. The cost to attend is $10 for singles and $15 for couples.

The next dances are scheduled for May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, and Aug. 6 and 20.

Periodic field trips also are offered, along with community workshops and presentations from organizations including Visiting Angels and Hancock County Savings Bank to provide information that may benefit seniors.

Contributed NEAT TREATS – Some desserts are placed during the “Sock Hop” themed dance offered at the center in March.

Jeannie Smith, director of the senior center, thanked the community, as well as the City of Weirton, for supporting the center over the years, along with the volunteer board of directors.

“I have the best board,” Smith said, explaining their goal is to make the center the best it can be for the senior community.

While the programs and activities continue, center officials said they also are working to address several long-standing needs at the building.

The board has applied for grants and raised funds as part of efforts to repair and replace the building’s roof.

“We’ve been working hard to raise that money,” Smith said, explaining the center has received cost estimates and raised about $71,000 over the last year for the project.

The board also is considering a project to develop a patio area near the parking lot and has explored improved signage for the center.

Another source of funding comes through rental services.

The main floor of the Senior Center is available for community events and parties, with renters permitted to bring in outside catering services.

There also is space available for an organization or business needing its own area.

“We’re looking for a monthly rental downstairs,” Smith said, noting the Spokes program already occupies part of the building’s lower level and there is room for one more group.

For more information on programs and services, contact the Senior Center at 304-748-3490.