The Main Street Center in Clarion is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and manager Kristi Wolbert had been there for every one of them.
In fact, Wolbert remembers the building before it was the Main Street Center when it was one of G.C. Murphy’s five and dime stores.
“Some of our people were actually workers at the old G.C. Murphy store,” Wolbert said. “I remember going down the steps to see the birds, gerbils and fish. I also remember the pay bathrooms.”
A senior center has been in Clarion since 1977.
“I managed Rimersburg for three years and Clarion at the old hospital on Seventh Avenue,” said Wolbert.
The center offers people over age 60 a place to meet and talk with people who share the same experiences.
“The center has a positive impact on the senior community,” said Wolbert. “One of the main things I hear is that they don’t like to eat alone. Even if they don’t want to participate in an activity they come for lunch. That way they have someone to talk to. Sometimes they stay for a bit and sometimes they just go home.”
“It is neat to see the relationships form,” Wolbert added. “That is not only friends but also sometimes people fall in love. There have been romantic relationships develop.”
The center offers a variety of programs.
In the future Wolbert hopes to see even more participation.
“Lately we have seen a flow of new faces,” she said. “I hope the younger ones start to come. I think if people give it a chance they will enjoy it.”
The center is open from 8 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
More information about the center or any of its programs is available by calling (814) 226-4194.