The Listine Gunter Courtney Center has a lot to offer the Senior Citizens of the town of Wagener. Stop by any day of the week and you’ll probably find several people drinking coffee, using the free Wi-Fi, playing Canasta or Bingo or just sitting around talking. If you knew Mrs. Listine Courtney, you know she would be very happy to see this.
The Courtney Senior Center plays host to the Aiken Area Council on Aging’s free meal program each weekday at lunchtime. Anyone over the age of sixty can attend and receive a free hot meal each day. The site manager for the meal plan is Earlene Rushton with assistant manager Nellie Black. Call 803.564.3344 if you need more information on the meals or if you’d like to volunteer to deliver some meals to the home-bound during lunch hour.
Apart from the meal program, the Courtney Senior Center recreation supervisor is Carolyn Rushton. Ruston has been with Aiken County Parks Recreation and Tourism since 2006 and before that she was with Roy Warner Park, also working with the seniors. “I dearly love the seniors, I feel like not enough is done for them. They have paved the way for all of us and we as a society or community don’t do enough. I learn so much from them and appreciate the chance to be in their lives.” Rushton explained her position as she gave me a tour of the building.
Two sewing machines have been donated and a few of the ladies enjoy using them. There are books, magazines and games available anytime and movies playing frequently. Several folks come in and play Canasta almost every day. Local businesses sponsor prizes for Bingo on the third Friday of each month. Barbara Jackson plays the piano often for sing-alongs and an air hockey table was donated that really gets competition going.
The Courtney Senior Center is currently seeking donations for some exercise equipment, specifically a treadmill and stationary bicycle. Also, they are seeking volunteers to serve the meals to a few home-bound seniors. If you can help with either of these, please call 803.564.5211.
