by John Dowling

The good times of summer are here once again to enjoy. Now is the time of backyard cookouts, picnics, nature walks, swimming, and so much more. A time to visit and see and breathe in the many sights, smells, and beauty that Mother Nature offers us. 

Flowers in front of the Thurmont Senior Center are adding their beauty to all who enter the front door. We extend a grateful “thank you” to the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club, who donated the beautiful flowers, along with their time spent preparing the ground and doing the planting and mulching. Come by and see their beautiful work, and come check out what we have going on for the seniors to take part in and enjoy this summer.

The Thurmont Senior Center is located at 806 E. Main Street, across the street from the Thurmont Elementary School. Just drop in some time and meet our coordinator, Teresa, and pick up the monthly events calendar, which also has the daily menu on the back.

All of our activities and exercises are geared to the levels and abilities of most active seniors. On every Monday, there is the senior version of Zumba Gold exercises, from 10:15-11:00 a.m. The cost is $24.00 for a punch card for eight sessions, or you can pay $5.00 per session. Also happening every Monday at 1:00 p.m. is a free movie, which will be shown on our large screen TV.  Call the Center to see what movie will be playing at 301-271-7911.

On each Tuesday, from 9:30-10:00 a.m., we have exercise with Alice Eyler (you make a donation). Following exercise with Alice,  you can have fun learning and doing line dancing, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  There are also cards and games each Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 3, and July 17 for our fun-time Bingo, which starts at 1:00 p.m. The cost to play is $5.00 for a 3-pack of 20 games, and $1.00 for a winner-take-all game. During intermission, there are a variety of free snacks to enjoy. 

Because of the July 4th holiday closure, we will have our Monthly Birthday Party on Tuesday, July 9, at 12:30 p.m., and the Memory Café on Thursday, July 11, at 12:00 p.m., sponsored by Spring Arbor. Call the Center for details at 301-271-7911. 

Bunco will stop for the summer, but will start up again in the fall on Thursday, September 19, at 1:00 p.m., and will always be the third Thursday of each month. From all the laughter and happy chatter that was coming from the Bunco tables, it must really be a fun game! Come and learn how to play; it’s easy.

On Wednesday, July 31, at 1:00 p.m.—since it’s the fifth Wednesday in the month—we will have our Special Benefit Bingo, when our proceeds go to a charity (yet to be decided for July) in the Thurmont area. Our Bingo games are growing and are a very fun time for all who attend. The payouts are getting BIGGER as well! So, come have some fun and see for yourself.  Call us on Tuesdays and order lunch for $6.00 on Bingo Wednesdays at 301-271-7911.

Don’t miss the Pot Luck & General Meeting at the Center on Wednesday, July 24, at noon. Bring a dish to share or pay $6.00. Fried chicken will be provided.

Also, don’t miss a free performance by “Forever Young” with Kip and Dale, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 30. You will enjoy their great entertainment. There is more parking available across the street at the Thurmont Elementary School and behind the police station next door. 

Please see the Community Calendar in the back of the Banner for dates of our other events.

“Did You Know” that the Thurmont Senior Center building was originally built as an airplane hangar by Victor Leisner, who also started the WTHU Radio Station on Radio Lane, here in Thurmont. I once saw in the late 1960s on the grass runway behind the then-hangar, seven small airplanes, where the Little League ball fields and housing developments are now. My, how things change!

Have a great and safe summer, and may each and every day be a great one.