A senior center in Sisters?

Most people would tell you that Sisters does not have a senior center, but that's not exactly true.

For one day each week, there is a place where seniors gather for socialization, lunch, entertainment, games and a host of other activities.

To help provide Sisters seniors with some of the benefits of a senior center, the Central Oregon Council On Aging (COCOA) provides seniors with a variety of services every Tuesday. Events always center around an excellent lunch, but other activities vary from week to week.

Last week, for example, a Halloween theme brought out an entertaining array of costumed seniors; although it was apparent that the men in attendance seemed less comfortable than women with the idea of dressing in costume. The event began with an exercise program led by Shannon Rackowski, from the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD). Music for the exercise session followed the Halloween theme with such traditional favorites as "Monster Mash." Rackowski comes in once each month to lead the exercise program, and a number of the members also visit SPRD to take advantage of exercise classes offered there at other times.

Sharon Ling is president of the Sisters Senior Council and has been active in the group for nearly 10 years. She said that weekly programs often include guest speakers who speak on health issues and many other informative topics, as well.

"We go on excursions, too," she said. "We all take a bus. The last time we went to the Oregon Garden."

It was also announced that there was just one seat remaining for an upcoming SPRD trip to Indian Head Casino.

Ling, dressed in a lady devil costume, retired in 2007 after 43 years as a registered nurse; she tried to stress the social nature of the organization.

Although the meetings are centered around a luncheon, she said, "This is not a soup kitchen, it's a social club!"

She emphasized the social venue and the fun that the members have together. They also play bingo after every lunch.

The group has been active in Sisters for more than 20 years and wants to reach even more seniors in the Sisters area.

"We're looking for more new people," Ling said. "When we started this program, we had up to 72 people; and, today, we only had about 21."

Lisa Fetrow is the Sisters site manager for COCOA and nutrition program coordinator. Costumed as if ready to perform "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," she explained that the weekly meals are usually catered, but last week's meal was an exception. She laughed and said, "We like to go rogue, once in a while." As far as "going rogue," she meant that this time she personally prepared the meal, which was an excellent lasagne made with a white sauce.

"A lot of our people prefer not to have the spicy tomato sauce," she explained.

She described COCOA as a community organization dedicated to providing services and support for Central Oregon seniors. She also pointed out that, although the Sisters Community Church provides the location for the Sisters Senior Council, the group is not a religious organization.

"This is for the entire community," she said. "Everyone is welcome."

The lunches are available every Tuesday for the optional suggested donation of $3.50.

"No one has to pay if they can't afford it," said Ling.

There is also an optional donation of $12 for annual dues to help offset costs for things like decorations, table supplies, and prizes.

"We're through with Halloween, now," Ling said. "So, now we can get going on Christmas."

She said that it has become a tradition for the Sisters kindergarten class to come in and sing for the seniors as part of their Christmas program. Easter brings another big event.

"We always have an Easter bonnet contest," she said. "It's a make-your-own thing, and the men serve as judges."

Summer events include an annual August picnic, with games and outdoor activities. The organization also publishes a monthly newsletter that includes health and other useful information, along with interesting profiles of individual members. Monthly blood-pressure checks are also provided for participants.

The Tuesday activities typically get underway around 10:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. For those who stay for bingo, the get-together continues well into the afternoon. The Sisters seniors meet at Sisters Community Church, located at 1300 W. McKenzie Highway, just east of Sisters Middle School.

For further information, contact COCOA at 541-678-5483, or contact Sharon Ling at 541-390-6075. COCOA is a nonprofit organization for seniors in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties that provides services designed to help keep seniors living independently and in their own homes for as long as possible.