The floor at the Warren County Senior Center is getting fixed! It’s a huge win, documented in the video attached, that took three trips to the Board of Supervisors between September 18 and October 21.

A fall can have profound, life-altering consequences, especially for our seniors. Just the other day, a family member fell at home, resulting in a necessary trip to urgent care for wound cleaning and dressing. Our bodies become more frail as we age, and simple trips become major emergencies. Our bodies bruise easier, and take longer to heal.

This is why I was so determined. After my last public comment, I even spoke to the supervisors outside the meeting, especially after I myself stumbled on a dangerous section of the floor. This wasn’t just about a simple repair. For me, this was personal, a matter of community, and a commitment to paying it forward.

A Mason’s Duty: Lending a Helping Hand

As a freemason, I focus on improving my commitment to charity and building community. Having navigated rough spots myself, I know the profound value of a helping hand and the courage it takes to reach out. I also know the embarrassment that makes people reluctant to ask—and the comfort of realizing support is often provided by kind people we don’t even realize are watching out for us. Knowing that feeling inspires me to pay it forward and lend a hand wherever possible. In a decade, I’ll be a senior myself, and I’d like to lay the framework in my community to make things more comfortable for myself as well as my community.

The Warren County Senior Center is a place where that commitment comes to life.

More Than Just a Meal: My Senior Center Family

Our Masonic lodge visits the Senior Center monthly, offering both companionship and a meal delivered from the kitchen. One of the brothers usually brings smoked chicken or brisket, often served alongside what I consider the best Mac & Cheese in the county, prepared by the Senior Center staff. I often joke that I only come for the Mac & Cheese, but in truth, I often visit an extra day each month just to spend time with my friends when it’s not on the menu!

Through countless conversations, I’ve gotten to know the incredible individuals who make up this community. Each one is a unique character: some are rowdy, others are quiet; some love to draw or color, while others patiently sit waiting for a meal.

It’s a hub of activity, from chair aerobics to live guitar performances. I’ve even jumped in to help with Bingo—most recently in October, when I put on my best Fred Flintstone impression and shouted “Yaba-daba-doo!” every time someone scored! I’ve also helped arrange a craft activity for them to paint bowls for the Empty Bowl Supper event to help raise funds for the House of Hope mens shelter.

The Fight for Safety: Three Trips to the Board

When you know, respect, and care for people, you fight harder for their comfort and safety. The state of the Senior Center’s floor had been an issue for months, causing great disappointment among the seniors. I first addressed the Board on September 18, stressing the urgency:

“…there’s also the senior center flooring… All I know is our seniors don’t like it.”

While a committee meeting that day promised the original company would “make that right,” I spoke again on October 7th. Having recently helped out during an unrelated emergency at the Senior Center, my compassion and empathy were heightened, and I tried emphasizing the fear of injury:

“I don’t want somebody to fall and trip and hurt themselves because of the county.”

By October 21st, the delay in floor repairs seemingly had real consequences, making my final plea even more critical. I had recently attended the TRIAD/SALT Council Senior Expo after an invitation from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy. Two seniors fell—one of whom I spoke to just before she fell at the TRIAD event, resulting in her being out for a week recovering. In addition, I was told the floor had gotten even worse at the Senior Center since my last visit. Things weren’t just the same—they had actually gotten worse, as I explained to the Board:

“We had two people fall at TRIAD already… these people are susceptible to falling. Once you fall, the rest of your life is impacted, and this floor issue needs to be addressed now… Actually, last month, two months, four months ago. So I’d like that to be taken care of sooner.”

The Win We Achieved Together

Persistence, coupled with clear evidence of danger, finally paid off.

The great news? The repairs are scheduled! The Senior Center will be closed next week, November 12-14, while the work is completed.

A huge thanks is due to Misty Alger of Seniors First—her continuous dedication truly puts Seniors First.

The Senior Center is an invaluable resource. They provide education, assistance, food, transportation, Medicare counseling, and essential programs to keep seniors safe from scams, abuse, and isolation. It is an investment in the dignity and quality of life for our elders.

If you haven’t checked out the Warren County Senior Center, please do! They are always looking for volunteers and friendly conversation.

They don’t bite… unless they have dentures! 😉

Find out more about how you can help or participate here: https://seniorsfirst.info/senior-centers/warren-county-senior-center/