Senior center open house offers fun, friendship, health | The Homepage

A free raffle winner shows off a gift basket at the Feb. 12 Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Center open house. County Councilman Alex Rose donated the gift basket. Photo by MaryAnn Majcher

By MaryAnn Majcher

Feb. 12 was a cold, gray day in Pittsburgh, but at the Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Community Center a cheerful, warm vibe was happening. The center at 5344 Second Ave. held an open house for Greater Hazelwood and surrounding communities. Longtime Pittsburgh residents know the center as the “Old Car Barn.”

The attendees were greeted by Eric Sloan, director of parks and recreation; Louann Horan, assistant director of senior programs; and David Washington, center director. Master of Ceremonies Tom Weber, a Lincoln Place resident and chair of the center’s advisory council, welcomed the center’s regulars and first-time attendees, making everyone feel welcome.

Guest speakers included Mayor Corey O’Connor, District 5 City Councilor Barb Warwick, and State Rep. John Inglis.

Mr. Weber started off the program by describing the activities that take place at the center. Mayor O’Connor thanked the audience for attending the event and showing support for the center. Ms. Warwick talked about the survey that was given to everyone who attended the event. The senior center is trying to promote more participation in its activities and is addressing barriers that prevent seniors from attending. Mr. Inglis also thanked the audience for attending and said that his office is available to residents of the 31st Ward.

The festivities started with a tai chi demonstration by Mark Phillip Black and Mira Angelova from Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu. The school is located at 107 East 8th Ave. in Homestead. Mr. Black explained the importance of relaxation and balance for seniors. The attendees, while seated, followed along with Mr. Black as he demonstrated hand and arm movements of this martial art form.

A hot lunch with a choice of a hamburger or fried chicken was provided by Community Kitchen Pittsburgh at 107 Flowers Ave. in Hazelwood. Ron Herbinko helped serve lunch.

Before the main event, free BINGO, the attendees listened to Chrisala Brown talk about Alzheimer’s disease. She is the Community Engagement Coordinator from the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. She also talked about the importance of seniors keeping both physically and mentally active.

Everyone who attended the event was entered into a free raffle for a chance to win a gift basket. There were also candles as prizes for anyone who completed the survey. Giant Eagle gift cards were the bingo prizes. At the end of the event, Mr. Washington called for everyone who did not win at bingo or the raffles, and they also were given prizes. No one left empty-handed.

Learn more information about the Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Community Center. See photos of this event on Page 8.

MaryAnn Majcher is a retired business analyst, home horticulturist and six-word story contributor in Lincoln Place.