For folks 55 and older looking for social interaction, interesting classes to take, exercise and one heck of a great lunch served every weekday, the Sumner Senior Center is the place to be.
Many seniors are finding they qualify to take the Senior Sneakers exercise program for free through their insurance company. That class began on Oct. 14 with instructor Cindy Parn

ell leading the group Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Classes include 25 minutes of cardio workout and 20 minutes of weights and body conditioning.
Other activities taking place at the center include yoga, ping pong, Tai Chi, painting, ceramics, woodcarving, line dancing, bingo and darts.
The $3 daily lunch is serve on average to 40 or 50 folks a day. “Lunch is a big draw for us,” said Melissa Holt, who loves her role as the center’s program director. “It is a great job and is very challenging and rewarding.”
On Oct. 10, the center hosted an Oktoberfest. Lunch included sausage, sauerkraut, strudel and live German music by Gary Hausam.
Among those attending were Taffy Tomcho and Kathy Campbell, who met at the center a few years ago. They became friends instantly and enjoy everyone they have met there.
Dee Parrish volunteers at the center every day from 8:30 to. Noting that she lives right across the street from the center, Parrish said the friends she has made there seem just like her family. She was on hand for Oktoberfest, smiling and greeting everyone as she passed out food for the guests.
The center also has a cozy lounge area, library, classroom, a space for hearing aid checks, massage and footcare, and a card room. Music and dancing take place three times a week.
One of the two to three monthly trips includes a visit to a local casino.
The center is located at 15506 62nd St. Ct. E. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 4. “Everyone is welcome to drop in, and there is no membership fee,” said Holt. “We are always open to new ideas, and we welcome any suggestions or recommendations people have for programs or activities. We also offer speakers that come in quite often to educate our seniors.”