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Members of the Adult Activity Center enjoy a game of cards. Pictured are, from left, Juanita Jenkins, Belinda Marvin, Program Coordinator Sonja Godwin, Dorcus Williamson, and Mary Tarsi.

From left, Karen Eder, Dorothy Griggs, and Lonnie Whit get some exercise in on the center's gym bikes.

From left, Dorothy Griggs, Lomax Raley and Diane Armstrong work out on the elliptical.

Diane Armstrong works on the butterfly in one of the two gyms at the Andalusia Adult Activity Center.

Lomax Raley pumps iron during his workout session at the Adult Activity Center.

Betty Lewis and Seclestine Hall take time to go for a walk on the treadmill.

Andalusia Adult Activity Center Program Coordinator Sonja Godwin shows off the library with a wide variety of books for adults to enjoy.

Myra Page prepares to hand off a lunch meal to a customer at the Andalusia Adult Activity Center.

Myra Page shares a moment with one of the center's regular lunch customers, Archie Parker.

Following an extended closure due to the pandemic, the Andalusia Adult Activity Center is back open and looking for more frequent visitors.

“The Adult Activity Center is a public facility provided by the City of Andalusia to meet the recreational needs of adults ages 21 and older. The center provides a wide variety of leisure services, activities, and special events to improve the quality of life for our area. We place a high priority on recreation for senior adults,” said Program Coordinator Sonja Godwin.

After being closed for 18 months because of COVID, the Adult Activity Center reopened for in-house activities Oct. 25, 2021. “Since opening, we had a two-week period when COVID was at its peak again. We had to shut down for the safety of our seniors at the time. We are so thankful and blessed to be open now.”

The center’s motto is ‘Something for everyone!’ according to Godwin. All activities at the center are in full swing except one. Plans are to resume the popular “Dinner Dance” in April if COVID numbers have decreased enough to where the event can be held. Activities include dominoes, quilting, sewing and knitting, crochet, card games, ceramics, line dancing, and crafts.

“If you are looking for travel, excitement, fun, relaxation, instructional, educational, health, fitness, arts, and crafts classes, we offer it all. All our programs and activities are very affordable and many are free. We have a library on site. There are also two rooms of gym equipment and toning beds for those who need a machine to help with movement.”

The Nutrition Center at the facility also serves lunch Monday through Friday for those aged 60 and older. Appropriate paperwork must be filled out first before being added to the meal list. For more information about lunch, call 334-222-4608.

The center also has trips lined up for May and December of this year.

“We will have our first trip in May to Pennsylvania and another to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in December. We will be going to Lancaster and Historic Philadelphia in Pennsylvania from May 22 to 27. Our trip in December will be ‘A Country Christmas’ from Dec. 11 to 14,” Godwin said.

The center plays an important role to the local community.

“We keep our seniors active both physically and mentally. They have so much to give back to our community, and we are here to help them do just that. Our seniors have helped the Andalusia police and Sheriff’s Department by helping make quilts for abused children. We also have ‘Grandparents’ Day’ where they get to perform and complete activities with their children or grandchildren. Other outreaches include Relay for Life fundraisers. We have a ‘Praying Hands Program’ for our Christmas senior outreach as well as multiple other activities and programs throughout the year,” she said.

The facility is located at 401 Walker Avenue in downtown Andalusia near the Ballet. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call the office at 334-222-6891.

“If it’s your first visit, we ask that you come by the office with your photo ID and sign a release form while picking up a newsletter. My staff and I are honored to serve you. We are so thankful to the Mayor and Council who support our efforts to keep our seniors active and productive in our community,” Godwin said.

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