Joyce shultz , continued...

On October 5, 2009, the Active Retirement and Senior Club of Gig Harbor opened, which affords countless opportunities to continue to enrich the senior population in significant ways. I have spent much of my time marketing Senior Club memberships, networking, developing activities, partnering with local retirement organizations, getting to know the members, researching grants and having fun.

What is your favorite senior event?
In five months the Club has evolved from a dusty construction site to a place where activities are scheduled, friends are made and smiles are abundant with over 70 members. We have the luxury of having a computer lab staffed by a computer specialist who provides instruction. It amazes me how eager they are to learn and help each other, even cheering each other on. They come in uncertain and leave proud of themselves. Nothing gets better than that!

How does your membership to WSASC contribute to your professional life?
My position is unique to the Jim & Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center, Cheney Family Branch of the South Puget Sound Boys & Girls Club, so my membership to WSASC is an important link to a friendly network with other Center Directors to learn and continue to build a viable senior community within Gig Harbor. When I heard about it I couldn’t wait to join and start building long-term relationships.

What makes your senior/activity center unique?
A couple of things make us unique. First, we are a membership based Senior Club. Our seniors are required to buy an annual membership for $99, which provides them the opportunity to participate in scheduled calendar activities, use of the facility game room and gymnasium, or come and have a place to be who they are. We do reach out to the senior community at-large and extending invitation to interesting lectures, the senior lunch program, and a few select activities (i.e. weekly blood pressure check, foot care and monthly birthday celebrations).

Secondly, our physical location is within the Cheney Family Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound, which lends itself to intergenerational programming. We are looking forward to summer when the children are in the building all day so we can engage the two generations in activities such as community gardening, writing life stories, mentoring opportunities and maybe even a pool tournament or two or possibly dancing lessons.

What is a typical day for you?
Our Club is open from 10am-3pm Monday-Friday. A typical day begins with making coffee, returning phone calls, opening rooms scheduled with activities, listening, creating new activities, greeting seniors and giving tours to the curious who have heard about the new Senior Club in town. We have this extraordinary building where opportunities are endless and always proud to show it off. My favorite part of working with seniors is listening to their stories, engaging them in activities and watching them bloom and enjoy. As you can see, I have the best job in town!

How to you enjoy spending your leisure time?
Twelve years ago our family moved from Michigan to Gig Harbor, WA. It was a slow transition, but is now “home.” The beauty of the Pacific Northwest, friendly people and a culture that is rich with history and magnificence eased our way. I love to garden, smell the freshness in the air, read, golf, explore new areas and take leisurely walks.