The Walnut Creek Seniors Club Provides Many Benefits to those Over 50

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By Frank Napoli, Resident since 1996

Thought life couldn’t get any better? Think again! Especially for Walnut Creek residents who are 50 and over and are members of the Walnut Creek Seniors Club. You might think that at age 50 people would be on the downslope of the bell curve. Not true. For over 2,500 residents of Walnut Creek things are just getting started.

The WC Seniors Club (WCSC) is a non-profit organization with an Advisory Board and elected officers and has been around since 1952. For an annual membership fee of $15 these residents enjoy participating in special events, and significant savings on local as well as international trips.

Members of Senior Club take a Lake Walk

So, what exactly does the WCSC provide?

Through the Club’s monthly newsletter (which is also available online at www.walnutcreekrec.org), members find out about and can avail themselves of free social services, such as financial counseling, blood pressure checks, medical insurance counseling, income tax preparation, will preparation and legal advice. But that’s not all!

The Walnut Creek Seniors Club and City of Walnut Creek Recreation staff partner to provide a wide variety of social programs and services at Civic Park Community Center. The Seniors Club hosts “drop in” programs including Bridge, Bingo, Pinochle, Book Club and movie showings. The Cycling and Hiking clubs seem to be very popular with the more outdoorsy members.

There are also several social events and trips organized throughout the year. Recreation staff oversee quarterly classes including Health & Fitness, Technology, and Personal Enrichment, as well as overseeing partnerships with other service providers like AARP, Meals on Wheels, and Contra Costa County Aging Services. They are responsible for the day to day operations of the Community Center.

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As a member myself since 2015, I’ve personally enjoyed the WCSC in two significant ways. First, I get to play softball twice a week for two teams as part of the WC softball league (The Creakers). In 2018 the Creakers had over 230 players across 13 teams. The constant ribbing is all in good fun and part of the atmosphere of camaraderie. For many Creakers it means turning back the clock and reliving some of those joyous moments experienced playing baseball as a kid – even if just for nine innings.

Second, I’m lucky to be one of several volunteer drivers with the privilege of taking out a WC minivan for several hours on Thursdays to drive seniors to do grocery shopping, doctor visits, or down to the Community Center for some socializing over myriad of activities. Most recently, this service was augmented by the City’s affiliation with Lyft, which is used when the minivan service is unavailable or not operating. The seniors I interact with during my volunteer hours are a very special group, and I look forward to seeing them each week.

Walnut Creek Seniors Club offers exercise classes

Staying social – It’s important!

What all WCSC seniors have in common is their desire to remain social and interact with their peer group. Healthy relationships are necessary at every age, but the importance of socialization for seniors is particularly important to keep them mentally, physically and emotionally fit and helps fend off the difficulties inherent to isolation. More importantly, when these social interactions include the exercise groups as provided by the WCSC, the benefits of both are increased significantly.

So, what’s on tap for 2019?

Coming in 2019, a new Wellness Trail will be marked in Civic Park allowing you to follow along for a quarter mile stroll through the park. The popular monthly Market Days with local produce at wholesale pricing will continue every second Tuesday of each month, and one-day volunteer opportunities are available quarterly through the Giving in Gratitude program. And look for new cooking, fitness, and enrichment classes offered throughout the year!

A Volunteer tells all – spotlight on Hope Ford

One of the front desk volunteers, Hope Ford, has lived in Walnut Creek for 27 years. She loves to help people who come in for various reasons; to join the club, sign up for special events, and answer general questions about what activities are offered.

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Much of her enjoyment comes from meeting new people and becoming personally acquainted over time, which eventually develops into long-term friendships. Hope says the front desk suits her perfectly since prior to retirement she worked as a receptionist at a real estate company and for a physician’s group – fielding calls from doctors regarding appointments, and patients needing doctors. Hope also did a stint in retail…..all good grounding to be a people person.

Bridge games and other social activities are popular at Senior Club

Beyond volunteering, she loves music, dancing, going to concerts and museums and taking road trips throughout the U.S. As an avid reader, Hope spends a lot of time at the library next to the Senior Center where she leads a discussion group.

How to sign up to volunteer:

Part of staying socially active includes volunteering at special events, as a receptionist at the Community Center, or transportation program driver, and other positions. If interested, just call 925-943- 5852 to learn about current openings and to receive an application form. You can also reach out with ideas, feedback, and questions via email to recreation@walnut-creek.org.