Once upon a time...as all good stories begin, in the picturesque little town of Canon City, Colorado, a group of community leaders met one day, in the year of our Lord 1961, and shared their concerns for the needs of many of their aging citizens who needed a place to meet and enjoy activities to keep them young at heart.

 

These far-sighted leaders formed a committee, as all good enterprises do, to study the problem and formulate plans. This committee, consisting of a physician, several pastors, and former business men and their faithful wives, began a plan of action that would continue through the years to fill the needed service to their community.

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First Golden Age Center

They rented a dining room in the historic Strathmore Hotel for $50 per month, and called this meeting room the Golden Age Center. An open house was held, the community was invited, and over 300 people attended. Ninety-five of these guests signed up as members promising to pay dues of $5 per year.

 

Things began to hum at the Center. Volunteers from the town sent money, materials, and labor as needed, and the Golden Agers enjoyed cards, sewing, quilting, educational programs, dances and meals galore where they talked about the good old days, bragged about their grandchildren, and shared horror stories about their operations. 

 

In early 1966 Governor Love held a Conference on Aging in Denver which was attended by four members of the Advisory board. They learned that Federal funds were available for operation and expansion. They applied and received grants from the Administration of Aging.

 

The Golden Age Center became incorporated, al all good organizations do, in Oct. 19, 1966 and because a model studied by State and Federal agencies. New activities were added such as woodworking, television, leather-craft, ceramics, a pool table, and a library.

 

Jim Ellifritz and Dorothy Vincent received the first check, a three-year Federal Assistance Title III program, from Robert Robinson, director of Colorado Commission on Aging and Mrs. Olga Pratt, commissioner, Jan. 1967.

 

The Second golden Age Center

In January of 1967 Dr. Jack Vincent purchased the old Wilson Mortuary building and presented it to the Golden Age Council to serve as the second center of activities. 

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A nutrition program was launched in 1980 with the first congregate meal served on January 9, 1980. Ruby Hlavachick was one of the first workers in the program. 

 

The Senior Nutrition Program was one of the major services provided by the Center, and still is today. In 1991 they served over 17,000 meals, averaging over 120 meals a day. The Golden Age Center partners with the Upper Arkansas Area Coincil of Governments and continues to serve good, nutritious homecooked-style meals to seniors in the community. 

 

And so the story of the Golden Age Center continues. Today's activities include Silver Sneakers, Chair Exercises, pool, ping pong, and of course a good, fine cooked lunch, hisotrical talks, educational opportunities, and day trips and excursions. 

 

For more information on our programs and activities see the monthly newsletter on this website. It contains the monthly calendar, the Nutrition Programs menu and informative and fun articles. 

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Information gleaned from The Story of the Golden Age Center of Canon City, Co. by Orien Johnson and Jean Dickey