Christa Lloyd, the previous director, left to be a full-time mom.
“I feel a little overwhelmed, but it’s great,” Kaylor said.
Senior centers everywhere are seeing an increase in the number of people looking for services and programs, said Cathi Spaugi, Vandalia parks and recreation superintendent. There is also a wider age range in seniors, said Spaugi. Seniors now include those 55 years and up compared to those in their late 60s and up in the past.
Not only is it a challenge to provide the best services on a daily basis to more seniors, but this new age group is more active, Spaugi said.
Kaylor’s goals are to develop and implement programs and add to existing programs. Some new programs might include a community garden or gardening group, more health programs and wellness clinics on a regular basis, Kaylor said. She added she doesn’t “have to reinvent the wheel.” She also wants to add to the Sinclair Community College program, which offers free art, history and exercise classes.
A graduate of Ohio University, she said she plans to put out a survey to clients.
“Pretty much just keep our community seniors active and happy and addressing their needs, whether that be socially or mentally,” Kaylor said.
The director’s job is more complex than it used to be, said Joyce Mason, Vandalia Senior Citizens Club treasurer. The Senior Center started in 1971 as a club in someone’s house, she said. The previous director helped turn the club into a community center, she said.
Mason and her husband, John, participate in dinners, potlucks, travel, recreation programs and card games.
She said what she likes about the center are “the people. A lot of wonderful people we’ve met here so far.”
The center offers Sinclair classes and travel, transportation, senior strength and social programs. It’s budget is about $80,000 and is funded by the city, Spaugi said.
Kaylor added that the Miami Valley area is senior friendly.
“Here in Vandalia, I feel like we have programs that help direct our seniors’ lifestyle choices through healthy means,” said Kaylor, who grew up and lives in Vandalia.
Contact this reporter at levingston.2@wright.edu.
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