Features Editor

Jan. 3, 2001 10 PM

Citizens 50 and older who didn’t make participation in the many activities of the Colley Senior Complex one of their New Year’s resolutions still have time to do so.

The center reopened yesterday after being closed for the holidays and Brenda Campbell, "girl Friday" at the complex, said now is the ideal time for senior citizens to get involved at the center and begin to enjoy the many activities offered.

Starting the new year by including new interests as part of the weekly routine will add excitement to anyone’s calendar, Campbell said.

"To start the new year, we are offering several beginning classes for those who want to try something new," Campbell said. "We have beginning classes in art, bridge, ceramics, line dance and accordion. We are also adding another computer class because there has been so much interest in computers for personal use. On Thursday night, we have something new and very different for men – instruction in barber shop quartet-type singing. Men who enjoy singing will certainly enjoy this class."

Campbell said the couples dance class on Tuesday night is a lot of fun and couples are needed to keep this class swinging.

"We want to invite everyone who enjoys dancing or anyone who thinks they would like to learn to join us on Tuesday nights," she said.

In addition to these classes, the Colley Senior Complex also offers classes in painting, party bridge, duplicate bridge, scrapbooking, smocking, exercise and aerobics.

For those who want to take off pounds the exercise class is the place. The program is one of low impact designed especially for seniors.

The quilting guild meets on Mondays and the poetry club on Thursdays and both are open to interested persons.

The center also offers advanced classes in ceramics, art and line dancing and each Monday the center offers a popular movie for viewing.

"On Saturday night, the center sponsors a dance with a live country and western band," Campbell said. "We have door prizes and refreshments and everyone has a good time. The dance is held at the old high school gym at 500 Elm Street and everyone is invited."

The center sponsors trips to places of interest. The next trip is to Martin Marietta Jan. 17.

"We also have guests speakers who come to the center each week and they are always interesting and informative," Campbell said.

Last, but certainly not least, the Merry Hearts Clown troupe is sponsored by the Colley Senior Complex. The clowns entertain at community events and "anywhere they are invited."

"At the Colley Senior Complex we have something for everyone and we invite all seniors 50 and over to stop by and visit with us," Campbell said. "Hopefully, once they visit, they will want to become a part of the fun, fellowship and learning at the center."

The Colley Senior Complex is located at 715 Elm Street. The nutrition center is housed at the complex. For more information about the senior complex, call Mary Ann Casey, director, at 808-8500.