Bayshore Senior Center Brings Family Activity Back to Life

When you see the words Senior Center, you probably think about Bingo and wheelchairs. But the Bayshore Senior Center is different; it provides an atmosphere of fun and a feeling of family to the golden years.

When entering the building, there are signs of pride and a sense of community. And members have no problem boasting about their center. One woman said since her husband died, she doesn't know what she would have done without the support of her fellow widowers at the center.

"We've had a lot of really nice friendships formed here," center Director Pat McCarthy said, adding that the center has become a meeting place for friends who met at the center.

The Senior Center in Keansburg, which began 38 years ago as a ministry of the church, has spent the last few years expanding and upgrading. The facility now has dedicated rooms such as the craft room and computer room, and a second floor banquet hall equipped for private rentals.

But McCarthy said the landscape of the senior center is changing. People are retiring younger, she said, and they are still active. Suggestions for activities from members get more and more "fun" as the years go on.

And while the center offers the favorites such as bingo and Yahtzee, Mccarthy said their community is more than activities, it's a family.

"People here are so welcoming and encouraging. We would love for more to come and join us.

Seniors looking to join Bayshore will have their choice of a full range of activities, a schedule Mccafferty said is flexible to the wants and needs to the community. And it's all for just $15 a year, which pays to keep the center warm and running.

Members also take monthly trips, including New York City and Atlantic City.

To rent the hall at the Bayshore Community Center, stop in of call (732) 495-2454. You can find the Senior Center on Facebook.