Poodle skirts and slick-backed hair were back in style this past Tuesday at the Fremont Senior Center Sock Hop—a throwback event commemorating ‘50s music, styles, and culture.

The event was one of many engaging programs offered by Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Senior Services, which operates senior centers in Clyde, Gibsonburg, and Fremont for Sandusky County residents ages 60 and over. The centers are part of the 11,000-plus senior centers throughout the United States that serve more than one million older adults each year, according to The National Council on Aging.

Though September is when centers nationwide recognize National Senior Center Month, the month is not much different than any other time throughout the year, with centers offering the same variety of programs and activities for guests to enjoy. In 2024 alone, GLCAP’s Clyde, Fremont, and Gibsonburg senior centers offered a total of 1,692 programs for local seniors, with nearly 900 people taking part in senior center services.

 Additionally, 2025 marks the 50th year that GLCAP has offered senior center services in Sandusky County. The first senior center opened in1975 in Fort Stephenson in Fremont. 

“We strive to offer programs that will appeal to a wide variety of interests for seniors to enjoy,” GLCAP Senior Services Director Robin Richter said. 

Some of these programs include:

•    Exercise courses such as cardio and strength training, walking, and chair yoga
•    Activities including diamond art, card clubs, and book clubs
•    Special events such as the Independence Day Senior Picnic, Veterans’ Breakfast, and monthly birthday days
•    Technology support sessions, wellness clinics, and other educational programs

“Whether someone wants to stay active, learn new talents, or stay connected with the community, we want seniors in our community to know that our centers are open and welcoming places to visit,” Richter said.

It’s that last part — staying connected with the community — that Richter said is often the most vital role centers play in the lives of seniors.

“We know that older adults may feel isolated or experience loneliness more frequently than younger generations,” Richter said. “Sandusky County Senior Centers are places where we can help older adults feel less isolated, better connected, and more together. We want seniors to visit and feel that they are still an important part of a thriving community in our county.”

Details on upcoming senior center programs are always available in the Seniors on the Move newsletter, available at www.glcap.org/seniors.