Enrichment Centers debuts new offerings

NORWALK — The Enrichment Centers for Huron County are bringing more wellness and health programs for seniors in the area. The Enrichment Centers for Huron County, which offers a variety of programs for those aged 60 and up, has a Norwalk center at 130 Shady Lane Drive and another at 315 E. Tiffin St. in Willard. Director Steve Beal said the centers are offering more and new exercise programs, like yoga and a morning workout class. "We have yoga and a morning exercise class. We have good participation in all of our programs. Line dancing is also really popular at both centers. People really like doing it," Beal said. "At Willard, people play mini, indoor pickleball. People are loving the health and wellness programs and we're planning to expand those in the summer." Beal said the numbers of visitors to the centers in Willard and Norwalk have increased. "In March, it was the highest number of people coming into the centers in the last three years," he said. "It's so exciting. We have so many people coming in, which is great. We're going to continue to have new things to do." Every day, about 300 meals are delivered to senior residents throughout the county through its meal program, and they deliver meals to residents of Norwalk with Meals on Wheels. Congregated meals are also offered each day at both centers. "They are able to come in and socialize which is a big deal for the seniors," Beal said. Enrichment Services also operates Huron County Transit, a transportation service for all residents of the county, and Senior Express, transportation for senior county residents. "With the transit, we take people to work wherever they need to go," Beal said. "People can call in and get a reservation and that also runs out of the county on certain days." Beal said transportation and meal services "continue to increase" and have been busy. Since the pandemic, the Adventures Travel Club has been making trips to plays in Cleveland, baseball games and is also planning a trip to a casino. "We'll have a full calendar next year but we're still running a lot of trips this year," Beal said. Enrichment Services also operates Age Exchange, a mentor program for elementary school students to spend time with senior citizens. The program operates twice a week at both locations, with second and third-grade students from Willard and Norwalk. Students can get help with homework, work on art projects and participate in group activities. "Age Exchange is a big favorite of everybody. We have senior citizens who are paired up with the students to mentor them," Beal said. "They have a lot of fun and the kids love the program." Beal said for the summer, they're planning a few events for those involved in Age Exchange to connect, like video game racing. He said he's bringing a new class for seniors to learn how to operate an iPad. "We'll probably have ten people at a time and we're going to show them how to use the iPad and let them get used to it," Beal said. "It'll hopefully bridge that gap with technology. Several people have said they're looking forward to it." New mental health and wellbeing programs are also beginning at the centers, Beal said. He said an Alzheimer's support group was recently formed, meeting for the first time recently. "We had really good participation with that group and we have another group in the works," Beal said. "We have had a lot of interest in mental wellness support groups and we'd like to kick off more through the summer." The Norwalk center is also due to be replaced in the near future, with a new building being planned by the Huron County commissioners. The commissioners are hoping to use funds the county received through the American Rescue Plan Act to help cover the cost of the building. Beal said the project is "moving along on pace," and the plans are in the commissioner's hands. "The new building can't come soon enough for us," Beal said.