OVER-THE-RHINE (OTR) SENIOR CENTER
The Over-the-Rhine Senior Center is a warm, friendly atmosphere that draws older adults to come in and sit, have something to eat, socialize and just have a good time. Some seniors go there every weekday for breakfast, lunch and activities. It is their home away from home and they love the feeling they get from being with people who have similar interests and concerns.
“It’s family oriented and that’s what I love about it,” said Edressa Johnson, a frequent participant at the Senior Center. “It’s the family that I didn’t have.”
THE CENTER IS OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 2:00 PM.
The Senior Center is at 1722 Race Street in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. Located between W. Elder and Green streets, a block from Findlay Market. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
We provide bus transportation to and from the Senior Center to those who request it. Arrangements can be made by calling 513-721-0375.
Activities, meals and transportation are free to anyone who is at least 60 years old. Seniors are encouraged to contribute $1 per meal and can do so anonymously, but no one is denied a meal if they are unable to contribute.
Breakfast is served weekdays at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is served at noon. We encourage seniors to let us know if they plan to join us for breakfast or lunch by calling 513-381-3007. But they’re also welcome to walk in without contacting us first. Our daily menus change monthly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING ACTIVE
The Senior Center has a monthly calendar of activities, such as movies, group birthday parties, bingo, trivia quizzes and speakers on topics important to older adults. Other activities, like dancing and cornhole, are spontaneous.
“From one day to the next you don’t know what we might do, but we know it’ll be good fun and interesting,” said Cheryl Ware, the Senior Center’s director.
Ms. Johnson, from Avondale, likes to socialize, dance and play games there. “Somebody’s always saying or doing something funny here,” she said.
Ms. Johnson also likes the trips to stores and restaurants. And she fondly recalls trips like the city bus tour, when they passed iconic sites — including the Cincinnati Museum Center and Cincinnati Art Museum — then stopped for ice cream. But more than anything, it’s the relationships that draw Ms. Johnson to the Senior Center.
“We talk to each other. We guide each other. We are interested in each other. It’s just so much love.”