This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

New Program Coordinator Has Big Plans for Senior Center

The Plum Senior Community Center's new program coordinator is looking to the community for ideas and creating an environment for everyone to enjoy.

The Plum Senior Community Center’s program coordinator is the linchpin of the center, according to Nina Segelson, executive director. This person is responsible for creating and running organized, well-received events and classes, promoting those activities, and fostering connections among and the entire Plum community, she said.

New program coordinator Melanie Pfeiffer-Parente’s connections to the community, enthusiasm and background were impressive, Segelson said, winning her the coordinator job at the center in January over a dozen other people.

“It takes a lot or coordination and organization to bring everything together around here,” Segelson said. “There’s a lot to do, and Melanie hasn’t disappointed.”

Find out what's happening in Plum-Oakmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pfeiffer-Parente’s approach has been to talk with the center's members and community members to gather their opinions on current events and classes and listen to their ideas for new activities.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of our members and go beyond bingo and card playing,” Pfeiffer-Parente, a 12-year Plum resident, said. “I’m asking people to step out of the box.”

Find out what's happening in Plum-Oakmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some ideas floating around the center are dance and exercise programs, self-defense classes, art appreciation and digital photography classes—and the resurrection of the golf league that used to be at the center.

“Unless you offer something, you never know the interest it may get,” Pfeiffer-Parente said. “We’re incorporating many new things, and the members are excited.”

Members have been responding positively to Pfeiffer-Parente, Segelson said.

“They like her. I’ve heard it over and over. She’s made a big difference to the center.”

A lot of focus is put toward pulling ideas from members from what they were interested in or participated in when they were younger, like music or art, Pfeiffer-Parente said.

“Some members have said they did an activity when they were younger, and I always ask why they can’t do it now,” she said. “We’re finding musical and artistic abilities in people we didn’t know about.”

Segelson said Pfeiffer-Parent is bringing a “cohesive feeling” to the center, and she’s in tune to people’s feelings.

“A lot of people in our community can feel isolated, especially seniors who may have gone through significant losses, like the loss of a spouse or even a child,” she said. “Melanie encourages members and the community to get to know each other and connect. Connection can be critical to some people.”

Working with people is a huge part of Pfeiffer-Parente’s background. She’s worked in the human services field for more than 15 years, but her experience has been mostly with special needs children.

“I thought this position at the community center would be different and interesting,” she said. “I saw the ad and had this gut feeling that I really wanted to interview for the position.”

She said it’s been a great change and a positive step for her.

“This center isn’t what you’d expect from a senior center,” she said. “It’s exciting, and a breath of fresh air.”

She attributes the staff and volunteers to her great experiences at the center so far.

“I feel very fortunate to be a part of the center. I’m proud to be here,” she said. “I encourage people to come in and see what it’s all about.”

“The sky is the limit for Melanie and the center,” Segelson said. “She’s committed and has unending energy.”

The center is open to everyone and most of the activities are, too. Pfeiffer-Parente encourages those interested to call or stop into the center to check out upcoming events, which are also posted here on Patch, at the Plum Library and on the center’s website at http://plumsrcenter.homestead.com/eventscomming.html.

Pfeiffer-Parente lives in Plum with her husband and two children.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?