(Chelsea Update would like to thank Sharon Kegerreis for the information in this story.)
When you think of mental health resources, think of Chelsea Senior Center as one of your tools for mental wellness.
Chelsea Senior Center supports your mental health journey with gentle-to-vigorous movement options, an array of hands-on and listening art and music classes, comforting support groups, and a new monthly Wellness Hour in conjunction with Chelsea Hospital. Woven throughout is the thread of camaraderie and connection.
“Healthy aging is not just keeping physically active. Mental wellness is just as important,” says Jennifer Smith, executive director, Chelsea Senior Center in a press release. “We want seniors in our community to know that Chelsea Senior Center is a great place to ease loneliness, strengthen the mind, and grieve through supportive and creative outlets.”
Launched May 12, CSC’s new Wellness Hour features a different theme each month. May’s theme, “Mindful Moments: Mental Health Awareness and Glitter Jar Making” focused on coping skills, including the making of a Glitter Jar to use to calm the mind during stressful moments. Chelsea Hospital’s Behavioral Health Navigators, Anna Weber and Kathryn Walz, facilitate each month’s Wellness Hour. June’s theme is embracing diversity. Each month will include an activity and supportive discussion.
Another new offering at Chelsea Senior Center is the availability of the City of Chelsea’s Community Social Worker Emilee Fetters on Mondays and Fridays at CSC for those who reside in the Chelsea School District. She is an excellent resource for listening and connecting seniors with mental health resources.
Generally, her hours at CSC are Mondays, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. She also offers work hours at Chelsea District Library.
Additionally, CSC offers its established support group for those who have experienced a loss. Loss and Healing is facilitated by Gina Frankhart and Ginnie Hartman. Share, grieve, learn coping skills and use creative expression in each session that is every other Tuesday.
Caregivers are invited to A Moment for Me support group, which is every other Wednesday. Facilitated by Ginnie Hartman, this group gives caregivers a break and connects you with a support network. Loved ones can attend Ease the Day during this support group, though preregistration is required.
Exercise boosts moods and extends longevity. Chelsea Senior Center offers many movement options. Besides invigorating pickleball and muscle-strengthening Enhance Fitness, Chelsea Senior Center offers quieter movement options as well, including Tai Chi, yoga, hikes, balancing and core exercises.
Creative outlets range from woodcarving, stained glass, painting, paper crafts, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and art education to singing in Joyful Noise, listening or playing in multi-instrument and dulcimer Jam Sessions and strumming in Tuesday’s Ukulele. Writers are invited to share stories in Writing Memories on the third Wednesday of every month.
Activity offerings continue to grow. Another new activity is Fermenting with Friends, a free hands-on “make and take” class thanks to a grant from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation. Reserve your spot as spaces are limited.
“Our vision is to be a one-stop activity center for our community’s seniors,” says Smith. “We are always looking forward to implementing new ideas. Recently, we launched a ‘Big Ideas’ campaign, asking members to share their creative ideas. The feedback is fabulous and will help inform our strategic planning process, providing us with a roadmap for the next three-to-five years.”
Getting involved at Chelsea Senior Center is easy. Stop by the office or complete a membership application online. Membership is $25 annually with an additional $10 for pickleball players. Notably, scholarships are always available to cover fees with no explanation needed. Once a member, you will receive a monthly newsletter and weekly communication that provides highlights for the forthcoming month and week ahead.
For those who may lack transportation, Chelsea Senior Center offers free ride vouchers on the WAVE bus for adults 60 years or older. Call CSC to have a voucher mailed. Free rides are endless with subsequent passes. To arrange your rides to and from CSC, contact WAVE at (734) 475-9494.
About the Senior Center:
Chelsea Senior Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Chelsea. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being for area seniors and their families. The center, celebrating 60 years in 2025, is located at 512 Washington St.
