The Gurley senior center offers meals, fellowship and a place to belong
For the people who gather there, the center is about more than a meal. It is a place for friendship, routine, laughter and support close to home.
“This is an easy way for socialization, inexpensive meals when we’re here and a way to stay connected to the community — and stay fed,” said Bridgit De Moor, 68.
For many older adults, that combination of nutrition and connection can make all the difference. Some come for bingo, lunch and activities. Others volunteer their time to prepare meals, deliver food or help keep the center running.
John West, 66, has been coming to the center for five or six years and helps prepare the homebound meals for delivery in the morning. Living just down the street, he said the center gives him something meaningful to do and a chance to be around friends instead of staying home all day.
That sense of purpose also shows up in the center’s Meals on Wheels program for homebound participants. Volunteer Katie Suhre, who delivers meals on Mondays, said she enjoys the people she sees each week.
“You build relationships with them,” she said.
Katie said it is a great way to start the week. Her dog, Tsumi, often rides along and waits in the vehicle while she makes deliveries.
Others spoke about the center as a place that helped them through difficult seasons.
Glenda Reed, 79, said she began attending after encouragement from a friend at church following the death of her husband in 2022. Although she already had church and family in her life, she said the center gave her another place to be around people.
“The fun. I like the fun,” Glenda said. “And I think they laugh at me a lot.”
For Renee Binkley, 72, the center has been a longstanding part of life. She said she has been coming since the center opened, though she took two years off before returning. She and her husband Bill also deliver Meals on Wheels one day a week.
“People need nutrition and interaction,” she said.
Bill Binkley, 71, serves as a bingo caller, helping create one of the center’s liveliest weekly scenes. During games, numbers are called across the room as participants laugh, watch their cards and celebrate each win.
After joking around with friend Pat Sandy, Bill took off running away from her holding an armful of snacks. She chased him around the main room of the center, while the others watched and laughed at their antics. That’s just a small glimpse of the shenanigans that may happen.
For some, the center fills an even deeper need.
On a more serious note, Pat Sandy, 75, said she became involved after her husband died and she came to see the center as part of her church mission through Cornerstone Church.
“God put it on my heart,” Pat said.
She described the center as a safe and welcoming place for people who may otherwise feel alone.
“When I first came, I was alone,” she said. “I saw this as a safe place where I can be myself and not put on airs.”
That message of belonging came up again and again.
Jim Biggs, 83, summed it up simply: “This is like coming to grandma’s house here.”
Jane Biggs, 66, said finding the center was a blessing for their family.
“It has been a blessing,” she said. “We came here and found a second home.”
The center is also entering a new chapter under manager Toni Windham, who started July 6. Toni, who has lived in Gurley for about 10 years, said she wanted the job because she wanted to help people. As she settles in, she is learning what participants want and looking at ways to support both meal service and programming.
Programs and services mentioned during the visit included computer classes, games and puzzles, health checks and meals.
Participants said having those resources nearby matters, especially in a town like Gurley, where traveling to another city for support can be more difficult.
Bridgit also pointed to the bigger picture.
“With the aging population growing, centers like this are going to become more and more important to seniors,” Bridgit added.
Bridgit also said while she enjoys the meals, she would like to see more vegetarian or plant-based meal options offered in the future.
At the Gurley senior center, the meals matter. So do the activities, the volunteer hours and the services brought close to home. But what stood out most in conversation after conversation was something less tangible: the chance to be known, welcomed and connected.
For the people who come through its doors, that may be the center’s most important service of all.
Toni welcomes participants to the center located at 339 Third St. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Bill Layne, 81 years young, says his “age” brought him to the Gurley Senior Center. “I was semi retired at 74 … but when I was wasn’t working any longer I needed something to do. I had a friend coming here who invited me to come. I did, I liked it and I’ve been coming ever since.”
Ingrid Webster, 79, says she loves getting to visit with everyone at the Gurley Senior Center and “loves” the BINGO.
Harry “Pogo” Webster, also enjoys BINGO at the Gurley Senior Center.
BINGO is one of the favorite activities at the Gurley Senior Center and it’s play every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
John West likes helping prepare meals and contributing to the community instead of sitting at home all day.
Pat Sandy loves the Gurley Senior Center because it is a safe and welcoming place for people who may otherwise feel alone.
Paul and Bridgit De Moor enjoy the convenience of the prepared meals and the fun of playing BINGO at the Gurley Senior Center.
Jim and Jane Biggs say the Gurley Senior Center has made a difference in their lives.
Renee Binkley has been going to the Gurley Senior Center for years and enjoys the friendships and helping her husband Bill deliver meals to homebound participants.
Bill Binkley serves as a bingo caller and he and his wife Renee deliver meals to homebound participants.
Toni Windham is the new manager at the Gurley Senior Center.
The Gurley Senior Center is located at 339 Third St. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information call 256-776-9830.