Belhaven Seniors’ Center transitions into club
Published 6:45 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2016
BELHAVEN — Despite having to move out of their East Main Street location on June 30, Belhaven’s seniors are transitioning into a new identity as the Belhaven Seniors Club.
Until further arrangements are made, the club is temporarily being housed at Kaye Lee’s Corner on Pamlico Street, as well as holding events at St. James Episcopal Church.
Last year, Bryant Buck, executive director of Mid-East Commission, which was sponsoring the center at the time, appealed to the Belhaven Board of Aldermen, explaining the low numbers and how it impacts funding. Two aldermen were also previously appointed to try to encourage participation at the center.
Despite the efforts, Belhaven Seniors’ Center was forced to close its doors.
However, a group of residents elected to continue the center’s activities and want to continue to offer the senior resources, such as insurance help, as well, according to Kaye Lee Brady, owner of Kaye Lee’s.
She said the group is still nailing down a calendar, but some of the activities will include potluck lunches, support groups, music, knitting and movie nights. Seniors can also participate in weekly art classes at Kaye Lee’s, and exercise classes with Peggy Bonner have been moved to St. James for the time being.
Brady said the group is also working on renovating a permanent space on the floor below the Belhaven Memorial Museum.
“I think it’s still tentative, but I know they’ve got bids,” Brady said. “They’re welcome in my building as long as they need to have it there.”
Nancy Cordano, who volunteers with the club, said she views the club as a place for social gatherings and fun activities. For her personally, she has taken advantage of the art classes and learned how to create oil paintings.
“For someone who had no more than crayons in her hands, that’s pretty good,” Cordano said. “We’re hoping that other people will come, and other people have come.”
She said the temporary space also features donated books and games, as well as historical mementos.
“It’s evolving,” Cordano said. “We just want it to be a fun thing.”
The Belhaven Seniors Club will have an open house event and art show on July 29. The club is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.