By: Staff Report
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
BRYAN, Ohio — The Williams County Department of Aging (WCDA) is entering the spring season with a fresh look, a packed calendar of events, and a renewed commitment to the seniors it serves across seven community centers.
The department recently debuted the first issue of The Senior Scoop, a colorful new bimonthly newsletter produced in partnership with LPI, replacing what had been a more modest publication.
The April–May 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the organization, which operates centers in Bryan, Montpelier, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker, and West Unity.
“There is so much to look forward to this spring,” wrote WCDA in its opening letter to the community. “I have missed seeing you these last few months. We have an Evening of Fun in Stryker on April 16th and in West Unity on May 12.”
The department’s mission remains focused on fostering a thriving and independent community for individuals aged sixty and older through meals, transportation, education, support, and engaging programming.
Seven Centers, One Mission
Each of the WCDA’s seven senior centers operates Monday through Friday and offers its own personality and programming. The Bryan Senior Center, the department’s largest, is managed by Shawn Clifton and assistant site manager Dottie Thompson at 1201 S. Portland Street.
It opens at 8:00 a.m. and serves lunch at 11:30 a.m., with friends and family welcome to join. Daily activities include Coffee Corner, Morning Games, Lincoln Bingo, Euchre, Joyful Movement classes, Bible Study, and music sessions with a local musician named Jeff.
The Montpelier Senior Center, located at 325 N. Jonesville Street and managed by Lisa Seiler, features Breakfast Club gatherings, craft rooms, bingo at the library, and regular visits from health professionals.
The Edgerton Senior Center, led by site manager Cindy Tingle at the Edgerton Church of Christ on 224 Laubach Drive, keeps things lively with Cards and Games, Lincoln Bingo, Euchre Days, exercise sessions, and golf outings.
Over in Edon, site manager Claudia Kochert runs a center at the Edon Community Building on 320 Parkway Street that offers Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., puzzles and coffee, cards, and a variety of games.
The Pioneer Senior Center at 100 N. Elm Street, managed by Shanna McKelvey, has recently embraced a “New Normal” — since February, the center has arranged its own lunch program with slider sandwiches, baked potatoes, grilled hot dogs, and meals from the American Legion and Pizza Barn, after discontinuing meal service through the department.
A Full Calendar of Spring Events
The coming weeks are packed with activity across the county. The Stryker Senior Center Evening of Fun is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, at the Stryker Methodist Church on Cherry Street, featuring a meal of biscuits and gravy, hash brown bake, applesauce, and Jell-O cake starting at 4:30 p.m.
The West Unity Center Evening of Fun follows on Tuesday, May 12, at the Kissel Building, where attendees can enjoy BBQ pork, coleslaw, baked potato, and pineapple upside down cake.
Volunteer Appreciation Day, set for April 23, will honor the many community members who donate their time to the centers. “We would like to thank all the volunteers who help make our community possible,” the department noted. “Thank you for everything you do!” Several centers are hosting pizza parties and special programming for the occasion.
May brings Older Americans Month, a national observance honoring the contributions, experiences, and wisdom of older adults.
This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. “Nothing is better for your health than a little fun, and that is something we always strive for here at WCDA,” the newsletter stated. “This newsletter has the calendars of all 7 of our centers. There is something for everyone!”
Celebrating Joan Horne’s Two Decades of Service
One of the spring’s most anticipated events is the retirement party for Joan Horne, who has been with the Williams County Department of Aging since 2006.
The public is invited to celebrate her twenty years of service at a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the East Annex. Horne’s retirement marks the end of an era for the department, and staff have warmly encouraged the community to attend.
Meals, Transportation, and Vital Services
Beyond social activities, the WCDA provides critical services to Williams County’s aging population. The department’s meal program offers daily lunches at its centers with menus that rotate through home-style fare — from mushroom steak and mashed potatoes to taco salad, Swedish meatballs, and stuffed green peppers. Birthday Day celebrations are held monthly.
A Chef Salad Option is regularly available on Wednesdays. Those unable to attend in person can inquire about home-delivered meals by contacting their local center for an in-home assessment.
The department’s transportation program, based at the Bryan Senior Center, provides rides during regular business hours with a priority on medical appointments. Suggested donations range from $6.00 for in-town round trips to $50.00 for out-of-county travel, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available upon request.
A 24-hour notice is requested, though the department strives to accommodate last-minute needs. Seniors can call 419-636-4047 to arrange a ride.
WCDA also runs a Telephone Reassurance program for seniors who live alone, providing a daily check-in call. “No senior turned away — donations are suggested but not required,” the department emphasizes. “No older person shall be denied a service because of a failure to contribute all or part of the cost of such service.”
A Community Coming Together
The newsletter also highlights the generosity that sustains the department. Memorial donations have been made to the Montpelier Senior Center in memory of Rex Flower and to the Bryan Senior Center in memory of Shirley Williams, among others.
The Bryan Lions Club continues to collect old eyeglasses at any center, and all locations accept old electronics for recycling.
The department closed with a Memorial Day reflection, noting its deep connection to military service. “Growing up in a family that served in the military, Memorial Day has always been important to me,” Sarah wrote.
“I was raised to honor the fallen and remember my aunts, uncles, and grandparents who are buried at Arlington.
“This Memorial Day I would like to invite you to join me in quiet reflection on the men and women who make the greatest sacrifice for our country.” All centers will be closed on Memorial Day, May 25.
The Williams County Department of Aging main office is located at 1425 E. High Street, Suite 102, in Bryan. For more information, call 419-633-4317 or visit www.williamscountyoh.gov/165/Department-of-Aging. Updates on closures and events are also posted on the department’s Facebook page.