It was a quiet Thursday afternoon at the Springville Senior Citizens Center.

Lunch was over, and most of the center’s regulars had returned home.  All that remained was a foursome at a card table, engrossed in a rubber of bridge.  Theresa Burton, the center’s director, had just emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands from cleaning up after the noon meal.

“We have about 25 people who come here every day, and that number is growing,” she said, having greeted an inquisitive visitor with a broad smile indicative of how much she enjoys interacting with those who frequent the center.  “It’s like being in a room full of the greatest moms and dads in the world.”

Housed in the VFW Post 3229 Memorial Center, Springville’s seniors programs operate from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.  Lunch is served at 11:30 p.m.  The meal is provided at no cost, although a donation of $1.50 per person is suggested, Ms. Burton said.  The St. Clair Area Transit System offers free transportation to the center.

Bingo seems to be the center’s most popular scheduled activity, according to the director, beginning every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.  Another favorite is karaoke-singing Lee Lowery, of Odenville, who visits the center every third Friday to perform vintage country and pop songs.  “Close your eyes while listening to him, and Elvis did not die,” said Ms. Burton.

Juanita Gibson, a regionally-recognized Springville artist, also conducts regular art classes at the center, which have encouraged many of the regulars to take up watercolors and sketching.  Dominoes, cards, board games, table tennis, and a Wii video game system are also available at any time.

 “They’re really getting into bowling on the Wii,” Ms. Burton said.  “Some other centers have started a Wii bowling league, and they have bowling shirts with their names on it.  We’d really like to get one going here at the center.”

The Springville center is currently making preparations to take part in the countywide senior picnic, set for May 13 in Moody, and participants plan to assist with a police department fund raiser on April 2.  Ms. Burton said that efforts are also in the works to become involved with the Senior Olympics.

 “There is so much that these people can do.  The opportunities available to seniors in St. Clair County are just wonderful.  The state really wants to do things for them, and so does the City of Springville.  It’s really exciting.  The sky’s the limit.”