The Heart of Our Town by Kelly Rodamer

Nestled in the heart of downtown Owenton, the Owen County Senior Center offers a unique

approach to vibrant aging. With a schedule full of fun, educational and entertaining activities, there truly is something for everyone.

Director Margina King works diligently to provide a wide variety of activities for the many

seniors who frequent the center. “It’s important that our seniors have a place to call their own — a place where they can come and be with friends,” she said. Whether it’s morning card games, Bible study or monthly field trips, seniors are never at a loss for something to do.

“We are all aging, but not old,” King said. “The center is a place for active seniors. Everyone

who comes has a lot of life left — they’re capable of living it to the fullest. My goal is for the

center to be about fun and friendship.”

And fun is never lacking. Over the years, seniors have held dances, parties and routinely

ventured beyond Owen County to explore other parts of Kentucky.

Beverly Rice said the Senior Center is important because “it brings people together. We get out of the house and enjoy ourselves.”

Karen Washburn, a regular since 2010, echoed Rice’s sentiments. “I love getting to go to

different places that I don’t get to on my own,” she said. “We also have fun on-site activities like puzzles, games and exercise.”

The Owen County Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Two nights a month, seniors and their families can enjoy a game night or movie night

beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities at the center are free of charge for seniors. King stresses that accessibility is a key part of her planning.

“This is a place for our seniors to come and have fun, learn something new and enjoy life,” she said. “That means we don’t charge for anything we don’t have to.”

The community also contributes to many of the activities. Three Rivers and St. Elizabeth provide complimentary blood sugar checks, and local banks host classes on financial planning and budgeting. Local homeschool co-ops organize crafting afternoons and bingo games, while several churches host Bible studies. While this isn’t a complete list, it highlights how people of all ages play a vital role in bringing engaging and creative programs to the center.

Many of the seniors who frequent the center have given their time, energy, money and talents to this community over the years. As they reach retirement, King said it’s important to give back to them. This year, she started a Bucket/Resolution List and asked seniors to share what activities and trips they’d like to experience.

Responses included a train ride, a doll museum, Daniel Boone’s grave, Shaker Village, the Big Bone Lick Festival and the Kentucky Castle. 2025 became a year of exploration for the seniors, as many of their bucket list wishes came true.

David Lilly said he enjoyed exploring different counties in Kentucky this year. “The trips,

camaraderie, food, good times and different things to do” make the center enjoyable, he said. He also encouraged seniors in the county who don’t yet attend to give it a try. “The knowledge people bring would elevate our fellowship.”

Taking a train ride was Gayle Parsons’ request at the start of the year, and this summer he

joined friends on a train ride through the Kentucky hills. In his six years of attending the center’s activities, he said it’s been the highlight of his time there. But he also emphasized that the center’s importance isn’t in the trips — it’s in the opportunity for socialization and getting out of the house.

Having a place to go is important for all ages, but especially for seniors who find themselves

isolated after retirement. Ethel Hammond has been attending the center since it first opened. She recalled fighting for a space where seniors could gather so they wouldn’t “sit at home and watch TV all day.” She encourages everyone to “get out and enjoy life before it’s too late.”

The Owen County Senior Center ensures that no senior falls through the cracks. Everyone who walks through the door will be cared for and loved. It’s a place for seniors to learn new skills, enjoy companionship and, perhaps most importantly, rediscover joy.

As a staple of the community, it might be more fitting to call it an activity center — because

there’s truly never a dull moment.