No day is ever dull at Oconee County Senior Center.  By simply opening up the monthly calendar, it's easy to see that seniors stay busy.

"People think that a senior center is where (members) go and sit, but here it's always active," said Margarett Farr, center secretary. "There's a little bit of something for everybody."

That there is.  Scheduled activities include exercise and line dancing classes, craft and computer classes, a walking club, sing-alongs, a game room, and bingo, to name a few.  Many members just enjoy the socialization, said Farr, adding that once a month they gather to celebrate birthdays.

She offered a tour around the center, starting with the craft store. Located near the entrance, it is filled with donated items and other finds that Farr said she scouts from yard sale leftovers.

Members of the senior center also make many of the crafts, and proceeds go directly to support the center's activities, she said, such as the purchase of patio furniture and a Wii entertainment system.

Several local businesses -- Walmart, Publix, Ingles, and Trader Joe's -- donate items for the craft store as well as food items that serve as bingo and daily raffle prizes, said Farr.

The community room houses a number of activities, like health seminars taught by St. Mary's Health Care System and health screenings by CareSouth, she said.

Transportation and meals are two additional services offered to members, said Farr. Hot meals are prepared in a large kitchen and served daily at no charge. As needed, members can also catch a ride in one of the two county-owned vans to go shopping or go to an appointment. A small donation is suggested for meals and transportation services, as outlined in the application packet, she said. 

Farr said volunteer opportunities are also available to members. For example, Meals on Wheels volunteers take lunch to homebound seniors on two routes through Bishop and Bogart, she said.

"Taking care of people is what I like the most," said Farr. "I love to interact with them."

Marian Nolley has been the director of the senior center for 24 years. She said she also enjoys her job.

"I feel like I can provide happiness and a sense of belonging through programs for seniors, and I am happy I can do that for other people," she said.

Nolley said "A Valentine Gala" is one special event quickly approaching. The evening will feature live music and a catered dinner at a cost of $22 a person. Reservations should be made by Feb. 4, she said.  

The senior center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Membership is free and open to all Oconee residents who are at least 60 years old, said Nolley.  For more information, call 706-769-3979.