Oak Ridge Senior Center

Location & Hours

Oak Ridge Senior Center is located at

1405 Oak Ridge Turnpike

Operating Hours

Drop-In Recreation

A  recreation room holds 3 pool tables and two snooker tables, as well as tables for cards, games, and puzzles. Rooms are available for meetings, classes, and card playing. Free public Wi-Fi access and a printer are available for participant use. The Center is a smoke-free facility with restricted membership to participants 50 years and older. Proof of age must be presented to staff upon request. Participants may be accompanied by an under-50 spouse or adult guest (18 or older), as long as the spouse or guest is attending the same activity as the senior participant.

Programs

Currently, the Oak Ridge Senior Center is offering limited structured on-site programming but is not yet allowing rental opportunities for other groups.  The Senior Center offers activities such as Bingo, card games, exercise classes, and educational opportunities. We are also working to provide some virtual opportunities as well. Please feel free to call the Senior Center at (865) 425-3999 with any questions.

Monthly Activity Calendar

January 2023

Arts and Crafts – Open crafts are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. Bring a project to work on and get to know some other crafters. Call for more information or to save space.

Bingo – Bingo is now available each Thursday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Book Club –  The Senior Book Club meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Public Library will be providing a facilitator. Stop by the front desk for more information or to reserve a spot.

Cards and Games – Various card and game opportunities are now available.  Pinochle is on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bridge is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Open games are on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Euchre is on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  A Chess Group meets on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Dance Classes – Dance classes are offered as time and space allow. Currently, the following classes are ongoing. Space is limited so call to sign up or to be put on the waiting list for new sessions.

Beginning Tap Dance – This class is adaptable to all ability levels and can even be done seated in a chair if needed. Classes are on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ballroom Dance – This class teaches the basics of social ballroom dancing. Beginner classes are held on Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and intermediate classes are from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Dance Exercise – This class takes simple, easy to learn dance moves and turns them into a fun exercise class that you will enjoy doing. The class is held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Educational Programs – Educational programs are offered in areas of interest to senior citizens each month. Check the calendar above or call the Senior Center for more information and to sign up for a spot.

Exercise Classes – Exercise classes are offered at Senior Center as space and demand allow.  Spaces are limited so please call ahead to reserve a spot or to get on a waiting list. Current classes are listed below:

S.A.I.L (Stay Active and Independent for Life) – S.A.I.L. is an evidence-based program that provides strength and balance training for older adults as well as some light aerobic activity. The program is sponsored by the UT Extension Office for Anderson County and is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30.

Energizing Exercise – The Energizing Exercise program provides high-intensity aerobic exercise as well as strength training. This program is faster-paced, but anyone is welcome to come out and give it a try. The class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Pickleball – Indoor senior pickleball is available next door to the Senior Center in the Recreation Center Gym on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Intermediate level play is from 9 a.m. to noon and beginner play is from noon to 2 p.m. Play is free for Oak Ridge Residents but there is a charge for non-residents. Call the Senior Center at (865) 425-3999 for more information.

Ping Pong – Group ping pong play is available at the Senior Center on Tuesday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Mixed play), Friday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Singles play), and Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.(Mixed play)

Technology Assistance – The Senior Center will also be offering a limited number of spots for one-on-one technology assistance to participants. This will include help using smartphones, laptops, and other devices as well as guidance on the use of social media and conferencing applications (such as Zoom).

Virtual Recreation Center– Check out this link to our virtual recreation center. There are links to many different sites for games, classes, and other activities to keep you busy while stuck at home.

Wood Carving – Wood Carvers meet on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Interested participants will need to bring their own tools and call the Senior Center main office at (865)425-3999 to reserve a space.

Senior Services Guide

Finding services for yourself or a senior loved one can be quite tricky at times. The following link will take you to a guide of important information and phone numbers for senior services in our local area. There are also contact numbers and websites for many national organizations that provide information for seniors.

Senior Services Information Guide

(Updated Guide Coming Soon. Current Questions call Senior Center at (865) 425-3999)

Lunch Program

 Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Lunch program has changed to a Wednesday pickup program consisting of 5 frozen meals.  This program is by reservation only. Call the Senior Center at (865) 425-3999 for more information.