Gaithersburg Senior Center 'Crown Jewel' Event To Return May 2013

The Active Aging Expo, dubbed the "Crown Jewel of the [Gaithersburg] Senior Center," will return in May for a fifth year, Senior Advisory Committee member Daniel Fried said Monday during mayor and City Council committee briefings.

In previous years, the committee was able to provide a simple, enjoyable lunch — free of charge thanks to numerous donations — for attendees, Fried said. More than 600 people attended the luncheon in 2012, including 90-plus businesses and agencies who had tables to provide services, education and information to seniors.

Fried said the committee is hoping to add a safety component to the 2013 event  but did not provide specifics. A focus to help seniors continue to make contributions to the community, he said.

City Council Members were unanimous in their support of the Senior Advisory Committee and its commitment to the city's older residents.  

"One of the things that really makes us proud is that people have such a good time there ... We hear all the time how much people enjoy being there," Mayor Sidney A. Katz said. "It's such a good service." 

The Gaithersburg Senior Center features 528 members who participate in a range of activities, including lectures, fitness classes, trips and more.

"Although our average age is 75, this is a very active, energized center," Fried, a Rockville resident, said.

Fried said a welcoming committee was recently introduced to encourage new members to become involved, including attending a new member orientation and be active members of the center. He called it "a huge upgrade for the center" and has already seen many new members take part in multiple events.

One council member already has plans to take part.

"It's not that I'm in any hurry to become a senior, but when I do, I know where I'm going," Councilman Jud Ashman said. "That's an awesome little community you've got going on there."