John Fauria gets to do the fun things.
Currently serving as treasurer for the Oakdale Lions Club, Fauria said part of his ‘job’ is to work to fulfill requests the club gets from time to time for donations, which recently included delivering laptop computers to the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Community Center.
“With COVID, we didn’t have people coming to request things,” he said of the past couple of years. “I contacted Jane (Oakdale Recreation Services Supervisor Jane Finkenbine) and she said ‘yes, we need stuff’.”
The Lions Club hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year and pours that money back into the community via scholarships, community service projects and more. In this case, Finkenbine outlined a need for laptop computers that can be used at the Senior Center by those attending the various programs there.
“Right now, we have three desktop models in the game room, which also has a pool table, and that is just not conducive to taking computer classes,” Finkenbine said, as the pool table is frequently in use.
With the laptops, they can be loaded on to a cart and set up in a different room in the Senior Center, to allow for a quieter environment for classes and just using the computers.
“The seniors can take virtual field trips, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has a lot of classes,” Finkenbine said of some options available to seniors. “There are programs on health and nutrition.”
Finkenbine said the Senior Center utilizes every bit of space available, and the laptop computers can be used in a conference room now as opposed to being tethered to the game room. Sometimes the conference room is used for movies and card games, but will also able to accommodate the computer classes and usage.
Fauria and Lions Club Secretary Don Lee met with Finkenbine and Recreation Services Specialist Alanna Bryant to present the laptops, with five new computers delivered.
“So incredibly generous,” Finkenbine said of the donation.
Fauria said the club was glad to fulfill the request to aid the local senior citizens, as the goal of the organization is to help the community in any way they can.
Meanwhile, the daily activities at the center at 450 East A St., Oakdale, range from Young at Heart exercise groups to Bingo, Purls of Wisdom knitting to a writing group. Art classes, Friday movies, a craft group, book club and a new walking group are other offerings. Also, the Senior Center is the site for hot meals Monday through Friday at noon. Cost is $3 for those ages 60-plus and reservations are required at least one day in advance by calling 209-480-3759.
