The City of Euclid has two Senior Centers, both offering a diverse selection of activities. They are:

Emeritus House (Indian Hills)
1554 East 193rd Street
216-289-8586

Knuth Community Center
Briardale Greens Golf Course
216-289-2985

Both centers are open from 8:30 to 5:00 Monday through Friday.

To qualify for senior programs in Euclid you must meet the requirements of the individual program.

Some programs are federally funded which will require you to be age sixty (60) or better. City funded programs have a minimum age of fifty-five (55). Of course, Euclid Residency is a must to partake in the programs. However, if you are not a Euclid resident the Seniors Program Administrators will assist you in contacting centers appropriate for your needs and residency.

To reach the office of Margaret Hastert-Wolf, Senior Programs Manager call 216-289-2985.

Classes

It is impossible to list all of the senior classes available through the City of Euclid. It is always changing with new and interesting classes and options being offered. However, here is a sampling of some of the things available.

ART CLASSES: Although there is a fee for the art classes, it is nominal and covers your expenses. You will learn different art styles, including watercolor.

BINGO: Both of the centers offer Bingo.

CARDS: You can join other seniors in playing some of the games you have always enjoyed like Bridge and pinochle. There are even Pinochle tournaments twice a month at the Knuth Center.

SEWING, KNITTING, And CROCHETING: If you sew why not join a volunteer group of women in making items for Nursing Homes? If you knit or crochet you can join a group of people interested in this same pastime.

There is also Dancing (ballroom and line dancing) and a senior dance held once a month.

Quality senior-handmade items are available for purchase at the Gift Shoppes at either center. There is a senior band, exercise classes and of course a multitude of one day trips,

There are many other options available. Check with either center if you have any interest in any of these options.

HELPING HANDS

If your needs are greater than the City Offices can provide, the Knuth Center has a volunteer-staffed agency which will assist you in finding other agencies that may better serve your needs.

In addition they offer a list of skilled help, for a fee. These are people who are willing to help with chores around your home for a fee much lower than you would normally pay.

The Skilled Help is available in the following areas:

• Carpenter
• Handyman
• Painter
• Companion
• House Cleaning
• Paper Hanging
• Cook
• Basic Housework
• Plumbing
• Drivers
• Gutter Cleaning
• Snow Removal
• Minor Electrical Repair
• Lawn Work
• Washing Walls
• Home Health Care
• Laundry
• Window Washing

There is also a group called the Chore Service that will assist residents 60 and over with non-skilled chores such as bed making, stove/refrigerator cleaning, hedge trimming and such.

Whether you live in a home or an apartment you are eligible for this assistance. There is a $7.00 donation requested, per visit. For further information on the Chore Service call the coordinator at 289-2985.

TRANSPORTATION

Most seniors find themselves in a position of needing to go somewhere and not having the means to get there at least one time or another. Often driving is just no longer an option.

The City of Euclid provides transportation, as needed, to medical appointments, social service agencies, Euclid Hunger Center and to the Senior Center for In-house (congregate) dining.

They have the largest transportation area of any city organization with their boundaries being Rte. 306 & 90 to the East, St. Vincent Charity Hospital to the West and Cedar and Brainard to the South.

They suggest a donation of $2.00 for transportation outside of Euclid and $1.00 within the city limits.

Laurie Stocker is a volunteer van driver and she just loves her job! "We love our seniors and it's therapy for us too. You feel like you're helping out and that's a good feeling!"

SOCIAL SERVICES

In addition to the activities programs, Euclid offers a number of Social Service and Health Programs.

There are free Blood Pressure Screenings once a month at both centers. At various times through the year there will be vision and hearing screenings and flu shots are given yearly.

Legal Aid, income tax assistance, handicapped services, social work and personal care are all areas covered by Euclid's Social Services policy.

You may apply for government programs with the assistance of a Euclid counselor. Such government programs include The Golden Buckeye Card, Homestead Tax Exemption, Home Heating and Water Rate Reduction and CRT/RTA bus pass programs.

There are many other social services available to seniors. Contact either center for more information.

HOUSING REHABILITATION

If you are income eligible you may receive some of the following benefits from the Euclid Seniors program:

Weatherization: Euclid will install weather-stripping, door sweeps, hot water tank jackets, caulking, and other weatherization aids. In addition a furnace inspection and cleaning program is available at no charge, if you have qualified for weatherization.

Lock Program: Euclid will install police approved dead bolt locks. The labor is provided at no cost. The locks are purchased by the homeowner:

Operation Overcoat: Eligible residents may be reimbursed up to $250.00 for paint used to paint their homes.

Smoke Alarm Program: Free smoke alarms will be provided to eligible residents.

Handicapped Service: Euclid will provide such services as the construction or installation of handrails or ramps for physically disadvantaged residents who qualify.

To see if you qualify for these and other Special Projects call 289-8562.

VIAL OF LIFE

The Vial of Life Program is an attempt to save precious moments and provide vital information to rescue workers in the event of an emergency situation.

Seniors living alone, or are alone for any length of time, or are handicapped will receive a personal medical data form. The senior fills this out and it is placed in a vial, provided by Euclid and attached to your refrigerator. An identification sticker is then placed on your outside door which alerts the rescue workers to look for the vial.

Both centers will provide the vials and forms at no charge. Seniors are encouraged to participate in this life saving program.

VOLUNTEERING

The majority of the programs offered to seniors by the City of Euclid are staffed by volunteers.

Euclid is always looking for volunteers with the same dedication and concern that their current volunteers have. Euclid encourages people who are looking for meaningful involvement in their own community. Volunteers will also be given the chance to become a member of the National Senior Volunteer Organization known as RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program).