More News

Members of the Herndon Senior Center speak 42 languages, Director Ruth Junkin said, and a display case in the hallway is filled with holiday images and ornaments representing the rich variety of cultures members call their own.

"The diversity makes it richer," Junkin said. "The first person who holds the door or pulls out a chair for another person has made a friend, even if they don't speak the same language."

The four-year-old center offers an assortment of activities for seniors in Herndon and surrounding communities, including classes and opportunities to meet with friends for lunch or to play games.

"When you retire, you have to have something to go do. You can't stay home and watch TV," said Luan Ngo of Herndon, who volunteers at the center as well as taking classes and playing mahjong.

Fitness is a key part of the center's mission. Options are available for people of all mobility levels, from yoga breathing to belly dancing. There are art classes such as Chinese calligraphy and ceramics, and musical groups, including groups that sing in Spanish and Chinese.

"I found this place by accident three years ago," said Joyce Saldivar, now secretary of the center's Advisory Council. "I just couldn't get over all of the things to do here."

The center offers ample informal opportunities to socialize as well: a game room, billiards and ping-pong tables and other social groups that members create. The daily lunch is also a popular gathering. Seniors pay for the meal on a sliding scale based on income.

"I think people come seeking others to talk to," said Elsie Marsh, an at-large member of the center's Advisory Council and a resident of Herndon Harbor House next door.

Volunteers like Marsh and Saldivar have helped to develop the offerings at the center, such as a growing library and a collection of DVDs that members can rent for $1 a week.

Languages

Herndon Senior Center members speak 42 different languages. The most popular are English, Mandarin Chinese, Farsi and Spanish.