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Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia will open a Senior Center at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church in Zuni on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

A Thursday, Jan. 5, Senior Services news release stated that older adults, ages 60 and above from the nearby towns of Zuni and Windsor, will have access to a variety of programs for seniors, including games, meals, classes, shopping, field trips, holiday celebrations and more. 

While working on the Area Comprehensive Plan with Isle of Wight County, Senior Services targeted the areas of Zuni and Windsor as local food deserts. A food desert is defined as an urban area in which it is difficult to purchase affordable or good-quality fresh food. 

The Tucker Swamp Senior Center will provide older adults living in food scarcity areas with fresh and nutritious meals. 

Senior Services hosts 16 other Senior Centers throughout South Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. 

“Our Senior Centers are able to provide nutrition education and counseling, giving older adults the knowledge they need to care for their own health and well-being,” Senior Services Director of Wellness Shelby Craig said.

Senior Centers also provide older adults living in isolation with companionship and stimulating activities. 

“We often have field trips for our centers, bringing seniors together for celebrations, shopping or even trips to the movies,” Craig said.

Older adults in the Senior Center program will also have access to all services offered by Senior Services, including, but not limited to, care coordination and transitions, in-home services, Medicare benefits counseling and evidence-based wellness classes. Most services are provided at no cost.

For those interested in being a part of the Tucker Swamp Senior Center, see the following information:

• Location: Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, 37527 Seacock Chapel Road, Zuni, VA 23898
• Times: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Eligibility: Aged 60+ and living in Isle of Wight County
• Registration required: Call 757-222-4502

Senior Services provides free transportation to and from the center.