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Alexander County senior center reports record outreach numbers, expanded virtual programming and strong Medicare assistance
Summary
Senior center director Christy Hunt told commissioners the center hosted a large ‘Christmas in July’ craft fair (about 300 attendees), ran a med‑assist event with 684 participants, expanded online programming and helped hundreds with Medicare open‑enrollment counseling year-to-date.
Christy Hunt, director of the Alexander County Senior Center, reported to commissioners on Sept. 8 that the center saw strong participation across summer events, expanded its online activities and continued to provide Medicare counseling and other services to residents.
Hunt said nearly 300 people — and perhaps more — attended a summertime “Christmas in July” craft fair that used outdoor space to accommodate crowds; she reported that the med‑assist medication‑collection event drew 684 participants, which staff were told was a record for that program. Hunt described expanded one‑on‑one computer help, continuing exercise classes (including Tai Chi and cardio drumming), musicians’ jam nights with evening performances, day trips and planned future travel including a September trip to Vermont and a planned Ireland trip for 2026.
The senior center continues to provide Medicare open‑enrollment assistance and reported it helped more than 400 people last year; Hunt said she hoped to exceed that number this year. She also noted SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) savings through July amounted to about $166,000 with 206 contacts reported for the year-to-date period cited in her presentation.
Hunt said participation metrics have risen — in part because the center now counts online participation — and staff are making targeted outreach to homebound seniors to provide virtual options. Commissioners thanked Hunt for the report; no board action was required.
