Senior Class AFC

Pros

• It is described as the best senior center by visitors.
• It offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages, not just seniors.
• It features music during Meals on Wheels lunches.
• It provides several exercise classes, including options available after Covid.
• It hosts board and card games, speakers, and dances.
• The food is noted as great and home-cooked.
• The on-site thrift store is well-regarded.
• The staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
• It serves the community with Meals on Wheels and other services, including donation-based home aides.
• It is a welcoming place to meet new people and socialize.

Review

This center feels like a true community hub, a place where the energy runs high and the doors are open to more than just older adults. Reviewers emphasize that it's not solely a "senior" space but a lively gathering spot that offers a broad slate of activities - bingo, field trips, learning opportunities, dances, and speakers - so people of varied ages can benefit. It's described as the best senior center some have seen, a place where engagement and social connection flourish through a wide range of programs and events.

The program calendar reads as a long list of appealing options. Exercise classes that started before the pandemic are still going strong, with several different offerings available to keep people active. There are music-filled meals accompanying the Meals on Wheels lunch, and the center also hosts a variety of board and card games, guest speakers, and dances. The combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social events creates a vibrant atmosphere where attendees can learn, move, and connect on a regular basis.

Food plays a central and well-regarded role here. Several reviewers mention great, home-cooked meals and lunches that are budget-friendly - one note highlights lunches around four dollars. The Meals on Wheels program is a key feature, delivering meals to homebound seniors, and there are even references to breakfasts or lunches prepared for those who can't leave home. After-meal entertainment, such as bingo or music, adds to the warm, welcoming vibe and gives people a reason to linger and socialize after they've eaten.

In addition to programming, the center offers practical services and shopping opportunities that many find invaluable. There is a respected on-site thrift or resale presence, including a 2nd hand store and the "New to You" clothing shop, where people can find great items at affordable prices. Reviewers also note the staff's efficiency and friendliness as a major plus, and they're quick to point out convenient on-site resources like a shower chair and other items that can be borrowed or obtained through donation. One reviewer even mentions a small but well-kept operation with friendly, helpful staff that makes shopping and visiting a pleasant experience.

People who work and volunteer at the center are frequently highlighted as a standout feature. The staff are described as extremely nice, very helpful, and knowledgeable, with a generosity of spirit that extends to the broader community. Beyond serving meals and running programs, the center hosts groups such as a Toastmasters club and the Columbia Fibres Guild, which meet there regularly, using the space for meetings and activities. The sense of belonging is reinforced by comments about meeting new people, forming friendships, and enjoying a positive, supportive environment - an atmosphere that many say leaves them proud of the community when they drive by.

Accessibility, support, and a broad sense of value also come through in the praise. Reviewers talk about vast community support, including practical help during tax season, where staff skills and dedication shine. They also note the center's role as a hub for services that make life easier, including home aides and adaptive equipment available at little to no cost or by donation. People mention the center as an essential resource for those who need a little extra assistance, and for families who appreciate the wraparound support it provides - everything from meals to mobility aids to social activities that keep people engaged and connected.

Taken together, these comments paint a portrait of a center that's much more than a place to eat or attend a single activity. It's an essential community asset that brings people together across generations, supports independence and learning, and fosters a welcoming, generous spirit. With plenty of parking, affordable meals, meaningful programs, and a warm, helpful staff, it's easy to see why residents describe it as a hub for seniors and a bright beacon for the wider community. If you're looking for a place to meet friends, participate in diverse activities, or access practical services, this center stands out as a welcoming and robust option worth checking out.

This part of The Dalles, Oregon offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, places of worship, and parks within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential services and recreational opportunities. Additionally, there are several medical facilities nearby, including physicians' offices and a hospital, ensuring prompt healthcare assistance when needed. Transportation options are also available with a car rental service and an airport within a short distance. The peaceful surroundings of parks like Sorosis Park and Riverfront Park provide opportunities for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded living environment for seniors seeking comfort and convenience in The Dalles.

Restaurants

• Beachwood Eatery (0.2 miles)
• Momma Jane's Pancake House (0.3 miles)
• MOD Pizza (0.3 miles)
• The Barbecue (0.4 miles)
• Shari's Cafe and Pies (0.4 miles)
• Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Taco Time (0.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Seventh-Day Adventist Church (0.2 miles)
• Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon (0.5 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (0.6 miles)
• United Church of Christ Congregational (0.6 miles)
• The Dalles Full Gospel Center (0.6 miles)
• Child Evangelism Fellowship (1.1 miles)
• St Paul's Episcopal Church (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (0.6 miles)
• The Riv Cafe (0.7 miles)
• The Cottage Cafe (0.7 miles)
• Kainos Coffee (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Cascade Eye - The Dall (0.5 miles)
• Mid-Columbia Center For Living (0.7 miles)
• James Edmund Macmillan (0.8 miles)
• Columbia Hills Family Medicine (1.5 miles)
• Mid-Columbia Medical Center Family Medicine (1.5 miles)
• Mid Columbia Medical Center Occupational Services (1.5 miles)
• Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, PC (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Columbia Gorge Surgery Center (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Tree Top Play Park (0.6 miles)
• Sorosis Park (0.6 miles)
• Northern Wasco County Parks (0.7 miles)
• Riverfront Park (0.7 miles)
• Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation District (0.7 miles)
• Lewis and Clark Festival Park (0.8 miles)
• Northern Wasco County Parks (0.8 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.7 miles)
• Columbia Gorge Regional-The Dalles Municipal Airport (DLS) (1.7 miles)
• Amtrak-Wih (11.9 miles)