One call to the Marion Senior Center can open doors to transportation, social services and fun. The center serves thousands of Marion County residents ages 60 and older.
“I tell our drivers to treat the clients the way they want their own mother to be treated,” Steve Badertscher, director of the Marion Senior Center.
10,000 Rides For Seniors
The Senior Center provides about 10,000 rides to Marion County seniors who need rides to the doctor, the grocery store or other necessary appointments. It operates on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
In 2024, the service expanded to offer transportation to medical appointments outside of Marion County.
How to Request a Ride
Transportation is provided for a donation. Appointments are first come, first served.
The Senior Center requires one week’s notice for out-of-county medical appointments to schedule drivers and 48 hours for in-county appointments. To request a ride, call Transportation Coordinator Misty Witzel at (740) 387-5444.
The vans are handicap-accessible and have lifts for wheelchairs. Seniors who need assistance may bring a friend, relative or neighbor along.
The Senior Center is closed on most holidays but continues to provide transportation to dialysis patients to whom treatment is critical.
Senior Center is a City Agency with County Support
The Senior Center is a department of the City of Marion with support from the Marion County Council on Aging Senior Services Levy and the Area Agency on Aging.
Socializing: The Doctor’s Orders
Seniors can also request rides to the Senior Center to take part in exercise, meals and activities. Marion County resident Clara Sisson has been coming for three years.
“I was in the hospital. The doctor said I should get out and socialize,” Sisson said. “I like to come and color and socialize. I go on trips. They have dinner for the holidays which I think is nice. It’s well-organized. Everyone’s friendly.”
Movies, Music, Games and Crafts
Sisson also enjoys the popcorn and movie days and bingo games. Members also quilt and make stained glass. A 30-member choir performs regularly.
Bill Gossett has been a member since 1997. He enjoys line dancing as well as playing bridge and pinochle games.
“I’ve made great friendships here,” Gossett said.
“There’s a lot of good things to play from the pool room to exercise to puzzles,” said Terry Kern, a member for more than 20 years.
Other games include euchre, poker, pool, Rummikub, Scrabble and mahjong.
Marion Senior Center Offers Exercise Classes
The Senior Center opened the first pickleball courts in Marion County. They also offer cardio drumming classes and tai chi, which helps seniors build balance and reduce falls.
A small fitness center offers workout equipment.
“It’s not as intimidating as walking into a larger gym,” Steve said.
Meals on Wheels, Group Meals and Food Boxes
LifeCare Alliance operates the daily group meals and the Meals on Wheels program which delivers hot meals to seniors in need. Seniors can also come and take part in a community meal served weekdays at 11 a.m. for a donation.
“We serve people all over Marion County,” said Toni Hurd, a long-time resident of Marion and the local dining coordinator. “We are always welcoming volunteers to deliver meals.”
“LifeCare Alliance has been a wonderful partner and Toni treats everyone like family here,” Steve said.
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers boxes of food to income-eligible seniors once a month at the Senior Center. They serve about 200 households a month at the Senior Center.
Additional Services: Personal Shopper, Referrals
The social services coordinator helps connect seniors to services. A personal shopper helps homebound seniors get groceries. Marion Public Health offers free blood pressure checks.
Wide-Ranging Trips and Adventures
The Senior Center organizes many trips. In this past year, groups of seniors went to four Columbus Clippers games for Dime-a-Dog night.
“You can’t get a better senior discount!” Steve joked.
Other trips included a tour of the Great Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge, a murder mystery dinner cruise and many other day trips. The Adventure Club goes out in June, July and August to visit parks, aviaries and other outdoor sites.
The Trip Advisory Council is planning the itineraries for 2025.
Marion Senior Center Memberships Available
Social services including transportation are available to all Marion County seniors age 60+ for a small donation.
Memberships at the Senior Center are just $30 a year starting at age 50.
For more info:
- Office and Social Services including Food Box Program: (740) 387-6100
- Transportation Requests: (740) 387-5444
- Address: 2375 Harding Hwy. E. Marion, Ohio 43302
- Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays)
- Website: marionseniorcenter.com
- Email: info@marionseniorcenter.com
- Follow them on Facebook
Find additional links for senior services here.
Related MarionMade! Articles
Senior Employment Program | MarionMade
Generous Local Hearts Help Hurricane Helene Survivors | MarionMade
Water Song Tai Chi | MarionMade
Honor Flight At Home Seeks Veterans | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
