Community Corner
New Recreation Coordinator Introduces Himself at the Mentor Senior Center
Nick Standering, the new recreation coordinator at the city's senior center, introduced himself at a welcome reception Thursday
One of the goals for Nick Standering, ’s new recreation coordinator, is to introduce a technology program.
“This technology program would include computers and anything technical our seniors may use to simplify their lives and to make things easier for them,” he said.
And while the seniors at the center have the opportunity to explore new technologies, Standering remarks he’s embarking on a new exploration of his own.
“This position will be a new journey for me. I’ve been working with the YMCA for about 10 years, working with kids and adults, and this just sparked my interest. The senior center is beautiful and there are so many things we can offer the community.”
A functional library, pool room, arts and crafts room, fitness room, and day-trips to casinos and restaurants are only a few of the activities offered by the senior center. And Standering must plan and coordinate these activities as the recreation coordinator.
Standering's first day on the job was Feb. 7.
He hopes to use his bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure and master’s degree in recreation administration, both from the University of Toledo, in his new position as he designs and implements programs that will benefit the seniors.
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“The first day was a crazy-good day, meeting everyone and trying to remember names.”
Senior center members Mildred Hood and Bea Crosson think he’ll do a great job.
“We’ve met him and he’s great,” Hood said. “We don’t live in Mentor. I live in Willowick and Bea lives in Euclid but the Mentor Senior Center is the best around and that’s why we come here. There is so much to do and Nick is going to do a great job.”
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Hood has been a member of the senior center for 10 years, and Crosson has been a member for eight.
Both ladies particularly enjoy a program Standering oversees called The Lunch Bunch. This activity takes them away to what they describe as "really, really nice restaurants."
“We go all over. Sometimes we go downtown Cleveland, sometimes to Brecksville, really we go anywhere and make an afternoon of it,” Hood said.
Standering lives in North Ridgeville with his wife and 14-month-old son. He admits it’s a bit of a commute to Mentor and that’s why he will be looking to move closer soon.