The county has five brick and mortar centers, and one virtual center.
Frederick, Md (KM) A feasibility study is underway into the future of senior centers in Frederick County. Kitty Devilbiss, Department Head and Community Connection for the Division of Aging and Independence, says senior citizens are the fastest growing population in Frederick County.
“Frederick County currently has five bricks and mortar senior centers and one virtual senior center that operate. But we know that those centers aren’t meeting the needs of our older adult population in Frederick County,” she says.
“We could use more centers. Our centers are bursting at the seems. The attendance at our centers is very strong. While they’re located throughout the county, there are still parts of Frederick County that it’s a little more difficult for individuals in those communities to access the senior center,” Devilbiss says.
The senior centers in Frederick County are located at 1440 Taney Avenue in Frederick; 12 E. A Street in Brunswick; 300 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg; 101 Prospect Street in Middletown; and 9020 Amulung Street in Urbana. Michael Poist is the supervisor of the virtual senior center, and he can be reached at 301-788-1075.
The study is being conducted by MGT, a consulting firm that specializes in working with local government.
During this process, Devilbiss says the public can offer its comments and suggestions during several community engagement session throughout the county in January. The physical locations are:
Tuesday, January 20
1:30 p.m. – Frederick 50+ Community Center, 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702
4:30 p.m. – Brunswick 50+ Community Center, 12 East A Street, Brunswick, MD 21716
Wednesday, January 21
9:00 a.m. – Frederick County Health Department, 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 (Entrance B – First floor, farthest from Montevue Lane) Spanish interpreter available.
12:00 p.m. – Emmitsburg 50+ Community Center, 300 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727
3:00 p.m. – Urbana 50+ Community Center, 9020 Amelung Street, Frederick, MD 21704
Thursday, January 22
9:00 a.m. – New Market United Methodist Church/School House, 5501 Old New Market Road, New Market, MD 21774
12:30 p.m. – Walkersville Library, 2 South Glade Road, Walkersville, MD 21793
6:00 p.m. – Thurmont Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Friday, January 23
9:00 a.m. – Middletown 50+ Community Center, 101 Prospect St., Middletown, MD 21769
Virtual Sessions
Can’t make it in person? Join one of two virtual sessions via Zoom:
Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Devilbiss says the feasibility study is expected to be completed by the spring of this year.
By Kevin McManus