Local media shines a spotlight on Doris Griffin Center

Local center’s “Get Moving” class makes its debut on daytime program San Antonio Living

Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” is booming as members of the Doris Griffin Senior One Stop Center exercise to the beat. Their eyes are darting between the mirror to check their form and Peaches Hall, WellMed supervisor of the senior center and the leader of this morning’s “Get Moving” exercise class.

There is a new addition to today’s class. Michaela Romero, a correspondent for long-time morning show San Antonio Living is at Peaches’ side, balancing a microphone as she follows along with the rest of the class.

Then Michaela introduces the class to viewers of San Antonio Living – a signature morning show of local NBC affiliate WOAI. And thus begins a segment where Michaela and Peaches will inform viewers about all the wonderful programs taking place at the center.

“When people hear the words ‘senior center,’ then tend to think, ‘nursing home,’” Peaches said. “They expect a bunch of couches and people drinking coffee.”

The “Get Moving” class is proof there is much more going on at this Northwest Side facility.

For more than a decade, the center, which is operated by the WellMed Charitable Foundation in partnership with the city of San Antonio, has been offering locals who are 60 years and older a place to get fit, learn about computer programs like Microsoft Publisher, enjoy a movie or board games and socialize with others.

Peaches oversees the center and its various programs, but the members are who breathe life into the facility.

“Our members are so active and live life to its fullest,” she said. “They care about one another and take ownership in the center.”

San Antonio Living is the latest media outlet to cover the Doris Griffin Center. Last month, the San Antonio Express News focused on the center’s role helping nursing students from the Galen College of Nursing, San Antonio, develop an understanding of and appreciation for older persons living independently. Students took part in choir classes, dance aerobics and Rummikub, a tile-based game that is part rummy and part mahjong.

“I’m not sure how SA Living decided on the Doris Griffin Center, but we are grateful that they did,” Peaches said. “I think our story is special because of our members. They have built lifelong friendships here.

“They tell me at the end of the week they have been so busy they are exhausted,” Peaches continues. “I love hearing that they need the weekend to rest.”