Members of the Centre Region Senior Citizens' Center have gathered to enjoy their noon meal. Center Director Barbara Lindenbaum, a petite bundle of driven energy, charges into the dining room to make a few announcements. College students from Lion Share have volunteered to clean the senior citizens' homes, she said.

"I have a friend who had them come in. She said they were just wonderful," said one of the senior citizens.

"They are going to do it for free? I think we should offer them some money," another senior called out. "College students always need money."

The unselfish response is typical of many members of the Senior Citizens' Center. Although always willing to accept generosity themselves, they are more likely to volunteer to help others.

"We have two very positive kinds of volunteers here at the center," said Barbara Lindenbaum. "Those who will do anything and everything and those who see a need and will meet it."

She settles into her chair as sunlight streams into her office and bounces off several crafts and clay pieces decorating the walls -- all gifts from the senior citizens. Already this morning she has supervised blood sugar and blood screening tests, an exercise program and lunch for 30.

"For some of these people, the center is the highlight of their day," she said, pausing to chat with a senior citizen who stops by her office. "They bring with them a lot of different interests and abilities that we try to keep up with."

Lindenbaum became full time director of the Seniors' Center in 1986, just before its move from the Christian Church on Easterly Parkway to its present location at 131 S. Fraser St. She said the purpose of the center is to meet the emotional, spiritual, physical and social needs of the senior citizens.

"Regardless of income or age or whatever, everyone feels alone and unconnected," she explained. "Sometimes people move here to be closer to family and find out that the family is busy with their lives. Then they have to find activities of their own.That's what we are here for."

Blanche Parsonage of State College has been coming to the center for 14 years and believes it more than serves its purpose.

"We enjoy it because of the companionship," she said referring to several others gathered around a table playing cards. "A lot of good friendships are made here."

Liddenbaum calls the group "the rowdy card players." They are very outgoing, she adds. If you want to know anything about what goes on here, they're the ones to talk to, she said.

Liddenbaum is very familiar with all activities of the center. She is the only person on staff, and she is in charge of planning meals, scheduling transportation, advertising and coordinating activities.

"I do all this," she gestures to the pile of papers on her desk "with several goals in mind. I want the members to socialize, learn, have fun and experience a lot of interesting things."

The visitors are citizens over 55 who live in Centre County. Lindenbaum said these are the only two requirements a senior citizen has to meet to come to the center on a weekly basis.

Transportation to and from the center for those over 60 is provided by the Center's van service. Nutritious noon meals are served every week day. Although donations are always welcome, there is no fee to join. Both the meals and van service are free.

Lindenbaum said the Centre Region Senior Citizens' Center is the only dual sponsored center in this county. Both the Centre County Office of Aging and the Centre Region Council of Governments provide funding.

The day-to-day activities at the center follow a typical pattern. Some regular, weekly events include shopping trips, card games, exercise and health programs. These are supplemented by special programs presented at various times during the month: movies literary discussion groups, speakers and musical programs.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm for our programs. Our community service projects are just outstanding," said Barbara Lindenbaum. "One of the the favorite special events is when the Penn State Singing Lions come to visit. They love that."

Having the University so close helps supplement a lot of the center's programs. It's a resource of the community the center taps into often, the director said.

Virginia McNaul having just finished an exercise class strolls around the large activity room, one of three rooms that make up the Senior Citizens' Center. "We have clay projects and painting projects in here all the time," she said. "This is our indoor gardening project," she said as she walked over to a table filled with healthly looking plants. "I try to come here every week. I love it here."

Unfortunately many people still hold a stereotypical view of senior citizen centers, Lindenbaum said.

"A lot of people, even the older people themselves, think that senior centers are places for people to stare at the walls and play bingo," Lindenbaum said. "They haven't been exposed to the real thing."

"People think we come here for the free meal," said Parsonage, who is also aware that a stereotype exists. "We come here to have fun and see our friends."

At two o'clock, things start to wind down at the center. The van has arrived to take the seniors home and Barbara Lindenbaum heads for her office to plan next month's events.