For over 20 years, Mr. Ted Urbanek has been a Generations Ashe Senior Center member, and at the age of 89 he is still discovering new ways to find belonging and support here. 

When I asked Ted what the most meaningful part of the senior center is to him, he said “the people… and that includes the crew”!  He also enjoys having lunch in the dining room and the wide variety of activities offered here every day. 

For multiple years, Ted has been a caregiver to his wife and attended our caregivers support group each month.  In April of this year, Ted sadly lost his wife, but having the senior center to go to and see familiar faces was “something to fall back on” during those hard days shortly after. 

I don’t think there is a better example of the impact that a senior center can have on someone than Mr. Urbanek.  He visits for fun.  He visits for community.  He visits for support.  And, in return, he provides fun, community and support to other members.   The four walls of the Generations Ashe Senior Center are nothing without its members, and each day there are meaningful connections that last a lifetime. 

We are all in the same boat here…some are in the front of the boat, and some are in the back.  But we can all finding something in common with each other. – Ted

-Jessica Mast
Executive Administrative Assistant
Generations Ashe