The Chisago County Senior Center runs under the Chisago County Senior Citizens Board on Aging. In the later 1970’s the Board on Aging decided they were in need of a Senior Center. The citizens of Chisago County started fund raising efforts, they went to each house asking for donations, held dances, pig roast and potlucks. When they received enough money they started looking at options for a building. They bought the old Superior Engineering Building, and added on an addition. This addition was be used for the expansion of the bathrooms and to be for the dining site as well as other functions. The North Branch Senior Dining Site held meals Mondays – Friday, and the Senior Center was used as a multi purpose center. Activities, programs and events were held daily Monday – Friday and occasionally on the weekends.

In 1994 ideas for a new center were being discussed. On a cold Wednesday afternoon on December 13, 2000 we gathered together for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new center. The old building was torn down in July 2001. We moved into Uptown Maple Commons building in October of 2001. We officially open the doors to the public in November 2001.

What do we offer? 

Health Services:  1) A nurse from Homecaring provides foot care to seniors such as; nail trimming, calluses and corn removal, general foot care and instructions on how to care for your feet.   

2) Avada Hearing services provide hearing testing and service hearing aids several times a month.  

3) It was identified that the seniors attending the program were not all seeking adequate medical attention and from this a collaboration with Chisago County Public Heath developed.  To date a registered public nurse comes to the center 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month to provide non-invasive nursing care to seniors.

4) We are offering a low impact exercise class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Chair Yoga is also offered on Mondays and Wednesdays.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays another exercise program is offered by UCare with a licensed instructor.

Educational Services:  Based on the seniors request and needs training classes are provided on an on-going basis.  Some of the classes offered in previous years were: Defensive Driving Course, Insurance Seminars, Tax Preparation, Health and Wellness Classes, Nutrition, Computer Classes, Legal Assistance, Readers Club, etc.

Recreational Activities:  A monthly calendar is developed with a variety of activities for the seniors such as: singing, five hundred and canasta card clubs, writing, bingo, secret pal club, walking, biking, exercise classes, etc.

Information, Resources and Referrals:  The Chisago County Senior Center utilizes the 211 system to provide many referrals to resources in the area.  The center also has a list of area services available to provide additional information and referrals to seniors at the center.  The center also brings resources in such as; free legal services from St. Cloud Area Legal Assistance, tax preparation through AARP, fuel and phone assistance through Lakes and Pines, etc.

Retired Seniors Volunteer Program:  Under this program are three branches of services, the Mentoring Program, the Craft Program and the Volunteer Program.

The Mentoring Program teams seniors with youth in the area to mentor.

The Craft Program collaborates with the local school to create art projects the children can do with the seniors.

The Volunteer Program utilizes seniors within the center to assist with the daily operation, activities and fundraising events.

            Meals on Wheels & Congregate Dining for North Branch,  Rush City & Pine City Meals are provided Monday – Friday.  The Senior Center rents our  kitchen to Catholic Charities who prepares and delivers the meals to the seniors that utilize this program.   Congregate dining is held here as well.