After 3 years of lock down being scared and alone with no contact with anyone, having the Paynter opened again with Barbara and Sandi in charge has been a godsend.
I’m in many classes , boxing – line dancing – boomer movers – zumba 4 days a week. I have lost weight and made new friends . We have bus rides to the markets – music shows and dinner once a month with music. I feel so much better now!
….Lorna
The Paynter Center (PC) has created an oasis in what can be a long cold winter in the North Country.
The P.C. has introduced me to new exercise programs – for example Balance Boxing, Boomer Movers, a class using weights, balls, bands and cardio.
In addition to exercise my friends and I have eaten lunch at the P.C. and our wheelchair bound friend can also enjoy its fully accessible facilities. My husband and I have attended the community dinner.
The center has provided me with opportunities to make new friends as well as stay connected with current friends. Clayton has the only senior center in Jefferson Country & I believe it’s so important to keep it operating because it helps seniors stay fit physically, mentally and socially.
…Dianne
The Paynter Center has provided an excellent source of emotional, mental, and physical support for a group of Senior Citizens in our community. I personally benefit from the Tuesday and Thursday Boomers exercise class. It gets me out of the house, good for my mental health; enjoying the company of other Seniors, emotional health; and the class offers stretching, aerobics, and varied exercises that have improved my physical health. Sandi and Barb also make announcements at the beginning of the class advising us of special events and programs in our community that are available to our age group. It might be painting classes, special dinners, assistance from Office of the Aging, gardening or crafting classes or any of a number of special events available. None of which I would know about if not for the Paynter Center!
…Peggy
I have really enjoyed the exercise programs and couldn’t he happier with Amy. This encourages me to continue exercise at home.
I don’t care for “crafty “activities but I know that many do. I have met many women in the community that I have seen over the years but never really interacted with. The exercise programs, coffee and donuts and evening meals have really been an asset.
…Polly
I live in a small village in a remote area of northern New York State. Outside the 10 weeks of summer, there is very little to do here. That fact and the North Country weather can be very isolating. As a “young” seventy five year old, I’ve enjoyed lunches with friends, church dinners and trips to the library but I needed more!
A friend mentioned a Boxing class at the Paynter Center in Clayton. I hesitated for (obvious reasons) but decided to give it a try. The class is designed to improve balance, keep our minds sharp and our bodies strong. I was hooked after the very first class I now have my own boxing gloves and have brought friends to join the class!
The local communities are so fortunate to have the activities offered at the Paynter Center. Several exercise classes, craft activities, painting classes, group games, hot lunches, community dinners, bus trips to area shopping and entertainment venues are just a few of the ways, The Paynter Center enhanced the lives of community members. I appreciate the staff, the volunteers and everyone I have met at the Paynter Center.
We laugh together while we learn together (and sometimes eat together) ! What could be better than that!?
…Colleen
On a personal level. I enjoy the exercise class “boomer movers”. This is a well-run and positive fitness program. The workout itself is a great benefit and the comradery is a super mental boost every week.
The Paynter center has also partnered with local libraries to provide opportunities for shared services and literary events. Many people have made use of these opportunities to enrich their lives and those of their families.
…Paynter Center Visitor
I am pretty new to the Paynter Center. One of my friends told me about Balance Boxing of I decided to try it, I loved it / I am now attending Boomer Movers and Zoomers. It is refreshing to exercise in an environment with others in my age group. We laugh and have a great time. Work has totally consumed my life for the past 16 years. I recently sold my business so I have a little free time to make friends and participate in some of the activities offered at the center. The center has enabled me to meet new people & develop friendships that is so valuable at this stage of life. The exercise has improved my health & balance. This center is amazing!
…Paynter Center Visitor
Barbara Morrow and Sandi Baril have been a much needed asset for the Paynter Center. They have brought in activities (crafts, exercise, games etc), entertainment and evening meal with entertainment.
I have been coming to Paynter Center for 10 years. Unexpectedly a widow with too much time and no place to go, the Paynter Center is now so vibrant – full of folks attending whatever – and a place to help people communicate with each other , I look forward to more participation on my part and many others doing the same thing.
…Paynter Center Visitor
I’m a 67 year old NYS Retired employee who was encouraged by a close friend to check out the new programs being offered at Paynter Center and I am so grateful for. I have utilized several activities such as the twice weekly Boomers exercise class, recent bus trip to attend Broadway musical, Alzheimers info sessions, community dinners. I am thankful for the fellowship and camaraderie of like minded people. It’s a perfect venue to connect with old friends and make new ones. The Center offers so many different activities and options to motivate senior citizens to stay active, engaged in the community – from providing healthy meals to hundreds of seniors home bound, exercise classes, painting classes, bingo, puzzles, card clubs & much much more.
The Paynter Center hit the jackpot with recent administrator hire of Barb Morrow and Sandi Baril. Not only did they get two really experience and enthusiastic directors, but also their two families of volunteers to help with whatever is needed.
Our community is very fortunate to have this facility and I look forward to what’s to come.
…Sue