“Seniors feel as if St. Clair is their second home," shares Mark Owens, superintendent of St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro at 325 St. Clair St. “They love to partake in our many activities, exercise classes and trips. Or simply come to drink some coffee and socialize.”
The moment people walk through the front doors of the St. Clair Senior Center, they often say they feel like they're “home." But it’s not a place to live or even stay for a few nights; it’s a vibrant and fun activity center that seniors are graciously welcomed into, and look forward to coming back, time and time again.
Since 1980, the St. Clair Senior Center has been helping seniors live active, independent lifestyles for as long as possible and without regard to socioeconomic status. The Center provides a warm, caring place where those 60 and older can gather with other adults for services and activities that reflect shared experiences and skills, support one's needs and interests, broadens independence and maintains one's involvement in the community.
“It’s an incredible gift for myself and my staff to be part of something so special," remarks Mark. “Every day is new and different, and we just have so much fun creating unique opportunities for the senior community to connect.”
This community hub really is all about connections. Daily activities at St. Clair provide many social interactions, including games of billiards, several card groups, a well-stocked library with books, magazines, movies, the puzzle room and lots and lots of coffee shared. Aside from a great workout room, the list of fitness programs is long and varies with everything from chair yoga for beginners to tai chi, karate and line dancing. It is also a great creative outlet offering stained glass art classes, ceramics, watercolor, quilting, crocheting and several music classes, too.
One of the most popular programs offered is St. Clair Travel. Their trips fill up quickly, but the wait is well worth it, according to former travelers. There are many types of trips available, including international, national and even local trips. Upcoming 2026 tours include a Niagara Falls & Toronto trip, a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas trip, Highlights of Kenya cruise, Treasures of Ireland, the Virginia Scenic Railway, just to name a few. There are also many day trips for lunch and shopping at new and exciting places.
Another favorite way to connect is through the special events that happen at St. Clair with everything from dances, health fairs, educational sessions on hot and current topics, art shows, Noon Year’s Eve and their very own theater productions. There is always something big happening and something to look forward to each month. Connection encourages friendships, and there are so many ways to cultivate connections at St. Clair, which is why people feel so at home when they come here.
Mark says volunteers are welcome at the Center in a variety of forms: bingo caller, drama (Seniors Acting Up), hand quilting, knitting, crocheting, library assistant, server/clean up after events, sign-in table at events, Singing Seniors, stuff bags for events, take blood pressure, telephone reassurance, trip escort, WEE Read and welcome center helper.
An online version of the Senior Connection Program Guide, which lists all classes, programs and upcoming events, is available at MurfreesboroParks.com.
“Every day is different. We have so much fun creating unique opportunities for seniors."
St. Clair Senior Center operating hours are: Mondays through Fridays • 6 a.m.to 7 p.m.; Saturdays • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays • 1-5 p.m.