Senior center offers connection and community

Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 2, 2026

I AM PLEASED to begin sharing a monthly column with you in the Peninsula Daily News. It’s a privilege to highlight the many meaningful, joyful and impactful things happening at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center.

Located at 328 E. Seventh St., the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center (PASC) is a vibrant, multi-purpose facility designed to bring people together. Inside, you’ll find a full commercial kitchen, spacious dining room, coffee lounge, computer room, meeting spaces, craft and activity rooms, a game room and even a billiards room. It’s a place where friendships are built, creativity is encouraged and community thrives.

The center is cooperatively operated by the City of Port Angeles and a dedicated nonprofit Senior Center Board of Directors. I have the privilege of serving as the manager through the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, working alongside an incredible team to support our mission: to develop and manage programs that encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being of adults aged 45 and better, all within a safe and welcoming environment.

While we are a membership-based facility, you don’t need to be a member to stop by and see what we’re all about.

Our café is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering a warm and inviting space to gather, connect and enjoy a meal. Through our partnership with Coastal Community Action Program, we also offer a hot, nutritious lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are available for $5 for those 60 and better, and $10 for those under 60.

In addition, our facility is available to rent for celebrations, concerts, meetings and celebrations of life when not in use for programming.

As we look ahead to April, we are especially excited to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month. At the heart of our center are 85 incredible volunteers who generously give their time, energy and care to keep things running smoothly each day.

From greeting guests at the front desk to assisting with meals, programs and behind-the-scenes tasks, their contributions are truly the foundation of our community. Their kindness creates a space where people feel seen, valued and connected.

Simply put, the center would not be the same without them. If you see one of our volunteers this month, I hope you’ll join me in offering a heartfelt thank you.

We’re also thrilled to partner with several outstanding organizations this April to bring engaging and meaningful programming to our community.

In celebration of Earth Day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, we will host a special afternoon program in partnership with Highland Court Memory Care and Assured Hospice. Wildlife field biologist Kersti Muul will share stories and insights from her work, offering a deeper connection to the natural beauty that surrounds us here on the Olympic Peninsula.

Later in the month, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, Volunteer Hospice will present a Retirement Financial Planning Panel Discussion in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month. This informative event will focus on budgeting, saving, investing and planning. Essential tools that empower you to feel confident and prepared in the years ahead.

We’re also excited to partner with the Olympic Medical Foundation for this year’s Duck Derby.

By purchasing a duck at the center, you’ll have the chance to win prizes while supporting the programs and services we offer. Duck sales start here on April 17, stop by the front desk to get yours!

Whether you’re swinging in for a cup of coffee, attending a program or simply curious about what we offer, we invite you to visit us from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We would love to show you around, share what we do and welcome you into our community.

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Carmen Geyer is the Senior and Community Center manager, City of Port Angeles.