Essex Senior Center

The Essex Senior Center, located in the heart of Essex just one block off Eastern Avenue, provides educational, social and recreational opportunities for active seniors. New and exciting events are happening each month; check it out by visiting the center's web site at essexpride.tripod.com. This web site contains detailed information about volunteer opportunities, upcoming special events, schedule of classes, directions to the center, travel opportunities and so much more! You can also see what's happening in our newsletter, "Essex Enquirer" (PDF.)

Gateway to Friends, Fun & Fulfillment

The Essex Senior Center is nationally accredited by the National Council on the Aging and is a nonprofit organization. Membership is offered to Baltimore County residents 60 years of age and older and their spouses. There is no fee to join the center; however, donations to the Center Enhancement Fund are always welcome. These donations stay within the center and are used to purchase items to enhance the center and offer special programs. There may also be small fees for classes and special events.

Classes & Activities Offered

The Essex Senior Center offers many educational, social and recreational classes and activities. Here is a sample of some of the classes offered each week:

• Ceramics
• Painting & Drawing
• Spanish
• Woodcarving
• Stained Glass
• Computers
• Fishing
• Bible History
• Quilting
• Arts & Crafts
• Woodshop

The center offers may options for staying healthy and fit:

• Low-Impact aerobics
• Chair Exercise
• Tai Chi
• Flex & Stretch - Mall Walkers
• Water Exercise
• Bowling at Eastpoint
• Ballroom Dance
• Weight Training at Kenwood High School
• Weight Watchers Weekly Meetings
• Line Dance
• Qi Gong
• Health Screenings
• Health Lectures

In addition to the weekly classes offered many other activities go on at the center such as dances, parties, a daily catered lunch, weekly bingo, free health screenings, educational lectures, and karaoke, to name a few. The center recently formed a new chapter of the Red Hat Society that is open to ladies 50 years and older.

Senior-friendly travel opportunities that are open to adventurers of all ages are also offered at reasonable prices.

Other Senior Services Offered

Displayed in the lobby of the center are numerous brochures and booklets about topics concerning seniors. Whether a senior citizen or a caregiver, this information, combined with the expertise of staff, is helpful in accessing senior resources and informational materials. Our Community Outreach Specialist is also available by appointment to assist with applications for renters' and homeowners' tax credits, food stamps, Meals on Wheels, Medical Assistance, etc.

You can find the literature on the following: 

• Housing
• Nutrition
• CountyRide & Taxi 2
• Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home
• Legal Guide for the Aging Family
• Do You Hear Me Now?
• Find Your Opportunity - Volunteer in our Community
• I See U Booklet
• Nursing Home List
• Taking Care of Mom & Dad CD
• Family Caregiver Health Guide
• Elder Abuse
• Senior Discount Card Application
• Scams & Frauds
• Funeral Planning

Whether you're looking for a new hobby, love to play bingo, want to learn to surf the Internet, desire to make new friends, or yearn to travel, the Essex Senior Center is sure to have something that interests you. If not let us know; we're always looking to expand our program offerings!

Contact Us

Stop by (get directions), call 410-887-0267 or e-mail essexsc@baltimorecountymd.gov. We encourage you to take advantage of all of the opportunities of interest to you. Visit the aging calendar or the travel calendar to find out about special programs and activities at other county senior centers.

Revised February 1, 2010